Books in Monsters!: Hot Topics series

Although millions of Americans live below the poverty line, economic inequality is still a frequently misunderstood issue. Myths about poverty that have been thoroughly debunked are still commonly circulated, and this type of misunderstanding leads to poor communication and tension between people of different economic classes. The goal of this volume is to reduce that misunderstanding and present readers with the facts and realities of economic inequality. In-depth sidebars, full-color photographs, and educational graphs present essential information about this complex issue. Annotated quotes are also included to provide first-person perspectives to deepen readers' critical thinking skills.

Should abortion be legal? How late in a pregnancy should a woman be allowed to have an abortion? What impact would outlawing abortion have on women, especially those who live in poverty? Readers learn about these and other abortion concerns; all sides of the debate are discussed to help them form their own opinions. Informative charts and in-depth sidebars highlight important facts about this controversial topic, and a list of discussion questions is included to give them a starting point for further debate and guided thinking about this complex issue.

In the United States, the rights of people under the age of 18 are a hotly debated and frequently misunderstood topic. Certain rights are protected for students by the U.S. Constitution, but many people are unsure of what those rights are. Some people even believe student rights do not exist. Up-to-date statistics, engaging sidebars, and informative charts supplement this illuminating text, explaining exactly what rights students have and what recourse they have if those rights are violated. Annotated quotes from legal experts and activists provide additional information about the connection between student rights and student activism.

The growth of the Internet has changed almost every aspect of society, and social activism is no exception. Circulating petitions and organizing rallies is easier than ever, but so is the illusion of creating change without putting in effort. Readers learn the ways activism has changed in the Internet era. The informative text is supplemented with detailed charts and annotated quotes presenting multiple points of view. By learning more about online activism, young adults can become more informed about how to take a stand on issues they are passionate about.

"Throughout history, armies have used various kinds of germs to cripple their enemies. International treaties currently outlaw the use of biological weapons, but this does not necessarily mean that none are being developed. Through informative text, augmented by detailed infographics and sidebars, readers learn about the history of biological warfare and ways it can be avoided in the future. Annotated quotes from experts on this topic and discussion questions are also included to give readers a deeper understanding of the many facets of this complex topic."--Provided by publisher.

Scientists have long warned people of the dangers of climate change, so why do some people insist it is not a problem? What can be done to reverse the effects of this dangerous trend? This volume answers these questions and more, highlighting important points with engaging sidebars, full-color photographs, detailed graphs, and annotated quotes by experts. Readers learn how our world is being affected and how they can play a role in minimizing the damage. Climate change is a topic that is often in the news, and readers will be better equipped to understand it thanks to this informative text. --