Books with author Andrew Collins

Nigel Mullet isn't your typical teenager . . . he's a vampire. But unfortunately, when Nigel transformed he didn't become all broody and interesting, and as for super strength and speed . . . well, forget it! Instead he's got acne, a voice that squeaks, a tendency to break out in a rash (not sparkles!) when exposed to the sun, and absolutely no idea how to talk to girls. When a beautiful new girl moves into the neighborhood, Nigel is determined to win her heart but first he's got to figure out how. In the meantime, he writes about her in his diary and composes really bad love poetry that he will recite to her one day, if he can work up the courage to tell her the truth. Can Nigel win the girl and the respect of his family--or is he destined to be a totally lame vampire forever?

In the United States, the rights of people under the age of 18 are a hotly debated and frequently misunderstood topic. Certain rights are protected for students by the U.S. Constitution, but many people are unsure of what those rights are. Some people even believe student rights do not exist. Up-to-date statistics, engaging sidebars, and informative charts supplement this illuminating text, explaining exactly what rights students have and what recourse they have if those rights are violated. Annotated quotes from legal experts and activists provide additional information about the connection between student rights and student activism.

Gangs have both worried and fascinated Americans for many years, but gangs are not a uniquely American problem; they can be found all over the world, from Sweden to Japan. Most of what people learn about gangs through movies and television does not reflect the reality researchers have discovered through firsthand studies of gang life. The detailed main text, informative charts, annotated quotes from experts, and full-color photographs explore this reality and various social factors that allow gangs to arise. With this knowledge, young adults can identify areas where they can make a difference in their own communities.