-- Focuses on popular subjects that are bound to capture the reader's imagination -- Provides a window into American culture -- Encourages moral reasoning and fundamental thinking How effective at preventing more crime are these alternatives to incarceration?

-- Focuses on popular subjects that are bound to capture the reader's imagination -- Provides a window into American culture -- Encourages moral reasoning and fundamental thinking What life as a gang member is like.

-- Provocative biographies of prominent figures, both contemporary and historical, who have overcome adversity to achieve greatness and success -- Subjects come from a diverse range of backgrounds Battling Bright's Disease, a serious thyroid disorder, Devers won a gold medal in the 100-meter sprint at the 1992 Olympics.

Traces the history of gunpowder, discussing fighting and warfare before the invention of gunpowder, how the invention of gunpowder changed warfare, and the ethical questions it has raised.

Through interviews with the dying and their families, Kubler-Ross revealed the experience of confronting terminal illness. Her work helped sparked the hospice movement, providing a new dimension of care for the terminally ill."

These riveting personalities each achieved excellence, but even greater than their individual accomplishments is the positive Hispanic image they collectively represent to the world. Photographs, illustrations, and lively text tell the stories ot these fascinating historical figures.

As president of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf has had to contend with political groups who have not supported his government.

- "Being Asian American" boxed inserts that examine the impact of the subject's cultural heritage
- "The Story of My Family" and "Between the Generations" sections that allow readers to experience an important part of American history
- First-person accounts highlighted with full-color photographs that vividly bring each of these individuals' stories to life.

In 2006, Michelle Bachelet made history by becoming the first woman to be elected president of Chile. The daughter of a Chilean Air Force general, Bachelet and her family were gravely affected by the 1973 military coup that derailed the government of Salvador Allende. After the military rule ended, she entered politics, serving as minister of health and later defense minister. During the early part of her presidential administration, she dealt with important issues head-on.