Books with author James Bolam

"Should athletes who used performance-enhancing drugs be stripped of their medals? Can video games help build important skills? Every day, we hear arguments about issues in sports and entertainment in the media. This book gives readers the tools to make sense of and evaluate some of these arguments. Using three relatable and accessible examples, this book introduces readers to the parts of an effective argument and prompts them to use the knowledge they have gained to evaluate the effectiveness of arguments on opposing sides of the issues"--

Perpetua Collins works for a real troll. Well, technically a goblin, and it’s not as bad as it sounds. As the administrative assistant, she provides a “human” face for an employment agency specializing in placements for goblins and trolls. It’s probably the most unusual job she could find in Toronto, but she’s grateful for it, having come to the city with $500 in her pocket and no support. Without it, she’d have no choice but to go back to the boring small town and overbearing mother she worked so hard to leave. But as Perpetua settles into her new job, disturbing questions arise. And no, they’re not about the fact that goblins and trolls exist. She’s fine with that part. The agency has no visible means of support. How does her boss manage to keep his “clients” out of the public eye? They’ve been part of the city far longer than anyone thinks, and are growing restless under the burden of forced invisibility and financial poverty. What will happen if the veil drops, and humans see?“A charming urban fairy tale about tolerance, acceptance, and discovering the wonders that may just be hidden in plain sight.” —J.M. Frey, author of The Skylark’s Saga“It’s an excellent fantasy adventure packed with humor, unforgettable characters, and more twists and turns than an underground amusement ride. You’ll never look at a gargoyle in the same way. Or the city of Toronto. So much fun!” —Arthur Slade, author of Amber Fang

Introduces young readers to coding variables. How are variables like keeping track of money in a piggy bank? With real-world examples and labeled diagrams, learn about what a variable is in code, what it looks like, and how it works. Additional features include a table of contents, a phonetic glossary, a reading quiz, an index, and sources for further research.

Huge, far-reaching landscapes of swaying grass or shrubs, grasslands support a whole host of organisms and are one of the most important biomes for people, too. Peel back the corners of the grassland to find out how many different organisms rely upon this ecosystem for survival, from elephants and gazelles to prairie dogs and horses. Discover how each organism functions within its grassland ecosystem, and learn about the daily fight for survival that takes place in these huge hunting grounds. Explore grasslands all over the world and find out what you can do to help protect these rich and varied landscapes.

With a bit of programming and some high-tech science, 3-D printers can use a wide variety of materials such as plastic or wood to create an infinite amount of different creations. This book explores the science behind this incredible technology, including the history of 3-D printing and what scientists hope to achieve with these unique tools. Whether used for art, medicine, or just to make something cool at home, 3-D printing is poised to have a remarkable impact on our lives, and this book chronicles the technologys journey from concept to reality.

Swamps, bogs, marshes, and estuarieswetlands come in a variety of forms and are vital for many organisms around the world. Peel back the corners of a wetland and find out what lives there, from herons and algae to alligators and jaguars. Learn how these organisms operate in their delicate ecosystems. Discover, too, where in the world wetlands are found and what you can do to help protect these rich, diverse lands.

Beneath Earths surface is a boundless source of energygeothermal energy. Heated by our planets red-hot core, hot water and hot rock below the ground on which we walk already provides energy in many parts of the world, from Alaska to Hawaii. Discover the different forms geothermal energy, how people are harnessing and using this rich supply, and how it could be an important part of our energy future.