Getting Involved in School Government
Part of the Making a Difference series
One of the best ways young people can make a difference in the world around them is getting involved in school government. Student councils offer young people the chance to serve in such roles as student body president, treasurer, or secretary. Running for these offices offers students valuable experience in how real-life governments work. It can also provide young people with a way to make meaningful contributions to their schools through fundraising, organizing events to raise school spirit, and sometimes, even changing outdated rules. Part of the Making a Difference series, Getting Involved in School Government explores the various aspects of being part of a student council, including how it can lead students to keep making a difference far beyond their school years.
Fostering Animals
Part of the Making a Difference series
Animal shelters and rescue groups in the United States help millions of homeless animals each year. Foster families help these organizations accomplish this important job by taking some of these pets into their homes. By providing dogs, cats, and other animals with loving care until each one finds a permanent home, fosters make a meaningful difference in the lives of these pets. Part of the Making a Difference series, Fostering Animals tells readers about the fostering process, including the requirements for becoming a foster, the responsibilities involved, and what day-to-day life is like with a foster pet.
The Dalai Lama
Leaders Who Are Changing the World
Part of the Making a Difference series
From his humble beginnings to his worldwide fame, the still-humble Dalai Lama, originally from Tibet, is an inspiration to many, Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike. Full of fascinating facts, this engaging book chronicles the life, achievements, awards, teachings, and ideals of this gifted and devoted promoter of peace and political independence-most notably for the people of Tibet, who remain under the control of the Chinese government. Though he himself remains exiled from Tibet, the Dalai Lama does all he can on the world stage to make the plight of his people known. This is the inspiring story of a uniquely passionate freedom fighter, political leader, public conscience, and spiritual guide.
Sonia Sotomayor
Leaders Who Are Changing the World
Part of the Making a Difference series
Rising out of poverty to become the third female and first Hispanic associate justice of the United States Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor truly embodies the American dream. Her journey from a housing project to the Ivy League and then through all three levels of the federal court system has inspired countless individuals across the country. Even in the midst of her successes, Sotomayor has made time to reach out to various communities to help ensure that all have equal opportunities for success. Readers will learn about her incredible life story and her contributions to both the legal system and the world outside of the courts.
Peyton & Eli Manning in the Community
Athletes Who Are Changing the World
Part of the Making a Difference series
Thanks to their record-breaking level of play, multiple Super Bowl wins, and numerous awards, Peyton and Eli Manning have become two of the most popular names in American football. This book chronicles the rise to fame of these football legends, as well as the ways in which they have used their success to give back to the community. Shots of the brothers in action-on the playing field and performing charitable work-and offset facts about their lives and careers help illustrate the hard work and responsibilities that come with great success.
Robert Griffin III in the Community
Athletes Who Are Changing the World
Part of the Making a Difference series
One of the most outstanding features of Robert Griffin III's football career has been his commitment to personally connecting with his fans. From his earliest days with the Washington Redskins, RG3, as Griffin has been nicknamed, has conducted himself in such a way as to become a popular role model. He promotes healthy physical lifestyles, strong spiritual faith and values, and a commitment to giving time to others in need. This book highlights one athlete's inspiring commitment to success, showing how strength of character goes a long when toward making a difference.
Bill and Melinda Gates
Leaders Who Are Changing the World
Part of the Making a Difference series
The names Bill and Melinda Gates are often in the headlines, whether it's for the newest Microsoft innovation or, more recently, for their inspiring philanthropic donations and endeavors. This book offers young readers a lively, accessible overview of the lives of these high-profile leaders, including their formative years, their accomplishments, and their astounding but thoughtful charitable contributions. This biography introduces readers to the upbringing and personalities of both Bill and Melinda, and explains how they work tirelessly as a team to improve the lives of the less fortunate around the world.
Venus & Serena Williams in the Community
Athletes Who Are Changing the World
Part of the Making a Difference series
The story of the Williams sisters is an inspirational tale of two driven young women who overcame racism, classism, and sexism in their fight to excel in the world of sports. In this image-packed book, readers will discover how Venus and Serena's astounding success journey is tied to their charitable efforts with organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House and the Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund. "Star Stats" and a timeline of achievements highlight these tennis stars' accomplishments both on and off the court.
Aung San Suu Kyi
Leaders Who Are Changing the World
Part of the Making a Difference series
Aung San Suu Kyi was born to lead. Following in the footsteps of her dissident father, Aung San, she has resisted the machinations of a corrupt government for years and paid dearly for it. In a largely biographical format, this book details Aung's rise as an opposition leader in Myanmar (formerly Burma), telling the story of a woman who willingly sacrificed her freedoms for those of her people. Background information and notable moments in her struggle are called out in boxed inserts.
Kevin Durant in the Community
Athletes Who Are Changing the World
Part of the Making a Difference series
Raised in a poor area of Washington, D.C., Kevin Durant is a true example of how studying and working hard can lead to great success in sports. As a role model for basketball fans nationwide, Durant works with several charities and manages the Kevin Durant Family Foundation, which works with kids from disadvantaged backgrounds and single-parent families. This book, complete with "Star Stats" and a timeline of achievements, celebrates Durant's charitable activities and basketball success.
Jeff Gordon in the Community
Athletes Who Are Changing the World
Part of the Making a Difference series
In the 1990s, NASCAR racing star Jeff Gordon became a household name for his extraordinary wins on the track. Today he is equally well known for his charitable work with the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation. This book takes an in-depth look at Gordon's successful efforts to raise funding for cancer research, as well as the construction of pediatric hospitals and health facilities. Packed with colorful photographs and "Star Stats," this book shows readers how this sports star is making a difference behind the wheel and out in the community.
Derek Jeter in the Community
Athletes Who Are Changing the World
Part of the Making a Difference series
Even during his first outstanding rookie season in Major League Baseball, Derek Jeter was determined to channel his burgeoning success into helping the community. This book explores the ways in which one of the world's top-performing baseball stars has become a role model by practicing what he preaches-eating well and exercising, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and working hard to achieve success. Readers will learn all about Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation, which supports programs that encourage physical fitness and good values. All in all, this book shows the rewards that come from an athlete giving back.
Pope Francis
Leaders Who Are Changing the World
Part of the Making a Difference series
As leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the pope is the most visible spiritual leader in the world. The first non-European leader of the church in more than 1,200 years, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina was elected pope in 2013. Taking the name Francis, the new pope has captivated the world with messages of justice, tolerance, and concern for the poor. This accessible biography tells Pope Francis's life story, tracing his path to this important role in the church and on the world stage. It discusses his compassionate acts and efforts to bring about change, which have created excitement about the church's future.
Bill and Hillary Clinton
Leaders Who Are Changing the World
Part of the Making a Difference series
Few political figures are as polarizing as Bill and Hillary Clinton. This power couple has generated fiercely mixed reactions since their first appearance on the political stage. A new Clinton era may be dawning, as Hillary again tests the waters for a presidential bid. Uncovering all the layers of myth, rumor, spin, and talk-radio takedowns, this examination is clear-eyed and calm, objectively reviewing the origins, rise, near fall, and reemergence of the world's most influential couple. It is a fascinating tale of hard work, ambition, idealism and calculation, political might and human weakness and, ultimately, the enduring strength of family.
Mentoring, Guiding Young People on Their Path to Greatness
Part of the Making a Difference series
Having the guidance of another person can be a great help in learning almost anything. Mentors are people who spend time with others to share their knowledge and experience in a particular part of life. Some mentors are adults. But these important helpers can also be younger people. Teen mentors may work with younger kids. There are also peer mentors who work with people their own age. Part of the Making a Difference series, Mentoring, Guiding Young People on Their Path to Greatness explores the various ways that people can serve as mentors. Those who benefit from having mentors in their lives may even pay it forward by later becoming mentors themselves.
Fundraising, Raising Money for Important Causes
Part of the Making a Difference series
One of the most effective ways a person can help others is by collecting money for an important cause. One person alone cannot fund the research needed to cure cancer. But that one person can encourage numerous other people to donate to cancer research. Some people fundraise for established charities, such as the American Heart Association or the Humane Society of the United States. Other people fundraise on a local level, collecting money for people who need food or a place to live. Whatever the cause, the most important step a person can take is getting started. Part of the Making a Difference series, Fundraising, Raising Money for Important Causes explores the various ways a person can get involved in fundraising to improve the lives of others.
Getting Smart About Recycling
Part of the Making a Difference series
Most people want to live in a world free of garbage. But the amount of stuff people throw away each day clogs landfills. Burned garbage pollutes the environment, harming it for present and future populations on Earth. Recycling can help. But people need to know how to go about this important practice to ensure that objects placed in recycling bins are being used to make new products. Part of the Making a Difference series, Getting Smart About Recycling tells readers about the many ways they can reduce, reuse, and recycle to make Earth a healthier place for everyone.