Books published by publisher Mason Crest

Modern life would be very different without the ideas of brilliant Greek scholar Archimedes. From the simple lever to complicated machines, his work in mathematics, physics, engineering, and astronomy helped to shape the world we live in today. Few thinkers of any time period have had as big an impact on math and science as the genius Archimedes. Learn the story of one of the most important mathematic thinkers of all time in Archimedes: Ancient Greek Mathematician.

You may turn on the CD player or the radio when you want to hear music—but once, in the days before modern technology, music was enjoyed whenever groups of people got together. You probably know some folk songs, a song that was passed along from person to person. Learn about: • types of folk songs • folk instruments • folk music's European and African roots • Cajun music • the music of Appalachia • Hispanic music • today's folk music. Modern music—Rock, Country, R&B, and more—is rooted deep in North America's musical folklore. And folk music is still alive and well today.

While often behind the scenes and hidden from history, women in 1800s America worked side by side with men in building our nation. On the frontier, strong, capable women worked as hard—or harder—than their men-folk, taming the land and raising the crops while shouldering the responsibilities of keeping house and caring for the children. The life of the farm wife in the settled parts of the country was one of sunup to sundown labor in an era with few modern conveniences. And in urban areas, working-class women were a major part of the workforce in an industrializing economy, while middle- and upper-class women influenced America's social movements, supported charities, and helped beautify the gritty cities. In the course of the 1800s, new labor-saving technologies in the home, improved health conditions, greater economic and educational opportunities, and a growing sense of their rights helped to empower women and started the movement toward full equality with men that continues to this day.

Africa is the only continent where poverty levels have risen in recent decades, and many of its countries suffer from humanitarian crises, political unrest, or both. Knowledge of Africas complex, often troubled past is crucial to understanding its current problems. The Making of Modern Africa outlines the continents rich and diverse history, from its imposing ancient empires, to the crippling effects of European colonialism, to the dictators and fledgling democracies of the modern era. The book will provide an invaluable overview for students.

In rough frontier cabins, tidy farmhouses, and elegant townhouses, Americans in the 1800s were dedicated to living as well and as comfortably as their circumstances allowed. The American home was a sacred institution, the seat of family life where the patriarch ruled with Mother at his side as guardian of the home, and the children were raised with strict discipline and strong values. Changes in taste and fashion, improvements in technology (indoor plumbing and a host of new labor-saving devices), and social change transformed home and family life in the 1800s, as opportunities for leisure activities and commercially produced consumer goods came within reach of the average American. But the strong American tradition of the sanctity of the home, consumerism, and the importance of a happy family life has its roots in the homes of nineteenth-century Americans.

Being a teenager is never easy. This phase of life is filled with changes, and new, unexpected challenges are always presenting themselves. For someone who has trouble controlling her emotions, these challenges can be especially hard to handle. As you read the story of Sheila, a teenager with an emotional disturbance, you will find out what it means to live with these extra challenges. You'll learn about some of the systems in place to help kids like Sheila, as well as some of the strengths and weaknesses of these systems. You'll discover that teenagers with emotional disturbance aren't so very different from you and your friends!

People with ADHD—attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder—can be helped by medications such as Ritalin™ and Adderall™. Alternatively, other young adults are abusing these same drugs to their own detriment. Discover the true consequences of ADHD medication abuse, including the many health risks of taking these drugs. Learn how abusing ADHD medication can change your life for the worse. Discover the downside of ADHD medication abuse!