Should Students Be Allowed to Protest at School?
Part of the Points of View series
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. Vivid photographs, intriguing fact boxes, and an informative graphic organizer help readers gain a deeper understanding of the issue of school protests to help readers make their own decisions about a topic that has huge effects on their own lives.
Are Humans Causing Climate Change?
Part of the Points of View series
The topic of climate change often inspires very strong feelings, and it can sometimes be difficult to sort through the feelings to find the facts. That's exactly what readers are able to do in this helpful guide to this important debate. Balanced, unbiased.
Should the Government Pay for Health Care?
Part of the Points of View series
What is universal health care, and why do people have such strong feelings about it? As readers discover the answers to these questions, they strengthen their critical thinking skills. The objective main text asks readers to form their own opinions about health care and who should pay for it. Fact boxes provide readers with statistics to back up their opinion, no matter what side of the debate it falls on. With a detailed graphic organizer and full-color photographs filling the pages, this creative look at current events is sure to help inform the next generation of active citizens.
Should Boys and Girls Go to Separate Schools?
Part of the Points of View series
Some people strongly believe boys and girls should go to separate schools. Others believe this separation isn't good for students. People on each side of this debate use different facts to support their point of view. Readers discover these facts and how they're used to support opinions in this engaging critical thinking exercise. As the main text encourages respect for other opinions, fact boxes, graphic organizers, and vibrant photographs provide additional information and exciting visual elements. Gender equality is an important issue, and this look at gender and education provides an accessible introduction to this topic for elementary readers.
Are Some Sports Too Dangerous for Kids?
Part of the Points of View series
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. The facts readers need to develop their own informed opinion are included in the thoroughly researched main text and accompanying fact boxes. A graphic organizer and full-color photographs help readers visualize the many parts of this complex issue.
Should Students Have to Learn Another Language?
Part of the Points of View series
As the world gets more connected, many people believe knowing other languages is a key to success. With this in mind, some schools make learning another language mandatory. Do you agree with this, or should students be able to opt out of learning a second language? Readers are asked this question and are then presented with arguments from people on both sides. As readers explore the unbiased main text, helpful fact boxes, and detailed chart breaking down different points of view, they are encouraged to develop their own informed opinion on a topic that directly affects them.
Do Professional Athletes Make Too Much Money?
Part of the Points of View series
Professional athletes are often paid millions of dollars. Many sports fans believe athletes deserve to make a lot of money because they have special skills, make money for their teams and for the cities they play in by attracting fans, and often have short careers and deal with serious injuries. Others, however, believe they make too much money for playing a game and workers such as teachers should make more than athletes. Readers are invited to form their own opinion on this issue as they explore the accessible text, fact boxes, and a helpful graphic organizer.
Is Public Health More Important Than Personal Freedom?
Part of the Points of View series
The topic of public health versus personal freedom has never been more important. The COVID-19 pandemic brought heated arguments into the national spotlight, and many of them affect young people today. This book looks at both sides of the debate. Readers will learn why some people favor vaccine mandates, masks in public, and quarantines. They'll also see why other people oppose such mandates and value personal freedoms. Through familiar situations, facts, and statistics, readers will learn how to apply critical thinking skills to this timely debate.
Is It Our Job to Protect the Environment?
Part of the Points of View series
Many people believe humans have a responsibility to take care of the planet. However, other people believe it isn't their job to protect the environment. Readers discover the facts behind these two opposing points of view and how those points of view determine people's actions. Along the way, they examine their own opinion on this topic, which aligns with common science curricula, and learn to use facts to back up their opinion. Fact boxes, graphic organizers, and vibrant photographs come together to create an eye-catching design that enhances this exploration of critical-thinking skills.
Should Peanuts Be Banned in Schools?
Part of the Points of View series
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.
Is It Wrong to Ban Books?
Part of the Points of View series
When people discuss the idea of banning books, they are also discussing much broader concepts, including censorship, basic freedoms, and the power of religious and political institutions. These challenging topics are presented in accessible ways as readers explore the debate surrounding banned books. As they immerse themselves in many viewpoints surrounding this debate through engaging text, fact boxes, vibrant photographs, and graphic organizers, they discover the importance of developing an informed, independent opinion about issues that affect their lives.
Does Voting Matter?
Part of the Points of View series
Society can be cynical at times, and this can lead to apathy. One example of this is the question of whether or not a person's individual vote in an election actually matters. Readers are exposed to the different points of view about this hot-button topic, and they learn to develop their own viewpoint about the democratic process and to back it up with relevant facts. They discover those facts in the engaging main text, eye-catching fact boxes, and helpful graphic organizers. Colorful, relatable photographs also help readers see how this debate is reflected in the world around them.
Should Junk Food Be Banned in Schools?
Part of the Points of View series
The debate over junk food in schools brings up important points about childhood obesity, public health, and personal choice. All these issues are addressed as readers view arguments both for and against banning junk food in school cafeterias. The balanced, fact-filled text encourages readers to develop their own informed opinions about this issue that directly affects their lives. Colorful photographs, a detailed graphic organizer, and additional fact boxes enhance the main text to give readers a comprehensive understanding of this ongoing debate.
Should Students Have to Do Community Service?
Part of the Points of View series
Community service is often an enriching experience, but should it be mandatory for all students? This is the question readers explore as they learn about both sides of a debate that directly affects them. As readers learn the reasons people feel strongly in favor of and against making service hours mandatory for young people, they are encouraged to think for themselves about where they stand on this issue. They're also invited to use the information presented in fact boxes to support their opinion. Colorful photographs of relatable students and a helpful graphic organizer enhance this exercise in critical thinking.
Is Television Bad for Kids?
Part of the Points of View series
Is television bad for kids? This question has been asked by parents, scientists, and more ever since television sets first entered people's homes, and different people have come up with different answers. As readers are challenged to form their own opinions about the effects of television on young people like them, they strengthen their critical thinking skills and learn to respect a variety of viewpoints. The unbiased main narrative is presented alongside fact boxes that help readers find relevant data to back up their opinions. In addition, a comprehensive graphic organizer and full-color photographs enhance the reading experience.
Should Bullying Be a Crime?
Part of the Points of View series
Bullying is a serious problem, and some people believe it should be considered a crime. However, others believe that takes things too far. These different viewpoints can affect antibullying policies, so it's important for readers to understand why people hold these opposing points of view. As readers explore this debate in depth, they're aided by accessible text, eye-catching fact boxes, and a detailed graphic organizer. Full-color photographs help readers register this important issue, which directly affects them. As readers sharpen their critical thinking skills by exploring a controversial issue, they're encouraged to develop their own informed opinions about bullying.
Should We Trust the News?
Part of the Points of View series
'Fake news' is a term used by politicians and on social media. It can be difficult to know what news sources to trust, or if any can be trusted. The question of whether or not we should trust the news is at the center of this critical thinking exercise, which is also an accessible introduction to media literacy. As the informative main text details each side of this debate, fact boxes present statistics readers can use to back up their point of view. In addition, a helpful graphic organizer and full-color photographs act as engaging visual learning tools.
Should School Lunches Be Free?
Part of the Points of View series
School lunches should be free for all students. Some people might strongly agree with this statement, while others might strongly disagree. In order to engage in a debate about this topic that affects readers' everyday lives, readers first need to understand both sides. They are able to do this with the help of balanced main text, fact boxes, and graphic organizers. Different points of view are clearly presented to readers, who are encouraged to think critically about an issue that would impact them and their families. This valuable reading experience is enhanced through the use of colorful photographs.
Should We Pay for Water?
Part of the Points of View series
Water is a natural resource we need to survive. Knowing this, is it right that we have to pay for it? Readers explore the different ways this challenging question can be answered, developing strong critical thinking skills as they evaluate arguments for and against paying for water. Essential facts needed to understand each point of view are presented through age-appropriate text, informative fact boxes, and clear graphic organizers. Vivid photographs keep readers engaged as they learn the information necessary to develop their own informed opinion and to respect the opinions of others when discussing this important issue.
Do Music and Art Classes Matter?
Part of the Points of View series
When schools need to cut their budgets, music and art classes are often some of the first things to go. Why do some people feel these classes are unnecessary? Why do others feel they're essential? These two questions are at the heart of what readers will find as they explore this essential education debate. The engaging text challenges them to understand why people have different points of view and to form their own point of view using facts, which they find in accessible fact boxes. With graphic organizers and colorful photographs filling the pages, readers will enjoy this critical-thinking exercise.
Is Virtual Learning Good for Students?
Part of the Points of View series
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.
Should the United States Help Other Countries?
Part of the Points of View series
Foreign aid is a controversial topic that has only grown more heated since the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Some people believe it's necessary for the United States to help other countries. Others say giving away financial aid hurts the United States and doesn't help the countries receiving it in the long run. Full-color photographs and engaging fact boxes enhance the objective main text as it explores all sides of this delicate issue.
Should Student-Athletes Be Paid?
Part of the Points of View series
Most people agree that student-athletes work hard at their sports 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. 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 whether they should be paid.
Is Social Media Helpful or Harmful?
Part of the Points of View series
Social media is pervasive in today's culture. It is nearly impossible to avoid it completely. Opinions are divided on whether this has made life better or worse. Young people today are the first generations to grow up with this new form of communication and entertainment. Will it be helpful or harmful to them? Augmented by full-color photographs and informative fact boxes, this engaging narrative explores this question so readers understand both sides of the issue. This is a key element of being able to form intelligent opinions, helping your readers make informed decisions about their social media use.
Do Kids Need Recess?
Part of the Points of View series
Many young students enjoy recess, but some schools have started to phase out this period of playtime in favor of test preparation and more time in the classroom. Is this helping or harming children? Readers learn how to answer that question for themselves in an informed way with the help of balanced text that shows both sides of this debate. Fact boxes provide additional statistics and other essential information, while a helpful graphic organizer presents a creative way to develop critical-thinking skills. Relatable full-color photographs create a deeper sense of engagement as readers learn to respect other points of view.
Should the United States Have Open Borders?
Part of the Points of View series
As immigration becomes an increasingly important and controversial issue, it is important for everyone living in the United States to understand the opinions surrounding it. What does it mean for a country to have open borders? Should the United States adopt this policy or a different one? Readers learn the basics of immigration with this engaging volume that presents both sides of the debate surrounding border security and open borders. Intriguing fact boxes and striking photographs enhance the informative text, giving readers a foundation upon which to build their own intelligent views on this crucial topic.
Should Citizens Be Required to Vote?
Part of the Points of View series
In some countries, citizens are required to vote in elections, but in the United States, citizens are free to choose not to vote. This had led to low voter turnout in many elections, and some people think making voting mandatory for American citizens would help the democratic process. Why do they believe this, and why do others strongly disagree with them? Readers explore these opposing points of view through unbiased main text, fact boxes, vibrant photographs, and a helpful graphic organizer. This creative look at democracy around the world encourages the development of informed opinions and critical-thinking skills.
Is Safety More Important Than Privacy?
Part of the Points of View series
Fears about terrorism and other safety concerns have been prevalent for decades, but recent advancements in technology have given law enforcement and national security officials the ability to monitor suspected criminals. Some people believe this is not only desirable, but necessary. Others worry about the ways this power could potentially be abused. The many angles of conflict between safety and privacy are presented to readers through compelling photographs and fascinating fact boxes that supplement the neutral main text. This informative reading experience allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the arguments and formulate their own opinions.
Should the School Day Start Later?
Part of the Points of View series
Debates over what time to start the school day are happening in many communities. Because this decision affects students, it's helpful for them to understand the arguments used on both sides and to form their own opinion about this issue. They're able to do so after exploring this debate through accessible main text, eye-catching fact boxes, and a detailed graphic organizer. Relatable full-color photographs enhance this crucial critical thinking exercise. Is there a scientific reason why teenagers hate waking up early for school? The answer is waiting for readers to discover.
Should All Students Have to Take Gym Class?
Part of the Points of View series
For some students, gym class is the best part of their day. For others, it's a class they wish they could skip. Should all students have to take gym class? This is the question readers are invited to ponder as they explore clear and objective text that presents both sides of this debate. Fact boxes, a detailed graphic organizer, and colorful photographs provide additional information and eye-catching visual components in this critical-thinking exercise. As readers learn to develop their own informed opinion about an issue that directly affects them, they also discover the importance of respecting other points of view.
Should Gun Control Laws Be Stronger?
Part of the Points of View series
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 engaging fact boxes augment this informative narrative, which provides readers with a deeper understanding of why the gun control debate is so divisive. A list of resources provides a starting point for readers to gain additional insight as they form their own intelligent opinions on gun control laws.
Is Technology Becoming Too Smart?
Part of the Points of View series
As technology continues to advance at an exponential rate, people have begun to express fears about the abilities of smart devices. While these people worry about job security, data security, and the implications for law enforcement, others point out benefits such as streamlined production and exciting new inventions. Through fascinating fact boxes and an informative graphic organizer that enhance the main text, readers learn about the various points of view surrounding this STEM issue. Objective text encourages critical thinking to help the next generation of innovators come to their own conclusions about technology.
Should the Voting Age Be Lowered?
Part of the Points of View series
As young people are becoming louder voices for change, the idea of lowering the voting age has been brought up more often. While some people believe this would encourage teenagers to become more active citizens, others believe there are good reasons to keep the voting age at 18. As readers explore both sides of this debate, they learn essential facts to form and back up their own informed opinion on this topic, which has real implications for their future. Fact boxes, graphic organizers, and full-color photographs enhance the objective main text, creating a reading experience that enhances critical thinking skills.
Are Video Games Too Violent?
Part of the Points of View series
Violence in the media is a major topic of debate, and video games are often at the center of these debates. Are they too violent? Does playing a violent video game have any impact on a young person becoming violent themselves? Readers are encouraged to form their own answers to these challenging questions and to back them up with facts from the enlightening text. A detailed graphic organizer, vivid photographs, and helpful fact boxes are also included to guide readers as they explore the many facets of this controversial issue.
Should Every Community Have a Library?
Part of the Points of View series
Libraries are an important part of many communities, but some people have argued that they're not as necessary as they once were. Budget cuts and the rise of the internet have led some to question the need for libraries. As readers explore this point of view, they also find compelling reasons why many still consider a library in every community a necessity. These reasons are presented through accessible main text that is enhanced by fact boxes, full-color photographs, and a detailed graphic organizer. This critical thinking exercise promotes a love of reading and respect for other opinions.
Should the Minimum Wage Be Raised?
Part of the Points of View series
Even though readers may be too young to earn a wage, the issue of minimum wage affects many Americans to some extent. This book 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. This tough topic is tackled with familiar language and relatable situations so young readers can comprehend arguments on either side. Readers will embrace critical thinking skills as they weigh both sides and check out the facts.
Should Everyone Drive Electric Cars?
Part of the Points of View series
More and more people are investing in electric vehicles to help combat climate change and use less fossil fuels. But is this something everyone should do? Readers dive deep into this question as they explore the debate surrounding electric cars. Both sides of this discussion are presented objectively and with fact boxes to help readers to learn to back up their opinions with relevant data and statistics. Full-color photographs and a graphic organizer that summarizes both sides' main points are highlights of the colorful design of this critical-thinking exercise.
Are Kids Too Busy?
Part of the Points of View series
Today's kids are sometimes described as overscheduled-with homework, sports, dance classes, music lessons, volunteer work, and other activities often taking up every moment of their free time. In the eyes of some people, though, this is good-it helps kids prepare for the future, stay active, and stay safe after school. But what do kids think? This engaging exercise in critical thinking invites kids to develop their own informed opinion on how their generation spends their time. Fact boxes allow them to support their viewpoint with relevant data, and a helpful graphic organizer summarizes both sides of this debate.
Should the Driving Age Be Raised?
Part of the Points of View series
Earning a driver's license is a big moment for a teen. Many kids look forward to this life milestone. However, some people say that the minimum driving age should be raised. This would give teens more time to mature and gain life experience. Other people feel that the current minimum driving age allows teens more time to practice driving skills. This book delves into arguments on both sides of this hot topic. Readers will be able to look at each argument and supporting facts to make an opinion of their own. This book is sure to excite readers and allow them to practice essential critical thinking skills.
Should Kids Go to Protests?
Part of the Points of View series
Protests are an important way people use their voices to fight for change. Throughout history, young people have often been involved in protests and marches, and this continues today, with kids attending-and even leading-protests against gun violence, injustice, and inaction in the fight to slow climate change. Some people believe it's important for kids to see their First Amendment rights in action, while others worry that protests aren't safe for children. Readers are invited to examine their own point of view regarding this issue as they explore unbiased main text, relevant fact boxes, and a helpful graphic organizer.
Is Exploring Space Important?
Part of the Points of View series
Space exploration has taught us valuable things, and it might find a new home for humans if Earth someday becomes uninhabitable. While there is value in these reasons for devoting time and money to space exploration, some people argue that time and money could be better spent helping people on Earth. This complicated debate is presented to readers through unbiased text that fosters the independent development of an informed opinion about this hot topic. Engaging photographs and a graphic organizer enhance the reading experience, and fact boxes allow readers to support their point of view with relevant data.
Are Students Given Too Much Homework?
Part of the Points of View series
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.
Should Kids Get an Allowance?
Part of the Points of View series
Both kids and adults often have strong feelings about children being given an allowance. Before young people take a side, it's important for them to learn the basic arguments and facts on both sides of this debate. They're able to do this with the help of
Is the Electoral College Necessary?
Part of the Points of View series
Every four years, presidential elections renew the longstanding debate about whether the Electoral College is a beneficial or detrimental part of the voting process. Some people believe the popular vote should be sufficient. Others fear this would result in a president being elected without a clear majority. Understanding how the Electoral College works and formulating an opinion about it is a key part of becoming an informed voter. With the help of full-color photographs and informative fact boxes, this volume allows the next generation of voters to form and support their own opinions about this prominent system.
Should Cell Phones Be Allowed in Classrooms?
Part of the Points of View series
Many young people have their own cell phones, and they use them to connect with family and friends and to easily find information. This can pose a problem in schools, as cell phones become a distraction or a tool used to cheat on tests and quizzes. Many people have strong opinions on cell phone use in schools, and this debate opens up important questions about students' rights. Readers are introduced to this debate through balanced text and a graphic organizer that clearly present the arguments on both sides. Fact boxes and full-color photographs enhance this crucial critical-thinking exercise.
Is It Important to Buy American Goods?
Part of the Points of View series
Some people believe Americans should make an effort to buy goods made in the United States. Others think that it doesn't matter where something is made. Thanks to allowances, many children are consumers in their own right. They should strive to make ethical decisions about where their money is spent. Through alternating viewpoints, complemented by fact boxes and a graphic organizer, this objective narrative explores both sides of the argument so readers can develop their own intelligent opinions and make informed choices about how they spend their money.
Should Schools Have Dress Codes?
Part of the Points of View series
Most schools have at least some form of a dress code. However, some people believe dress codes are restrictive and unnecessary. Is one approach better than the other? Readers are immersed in the debate surrounding school dress codes through the use of informative text that presents multiple points of view. Eye-catching fact boxes, detailed graphic organizers, and full-color photographs enhance this engaging reading experience. Readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and develop an informed opinion as they explore the many sides of an issue that directly affects them.
Does Technology Make People Lazy?
Part of the Points of View series
Technology has made life easier for people around the world, but is that necessarily a good thing? Some people believe technology has made people lazier, but others believe it actually makes people more productive. Readers deepen their understanding of this debate through detailed main text, concise fact boxes, a helpful graphic organizer, and relatable photographs. As they read, they're asked to challenge their own beliefs and develop their own informed opinion that they can back up with relevant facts. This reading experience engages critical-thinking skills and encourages a healthy respect for opposing viewpoints.