Points of view

"Peanuts are one of the most common-and most deadly-allergens around the world, and the rates of peanut allergies have been on the rise in the 21st century. Fears about exposure to peanuts as well as the large number of people who are affected by them have prompted some schools to ban peanut products. Are these bans effective? Are they fair to the people whose lunch options are thus restricted? This objective text, augmented with engaging fact boxes and vibrant photographs, examines arguments on both sides of this relatable issue for young students"--Provided by publisher.

"In the wake of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the number of student walkouts and other kinds of protests have risen dramatically. Gun control is not the only subject students protest, but as it made headlines across the country, adults debated how effective these walkouts were and how permissible they should be"--Provided by publisher.

"Virtual learning became the reality for most students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The debate over virtual learning has many strong arguments on both sides. While one side argues that virtual learning provides a flexible schedule and comfortable home environment for students, the other side argues that students from low-income households and with special needs can fall behind. This book explores several arguments on both sides of the virtual learning debate. Readers are encouraged to think for themselves using facts and their own experience. This timely topic gives readers a chance to exercise the important life skill of critical thinking"--Provided by publisher.

"Most people agree that student-athletes work hard at both their sport and their studies, but opinions differ about whether they should be paid. Is playing a sport just like any other job, or is it an extracurricular activity? Do athletes deserve monetary compensation for putting their bodies on the line, or is a scholarship reward enough? These and other issues are explored through alternating viewpoints and fact boxes, and a list of resources gives readers a starting point for further research. By gaining a deeper understanding of both sides, young student-athletes can decide for themselves how they feel"--Provided by publisher.

"Students have always complained about the amount of homework they've been given, but informed debates about homework and its impact on students' lives and mental health have become more common in recent years. Readers are encouraged to understand both sides of the debate and to form their own opinion as they explore informative main text and fact boxes featuring relevant statistics. A detailed graphic organizer and full-color photographs work with the unbiased text to create a relatable reading experience that challenges readers to strengthen their critical-thinking skills as they study different ways to view a topic that directly affects them"--Provided by publisher.

"Sports are fun, but they can be dangerous, too. As more information becomes available about concussions and other injuries, many people have wondered if certain sports, such as football, are too dangerous for kids to play. People often have strong opinions about this topic, and readers are introduced to these opinions in a way that enhances their critical-thinking skills"--Provided by publisher.

". . . introduces readers to the hot topic of minimum wage increases, which is often in the news. While some people think that the federal minimum wage should be raised to $15 to help lift people out of poverty and pay for rising rents, other people think that it will hurt business and lead to higher consumer prices. . . . Readers will embrace critical thinking skills as they weigh both sides and check out the facts"--Provided by publisher.

"Racism is woven into the history of the United States. But while some people think that it's just history and isn't necessary in today's schools, other people believe racism is still a big issue in the United States and should be taught in schools. While some people think learning about racism will only sow more divisions, other people say it is necessary to teach anti-racism to prevent racism in the future. This book covers this important topic in a relatable and age-appropriate way for young students. Readers will be able to read arguments on both sides of the debate and consider the facts. Then, they are encouraged to use those facts and their own experience to inform their point of view. This book will teach essential critical thinking skills through the lens of a hot issue in America today"--Provided by publisher.

"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 plastic bag bans. The enlightening main text is presented alongside full-color photographs, and a detailed graphic organizer allows readers to compare different viewpoints"--Provided by publisher.

"With the tragic rise in school shootings in recent decades, gun control is increasingly becoming a matter on which children are qualified to weigh in. However, without an understanding of what gun control measures are being proposed and debated, it is impossible to formulate an informed opinion. Full-color photographs and . . . fact boxes augment the informative text, which aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of why the gun control debate is so divisive. A list of resources provides a starting point for further research so readers can gain more insight as they form their own opinions"--Provided by publisher.