Books in Global Connections series

South Korean teens live in a country that combines ancient traditions with modern-day technology. Teens study hard to be successful in school and beyond, but they also have time to chat with friends or listen to the latest K-pop record. As the economy continues to expand, teens play an important role in the growth of South Korea, which has become one of the world’s powers in business of technology. Teens in South Korea is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

The ancient past is always present in Greece, the land of Aristotle and Plato. Greek teens feel that precious heritage in their culture’s respect for learning and creativity. Greeks also put a high value on pleasure, and young and old take full advantage of their opportunities to enjoy life. Teens in Greece is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

Peruvian teens lead very different lives, depending on where they live and their family's position in society. They can live high in the Andes mountains, like their ancestors hundreds of years ago, or in huge cities overlooking the Pacific Ocean. They celebrate holidays based on Incan ritual and Catholic tradition, watch bullfights in huge arenas, and cheer on their favorite sports teams. Teens in Peru is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

Spread across 7,107 islands, teens in the Philippines live in a country that mixes old-fashioned ways of life with the newest technology. Teens line up to see the newest movie with their friends, work an extra job for spending money, and study hard to be successful in school. But nothing is more important than family, and Filipino teens celebrate birthdays, holidays, festivals, and other celebrations surrounded by loved ones. Teens in the Philippines is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

For most Japanese teens, success in school is their primary focus. But despite the pressure to excel in their studies, Japanese teens also find time to go shopping, play baseball, or spend time on their cell phones. While Japanese teens value individual expression, they also find comfort in the traditions that have been a part of their culture for centuries. Teens in Japan is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

Ghana became the first African nation to gain independence from British rule in 1957. Since then, Ghanaians of all backgrounds have worked together to build its young nation. The nation’s teens are at the heart of the progress. They work hard, devote themselves to their families, and take great pride in being Ghanaian. Teens in the Ghana is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

In this sparsely-populated country, Finnish teens spend time enjoying the outdoors, participating in after-school activities, and relaxing at home. They may look after livestock, work in fields, or meet friends for coffee in cafes. They dress in designer clothes, talk to their friends on cell phones, and participate in after-school activities. Teens in Finland is a part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

The Russian Federation has been an independent country since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. For Russian teenagers, this change has presented many opportunities. At school, teens are learning about a history that the communist government tried to hide. In their free time, they are learning to express themselves in ways their parents were not allowed. Teens in Russia is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

The lives of French teenagers can’t be summed up in a one-size-fits-all description. Some young people are immersed in a rich heritage of formal education, gourmet foods, and high fashion, while others face daily tensions, poor living conditions, and discrimination. Yet despite these differences, there are certain experiences that French teens share with each other and with teens in other countries. Teens in France is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

In the second largest country in South America, teens in Argentina enjoy the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, the great plains of the Pampas, and the towering mountaintops of the Andes. The country’s culture is rich and diverse, and its young people flock to the cities. They will attend barbecues, watch soccer, rugby, or polo matches, study for school, or spend time with their families. Teens in Argentina is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

From the urban teen studying in Nairobi to the young Maasai warrior who has never seen a television, Kenyan teens hope to balance modern influence and technologies with their tribal traditions and values. As more young people receive educations, they will be better prepared to deal with the challenges Kenya faces, including the growing AIDS crisis and devastating drought. Teens in Kenya is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.

For most Japanese teens, success in school is their primary focus. But despite the pressure to excel in their studies, Japanese teens also find time to go shopping, play baseball, or spend time on their cell phones. While Japanese teens value individual expression, they also find comfort in the traditions that have been a part of their culture for centuries. Teens in Japan is part of Global Connections, a series that uncovers the challenges, pastimes, and customs of teens around the world.