New Releases by Ann Gaines

-- Report-length books that present the history and mission of each military branch. -- Books offer easily accessible and timely information for book reports and military career opportunities. -- Each title includes military contacts, chapter notes, Internet addresses, a further reading list, and an index.

Recounts the development of the United States Navy, from its beginnings during the War of 1812 to the present. Also discusses how the Navy has evolved to allow both minorities and women to serve in its ranks and the implementation of more sophisticated technology, weaponry and ships.

Traces the life and work of Douglas MacArthur, the military man who ended his career as one of the most controversial generals in American history.

Traces the history of apartheid in South Africa, highlighting Nelson Mandela''s pivotal role in the anti-apartheid movement.

Describes life in this branch of the armed forces, including training, job opportunities, and high-tech equipment.

Profiles four professional baseball players who might serve as fitness role models for young adults: Ivan Rodriguez, Mark McGwire, Brady Anderson, and Ken Griffey, Jr.

Profiles four women who might serve as fitness role models for young adults: Christie Brinkley, Denise Austin, Claudia Schiffer, and Tyra Banks.

A brief biography of the black explorer and seaman who, together with Robert E. Peary, discovered the North Pole in 1909.

Examines the Confederacy''s role in the Civil War, the hostility between northern and southern states, and the aftermath of the war.

Traces the efforts of Commodore Matthew Perry to use force and diplomacy to end Japan''s traditional isolationism and to begin trade with the Asian nation.

A brief biography of the former Mouseketeer and popular young singer, Britney Spears.

Describes the life and times of Benedict Arnold, giving a glimpse into the man whose name became synonymous with the word "traitor".

A biography of the Chicago Cubs outfielder who in 1998, along with Mark McGuire, broke the home run record previously set by Roger Maris.

Traces the life of the frontier settler and Texas defender who died in the attack on the Alamo, including information on his early days and his effect on American frontier culture.

Describes exploration of the planet Mars, with an emphasis on the Pathfinder and Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft, what they found, and future missions.

Describes the physical characteristics and behavior of platypuses, one of three species of monotremes or egg-laying mammals.

Surveys the history, equipment, and techniques of such extreme sports as skysurfing, mountain climbing, roller blading, and skateboarding and describes the X-Games, created to celebrate them.

Recounts the life and career of the co-founder of Apple Computers, whose technological knowledge and business abilities influenced the development of both computers and animated films.

A biography of the NASCAR driver who won the most points of any rookie on the Winston Cup circuit in 1998.

This book traces the history of the Panama Canal from the early exploration of Central and South America by the Spanish, through French efforts to build a canal in Panama, to the successful United States completion of the canal in the early twentieth century. Highlighting the people involved in the planning and building of the canal, it examines the many obstacles that had to be overcome, geography, politics, disease, before the canal could be finished. It also discusses the tensions that have existed among local Panamanians protesting the Unites States presence in the Canal Zone, as well as the possible ramifications of the transfer of the canal back to Panama.

Chronicles the lives of Mary Pickford, Lucille Ball, Katherine Hepburn, Marlee Matlin, Rita Moreno, and Jodie Foster.

Learn how private investigators and bounty hunters track down criminals for reward in this riveting title.

Discusses the lives and athletic accomplishments of six women: Althea Gibson, Wilma Rudolph, Janet Guthrie, Debi Thomas, Sheryl Swoopes, and Pat Head Summitt.

This work is the eighth in the series of Critical Assessments of leading economists. It presents a selection of the critical literature commenting on the life and works of William Stanley Jevons.

Examines the history, mentality, goals, and acts of terrorists and discusses what a free society can do to protect itself against them.

Chronicles the life of the famous television star and her struggles to overcome many obstacles, including alleged child abuse, teen pregnancy, institutionalization, and mental instability.

Discusses the history and philosophy of incarceration and examines conditions in American prisons and such related issues as prison reform, riots, prisoners'' rights, and more.