Books with author Ashley Nicole Bramlett

Revealing and putting his unfortunate past behind him, lovable family dog, Otis, cautiously noses under a flood-ravaged fence plank, and completes a family with his unconditional love and contagious personality. The gentle mother and father care deeply for their children's playful pet. The toddling baby boy is his daily entertainment, perpetually ready with giggles and cookie crumb snacks. The only girl is a precious pixie, pirouetting through the grass, always crowning Otis her most honored guest at backyard tea parties. And the oldest boy-the tall, responsible, smart, athletic big brother-well, he is Otis's champion, his biggest fan, his best friend. Summertime's tree house capers, creek splashing, hide-and-seek and hammock-lounging all come to an end when the Crows announce the arrival of Fall, and thus, the routines of School Days. Daring curiosity and sincere concern tempt Otis to his greatest adventure to find out what the older two of his three favorite children do in the classroom all day... everyday. Making the trek to School to check things out for himself, Otis discovers the lively playground where imaginations abound and creativity blooms between the swings and slides. He peaks through classroom windows, observing patient teachers opening doors to the boundless world of reading. He is mesmerized by paint-tipped brushes recreating Monet's masterpieces, and startled by small, symbol-clad hands crashing together to announce the finale to the elementary school's version of Beethoven's melodious marvels. He is enticed by his hungry, growling tummy to swipe baked chicken nuggets and buttery cornbread crumbs that fall to the floor from the fingers of chatty children in the lunchroom. Avoiding being caught just long enough to sneak a dreamy nap underneath cushy pillows in a quiet corner of the library, Otis awakes to the familiar, loving face of his best friend. Relieved to be found (again), and happy with his discoveries of the epiphanies happening at school, Otis gains an even greater appreciation for his cherished home, satisfied at last with the School Days interruption of his time with the three most beloved children in his world. Luring the reader with all five senses, Otis's viewpoint advantage brings alive the scent of Laurels and sounds of the scurrying Squirrel. The taste of jelly and taffy on fingertips is tantalizing. A new forever friend is revealed in Otis's reflection in the pond. The tickling of his fluffy fur and the coolness of his wet nose are as real as the true inspiration for his character. Stretching the realm of vocabulary and descriptive words, the playground zephyrs, lunchroom cacophony and sleepy shenanigans of one valiant dog all come together with the purpose of adding and nurturing a sixth sense for the reader: imagination.

"According to current statistics, about 40 million Americans currently live in poverty. These individuals face many challenges, from an inability to afford food and shelter to greater health problems due to lack of proper care and nutrition. The US government provides a variety of programs to help the poorest Americans. Yet people are divided on the best ways to address this social problem. The merits and drawbacks of various approaches are discussed in this book." -- Back cover.

The criminal justice system in the United States is highly complex, and includes both the activities of law enforcement officers as well as court proceedings. Often, social and economic factors come into play in the arrests, trials, and rehabilitation of Americans, and many people recognize that there are problems with the system. This book explores whether bias based on race, sexuality, gender, and/or socio-economic status exists in the courtroom and in law enforcement, and discusses the pros and cons of the death penalty and criminal justice reform. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

Social media facilitates the creation and sharing of information and ideas online, through electronic devices like smart phones, laptops, personal computers, or tablets. Today, an estimated 2.8 billion people around the world use social media networks such as Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, or Instagram to engage with friends, family members, and even strangers. Yet, the growing role of social media in everyday life has raised challenging questions about privacy, advertising, and the effect on young people that are addressed in this book. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

Until 1865, millions of slaves worked on plantations and small farms throughout the southern United States. The most common image is of slaves forced into difficult labor on cotton or tobacco fields. However, some plantation slaves were proficient craftsmen, trained in metalworking, carpentry, or other specialized skills. Others were house servants, who cooked and cleaned for their white masters. This book will give readers a better understanding of the daily lives of plantation slaves, along with the oppression and challenges that they faced.

Thousands of Americans die of drug overdoses each year, and the impact of opioids on the death toll is undeniable. Overdose deaths are linked not only to heroin and fentanyl, but also to pain medications prescribed by doctors. These highly addictive drugs have long-term consequences with risk of overdose being just one. First responders and ER doctors fight the opioid epidemic on the front lines, preventing overdose and death each day. This book explores the situations first responders and ER doctors deal with regularly as well as the efforts communities can make to fight back against the crisis that is killing indiscriminately. The series Opioid Education examines various aspects of opioid use and treatment in the United States and the rest of the world. The purpose of this series is to provide young readers with a greater understanding of the ongoing opioid crisis.