Books with author Rita Santos

Gerrymandering, the manipulation of boundaries in order to benefit one group or political party, is not new, but thanks to technology it is more widespread. Questions about the constitutionality of gerrymandering have gone all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. This provocative volume explores the practice of partisan redistricting, how it affects elections and policy, whether it is unconstitutional, and above all what must be done to ensure that control of the government rests in the hands of the people.

As a young girl, Camila Cabello would cry if anyone asked her to sing. At age fifteen, she conquered her fear of singing by auditioning for The X-Factor in front of thousands of people. It took just three minutes of bravery to launch the young singer-songwriter into stardom. This revealing biography follows the young star from her early days in Cuba and Mexico, through her breakout success with the group Fifth Harmony, to her hugely successful solo career. Fast facts, full-color photographs, and direct quotes provide a fascinating look at one of today's hottest stars.

Geoengineering is the deliberate manipulation of the environment in an attempt to counteract the harmful effects of human-influenced climate change. It's intended as a solution, but it also can create unintended consequences. When scientists and political leaders can't even agree on the extent of climate change, it can seem hopeless to think they will come together to work on solutions. This enlightening resource offers perspectives from experts in the field today, making clear why this topic attracts such controversy and what can be done in the future to help our planet.

As a young girl, Camila Cabello would cry if anyone asked her to sing. At age fifteen, she conquered her fear of singing by auditioning for The X-Factor in front of thousands of people. It took just three minutes of bravery to launch the young singer-songwriter into stardom. This revealing biography follows the young star from her early days in Cuba and Mexico, through her breakout success with the group Fifth Harmony, to her hugely successful solo career. Fast facts, full-color photographs, and direct quotes provide a fascinating look at one of today's hottest stars.

From the business world to the television screen, Donald John Trump leaves a big impression wherever he goes. After making his family's New York real estate business a household name and hosting a successful TV series, he became the Republican candidate for president of the United States in 2016. Young readers will learn more about the businessman-turned-politicians life and careers through easy-to-follow text accompanied by dynamic full-color photographs, as well as direct quotes from Trump himself.

As diversity in the American population continues to grow, it's critical for students to understand the significance of ethnic and racial identity. Help students start to grasp how people's identities shape their interactions with the world around them. Young readers will learn why it is important to respect everyone no matter how different they may seem. With understandable and accessible text, this must-have volume illustrates the necessity of acknowledging and appreciating our different identities.

In a time of divisive headlines, it's vital for students to learn the many ways diversity makes the world a better place. With this volume, students will be encouraged to celebrate the many different cultures of the globe. They will learn to understand concepts like intersectionality and discrimination, and how these concepts affect them and their friends. Young readers will learn why it is important to respect everyone no matter how different they may seem. The narrative simplifies complex ideas, making them accessible to students and showing them that when we celebrate our differences, the world becomes a friendlier place.

As a radio host and later a politician, Mike Pence has always put his Christian faith first. In this revealing biography, readers will learn about the man as well as the forty-eighth Vice President of the United States. They will follow his rise to America's second-in-command, beginning with his childhood and moving through his education and early career, eventually leading to the world of politics. The easy-to-follow text is accompanied by fast facts and full-color photographs, as well as direct quotes from Pence himself.

LeBron James is unquestionably one of the biggest names in basketball history, but it's his actions off the court that make him a true superstar. In this captivating biography, readers learn how James uses his position as a respected athlete to encourage and uplift others. The inspiring text describes how young LeBron overcame a difficult childhood, achieved unimaginable success, and gave back to his community by starting a school to help kids like him. Colorful photographs, fun facts, and direct quotations accompany this revealing look at his life and accomplishments on and off the court.

As a child, Chadwick Boseman excelled at many things. From basketball to painting to writing, he did everything well. Which dream would he choose to follow? A chance acting class made the answer clear. This engaging biography traces Boseman's path from a multitalented youngster to a professional actor. With engaging text and fun facts, readers learn how hard work and dedication eventually landed him the lead role in the cinematic phenomenon Black Panther. Full-color photographs and well-researched information enhance this fascinating look at Boseman's life and accomplishments. Direct quotations from the star himself encourage readers to discover and follow their own dreams.

As a child, Chadwick Boseman excelled at many things. From basketball to painting to writing, he did everything well. Which dream would he choose to follow? A chance acting class made the answer clear. This engaging biography traces Boseman's path from a multitalented youngster to a professional actor. With engaging text and fun facts, readers learn how hard work and dedication eventually landed him the lead role in the cinematic phenomenon Black Panther. Full-color photographs and well-researched information enhance this fascinating look at Boseman's life and accomplishments. Direct quotations from the star himself encourage readers to discover and follow their own dreams.

Children will learn why respecting authority is an important civic virtue through the use of easy-to-follow terms and real-life examples. Young readers will learn what authority means in different situations. They will learn how authority is granted and when it should and should not be respected. Students will learn how people with authority, like police officers and doctors, can help to protect and aid communities. They will be taught to consider the role authority plays in their lives as citizens.