Books in Monsters!: Hot Topics series

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.

Child abuse does not always leave visible marks; sometimes the abuse is emotional or sexual. Often, a child is abused in more than one way. Although abuse is never the victims fault, they may feel too guilty or ashamed to tell anyone about it. Therefore, it is important for others to recognize the signs. Through informative text, full-color photographs, discussion questions, and detailed infographics, this volume teaches young adults what abuse looks like and how to get help for themselves or for others if they recognize signs of an abusive situation.

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.

Young people today are inundated with information but often lack the tools for understanding the complex issues that stir public debate; this series provides clear, balanced, and thoughtful examination of the hot-button issues of the day.; ; Carefully crafted narrative, fully documented primary and secondary source quotations, informative sidebars, and study questions all provide excellent starting points for research and discussion. Full-color photographs, maps, and charts enhance volumes in

Young people today are inundated with information but often lack the tools for understanding the complex issues that stir public debate; this series provides clear, balanced, and thoughtful examination of the hot-button issues of the day.; This title in the Hot Topic series explores the complex issue of Bullying. During the past two decades, bullying has become a frequent media topic. Recent high-profile cases that resulted in tragic ends have galvanized parents, educators, and public polic; Carefully crafted narrative, fully documented primary and secondary source quotations, informative sidebars, and study questions all provide excellent starting points for research and discussion. Full-color photographs, maps, and charts enhance volumes in