Books with author Hal Marcovitz

Many young adults dream of getting a good education and finding a job they love. Teenagers recognize that higher education is an important key to finding a fulfilling job, although many young people are worried both about the rising cost of higher education and their future job possibilities given the current economic situation. This volume examines the choices that teens make when it comes to education and finding a career.

Even as a young boy, Eddie Murphy knew how to make people laugh. He first took the stage at the age of 15, emceeing an amateur talent show. At 19, he was discovered by the producers of Saturday Night Live and soon emerged as the sketch comedy program's biggest and most controversial star, creating such memorable characters as Buckwheat, Mr. Robinson, and Little Richard Simmons. After Murphy turned to making movies, he quickly established himself as one of the hottest stars in Hollywood, playing such streetwise characters as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop. Murphy has since expanded his range by starring in more family-friendly films and playing multiple characters in movies like The Nutty Professor, as well as acting in more dramatic roles, such as his portrayal of soul singer James "Thunder" Early in Dreamgirls. Read how this talented, wise-cracking actor has made audiences laugh, from the small screen to movie hits.

George Washington played a vital role in the founding of the United States. He was commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, presided over the convention that drafted the U.S. Constitution, and served as the first president. To honor Washington for his contributions, in the 1840s construction began on a monument in his honor—a stone obelisk that rises more than 550 feet in the sky above the capital. It took nearly 40 years before the monument was completed. Each year, millions of people visit the Washington Monument, which represents the achievements of George Washington, and the gratitude that Americans feel toward the "Father of our Country."

Kuwait came to the world's attention in the summer of 1990, when Iraq invaded the tiny emirate. Though Kuwait was liberated within eight months, it took more than 10 years and $160 billion for the country to recover from the devastation caused by the Iraqi occupation. The citizens of Kuwait are among the most prosperous in the world, thanks to the country's oil wealth. Beneath Kuwait's sands is an estimated 10 percent of the world's oil reserves. After the 1991 Gulf War, Kuwait's rulers spoke about the possibility of bringing democracy to their country, but this has not happened-only about one-third of Kuwaitis are eligible to vote, and the ruling al-Sabah family holds great power over the nation's elected assembly. However, Kuwait remains a key U.S. ally in the turbulent Middle East. Discusses the geography, history, economy, government, religion, people, foreign relations, and major cities of Kuwait.

Benjamin Franklin: Scientist, Inventor, Printer, and Statesman describes one of America's leading figures during the American Revolution, discussing his many roles and influences throughout history. After moving to Philadelphia at age 17, Franklin began his journey "without the least Recommendation to or Knowledge of any Person in the Place, and with very little Money in [his] Pocket." Soon after, Franklin became one of the most dynamic men of the American colonies, publishing Poor Richard's Almanac as well as several other publications. When not writing or editing, Franklin conducted scientific experiments and established many local and national institutions, including a fire company, a library, and a university. He also provided a guiding hand to Thomas Jefferson as he wrote the Declaration of Independence, then served as the budding nation's most important foreign diplomat during the Revolution. More than 300 years after his birth, Franklin remains among America s most beloved founding fathers, making this volume an essential resource for students, teachers, and American history lovers everywhere.

Most young people in the United States today are willing to give something back to their communities. A recent report showed that each year an estimated 13 million teenagers donate more than 2.4 billion hours of their time to charitable causes, and the Gallup Youth Survey has found that roughly one-third of all teens participate in volunteer work. This volume examines the opportunities young people have for volunteering, and explores the issue of school-mandated community service.