Jennifer Lombardo

The COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the growing resentment many workers have been experiencing for years. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike thrust the issue even further into the spotlight. From fair wages and safe working conditions to collective bargaining and equitable treatment, this volume explores the challenges faced by workers across various industries. It also offers practical advice on how young advocates can initiate change within their own communities. Full-color photographs and engaging fact boxes bring this issue to life, empowering students to advocate for a world where every individual is treated with fairness and dignity in the workplace.

Chinese is a fascinating and ancient linguistic system that includes hundreds of different languages. This volume offers a deep dive into the inner workings of Standard Chinese, as well as an overview of some of the lesser-known but no less important regional dialects. Through the accessible main text, augmented with insightful fact boxes and vibrant full-color photographs, readers learn about the nuances of tones, unravel the beauty of characters in both Simplified and Traditional scripts, and gain insights into China's rich cultural heritage and the essential elements that shape its unique identity.

Curries, naan, and samosas are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Indian food. Through these and other classic Indian dishes, students learn about the cultural differences between various regions of the country. The accessible main text, enhanced with full-color photographs and intriguing fact boxes, invites young readers to savor the diverse flavors and understand the deep cultural connections that make this cuisine truly extraordinary. A list of relevant books and websites provides a jumping-off point for deeper research, and a clear, uncomplicated recipe brings the taste of India into the reader's kitchen.

The history of Vietnam is complicated and filled with conflict, and that history has impacted the nation's culture in major ways. Readers explore the relationship between Vietnam's history, geography, and culture in this thoroughly updated look at the Southeast Asian nation. With chapters highlighting economics, arts, religion, language, and the lifestyles of the Vietnamese people, readers are given a comprehensive overview of Vietnam that is enhanced by vibrant, full-color photographs. Fact boxes and maps provide additional information, sidebars spotlight global citizens in Vietnam, and recipes allow readers to explore Vietnamese culture in a hands-on and creative way.

The moon has captivated the imaginations of astronomers, poets, and artists throughout the centuries. Although science has taught us much about this natural satellite, it retains an air of mystery thanks to the persistent myths regarding its phases and eclipses. The compelling main text, augmented by informative fact boxes and engaging sidebars, explore the secrets of the moon's craters, mountains, and valleys as well as the history of lunar exploration and the race to land on its surface. A glossary of terms gives readers a deeper understanding of the science behind our planet's only moon.

From the vibrant cities to the vast outback, readers discover the fascinating history, unique wildlife, and diverse culture of the captivating country of Australia. This volume explores the ancient Aboriginal cultures that have existed for tens of thousands of years and the impact of colonization on this land and its people. The environment is also highlighted, including the world-renowned beaches, stunning natural landscapes, and diverse flora and fauna that make Australia a one-of-a-kind destination. The engaging main text, enhanced by detailed maps and large, full-color photographs, gives students a closer look at this vibrant country.

Italy has a deep, rich culture and history. The country has had its ups and downs; over the years, it has gone from one of the world's largest empires to a fascist dictatorship and finally to the democracy it is today. It has also contributed much to world cuisine, art, and politics. In the present day, multiple regions make up this diverse country, from the sun-drenched Amalfi coast to the rolling hills of Tuscany. Through informative fact boxes and large, full-color photographs, readers gain a deeper appreciation for Italy's enduring beauty and influence on the world.

The moon has captivated the imaginations of astronomers, poets, and artists throughout the centuries. Although science has taught us much about this natural satellite, it retains an air of mystery thanks to the persistent myths regarding its phases and eclipses. The compelling main text, augmented by informative fact boxes and engaging sidebars, explore the secrets of the moon's craters, mountains, and valleys as well as the history of lunar exploration and the race to land on its surface. A glossary of terms gives readers a deeper understanding of the science behind our planet's only moon.

What is the difference between a comet and an asteroid? What makes up each one? How do have they affected our world in the past--and how will they continue to do so in the future? These questions and more are answered in this volume, which offers a fascinating look at these celestial objects and their impact on our universe. Through stunning full-color photographs and detailed graphic organizers, readers learn about the history of comets and asteroids, their composition and structure, and how they have shaped the formation of our solar system.

What is the difference between a comet and an asteroid? What makes up each one? How do have they affected our world in the past--and how will they continue to do so in the future? These questions and more are answered in this volume, which offers a fascinating look at these celestial objects and their impact on our universe. Through stunning full-color photographs and detailed graphic organizers, readers learn about the history of comets and asteroids, their composition and structure, and how they have shaped the formation of our solar system.

Italy has a deep, rich culture and history. The country has had its ups and downs; over the years, it has gone from one of the world's largest empires to a fascist dictatorship and finally to the democracy it is today. It has also contributed much to world cuisine, art, and politics. In the present day, multiple regions make up this diverse country, from the sun-drenched Amalfi coast to the rolling hills of Tuscany. Through informative fact boxes and large, full-color photographs, readers gain a deeper appreciation for Italy's enduring beauty and influence on the world.

White American women won the right to vote in the 1920s, but the suffragette movement started decades earlier. Women fought for nearly 100 years to be allowed to participate in politics at the most basic level. Even after the 19th Amendment was ratified, women of color needed to carry on the fight for their own voting rights--a fact that is often overlooked by history books. Through informative sidebars and engaging fact boxes, this volume takes an intersectional look at the women's suffrage movement. A list of relevant books and websites is included to encourage further independent research.

The 1960s were a time when many marginalized groups grew tired of the treatment they had suffered for decades and started to fight back. The LGBTQ+ community was no exception. The Stonewall Riots were the catalyst for the modern-day pride movement. Although pride flags and parades are commonplace now, getting to this point required the bravery, strength, and determination of hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ people. This volume, supplemented by in-depth sidebars and historical black-and-white photographs, explores how far the LGBTQ+ rights movement has come--and what hurdles remain to be overcome in the future.

In 2001, American multimillionaire Dennis Tito became the first person to travel to space for leisure. Two decades later, several companies are poised to make this dream a reality for thousands of others. However, this development is not without controversy. With such a high cost associated with its development and implementation, is it better to abandon space tourism and use that money to address problems on Earth? Enhanced by engaging fact boxes and vivid full-color photographs, this volume introduces young readers to the concept of space tourism and the debates surrounding it in a neutral tone that encourages critical thinking.

Minerals are a crucial part of our world. Not only are many necessary to keep our bodies in good working order, minerals can be used to make things that people use on a daily basis, including toothpaste, linoleum, and cell phones. By looking at these important materials under a microscope, we can gain better insight into the world around us. Informative sidebars and engaging fact boxes provide an in-depth look at the world of minerals, giving young readers a greater understanding of the planet we live on and the products we use.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the Earth is in trouble, largely thanks to certain human activities. Climate change is high on many people's list of priorities, but governments and businesses are often slow to enact change. By spreading information and lobbying for change, environmental activists play a crucial role in moving the needle on this issue. Through informative fact boxes and detailed graphic organizers, readers learn about environmental activists' goals and the methods they employ to achieve them. A list of age-appropriate actions is included to encourage young people to get involved in advocating for change.