Marlene Targ Brill

Judith Resnik didn’t grow up dreaming of space, but when NASA opened its doors to women astronauts in the late 1970s, she stepped forward-and soared. One of the first six women ever accepted into NASA’s space shuttle astronaut-training program, Resnik brought her sharp mind, determination, and creativity to a field that had long been closed to women. Although she wasn’t the first American woman in space, she became one of the most accomplished astronauts of her time. Resnik’s journey wasn’t easy. She faced challenges at home and in school, but she never let obstacles stop her. A gifted student, she excelled in math, science, and music-she even considered becoming a concert pianist before choosing a career in engineering. Her hard work paid off: She earned multiple degrees and helped design improvements for the space shuttle itself. She proved that astronauts aren’t just pilots-they’re problem solvers, inventors, and explorers. In 1984, Resnik launched into space for the first time aboard the shuttle Discovery. Two years later, she joined the crew of Challenger. Tragically, that mission ended in disaster, cutting her life short. While the world focused on the loss of teacher Christa McAuliffe, who was a passenger on that flight, Resnik’s story was often overlooked. Yet her contributions to science and space exploration live on through programs, schools, and scholarships that bear her name. This inspiring biography brings Resnik’s remarkable life to light. Readers will discover how a girl from Ohio became a trailblazer in space and how her courage and brilliance continue to inspire new generations. Her story reminds us that even if you’re not first, you can still make history-and that reaching for the stars starts with believing in yourself.

Judith Resnik didn’t grow up dreaming of space, but when NASA opened its doors to women astronauts in the late 1970s, she stepped forward-and soared. One of the first six women ever accepted into NASA’s space shuttle astronaut-training program, Resnik brought her sharp mind, determination, and creativity to a field that had long been closed to women. Although she wasn’t the first American woman in space, she became one of the most accomplished astronauts of her time. Resnik’s journey wasn’t easy. She faced challenges at home and in school, but she never let obstacles stop her. A gifted student, she excelled in math, science, and music-she even considered becoming a concert pianist before choosing a career in engineering. Her hard work paid off: She earned multiple degrees and helped design improvements for the space shuttle itself. She proved that astronauts aren’t just pilots-they’re problem solvers, inventors, and explorers. In 1984, Resnik launched into space for the first time aboard the shuttle Discovery. Two years later, she joined the crew of Challenger. Tragically, that mission ended in disaster, cutting her life short. While the world focused on the loss of teacher Christa McAuliffe, who was a passenger on that flight, Resnik’s story was often overlooked. Yet her contributions to science and space exploration live on through programs, schools, and scholarships that bear her name. This inspiring biography brings Resnik’s remarkable life to light. Readers will discover how a girl from Ohio became a trailblazer in space and how her courage and brilliance continue to inspire new generations. Her story reminds us that even if you’re not first, you can still make history-and that reaching for the stars starts with believing in yourself.

As part of our Biographies for Young Readers series for middle-grade readers, this book explains who Jane Addams was and why she caused such a stir in the United States and worldwide. The story follows Addams from her first realization of the unfairness that limited the lives, livelihoods, and health of disadvantaged people in the late 1800s to her becoming one of the most beloved-and most disliked-women of her day. She worked to create a more peaceful, fair world for all people, no matter their race, color, nationality, or gender. Along her journey, Addams cofounded Hull-House, the most celebrated settlement house in the United States, and she became a motivating author, speaker, and women’s rights and peace advocate. She worked tirelessly on community, state, and national levels to promote women’s, workers’, and children’s rights, and she spoke passionately against the evils of war. Addams devoted her activities and writings to championing programs for these and other humanitarian causes. Votes for women! Equal rights for African Americans! Good schools and a healthy environment for children! No one-not millionaires, presidents, or the FBI-could stand in the way of her quest for justice. Addams became one of few women worldwide to earn a Nobel Peace Prize. Her efforts to improve social services and communities and to train leaders to carry out this work led to the opening of the first professional school of social work-named in her honor-at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Her writing, teaching, and actions were based on the belief that “without the advance and improvement of the whole, no man can hope for any lasting improvement in his own moral or material individual condition.”

As part of our Biographies for Young Readers series for middle-grade readers, this book explains who Jane Addams was and why she caused such a stir in the United States and worldwide. The story follows Addams from her first realization of the unfairness that limited the lives, livelihoods, and health of disadvantaged people in the late 1800s to her becoming one of the most beloved-and most disliked-women of her day. She worked to create a more peaceful, fair world for all people, no matter their race, color, nationality, or gender. Along her journey, Addams cofounded Hull-House, the most celebrated settlement house in the United States, and she became a motivating author, speaker, and women’s rights and peace advocate. She worked tirelessly on community, state, and national levels to promote women’s, workers’, and children’s rights, and she spoke passionately against the evils of war. Addams devoted her activities and writings to championing programs for these and other humanitarian causes. Votes for women! Equal rights for African Americans! Good schools and a healthy environment for children! No one-not millionaires, presidents, or the FBI-could stand in the way of her quest for justice. Addams became one of few women worldwide to earn a Nobel Peace Prize. Her efforts to improve social services and communities and to train leaders to carry out this work led to the opening of the first professional school of social work-named in her honor-at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Her writing, teaching, and actions were based on the belief that “without the advance and improvement of the whole, no man can hope for any lasting improvement in his own moral or material individual condition.”

The thirty-second state to join the Union is a leader in many ways, including volunteerism, voter turnout, health care, and education. This colorful book traces Minnesota's history from the Paleo-Indians to the arrival of the French and later waves of Scandinavian immigrants. This book also highlights contemporary Minnesotans, including musicians, authors, and influential politicians, and digs into the exciting industries like agriculture, mining, retail, banking, and biomedical technology that drive the economy of the state.

He was only a drummer boy, but Orion Howe's courage under fire helped General Sherman break the Rebel hold on Vicksburg. It is April, 1861, and there is talk of war in the Howes' Illinois home. When President Lincoln asks for more soldiers, Orion's father and brother enlist. Hating to be left behind, twelve-year-old Orion soon joins them to be a drummer boy in the Union Army. As the war wears on, Orion bravely endures hunger, sickness, and fatigue, facing battles with nothing but his drum and sticks. But the biggest test of his courage is yet to come.On May 19, 1863, Orion's company is pinned down outside Vicksburg under heavy fire. Colonel Malmborg sends him to request more ammunition. Suddenly Orion is struck in the leg by enemy fire. Can he still get to the rear wagons? When he runs into General Sherman, will he remember the message he has been sent to deliver?Diary of a Drummer Boy is a fictionalized diary based on the true story of Orion Howe, recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. A beautifully illustrated introduction to the Civil War for students too young for more graphic depictions.From reviews of a previous edition: School Library Journal: "This imagined journal...has the tone of nonfiction. Garland's full-page illustrations are simply stunning...This picture book is perfect for students too young for more graphic depictions of the Civil War..."Booklist: " This] book will serve as a lively, vivid introduction to the Civil War, particularly as a short book to read aloud or have students read aloud in classrooms."A National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)/Children's Book Council (CBC) Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People

Today, we know Dolores Huerta as the cofounder, with Cesar Chavez, of the National Farmworkers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers of America. We know her as a tireless advocate for the rights of farmworkers, Mexican American immigrants, women, and LGBTQ populations. And we know her as the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama in 2012. Before all that, though, Huerta was a child in the farming community of Stockton, California, and then a teenager whose teachers underestimated her because she was Chicana. When she became a teacher herself, she witnessed her students coming to school shoeless and hungry. Many took days off from school to work in the farm fields to help feed their families. What could she do to help them? A young mother at the time, Huerta quit her teaching job to organize their parents. That began her journey to educate a nation about who produces our food and the conditions under which they work. Dolores Huerta Stands Strong follows Huerta's life from the mining communities of the Southwest where her father toiled, to the vineyards and fields of California, and across the country to the present day. As she worked for fair treatment for others, Dolores earned the nation's highest honors. More important, she found her voice.

Today, we know Dolores Huerta as the cofounder, with Cesar Chavez, of the National Farmworkers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers of America. We know her as a tireless advocate for the rights of farmworkers, Mexican American immigrants, women, and LGBTQ populations. And we know her as the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama in 2012. Before all that, though, Huerta was a child in the farming community of Stockton, California, and then a teenager whose teachers underestimated her because she was Chicana. When she became a teacher herself, she witnessed her students coming to school shoeless and hungry. Many took days off from school to work in the farm fields to help feed their families. What could she do to help them? A young mother at the time, Huerta quit her teaching job to organize their parents. That began her journey to educate a nation about who produces our food and the conditions under which they work. Dolores Huerta Stands Strong follows Huerta's life from the mining communities of the Southwest where her father toiled, to the vineyards and fields of California, and across the country to the present day. As she worked for fair treatment for others, Dolores earned the nation's highest honors. More important, she found her voice.

While medical conditions that affect large populations are familiar to most people, there are lesser-known afflictions that do not get attention simply due to the fewer number of those affected. Literature and online resources about these conditions are not only limited but primarily aimed at adults. Consequently, teens who are susceptible to these disorders are often unable to find information that speaks directly to them, which can prove both frustrating and discouraging. In Chronic Illnesses, Syndromes, and Rare Disorders: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Marlene Targ Brill looks at conditions that affect thousands of young adults. Though not quite as common as other medical issues, these afflictions are no less threatening to teens who want to know more. Chapters in this book address ·Celiac disease ·Crohn's disease ·Down syndrome ·Hemophilia ·Melanoma ·Multiple sclerosis ·Phenylketonuria ·Sickle cell disease ·Tourette syndrome In addition to providing specific information about each of these conditions, this book also offers general advice to teens who face medical challenges in general. An invaluable resource for young adults and their families, Chronic Illnesses, Syndromes, and Rare Disorders: The Ultimate Teen Guide offers hope to the many thousands of people looking for answers.

More than three million people in the United States stutter. In excess of a million students from ages 3-21 receive school services for speech and language problems. Another five million Americans live with a disability from brain injury, which usually includes communication difficulties. Half a million teens in the U.S. between 14 and 17 speak a language other than English at home and have difficulty communicating in English at school. These numbers continue to grow, and more students are accessing speech and language assistance every year. In Speech and Language Challenges: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Marlene Targ Brill addresses the various speech issues that affect all people, but specifically focuses on the concerns of young adults. Brill looks at not just the how and whys of each issue, but how to cope with them. The author first explains how normal speech and language develops, then discusses issues that occur as a result of physical limitations, brain processing impairment, or language barriers. The chapters in this book offer insights into: ·Stuttering and Other Fluency Challenges ·Speech Sound Disorders ·Voice Disorders ·Language Disorders ·Brain Injury and Communication ·English as a New or Different Language Additional chapters explore technological advances that help young adults communicate better, public speaking tips, and suggestions for handling everyday social and family situations. Drawing on interviews with teens, first-hand accounts, and quotes from experts, Speech and Language Challenges: The Ultimate Teen Guide also includes a list of resources, making it a valuable tool for young adults and their families.

So, you wanna turn Junior into a smarty-pants? What parent doesn't? Thing is, kids nowadays are more independent than ever and aren't always receptive to what parents want. In fact, if you tell your kids that studying is "good for them," they're more than likely to mumble, "Yeah, sure," in your general direction and head off to do something "fun." Sharpening the minds of your youngsters presents more challenges than climbing Mt. Everest, and the responsibility of making your kids use more of their brain cells can be overwhelming – even when you don't encounter resistance. Raising smart kids requires long-term commitment, sacrifice, and diligence – not to mention the patience of a saint. And as long as you don't obsess about being the perfect parent, you will be able to enjoy your kids' journey of self-discovery right along with them. But how do you accomplish this? How do you overcome the resistance? How do you tackle the overwhelming task of not only helping your children succeed in school, but also increasing their ability to make their own way in the world? That's where Raising Smart Kids For Dummies steps in to help. Written in easy-to-understand terms (and absolutely no slick psycho-babble), this book gives you sound advice on encouraging your kids to set their sights high and achieve success, whether at school, with friends, or in your community. And you don't have to be a new parent to gain insight from this book; experienced parents can reap rewards with the help of this book in their effort to raise fulfilled children. Here's just a sampling of what you'll find in Raising Smart Kids For Dummies: *Recognizing the characteristics of smart kids *Knowing when to push – and when not to *Disciplining your kids in a positive way *Growing smarter kids from healthier bodies *Planning the development of your kids' brains: From newborns to teenagers *Taking your smart kids beyond high school *Eliminating brain drain from school-skipping, drug abuse, and raging hormones *Top Ten lists of family characteristics that nurture smart kids, what smart kids read, and resources for bolstering parents' confidence You've heard it said a thousand times: The children are the future. Children have such potential, but rarely live up to it. Why take this chance with your own kids? Make the commitment to prepare your kids for life on their own. With Raising Smart Kids For Dummies, you, too, can achieve success – and have a little fun along the way!