united states

Examines the Interstate Highway Act of 1956 and the network of expressways built under the Eisenhower administration.

A chronological reference guide to significant disasters, accidents, and crises in America from the 1609 "Starving Time" in Jamestown to Hurrican Katrina in 2005; and includes major facts and details about each event.

Contains fifteen essays that provide varying perspectives on issues regarding charter schools, debating if they threaten the public education system, their regulation, funding, the achievement gap, and other topics.

Steve Martin reflects on his early career as a stand-up comic, how he walked away from it to become a writer for "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," his mentors and complex relationship with his parents and sister, and the work and dedication it took to become one of the world's greatest comedians.

"New York Times" restaurant critic Frank Bruni chronicles his lifelong battle with his weight, describing how his love of food from an early age lead to health and self-esteem problems as an adult and explaining how he finally managed to lose weight and keep it off, despite his profession.

Examines issues related to teens and abuse, discussing domestic and dating abuse, considering the effect of abuse on young people, and looking at ways to help teens who are being abused.

Contains articles that provide information about the life, career, and administration of each of the men to serve as U.S. president, from George Washington to Barack Obama, and includes profiles of the first ladies, as well as essays on presidential duties, the election process, the Cabinet, White House, and related topics.

Discusses the massive influx if immigrants through Ellis Island from the late nineteenth century through World War II and the Cold War, covering the resulting ideological debates and new arrivals' encounter with corruption, harsh conditions, and political scheming.

Profiles important American ethnic writers from Gordon Parks, Sr. through Al Young, and discusses the author's major works, and describes how they express their sense of identity through both fiction and nonfiction writings; and includes appendixes and indexes.

Profiles important American ethnic writers from Henry Louis Gates, Jr. through Grace Paley, and discusses the author's major works, and describes how they express their sense of identity through both fiction and nonfiction writings.