"Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our nations today--but what is it? Hasn't it always been happening? What is making it worse? Why do some people deny its happening? The concept of climate change and all of its implications is discussed as part of the What's the Issue series. What's the Issue asks 'what's all the fuss about?' It reviews what is at stake when we think about climate change, with the aim of helping young people...

"Microaggressions are brief, commonplace interactions with marginalized groups that convey a sense of hostility or disrespect toward that group. They may be small, but they can be upsetting, and they add up over time to have a cumulative negative effect on a person's mental health. Microaggressions are different for different groups, so it's difficult to make blanket statements about them; this is why an overview of all angles of this issue is so...

Intolerance is a complex issue, but readers are introduced to it in a way that leaves them feeling enlightened and not overwhelmed. Informative, accessible text presents a basic definition of intolerance as well as relatable examples that readers could see in their daily lives and on the news. The main text is enhanced by the use of fact boxes, graphic organizers, and eye-catching photographs. These engaging elements come together to give readers...

"The fight for gender equality has its roots in the past, affects the lives of all people in the present, and will shape the future in important ways. However, before young people can begin to join the fight for gender equality, they first have to understand it. What is feminism? Why are women still fighting for equal pay for equal work? As readers discover the answers to these questions, they become more familiar with this newsworthy topic. Their...

"Gender identity is a concept that young people are talking about in increasingly open ways, and they need resources to help them better understand this complex topic. This sensitive and age-appropriate overview of gender identity features helpful definitions and explanations, an introduction to the use of preferred pronouns, and tips for talking to both peers and adults about this topic. Fact boxes and graphic organizers supplement the carefully...

"How do refugees differ from immigrants? Why do they leave their country, and what do they hope to find in a new place? These questions and more are answered as readers are given an in-depth look at refugees and their struggle to build a better life. This important topic is addressed using accessible text, enlightening fact boxes, full-color photographs and helpful graphic organizers. The relatable tone presents this issue to readers without condescension,...

Gun control is a popular topic of debate on news programs and online, but these debates are sensationalized and often do not fully explain the issue and the points of view of people on both sides of it. Readers are given a clearer picture of what gun control means and why people support and oppose it through fact-filled text and relevant, full-color photographs. Fact boxes and graphic organizers supply readers with additional details to help them...

"What are human rights? This is a complex question, and the way people answer it affects government policies, laws, and even wars around the world. Readers are introduced to the concept of human rights in an accessible way that features concrete statistics presented in fact boxes and full-color photographs that depict this issue in a global setting." --

"The practice of hydraulic fracturing--better known as fracking--has become a prominent issue as countries such as the United States strive for energy independence. What is fracking, and why is it such a controversial topic? Readers discover the answers to these questions and more through balanced text that presents multiple viewpoints about fracking. Fact boxes and graphic organizers provide additional information, and full-color photographs help...

"Provides comprehensive information on why many immigrants leave their native countries and the hardships they may face." --