Books in Debates series

Car, train, ship or aeroplane – which form of transport is most harmful to the atmosphere? What do farming techniques such as agrochemicals do? What is ‘acid rain’ and what are effects of it? This book takes a look at the impact that our modern world is having on our surrounding environment, from our use of fossil fuels and our increase in global food production and building work, to the rise in our transport production. Discover what steps scientists and engineers, and even ordinary people, are taking to develop sustainable solutions to these problems, from replastering festivals to buildings bound together using horse hair!

Is burning coal still harmful today? What is fracking? What do we do when fossil fuels run out? This book looks at the potentially harmful implications on the state of our planet from the use of fossil fuels, discussing in depth the various techniques of fossil fuel extraction such as longwall mining for coal, the major effects of oil leaks and spills on the ocean and the reason for the heated debate about fracking. The book also looks at alternative energy sources such as biofuels, hydroelectric power and even a new type of rocket fuel.

Is burning coal still harmful today? What is fracking? What do we do when fossil fuels run out? This book looks at the potentially harmful implications on the state of our planet from the use of fossil fuels, discussing in depth the various techniques of fossil fuel extraction such as longwall mining for coal, the major effects of oil leaks and spills on the ocean and the reason for the heated debate about fracking. The book also looks at alternative energy sources such as biofuels, hydroelectric power and even a new type of rocket fuel.

What turns a flood event into a flood disaster? What can be done to protect crops from pests and fire? How do scientists detect likely tornado formation inside a thunderstorm? This book discusses natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanoes, floods and droughts and looks into how scientists use their technology to try and protect people from them, such as seismology to detect earthquakes and sensors on buoys at sea to detect water pressure changes in the lookout for tsunamis, and whether these measures that are taken are effective or proactive enough.

How do we end up eating plastic bags? What is ‘e-waste’? How do we recycle plastics? This book discusses recycling in a world that has an increasing amount of waste, looking at how effective we are globally at recycling and highlighting issues such as the dangers of recycling toxic or hazardous waste, the potential of ‘blackwater’ treatment and the use of new building materials that are sustainable, such as guadua bamboo.

Few issues are more hotly contestedboth here and abroadthan the role of the United States armed forces. Do we fight for freedom? Are we the world police? What makes a problem half a world away a matter of national security? Our Military explores the shifting role of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines through more than two centuries of conflict, stopping at key moments along the way to check in on the Great Debates that have altered the course of world history. Young readers will discover that disagreements over the size, strength, purpose, and cost of our armed forces are nothing new. They have sparked controversy since the Revolutionary War. Our Military engages young readers and provides them with the context and history needed to join the debate on these issues... and ultimately issues the challenge to Find Your Voice. Aligns with Common Core Language Arts Anchor Standards for Reading Informational Text and Speaking and Listening. Text contains critical thinking components in regards to social issues and history.

With a significant emphasis on persuasive text, the Earth Debates series tackles fascinating topics related to Earth’s systems and natural sources. Presented in a question and answer format and demonstrating different points of view, the text encourages discussion and debate about environmental issues that are not just relevant locally but across the globe. Citing cutting-edge examples, the books show how scientists and other campaigners use language to present and promote their ideas and support critical thinking, basic research skills and science literacy in the context of substantial science issues.

America has been called a country of immigrants. Yet the country has rarely welcomed them with open arms. Newcomers have been encountering fear, suspicion, and misunderstanding for more than 200 years. "New Americans" tells the story of immigration in the United States, stopping at key moments along the way to examine the great debates that have altered the course of national policy and changed the face of a nation. Young readers will discover that the push and pull over immigration policy today is astonishingly similar to the social and political questions that have sparked controversy since the 1700s. "New Americans" engages young readers and provides them with the context and history needed to join the debate on these issues...and ultimately issues the challenge to Find Your Voice. Aligns with Common Core Language Arts Anchor Standards for Reading Informational Text and Speaking and Listening. Text contains critical thinking components in regards to social issues and history.