Books published by publisher Mason Crest Publishers

Stephen Curry is arguably one of the greatest shooters in the history of the NBA. He was an essential part of the Golden State Warriors rise to greatness in the 2010s, returning the team to the NBA Finals and helping to lead them to their first championships in forty years. After leading little known Davidson College to back-to-back NCAA tournament Regional Finals in his sophomore and junior years, Curry entered the 2009 NBA Draft as a top prospect and was the seventh pick overall by Golden State. The two-time NBA MVP has since changed the way the game is played with his dominant outside shooting. Each book in the Hardwood Greats series gives you, the reader, a close-up look at some of the very best of today's NBA stars. The statistical leaders and championship winners go under the spotlight in a fun-to-read and visually interesting examination of the player's outstanding career. Each title in this series includes color photos throughout, and back matter including: an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader's knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

In just a few years, Blake Griffin has become one of the NBAs most exciting stars. After spending his first season in the NBA sitting courtside with an injury, Blake became a star in 2010, when he was chosen as Rookie of the Year. He then went on to play in the NBA All-Star Games three years in a row. Whether playing with the Los Angeles Clippers or appearing in television commercials, Blake seems to become more popular all the time.

Animated cartoons have long been a part of the entertainment landscape. In the 21st century, however, digital animation has led creators expand in ways they never dreamed about. Inside, read about the companies that are leading the way in using new technologies to tell amazing stories using animation . . . and dreams. This is not your parents world of entertainment. Almost nothing has changed as much in the past decade as how we engage with creativity. From streaming video and music to amazing new cameras and animation, companies have sprung up to capture our attention using stunning new technologies. In this series, examine some of the key players in this constantly changing market, and find out what they have in store for the future. Each title in TECH 2.0: World-Changing Entertainment Companies includes color photos throughout, and back matter including an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Key Icons in this series are: Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each title. They challenge the readers compre

Travis Scott (Jacques Bermon Webster Jr.) works as a rapper, actor, fashion designer, model, producer, songwriter, and philanthropist. He is also the father of one child with his significant other, Kylie Jenner. Scott established himself first in Houston, Texas, then in both the New York City and Los Angeles rap games. He began his career in high school, working in musical groups and building the network that would allow him to sleep on floors and couches rent-free while he worked daily in the recording studio to build professional hip-hop contacts. Aside from his music, Scott has focused on building a career in production and songwriting. He's also breaking into film acting after successfully entering the film soundtrack arena. Scott has partnered with Nike and Jordan Brand to design athletic shoes, and he has designed a fashion line with Helmut Lang. The rapper enjoys giving back to the community and conducts charity work in his home state of Texas as well as throughout the U.S. He focuses on philanthropy that begins and expands after-school programs and on social justice issues like post-prison-release employment availability. In the Hip-Hop & R&B: Culture, Music & Storytelling series learn about the personal and professional lives of today's hottest stars in the music industry. Read about their upbringing, families, passions, road to the top, and how each star supports the community by giving back. Scan QR codes to watch their most popular music videos and hear inspiring speeches and words of wisdom. Each book in this series includes the artists' lifetime awards, albums, tours and collaborations that have led them to where they are today.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then an Instagram profile is worth millions! People everywhere now share photos and videos of their lives with followers around the world via Instagram. Inside, read how this super-hot app company started and how it has transformed visual communication . . . and how it is planning to change it even more in the future! Social media companies have changed the way that people in every generation communicate. This series focuses on the technology that is changing the way we connect, relate, and stay informed. Each title in TECH 2.0: WORLD-CHANGING SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES includes color photos throughout, and back matter including an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand their viewpoints through our content rich nonfiction books. Key Icons in this series are: Words to Understand shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced color type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions, building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content-rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives.Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader's comprehension of the material they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter and give readers suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. A Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the backmatter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader's knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

A distinguished educator and government adviser, Mary McLeod Bethune won enormous social and political gains for African Americans during the first half of the twentieth century. In 1904 she founded a school for black girls in Daytona, Florida that would eventually become Bethune-Cookman University. In 1936 she became the first African American woman to head an agency of the federal government. A tireless, inspirational leader, Mary McLeod Bethune devoted her life to promoting black achievement. Each title in this series includes color photos throughout, and back matter including: an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in sports' history, a speech, or an instructional video. This gives the readers additional content to supplement the text. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the readers comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the

A wetland is a region where water and land interact. This biome includes not only the water and the land, but also the unique plants that have adapted to live there. Wetlands are among the worlds most vital habitats for wildlife, as they provide a safe place for young creaturesfrom tiny insects and fish larvae to birds and large mammalsto grow. Yet in many places wetlands are threatened by human development. THE WORLDS BIOMES series provides information on five of the most important large ecological systems in the world today: deserts, grasslands, oceans, rainforests, and wetlands. Each book in the series describes the climate, geology, vegetation, and animal life found in a particular biome, as well as the modern threats and what people can do about them. Each title in this series includes color photos throughout, and back matter including: an index and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos are offered in chapters through the use of a QR code, that, when scanned, takes the student to an online video showing a moment in sports' history,

Religious new year's celebrations invite their participants to slow down and truly consider the passage of time and the opportunity for personal change. Many of the world's religions have new year's celebrations based on their own calendars, each with its own history and set of traditions. They are less about the transition from one year to the next than about the spiritual journey from an old self to a new one. Particular foods, prayers, and other customs strengthen the sense of this journey. Focusing on Divali (Hindu), Rosh Hashanah (Jewish), El am Hejir (Muslim), and Matariki (Maori), this book explores how cultures around the world contemplate the passage of time during these deeply sacred festivals. Each title in this series contains color photos and illustrations throughout, and back matter including: an index and further resource lists for books and online resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions-building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Video features throughout have QR codes linked to online videos that provide supplemental interviews, documentaries, and historical clips. Text-D

Hip hop began as a form of expression for black Americans living in urban areas, but today has spread throughout the world. The genre has changed greatly throughout the years. Rappers, emcees, and disc jockeys create the music, but hip hop also encompasses other disciplines, such as dance and art. Today, hip hop is popular with people of all ages and backgrounds, both in the United States and internationally. People listen to it in their homes and dance to it in the clubs. This popularity means that hip hop has had a strong influence on everyday life, affecting everything from fashion to television shows and political campaigns. The Evolution & Cultural Influences of Music series examines the history and development of popular musical genres. Books in this series provide young readers with a greater understanding of each musical genre, and how it has contributed to and shaped American popular culture over the past half-century.

If you're good with computers or have an artistic flair, a career in the field of computers, communications, or the arts may be right for you. Many of the jobs in these fields require no further degree than a high school diploma or GED to get your foot in the door. Whether working as a computer help-desk specialist or AutoCAD technician in an office or camera operator, grip, or stagehand on a film or television set, these jobs can lead to exciting careers. On-the-job training is the norm for many of these positions; in general, employers of entry-level workers aren't looking for degrees and academic achievements. They want employability skills: a sense of responsibility, natural ability, a willingness to learn, discipline, flexibility, and above all, enthusiasm. Each title in this series contains color photos throughout and the essential information needed to find not just a job but a career that draws on the reader's particular skills and interests. Each chapter profiles a different job in the field and helps the reader to determine whether it is the right job for him or her. Web sites listed in each chapter provide further information. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions-building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden