Books published by publisher Mason Crest

Presenting concise overviews of artists and movements that are uniquely American, these volumes distill the essence of their subjects with authoritative texts and lavish illustrations. Since the time of the earliest settlers, Americans have been expressing their individuality through the embellishment of everyday objects. Such classics as whirligigs, ship models, and carousel animals fill these pages.

Do you ever feel exhausted and drowsy, like you need more sleep? If you do, you're not alone. A recent study by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) found that 60 percent of people under the age of eighteen complained of daytime tiredness. Fifteen percent (one out of every seven) said they were so tired they fell asleep in school. You may think that not getting sufficient sleep is no big deal, but think again. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep deprivation can put you at high risk for unintentional injury and death, low grades and poor school performance, negative moods, and increased likelihood of stimulant use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration views driving drowsy as actually more dangerous, and more deadly, than driving drunk! What is sleep? Why do we need it? What causes sleep deprivation and how can it be avoided? What are its tragic results? This book answers these and other questions by using a readable blend of real-life accounts, easy-to-understand statistics, scientific data, and practical suggestions.

It took decades, and a Constitutional amendment, for all American women to get the right to vote. But the legal right to vote did not guarantee equality under the law. Suffrage leader Alice Paul believed another amendment was needed. In 1923, she wrote the Equal Rights Amendment. It was introduced in Congress. And the national debate over the ERA began. The major principle of the Equal Rights Amendment is that gender should not determine any legal rights of citizens. Supporters believed the ERA would keep women from being denied equal rights under federal, state, or local law. The ERA had many opponents in the 1920s. And it had even more in the 1970s, after Congress passed the measure. Although it failed to pass by its 1982 ratification deadline, some people believe the ERA is still alive. They are continuing the effort to put equality for women in the U.S. Constitution.

ADHD is a common condition in which kids are too energetic and have problems concentrating on one task. All too often, students with ADHD are simply thought to be "problem students," students who aren't trying hard enough or have discipline problems. Today, though, more and more people are becoming aware that ADHD is a serious medical condition, and there are medications and therapies that can help those who have it. As you read Connor's story in this book, you'll find out what it's like to live with ADHD. You'll see some of the challenges he faces as a result of his condition—and you'll discover what schools and families are doing to help kids like Connor live with their disabilities.

Elite Special Forces units are often assigned to the most difficult missions. They must be prepared for the challenges they will face. This means being skilled and physically fit, but it also means being mentally tough. During most basic-training programs, recruits will be yelled at by instructors, deprived of sleep, and forced to run for miles. Under these difficult conditions, they will be required to make constant decisions. Only the toughest recruits will graduate, and they need certain traits to make it through: • intelligence • self-control • courage • knowledge • resistance to pain and discomfort • team spirit

Today, when you want to watch a movie or television show, there's a good chance you may choose to watch it using Netflix, one of the most popular video services on the Internet. With thousands of movies and TV shows, Netflix has changed the way we watch our favorite entertainment. You may use Netflix every day—but do you know the story of the man behind the company's success? Netflix was once only an idea in the mind of Reed Hastings, a businessman who has done amazing things since starting the online movie and TV company. Discover how Reed was able to make Netflix a success around the world—and find out what he has planned next to keep the company on top.

The tools and weapons used by Native American tribes were not just functional. Often, these tools and weapons were created during a special ceremony or ritual, so there was a spiritual significance to them as well. Shamans or medicine men would bless such items in the hope that they would serve their owners well. This book discusses the primary tools and weapons made by tribes in specific regions as well as how these tools and weapons were created and used.

Learning disabilities are extremely common. Teachers and parents often make the mistake of thinking children with these disabilities aren't trying hard enough or simply aren't as intelligent as other students—but in reality, young people with learning disabilities simply need special attention and a different approach to learning. Read about Charlie Begay, who thought he liked school, at least until he got to first grade. Now, no matter how hard he tries, he just can't make the words on the pages make sense—and his teacher doesn't seem to understand how hard he's trying. As you read Charlie's story, you'll discover some of the issues young people with learning disabilities face in today's educational system—and you'll learn how the educational system can help students overcome their disabilities.