Big-Buck Business

It is not common knowledge that the history of banking has deep roots. The first banks have been traced back to the Middle Ages, and the practice of loaning currency goes all the way back to eighteenth century B.C. The services that banks offer go hand-in-hand with the use of money. Readers will learn about the different kinds of banks, including investment banks, private banks, cooperative banks, the Federal Reserve, and the World Bank. They'll read how banks yield profits for shareholders and how account holders earn interest. They'll learn the pivotal role of banks in the global financial crisis of 2008 and what is being done to minimize the risks of such a disaster happening again. Throughout the text, fact boxes explain important financial concepts that are so frequently referenced in the news today. Series Review: Big-Buck Business"The timely and topical books explain the ins and outs, history, and future of different areas of commerce and highlight successful people in the various fields. … The set will be helpful for further research, for learning about an industry as a whole, and/or as an introduction to a study of economics."-School Library Journal

Do not underestimate the power of the Internet. In just a few years, it has completely reshaped many parts of our lives, including how we buy goods and how we communicate with our friends. Some websites in particular are global meeting places, and advertisers are investing billions to cash in. The fascinating text examines how social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, have become such a powerful presence and the impact they have had on our culture. Readers also learn why online privacy has become one of the most controversial issues. Series Review: Big-Buck Business"The timely and topical books explain the ins and outs, history, and future of different areas of commerce and highlight successful people in the various fields. … The set will be helpful for further research, for learning about an industry as a whole, and/or as an introduction to a study of economics."-School Library Journal

It's incredible how much the entertainment industry has evolved over the past 100 years. Music, movies, and television now generate massive amounts of money for the prime players involved. Readers will feel like entertainment executives as they learn about what goes on behind the scenes of a hit movie, TV show, or song. Eye-catching photographs and fascinating information about popular stars and movies make the topics of business and finance accessible and relevant to all readers. Thought-provoking questions in fact boxes throughout the text encourage deeper evaluation of the issues. Series Review: Big-Buck Business"The timely and topical books explain the ins and outs, history, and future of different areas of commerce and highlight successful people in the various fields. … The set will be helpful for further research, for learning about an industry as a whole, and/or as an introduction to a study of economics."-School Library Journal

Energy is needed for homes, cars, businesses, and the tools that make our lives easier, such as cell phones. As the world's population surpasses 7 billion, more people are worrying about the sustainability of fuels. A myriad of topics are introduced to readers, including the use of alternative energy sources, the dangers of nuclear power, and the costs of renewable and nonrenewable energy. Readers will examine many controversies of the energy industry and learn about the companies and organizations that are often in the news. Fascinating fact boxes add to the appeal of the text. Series Review: Big-Buck Business"The timely and topical books explain the ins and outs, history, and future of different areas of commerce and highlight successful people in the various fields. … The set will be helpful for further research, for learning about an industry as a whole, and/or as an introduction to a study of economics."-School Library Journal