Books published by publisher Lucent Press

Reese Witherspoon is an Oscar-winning and Emmy-nominated actress and a successful producer, but she has become known for much more than just her work in movies and on television. She has become a leader of the Time's Up movement, fighting for equality for women in all careers and from all walks of life. As readers learn about Witherspoon's career accomplishments and activism, they discover a role model who channeled her own pain after being assaulted as young woman into a movement that is changing the world. Detailed sidebars, full-color photographs, and quotes from Witherspoon add to this empowering reading experience.

When Malala Yousafzai was only 15 years old, she was shot in the head for speaking out about the importance of educating girls and women. However, she didn't let that attack silence her. Instead, she has become a global advocate for women's rights and education. Her captivating story is presented through fact-filled text, informative sidebars, full-color photographs, and quotes from the young activist. Malala Yousafzai is a living example of the idea that you're never too young to fight for what matters to you, and that is a lesson readers can use to inspire their own activism.

A large part of a person's day often involves deciding what and where to eat, so it is important to understand what food can do to the body. As readers learn the benefits of nutrients they get from certain foods, they are able to better understand the ways in which a balanced meal can provide protection from disease. They also learn the connection between an unhealthy diet and dangerous diseases. The engaging narrative, supplemented with detailed charts, fact boxes, annotated quotes, and in-depth sidebars, encourages readers to live a healthy life.

Just as athletes from the NFL and NBA have gained fame and fortune, professional gamers who compete in esports are attracting loyal fans. Esports encompass any competitive, organized gaming endeavor. This competitive activity is becoming a billion-dollar industry. However, some people still argue that playing video games has many negative effects. The ever-evolving world of video games is explained through engaging text that delves into the details so readers gain a full understanding. Full-color photographs, annotated quotes, sidebars, and informative charts highlight the many debates surrounding the popularity of video games.

For a long time, country music has been popular as a way to sing about emotions, events, and people in ordinary life. Over the years, country music has changed, bringing in more instruments, complex lyrics, and musical styles. From honky-tonks to Nashville, country rock to pop country, this style of music continues to evolve, grow, and keep people singing along. Readers discover history behind these toe-tapping tunes through main text and sidebars featuring annotated quotes from country artists and music critics, a detailed discography of essential country albums, and photographs of superstars of country music.

The Supreme Court is tasked with interpreting the Constitution. How do they do this, and how do the decisions they make impact the lives of ordinary American citizens? The answers to these and other important questions about the role of the Supreme Court are found through accessible text supplemented by detailed sidebars, full-color photographs, and discussion questions designed to strengthen critical-thinking skills. Supreme Court decisions have impacted marriage laws, civil rights, and many other parts of American life throughout the country's history, and understanding these decisions helps readers become more informed citizens.

Food is a very important part of life, but many people around the world are hungry and malnourished. How can this problem be solved? Innovators around the world have come up with creative ways to feed the planet, and readers will be captivated by the tales of their discoveries and inventions. Sidebars and full-color photographs aid in learning that science, technology, engineering, and math skills can be used for more than just passing tests. These skills can help save the world.

Taylor Swift has changed her image since she got her start in music, turning from country music sweetheart to pop princess. Best known for her empowering songs about coming of age, Swift has captured the hearts of teens around the world and presents a positive role model for young girls. Full-color photographs, a biographical timeline, and anecdotal sidebars help readers get to know the real Swift.

Violence is considered an acceptable and sometimes desirable part of many organized sports. Hard hits are praised in football and hockey, and boxers are idolized for being able to knock out their opponents. What kinds of implications can the normalization of violence have off of the field? Readers are presented with examples of sports-related violence and various theories for why violence among athletes is so prevalent. Presented alongside the unbiased narrative are quotes from athletes and other experts, detailed charts, and engaging sidebars that encourage young adults to think critically about this serious issue.

Although alcohol is a popular substance in the United States, its use can have dangerous consequences, especially for young adults. Underage drinking has been declining in recent years, but it remains a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Readers explore the main issues that surround American youth and alcohol, from the legal fights over the drinking age to the binge drinking epidemic. Detailed main text and sidebars, annotated quotes from experts, and informative graphics help readers understand the consequences of alcohol abuse and the many points of view people have about young adults and alcohol.

Gangs have both worried and fascinated Americans for many years, but gangs are not a uniquely American problem; they can be found all over the world, from Sweden to Japan. Most of what people learn about gangs through movies and television does not reflect the reality researchers have discovered through firsthand studies of gang life. The detailed main text, informative charts, annotated quotes from experts, and full-color photographs explore this reality and various social factors that allow gangs to arise. With this knowledge, young adults can identify areas where they can make a difference in their own communities.

Hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters can seem unstoppable, destroying anything in their way. However, people around the world are working hard to come up with new ways to prepare for and recover from natural disasters. Readers discover the amazing stories behind these innovators and the ways they're using science, technology, engineering, and math skills to save lives. The main text, which supports essential STEM curriculum topics, is accompanied by detailed sidebars and vivid full-color photographs. The inspiring tone encourages the next generation of innovators to come up with their own creative solutions to the problem of natural disasters.