Understanding issues

Describes various types of racism, shows its effects around the world, and explains how people are fighting it.

Using real-life examples, discusses why parents hurt or neglect their children, why children often don't tell anyone they are being abused, and what can be done about the widespread and dangerous problem of child abuse.

Discusses smoking, the effects of smoking, smoking-related illnesses, chemicals in cigarettes, and helpful ways to quit.

Discusses the history and locations of gangs, the reasons why people join gangs, what life is like in a gang, and the steps communities and law enforcement are taking to decrease gang activity.

An overview of peer pressure that discusses the power of the peer group, types of peer pressure, and the importance of being an individual. Includes a glossary and a further-reading list.

Discusses violence and its causes in schools and among gangs. The availability of guns, programs and laws designed to curb their use, and the impact of violence on the community are also discussed.

Discusses the social pressures, family instability, health risks, and treatments involved with drugs.

Discusses the subject of death including how to define it, how to say good-by to a loved one, and how people experience grief.

Discusses the understanding, fears, courts, custody, communication, and problems that young children must face and deal with when their parents get a divorce.