Books with author Diane Dakers

This fascinating book details the achievements of Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield who in December 2012 embarked on perhaps his greatest assignmenta five-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). By the time he returned to Earth, Chris had become the first Canadian to serve as an ISS Commander. High atop his list of achievements is the new excitement for space that he has brought to Earth through his mastery of social media. From fun educational sessions aboard the ISS with grade-school kids on Earth to providing his millions of fans a constant flow of stunning photographs and inspiring messages on Twitter. The astronaut dubbed Commander Cool has tapped into the Information Age to bring wit, wisdom, and enthusiasm to a new generation of space fanatics.

Touring, Trekking, and Traveling Green explores the many careers open to people in the fast-growing field of ecotourism. From being an ecotour leader or naturalist to managing a wildlife eco-lodge, working as a travel agent certified in ecotourism, or teaching on-the-ground tour guides and college students interested in making a living helping others enjoy nature, the opportunities for people seeking work in ecotourism are manyand growing fast.

"As a girl, Amelia Earhart aspired to a future that would take her beyond the family and medical problems of her younger years, as well as the restrictions imposed on her because she was female. Widely celebrated for her long-distance flights, she also set records for altitude and speed, and helped develop passenger airline service. As a writer and magazine editor, Earhart also further advanced the cause of flight and of women in aviation. Her disappearance during a daring around-the-world flight in 1937 has been a source of intrigue for nearly 80 years. Earhart's life and career has provided inspiration to generations of young people, particularly those whose paths have been beset with obstacles and barriers"--

In this age of fast-paced social media, news and views are shared throughout the world in seconds. This timely title critically examines the elements of journalism, truth and perspective, sources of news, as well as bias and objectivity to help readers make informed choices about the accuracy of news and information. Readers will gain an understanding of what journalism is and how the medium can shape the message being presented.

"This timely book describes the details of three real case studies of investigative journalism about health care. Stories include journalists exposing wrongdoing by drug companies, neglect of dying patients in by hospice home-care providers, and lead-poisoning from drinking water in Flint, Michigan. Readers will gain an understanding of the research process, the ethical standards journalists must follow, and the perseverance required to confirm a story and affect change"--

This absorbing book describes the details of three real case studies of investigative journalism about sports. Stories include journalists exposing the FIFA soccer scandal and Olympic committee wrongdoings, the promotion of violence in hockey leading to death, and the abuse of USA gymnasts by their team doctor and the attempt to cover it up. Readers will gain an understanding of the research process, the ethical standards journalists must follow, and the perseverance required to confirm a story and affect change.

Imprisoned for 27 years, Nelson Mandela became a symbol in the fight against the oppression of the black majority by South Africa's apartheid government. The first in his family to attend school, Mandela was given the English name Nelson by his teacher on his first day. As Mandela moved up the educational ladder, he became more and more involved in social justice. When he became a lawyer, he joined the African National Congress (ANC), an organization whose purpose was to increase the rights of black South Africans. In 1961, Mandela helped found a military branch of the ANC that used guerrilla attacks against the government. His imprisonment became a rallying point for black South Africansand eventually the world. International pressure against the government helped bring about the end of apartheid and Mandela's release in 1990. Mandela was elected president, serving from 1994 to 1999, and remains a figure revered and loved by his grateful nation.

"Albert Einstein was a theoretical physicist and an intellectual giant of the twentieth century. This fascinating biography reveals Einstein's life story, and how his theories changed the way we looked at the universe. Born in Germany in 1879, Einstein focused his studies on science and mathematics. He won a Nobel Prize in Physics and was instrumental in persuading U.S. President Roosevelt to pursue the development of the atomic bomb in World War II. Einstein published hundreds of research papers, articles, and books and lectured at universities in Europe and the United States until his death in 1955. Einstein's name is synonymous with genius, and, not surprisingly, his brain has been preserved for study."--

"This fascinating book explains the patterns and cycles created on Earth by the influence of the Sun and the Moon, as well as by the Earth's magnetic poles and the planet's rotation on an axis. Informative text, vivid photographs, and detailed diagrams help explain patterns such as day and night, the four seasons, the lunar cycle, the rise and fall of tides, and weather cycles"--