Books with author Anita Croy

One reason why supernatural ghost films are so terrifying is simple: ghosts may actually exist. Ghosts pop up everywhere in popular culture, but the ideology behind them has its roots deep in history. The belief in life beyond death and hauntings started in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, then grew over time, as did ghost traditions and superstitions around the world. It's difficult to ignore the numerous accounts of ghost and poltergeist sightings, so readers beware: some of these tales may seem a bit too realistic for comfort.

Filibusters are often covered by the news media, but what is their purpose? How long can they last, and what are the rules that must be followed during a filibuster? Readers discover the answers to these and other common questions about this unique part of American politics as they explore some of the most famous filibusters in U.S. history, including recent filibusters by Wendy Davis and Nancy Pelosi. Sidebars encourage readers to become more active citizens, and discussion questions allow young people to examine their own opinions about the American political process.

Lobbyists have a lot of political power, and they're often in the news. However, the role of lobbyists is not a focus of many social studies or civics classes, so students don't often get a full picture of who these people are and how they influence policies that affect Americans' daily lives. Readers are invited to learn more about lobbyists as they explore informative text on this important political topic. Full-color photographs and sidebars enhance the reading experience, and discussion questions help readers sharpen their critical-thinking skills as they closely examine different points of view about lobbyists.

Piercings and tattoos, scarification and cosmetic surgery, foot binding and body building, corsets, and crinolines. People have long altered the shape of their body parts using physical modifications or specially designed clothing in order to fulfill a beauty standard. Then, they learned that other culture's ideas were different. For instance, exploration and trade brought Europeans into contact with peoples who had far different ideals of physical beauty from their own. This exciting tome covers world and cultural history in an enticing, easy-to-read way that is sure to keep it in high demand.

Did you know that an 18th century Swedish king ate himself to death at a feast? Or that Maria Callas swallowed a tapeworm to try to control her weight? People throughout the ages have turned to bizarre dietary regimes to shape their bodies. This book covers so many interesting moments in food history, from cannibals to fasting, moral diets to extreme weight loss, fad diets to war rationing, and the diagnosis of eating disorders to Elvis. At the same time, readers learn history, science, nutrition, and social studies. Sidebars bring extra fun to the chapters, and incredible full-color art makes each fact pop.

Did you know that Louis XIV, the Sun King, had 48 wigmakers to help him hide his premature baldness? Hair has always been a part of what makes a person look both attractive and powerful, but it's also frequently been the subject of regulation and public opinion. From afros to wigs, modest bonnets to beehives, side burns to shaved looks, and so much more, the history of hair is decidedly weird and complicated. Samson and Delilah, the Beatles, Farrah Fawcett, Princess Diana, Clara Bow, they're all brought into sharp focus through this fascinating book that readers are sure to love.

Jane Austen's novels have inspired readers for centuries, and modern adaptations continue to captivate audiences today. While all of Austen's works have legions of fans, she's best known as the author of one of literature's great love stories: Pride and Prejudice. However, this novel is far more than a romance, and readers discover this as they're introduced to the sharp social commentary Austen presented in her writing. Complete with primary sources, graphic organizers, and detailed sidebars, this inside look at Austen's life is sure to inspire the next generation of fans.

The Supreme Court is tasked with interpreting the Constitution. How do they do this, and how do the decisions they make impact the lives of ordinary American citizens? The answers to these and other important questions about the role of the Supreme Court are found through accessible text supplemented by detailed sidebars, full-color photographs, and discussion questions designed to strengthen critical-thinking skills. Supreme Court decisions have impacted marriage laws, civil rights, and many other parts of American life throughout the country's history, and understanding these decisions helps readers become more informed citizens.

"Machu Picchu, a UNESCO world heritage site, is one of the most important archaeological finds in history. This sanctuary stands at the boundary between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin, making for spectacular views. But the people who built this sanctuary, the Inca, are much more mysterious. Who Built Machu Picchu? will give readers insight about how these people lived, what their customs were, and how this awe-inspiring city was found after the Inca were conquered"--

After a routine visit to the market, a young Peruvian girl discovers a golden cob of corn amongst her shopping bags. She returns to the market stall, but the stall holder has disappeared...Symbols printed on the golden corn lead our narrator into a quest to find the mysterious stall holder and discover why various messages are being left for her, and what they mean. Each clue leads to another, in a different environment, and a variety of different code types need to be deciphered in order to unlock the hidden story left behind by the Incas.