Richard Wright was one of the most influential writers in American literary history. Credited with developing the protest novel, he became the first best-selling African-American writer of the twentieth century. Regarded by many as a masterpiece, Black Boy took the literary tradition of the narrative to new heights by providing a first-hand account of living in the South as an African-American male during the Jim Crow era. The result was a gripping tale combining oppression and self-determination. 
John Steinbeck, author of the Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, and East of Eden, is generally accepted as one of the greatest American authors of the twentieth century. His classic books are frequently studied in school. However, some people object to the books’ language and themes, believing that they are not appropriate reading for young people. In John Steinbeck: Banned, Challenged, and Censored, author Maurene J. Hinds discusses Steinbeck's life and times and analyzes several of his most controversial works. She also explores the history of book censorship, showing why it occurs and possible ways to address it. She helps readers make up their own minds about whether books should be banned.
AIDS—acquired immunodeficiency syndrome—refers to a group of symptoms that result from infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. The virus attacks the immune system, taking away the body’s ability to protect itself. Since the early 1980s, AIDS has killed millions of people. Author Maurene Hinds explains how this disease first emerged and the devastation it has caused. She discusses ways to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS, and she looks at the possible future course of the illness as well as its impact on our world.
In our society, there are those who believe the death penalty is necessary to punish the worst crimes, and there are those who believe that it should be abolished. Author Maurene J. Hinds examines the arguments on both sides of the debate, and she shows how the courts—especially the Supreme Court—have played a part in the evolution of capital punishment in the United States. Includes instructions on how readers can conduct a moot court that mirrors the Supreme Court case.
". . . a balanced view of these controversial issues."
–The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2006
Teens and children are in a special position in society: they are not independent, yet they do have rights. Author Maurene J. Hinds outlines for readers the ways in which the rights of young people have changed over time in the United States, and she brings them up-to-date on the topic of young people’s rights today. Hinds covers such issues as privacy and self-expression and explains what teens can do if their rights are violated.
The Ferguson Guide To Resumes And Job Hunting Skills: A Step-By-Step Guide To Preparing For Your Job Search
A proper resume and effective job-hunting skills can go a long way in getting a foot in the door. An invaluable handbook for those looking to improve their ability to find a job, The Ferguson Guide to Résumés and Job-Hunting Skills covers all the essential elements of the job-hunting process—from finding a career track that matches one's needs and interests to organizing and writing a resume and cover letter to getting and conducting successful job interviews.
More than 100 samples illustrate many different types of resumes and cover letters. Additional information explores the benefits of preparing a resume early, both as a tool for career exploration and as a way to help readers prepare for the professional world. Each of the four major sections includes several chapters covering each aspect of the topic.
Sections include:
Looking for a job and career: self-assessment, the basics of job searching, looking beyond the classifieds, and getting organized
Writing a resume: the purpose of a resume, a step-by-step guide to preparing a resume, and different types of resumes such as chronological, functional, and combined resumes
Writing a cover letter: the function of a cover letter, common mistakes to avoid, and different types of cover letters such as broadcast letters and personal letters
Interviewing: what to expect and what to accomplish, communication techniques, dressing right, fielding and asking questions, and following up.
The perfect guide for those looking to improve their resume or find the right job, The Ferguson Guide to Résumés and Job-Hunting Skills is packed with authoritative, up-to-date information.
"The samples alone might be worth the book's cover price." - Booklist
"...offers practical advice on finding a career path, writing résumés, writing cover letters, and interviewing." - Reference & Research Book News
"...comprehensive coverage of résumé types, content, and style along with cover letters and their use...would be useful in high school and college libraries as well as in a personal collection." - American Reference Books Annual
Does this outfit make me look fat? Is my nose too big? Should I dye my hair red or get a body piercing? Questions like this often go through the minds of teens. At some point in every teen’s life they are affected by body image. In FOCUS ON BODY IMAGE: HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT HOW YOU LOOK, author Maurene J. Hinds explains why and how body image issues can consume a teen’s life. She explores the various body image problems from eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder to tattooing and body piercing. Hinds balances negative problems with positive solutions to help teens feel good about who they are and how they look.
"Chapter subtitles in bold type keep the topics easy to find. While there are many books available on this subject, few mention the new body and muscle dysmorphic disorders."
–School Library Journal, January 2003
Reprinted with permission from School Library Journal, copyright Cahners Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier, Inc.
"The books will prove to have multiple applications for strict factual content and straightforward presentation of complex social issues, and students will find them a valuable resource for research and writing . . . young readers will find answers to their personal and pressing concerns, presented in a non-judgmental fashion."
–VOYA, June 2003
"Both books are clearly written . . ."
–The Horn Book Guide, July-December 2002
This book provides a simple, step-by-step guide to writing grants. Teachers will be given tips about writing and submitting a grant and idea topics appropriate for helping students in need of intervention. Sample grants, writing templates, and lists of available small and large grants will be included.
