"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...

The United States of America is one of the most recognizable countries in the world. Because it stretches across the continent of North America, the country is home to an astonishing number of ecosystems and natural wonders. The United States also has many vibrant cities where locals and tourists alike can entertain themselves at theaters, sporting events, museums, and much more. In-depth sidebars and detailed maps enhance the engaging main text,...

The first American gay rights organization formed in 1924, but was soon pressured to disband. Another wouldn't form until the 1950s. The history of the U.S. movement to achieve progressive rights for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, or queer is full of stops, starts, victories, and tragedies, but also hope for the future. This important and timely volume describes a topic of history often glossed over and a...

Until 1990, no one could say for certain that planets existed beyond our solar system. Today, thanks to unprecedented advancements in technology, astronomers have found more than 5,000 of these exoplanets. Some are Earth-sized, some orbit a sun-like star, and some are rocky rather than gaseous. Could any of them hold life as we know it? Full-color photographs and engaging, age-appropriate text let students explore the exciting field of exoplanet study....

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...

In the last few decades, foxes have become incredibly popular, especially as a fashion motif. Unfortunately, this interest in foxes has led to many misconceptions. While they may seem cute and cuddly, especially the ones that have been domesticated, the fact remains that most foxes are wild animals and are not suitable as pets. However, they are fascinating creatures. Full-color photographs and in-depth fact boxes enhance the informative main text...

Everyone will experience headaches in their life, but for some people, headaches are more frequent and severe than for others. These headaches, called migraines, cause severe pain and can have negative effects on a person's life. Readers learn the symptoms of and treatments for migraines as well as what doctors currently know about their cause. Detailed charts, annotated quotes from experts, and in-depth sidebars give young adults the most up-to-date...

Plastic bags are being banned in many places, but is this the right thing to do? Readers will be able to answer this question for themselves in an informed way after they explore the environmental, economic, and legal sides to the debate surrounding plast

According to the World Health Organization, more than 5 percent of the world's population has disabling hearing loss. Some people's hearing loss is mild. They can communicate through spoken language and may use a hearing aid. Some people have profound hearing loss, which most people refer to as being deaf. With this book, readers will learn the causes of deafness and the different ways in which deaf people communicate. Full-color photographs and age-appropriate...

Native peoples of the United States have rich histories and traditions that help them maintain varied cultural identities in modern society. In the past, white Americans attempted to hide or eradicate these cultures, seeing Native Americans as an obstacle to prosperity. This distorted view eventually led to the deadly forced relocation known as the Trail of Tears. Primary sources and annotated quotes show readers the Trail of Tears from the perspective...