This fascinating book combines the work of groundbreakers in politics and social activism with mini-biographies of the innovators behind them. A useful resource for projects and posters, bite-sized text breaks down difficult concepts and provides detailed information on a diverse array of world-changers such as Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, and Mahatma Ghandi.
Inspiring people for decades, Buffy Saint-Marie is a singer-songwriter, visual artist, activist, educator, public speaker, and philanthropist. Beginning life as an orphan on a reserve in Saskatchewan, Sainte-Marie grew to become an international icon. This award-winning songwriter has experienced censorship at times because of her vocal activism against war and on behalf of native peoples. She continues to create music and art, speak out, and support life-long learning through educational and scholarship programs.
In today’s world, we often see and hear news about conflict around the world. This timely book guides readers through discussions of peace and war—from different types of warfare occurring today to human rights groups fighting to achieve peace. Case studies help readers put information in context. Examples include the devastating civil war in Syria and the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict. Discussion prompts encourage readers to consider questions about human rights, the consequences of war, and how peace may be achieved.
Laws are rules made by government. When followed, laws should ensure that people are treated fairly and equally—a pillar of justice in our society. This book explains how laws and legal systems work here and in different countries, and introduces readers to the relationship between law and justice. Using meaningful examples and compelling case studies, the book also tackles difficult questions about such things as civil rights, capital punishment, and prison systems. Discussion prompts encourage readers to examine their own beliefs.
As people, we are all born with certain rights, called human rights, that are not given to us by laws. This book explains that no matter where we live in the world or under what government, our human rights protect our claim to live with freedom, equality, justice, and peace. Case studies discuss what happens when human rights are blocked and our liberty—the right to live the way we want to—is taken away. An activity encourages further discussion.
John Muir spoke, wrote, and lived the wilderness, including taking President Theodore Roosevelt on an overnight trip to the Yosemite Valley. This trip led to Roosevelts signing into law a bill that placed Yosemite under federal control as a national park. Because of this and his founding of the Sierra Club, John Muir is credited as one of the key shapers of the modern environmental movement.
In the search for oil and gas, we have drilled deep beneath the ocean’s surface and the ground to tap into the energy wells trapped there. Today, we need more energy than ever before in our history, but the oil and gas fields may soon dry up. One option being considered is fracking. Rock is fractured underground in order to reach deposits. Discover how people use fracking to harness the before-unreachable supplies of gas and oil beneath Earth’s surface, the challenges of this form of mining, and the controversies surrounding it.
This timely and important title examines the motivations, events, and effects of the terrorist practice of taking hostages. From political bargaining throughout history to current activity by the terrorist group ISIS, readers will consider the reasons that groups engage in hostage taking and learn about the effects it has on victims and their larger communities. Taking the stance of a global citizen, readers will debate whether hostage takers should be negotiated with and how hostage taking could be prevented. Using case studies, debate sidebars, and critical thinking questions, Hostage Takers allows readers to critically explore the media’s coverage of terrorism and hostage situations, exposing them to differing perspectives on how best to deal with these threats now and in the future.
For centuries, falling water has been used in parts of the world to create energy to run grinding stones at mills and irrigation systems for crops. This interesting book shows how the use of this “clean” form of energy, called hydroelectricity, is being expanded to help us build a more sustainable future. Discover how other forms of water-based energy, such as energy from ocean waves and tides, are being harnessed and used to help create electricity to power our homes, offices, and factories.
In 1974, an inventor named Victor Wouk became a man who could be described as ahead of his time. He had developed a prototype for the hybrid, a car that would become the most credible and commercially successful alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.
Joshua Wong was born in Hong Kong less than one year before China took back control of the city from the United Kingdom. While the handover was peaceful, Hong Kong’s citizens lost their right to fully democratic elections. Joshua's leadership as an activist came to international attention in 2014, during pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. The protest became known as the Umbrella Movement. Although Joshua and his student organization called Scholarism promoted peaceful protest, he was jailed for his participation. Undiscouraged, Joshua continues to advocate for full and free elections in Hong Kong. He has been the subject of a documentary called Joshua: Teenager vs. Superpower, and has been recognized for his work with many awards including TIME magazine’s 25 Most Influential Teens.
A competitive swimmer in Syria, Yusra Mardini never let go of her Olympic dream, even when civil war made it too difficult to train in her country. In 2016, she was allowed to compete in the Rio Olympics as part of a special team for refugees. This was only months after making a daring crossing of the Mediterranean Sea in a sinking boat that she helped tow to shore. Dozens of lives were saved on the voyage. Still training, Mardini also acts as a spokesperson and educator for the United Nations High Commission on Refugees.
American teenager Zuriel Oduwole tries to live by the quote: “If your dreams don’t scare you, then they’re not big enough.” A filmmaker, public speaker, and writer, Zuriel has interviewed dozens of world leaders and pushed them to promote the education of girls around the world. Founder of the Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up organization, Zuriel teaches citizen filmmaking to kids around the world, speaks out on gender equality at major world forums, and makes world leaders accountable for supporting girls’ education initiatives.
Known as the Kid President, American teenager Robby Novak thinks it’s cool to be kind, and that compassion and curiosity can help change the world. A YouTube sensation and author of two books before he was 12 years old, Robby promotes his belief that everyone matters and has a purpose. Despite his ongoing struggle with a difficult disease that makes his bones brittle, Robby’s mission is to dance the world toward happiness and show people that everyone can be a superhero to somebody.
Trailblazing Xiuhtezcatl Martinez speaks and performs around the world to inspire and empower people to protect and preserve the environment. A leader of the youth-led climate change movement and an activist for Indigenous rights, the 15-year-old Aztec change-maker is a commanding example to all youth to get involved in social change. Using the powerful medium of music, Xiuhtezcatl inspires people around the world to be environmental stewards in order to secure a better future for today’s youth.
This inspiring book examines the life and work of Craig Kielburger, co-founder of the worldwide Me to We and Free the Children organizations. An important children’s rights activist, Craig works to empower youth around the world to make a difference in their communities and take action to solve global issues. With his brother, Marc, Craig actively works to stop child labor and promote social involvement across borders—educating, inspiring, and motivating people to make a difference every day.
Championing equal rights for all people regardless of gender, race, and economic class, Dolores Huerta is a globally recognized icon in the fight for social justice. This book explores Huerta’s inspiring story, focusing on her courage and perseverance as an advocate for the working poor, women’s rights, and rights for immigrant communities. As a co-founder of the United Farm Workers union and president of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, she continues to make positive strides for equal rights and inspire people everywhere to stand up for what they believe.
The half-time show is just beginningbut what happened before that to get the Super Bowl on the field? The Economics of the Super Bowl takes a fascinating look at the production process and financing of the Super Bowl. Various links in the economic chain include ticket sales, television broadcasting rights, advertising revenue, and contracting with performers for the half-time show, as well as for laborers to set up the stage and sound.
Gangs exist in places all over the world. The United States, however, is believed to have more gangs than any other country in the world. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the issues surrounding gangs, including how and why young people are lured into gangs and the consequences of gang involvement. Firsthand accounts and current statistics provide an insightful look at this issue.
Technology has given us new ways to connect and converse with others like never before. In fact, by the time you finish reading this sentence more than 193,000 text messages will have been sent! This innovative book explores the often subtle differences between various forms of communication such as active listening, written, oral, nonverbal, and digital communication. Readers will learn about potential communication roadblocks and strategies to overcome them. Motivating activities and challenges, facts and statistics that have impact, and biographical snapshots show how building effective communication skills is essential in all facets of life in today’s complex and connected world.
This innovative title explores the ways that critical thinking can be applied to problem solving in school, work, and social settings. Real-world examples and opportunities for hands-on practice support readers as they learn how to frame, analyze, and synthesize information. Readers are also encouraged to ask questions to clarify points of view, and apply other core skills essential to making complex choices and determining sound solutions.
This timely book looks at the world's production of oil and our dependence on this natural resource. The majority of today's forms of transportation run on fuel that comes from oil, and hundreds of thousands of the items we use every day come from oil or oil-based products. Readers will find out about the origins of oil and its first use in industry, and learn how it is found, mined, and processed into many different products that are used all over the world. Real-world examples also consider the environmental and human disasters related to oil, encouraging discussion of the ethics and worldwide impact of the production, distribution, and consumption of this global resource. Possible alternatives to using oil are also discussed now that this important, non-renewable natural resource is running out.
Creativity and innovation are central to success in the 21st century. This dynamic title provides a comprehensive look at creative processes in a variety of settings. Readers are introduced to various brainstorming techniques and will learn different approaches to help refine and evaluate their ideas. Real-world examples, motivating challenges, and case studies broaden readers’ understanding of this key skill set.
Most of us use water all day, every day, without thinking about it. But how does it get to our homes? From the pitter patter of raindrops to the whoosh of water from the shower, this book follows the journey from the source to the resource. Water is one of the most vital natural resources for humans, and we use it in abundance for more than just drinking water. It is used in household chores, leisure activities, and in work and industry. Readers will learn about where water comes from and the water cycle, as well as how water is stored, treated, and pumped around the country and into our homes. Real-world examples consider the environmental impact of our water use and how we can reduce consumption in our daily lives, and how many people live in places around the world that do not have a reliable water supply and rely on local methods to clean water that is in short supply.
Collaboration skills, or the ability to effectively work with people, are in high demand in today’s connected world. The ability to work with diverse individuals across diverse platforms in our online world is essential in the 21st century. This title explores the skills and practices needed to be a successful collaborator in any situation covering topics such as establishing responsibilities, engineering plans, and becoming socially aware. With a focus on college and career readiness, the title encourages readers to be group members who use active listening, respect, self-direction, and focus to understand diverse perspectives and come to achieve common goals. Students will build collaboration skills for the future through projects, real-world examples of international collaborative achievements, and practicing tips for being effective collaborators in their own increasingly social and digital worlds.
