Issues that Concern You

Climate change is real...depending on who you ask. Scientists and environmentalists have been going head-to-head and toe-to-toe with CEOs and politicians over our global resources, insisting that a large-scale climate crisis is upon us. This collection of diverse perspectives looks at all sides of this fraught debate, discusses the pros and cons of global action to curtail climate change, and offers ideas and solutions for what readers can do about climate change on the home front while the experts keep duking it in political arenas.

Applications, personal essays, campus visits, and those dreaded SATs and ACTs, the process of applying to, and getting into, college is almost as complicated as higher education itself. In this anthology, readers will get an in-depth look at the admission process, including viewpoints about the fairness and relevance of standardized test scores, the importance of volunteer and extracurricular activities, and how to market oneself as an ideal candidate for admission. Choosing a college is one of life's most important decisions, and readers of this resource will be presented with valuable information.

More than two million kids in the U.S. face homelessness each year, with 57 percent going without food for at least one day a month. Teens represent a shocking 7 percent of the country's total homeless population. Whether they're crashing on someone's couch, living in cars, staying in shelters, or literally sleeping on the street, studies show that the plight of homeless youths is only growing worse. The viewpoints in this book tackle the economic and societal factors that contribute to teen homelessness, the stark situations faced by young transients today, and what can be done to curb this alarming trend.

Does freedom of assembly apply to a high-school junior organizing a protest against the school administration? Does disrespecting a teacher fall under freedom of speech? The diverse perspectives in this collection explore the concept of student rights and tackle what civil and constitutional rights are covered when you're in an educational environment. Readers can expect discussions of relevant court cases and instances of student-led activism, as well as a focus on protected sources for student reporters.

Transgender rights are not just limited to bathroom bills, though the controversial issue has dominated news headlines for the past few years. What basic human rights are afforded to transgender and non-binary U.S. citizens is a mystery to many. The viewpoints in this resource lay out the issues in a concise and informative way, offering measured arguments as to why trans Americans are a protected class, as well as arguments for why they don't need special treatment. Workplace discrimination, marriage equality, and adoption, as they relate to transgender identities, are also touched upon.

Getting into college is one giant hurdle to clear, and paying for it is quite another. This book breaks down the expenses associated with higher education, the various payment options available for students, including student loans, need-based scholarships, and merit-based scholarships, and what other avenues may exist for families to ensure that costs associated with tuition, room, and board stay reasonable. Concerns about "paying off" student loans, interest rates, and timelines are also addressed in this informative collection.