Books in Global Connections series

Thoughts of Egypt often conjure up images of pyramids, sphinxes, and the Nile. However, many of todays Egyptian teens live in a world filled with high-rise malls, cell phones, and trans-techno music. Modern conveniences have even changed the lives of the Bedouins, desert nomads, who have traded in their camels for pick-up trucks. Teens in Egypt is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

Turkish teenagers are living in country that combines ancient civilizations with shopping malls, cell phones, and other aspects of modern life. The country, like much of the world, is trying to balance traditional religion and culture with lifestyle changes that come with being a progressive nation. Teens are at the forefront of this challenge, leading the way. Teens in Turkey is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

Whether living in a small community or a bustling city, Spanish teenagers enjoy a culture rich in flavorful foods and fiestas. Teenagers often spend their evenings walking outdoors, hanging out with their family and friends. Spanish teens are helping preserve traditions such as bullfighting, while also celebrating modern trends in music and technology. Teens in Spain is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

The lives of Venezuelan teenagers vary greatly, from living in the barrios to living in gated communities. Some teens work part time to help support their families, while others concentrate on their schoolwork. As the Venezuelan government implements programs to help improve education, careers, and the environment, teens will reap the rewards and help build their countrys future. Teens in Venezuela is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers thechallenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

Pakistan is a young nation, and its teenagers help make its population extraordinarily youthful, too. Yet it is a nation beset by old problems, poverty, terrorist violence, inadequate education and health care, and a shaky political system. Although Islam, the country’s official religion, restricts the lives of Pakistanis, teens enjoy their families, hang out with friends, and find ways to have fun. Teens in Pakistan is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

Saudi teenagers embrace their families and religious customs. Their world is a mixture of traditional Islamic views and values with luxuries and technologies afforded by the nation’s oil wealth. Modern life has brought more independence to teens in this traditionally strict culture. What will these teens do with the responsibility that comes with their new freedoms? Teens in Saudi Arabia is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

The lives of Venezuelan teenagers vary greatly, from living in the barrios to living in gated communities. Some teens work part time to help support their families, while others concentrate on their schoolwork. As the Venezuelan government implements programs to help improve education, careers, and the environment, teens will reap the rewards and help build their country’s future. Teens in Venezuela is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

The Russian Federation has been an independent country since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. For Russian teenagers, this change has presented many opportunities. At school, teens are learning about a history that the communist government tried to hide. In their free time, they are learning to express themselves in ways their parents were not allowed. Teens in Russia is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

In the land down under, teenagers work hard and play hard. Many teens hold part-time jobs while they study full time. But when they are not working, they spend time at the beach and enjoy meals on the barbie. In a country full of unique landscapes, animals, and people, teens are carving their own identities. Teens in Australia is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.