Muhammad Ali was born as Cassius Clay in Louisville, Kentucky. Early in his life, his skills developed from those he needed to stand up to a playground bully into the championship form that earned him a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics. As a professional fighter, Ali became known not just for the speed and agility with which he won three world heavyweight championships, but also for his charm, wit, and showmanship. Outside the ring, the courage of his stand against the military draft made him both a revered cultural hero and a lightning rod for the issues that divided Americans during the Vietnam War. In the decades following his boxing career, Ali has become regarded as one of the most recognized people on the planet. He has lent his name, influence, and generosity to a host of humanitarian causes. Today, having earned the affection of billions of people worldwide, the peoples champ is, as ever, The Greatest.
Imprisoned for 27 years, Nelson Mandela became a symbol in the fight against the oppression of the black majority by South Africa's apartheid government. The first in his family to attend school, Mandela was given the English name Nelson by his teacher on his first day. As Mandela moved up the educational ladder, he became more and more involved in social justice. When he became a lawyer, he joined the African National Congress (ANC), an organization whose purpose was to increase the rights of black South Africans. In 1961, Mandela helped found a military branch of the ANC that used guerrilla attacks against the government. His imprisonment became a rallying point for black South Africansand eventually the world. International pressure against the government helped bring about the end of apartheid and Mandela's release in 1990. Mandela was elected president, serving from 1994 to 1999, and remains a figure revered and loved by his grateful nation.
Born in Romania in 1928, Eliezer (Elie) Wiesel had a childhood steeped in the traditions of his Orthodox Jewish family. From the moment of his familys deportation to the death camp at Auschwitz and the horrors that awaited there, the teenaged Elie focused all his energies on staying alive. Elie has dedicated his life to the pursuit of peaceful, humanitarian goals as a writer and activist. He is a Holocaust survivor, Nobel Laureate and the author of 57 books, including the Night trilogy, based on his experiences as a prisoner. In 1986 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and called, a messenger to mankind.
Politician Al Gore has lent both his voice and his political influence in the fight against global warming. His work and creative energy have earned him numerous forms of public recognition, most notably the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
David Suzuki is a prominent environmental activist. Throughout his adult life, he has been the creative force behind numerous television shows on science and the environment. He has used his voice to advocate for the environment and to take to task political leaders whose action and inaction have been part of the problem behind the global warming crisis.
Rachel Carson was a marine writer, biologist, and ecologist whose work inspired millions to take seriously the danger that human activity poses to the environment. She both revealed the wonders of the natural world and exposed the sinister threat to that world posed by DDT and other pesticides.
At a time when much of the United States was still racially segregated, Jackie Robinson smashed the color barrier to become the first African-American player in Major League Baseball. Born in 1919 to a family of sharecroppers, Robinson excelled in sports throughout his school years. After serving briefly in the army during WWII, he briefly played ball in the Negro Leagues. At about the same time, a handful of all-white Major League teams paid lip service to trying out black players. But it was when Robinson played his first game for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 that he became a part of what would be called "The Noble Experiment." Outspoken in the past when it came to racial injustice, Robinson endured racist jeers from fans and players, and even death threats, with dignity and composure. His historic feat of crossing baseball's "color line" became a symbol in the American civil rights movement in the decades that followed.
The movie is just starting, but what happened before that to get that movie in the theater? The Economics of Making a Movie takes an interesting look at the production process and financing of a big-budget film. Various links in the economic chain include finding someone to finance the film, casting and salaries, scouting locations, set design, contracting for laborers and technicians on the set, advertising costs, film distribution deals, and box office sales.
The video game is fresh out of the packaging, but what happened before that to get that game into your hands? The Economics of a Video Game takes a fascinating look at the production process and financing of a video game. Various links in the economic chain include development of a prototype, pitching the game to a publisher for funding, development of the software by designers and programmers, testing, advertising, trade shows demonstrations, packaging, and distribution.
What happens to your old phone or computer when you need an upgrade? What rights does the worker who built your phone have? This thought-provoking title helps readers discover the answers to these questions and many more. Find out about the links between supply, demand, and labor conditions, and the resources that are needed to build just one computer.
The concert is just starting, but what happened before that to get that concert on the stage? The Economics of a Rock Concert takes a fascinating look at the production process and financing of a stadium concert. Various links in the economic chain include ticket sales, management fees, advertising costs, and contracting for laborers to set up the stage, sound, and security.
In this interesting title, readers learn about the process of manufacturing toys and the materials that are used. Environmental issues and working conditions are revealed, shedding new light on where todays childrens favorite toys come from. Readers will also learn about new efforts companies are making to provide their workers with fair wages and safe working conditions around the world.
Have you ever wondered why so many people use credit cards? This book introduces readers to safe credit-using strategies. Real world examples help readers learn the importance of math skills for money management. Callouts prompt inquiry, further thinking, and close examination of photographs. Additional text features and search tools, including a glossary and an index, help students locate information and learn new words.
Have you ever wondered why "money makes the world go round"? This book introduces readers to basic personal finance skills. Real world examples help readers learn the importance of math skills for money management. Callouts prompt inquiry, further thinking, and close examination of photographs. Additional text features and search tools, including a glossary and an index, help students locate information and learn new words.
Do you know how to balance your wants and needs? This book introduces readers to setting a personal budget. Real world examples help readers learn the importance of math skills for money management. Callouts prompt inquiry, further thinking, and close examination of photographs. Additional text features and search tools, including a glossary and an index, help students locate information and learn new words.
Do you know how to use a savings account to your advantage? This book introduces readers to putting aside money for later. Real world examples help readers learn the importance of math skills for money management. Callouts prompt inquiry, further thinking, and close examination of photographs. Additional text features and search tools, including a glossary and an index, help students locate information and learn new words.
Have you ever wondered which charities you should support or how much you can afford to give? This book introduces readers to the idea of giving back to the community. Real world examples help readers learn the importance of math skills for money management. Callouts prompt inquiry, further thinking, and close examination of photographs. Additional text features and search tools, including a glossary and an index, help students locate information and learn new words.
When it's time to cash your paycheck, do you wonder how much to spend versus save? This book introduces readers to making best use of their paychecks. Real world examples help readers learn the importance of math skills for money management. Callouts prompt inquiry, further thinking, and close examination of photographs. Additional text features and search tools, including a glossary and an index, help students locate information and learn new words.
Do you know how to prioritize your purchases? This book introduces readers to effective shopping skills. Real world examples help readers learn the importance of math skills for money management. Callouts prompt inquiry, further thinking, and close examination of photographs. Additional text features and search tools, including a glossary and an index, help students locate information and learn new words.
Have you ever thought up a great business idea but not known how to make it a reality? This book introduces readers to early entrepreneurial strategies. Real world examples help readers learn the importance of math skills for money management. Callouts prompt inquiry, further thinking, and close examination of photographs. Additional text features and search tools, including a glossary and an index, help students locate information and learn new words.
Have you ever wondered why you pay taxes on some things but not others? This book introduces readers to tax-paying. Real world examples help readers learn the importance of math skills for money management. Callouts prompt inquiry, further thinking, and close examination of photographs. Additional text features and search tools, including a glossary and an index, help students locate information and learn new words.
RESPECT: Treat others the way you'd like to be treated. Be considerate of the feelings of others. The 21st Century Jr. Library Character Education books help kids learn how to make the choices that will help them be people of good character.
FAIRNESS: Play by the rule. Take turns and share. The 21st Century Jr. Library Character Education books help kids learn how to make the choices that will help them be people of good character.
RESPONSIBILITY: Think before you act. Consider the consequences. Be accountable for your choices. The 21st Century Jr. Library Character Education books help kids learn how to make the choices that will help them be people of good character.
CITIZENSHIP: Get involved in community affairs. Stay informed. Vote. The 21st Century Jr. Library Character Education books help kids learn how to make the choices that will help them be people of good character.
