New Releases by Hal Marcovitz

Imagine waking one morning to discover you have wings. Imagine the places you could go and sights you could see as you soar high above the world looking down with a true bird''s eye view. In this very funny yet strange story, our hero Eggerton wrestles with these decisions as he contemplates what to do with his life when he rises from bed and learns he possesses the power of winged flight. The wonder in My Life With Wings comes courtesy of Marcovitz''s protagonist. His demeanor and thinking, that sometimes can appear as psychedelic, are diverse and believable. Throughout the story, Eggerton broods deeply over isolation, desire, and everything that revolves around his wings. As a divorced man, the protagonist''s life is actually normal and readers would definitely know one or two people like him - except for the wings, of course. His friends are a bunch of colorful people, each with their own degree of eccentricity and flaws... This novel is a fine allegory about life, aspiration, and how one perseveres against challenges. Absorbing the fun creative spirit of Marcovitz through this novella will keep readers fascinated from the beginning to the end. Simply put, this is a unique tale and a creditable triumph for the author who has created a book worthy of sitting on a shelf next to the works of other great writers. Readersfavorite.com

Frustration and anger spilled into the streets in 2020 after yet another Black man was killed by police. George Floyd''s death in Minneapolis sparked a huge outpouring of outrage and grief as protests spread to cities all across the nation and the world. Protesters from all walks of life have demanded change because Black Americans should not be afraid to walk or jog or drive on city streets--and they should not have to fear encounters with police.

When synthetic opioids were developed a quarter-century ago, many physicians believed the drugs would help alleviate the pain caused by severe injuries and debilitating diseases. But while the drugs do deaden pain, they can lead to devastating addiction as well as death through overdose. Meanwhile, the natural opioid heroin continues to be a much-abused illegal drug that threatens the lives of its users.

3D printers are already being used to create clothing, cars, houses, and even human organs. Huge changes in manufacturing, medicine, transportation, architecture, and other areas of modern life are likely to take place as a result of advances in 3D printing.

Young adults are faced with pressure from friends, family, and the media not to become overweight. Many struggle with self-esteem issues as a result, and someone who has trouble keeping his or her weight down may turn to dangerous diet drugs for a quick fix. Readers learn about the consequences of taking these pills through accessible text and informative graphs. A list of organizations is included where young adults can find more information about healthy alternatives to diet drugs.

Marijuana use is extremely prevalent in today’s society, and factions have long debated whether it is helpful, harmful, or both. With the legalization of marijuana in some states, this debate is more heated than ever, making it crucial to give young adults as much information as possible. This volume presents readers with both sides of the issue, encouraging them to think critically about whether or not marijuana should be legalized nationally. Detailed sidebars and full-color photographs explore the history and effects of marijuana use, and a list of websites is provided for further research.

3-D printing offers new alternatives to the way things are made. From the creation of everyday products, to surgeons'' advances in prosthetics; 3-D printing may be the new way of manufacturing. Correlates with STEM instruction and Maker Space activities. Includes glossary, websites, and bibliography for further reading. Correlations available on publisher''s website.

Why do people believe in ghosts or vampires or any number of other seemingly fantastic beings? The answers to that question are many and varied. Some would attribute such belief to ignorance or superstition while others might cite personal experience or a rich tradition of stories dating back centuries. The Do They Exist? series encourages readers to critically examine the enduring belief in and skepticism about the existence of all sorts of paranormal entities or events. All books in the series include fully documented quotes and full-color photographs. Book jacket.

Torture. According to Henry Shue, professor of politics and international relations at the University of Oxford in England, "No other practice except slavery is so universally condemned in law and human convention. Yet, unlike slavery...torture is widespread and growing." Why is torture so common? Is it an unavoidable component of human psychology? Exposing Torture tackles these complex questions, delving into the history of torture around the world, from the flayings, burnings, and other methods of torture in ancient societies to the humiliating forms of psychological and sexual torture of the twenty-first century. But is torture an effective means of controlling human behavior? Can it help root out information about terrorism and prevent loss of human life? Over the centuries, many people have supported the point of view that it can, while others vehemently disagree. In this book, readers will examine the ethical and moral dilemmas of torture, while learning more about the international efforts to ensure the humanitarian treatment of individuals in a variety of circumstances. Exposing Torture also delves into the system of international courts and tribunals that work to bring known torturers to trial. Readers will hear from victims of torture who not only survived but sought justice and founded organizations to help other victims. After reading this in-depth examination, readers will be able to make a persuasive argument to answer the question: Is torture ever acceptable?

The Statue of Liberty was given to the United States as a gift from the people of France in 1886. It was originally meant as an emblem of the friendship between the two nations, but over the years it has come to mean much more. The Statue of Liberty has come to represent the promise of America—a promise that drew tens of millions of immigrants from other countries, seeking greater freedom and opportunities. For many of these immigrants, Lady Liberty was the first thing they saw when they arrived in the United States. The Statue of Liberty has also served as a symbol of freedom for those who are oppressed throughout the world.

The issue of slavery had divided the nation for decades, but problems came to a head after the election of Abraham Lincoln as president in 1860. Fearing that Lincoln would attempt to abolish slavery, the legislatures of 11 southern states voted to withdraw from the United States and create a new nation, the Confederate States of America. This would result in four bloody years of Civil War in which more than 600,000 Americans were killed. The Confederacy adopted several flags between 1861 and 1865; the best known today is the battle flag, which featured a blue saltire cross on a red background. To some people, the Confederate flag is a proud symbol of Southern heritage and bravery. Others, however, view the Confederate flag as a symbol that represents the enslavement and oppression of African Americans. As a result, the Confederate flag is among the most controversial of American symbols.

For more than 200 years, U.S. presidents have lived and worked in the executive mansion at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C.—commonly known as the White House. The executive mansion received its nickname in 1798, when its stone exterior was painted white to seal it from moisture and prevent cracking. As the official home of the president, the White House has come to symbolize the power and authority of the U.S. government. Within its walls, decisions are made that affect the lives of all Americans and, very often, the lives of millions of people around the world. Today, many people view the White House as a symbol of leadership and democracy.

For more than six decades, Rock ''n'' Roll music has been a voice of youth. This uniquely American style of music has had an enormous impact on the fashion, lifestyles, and attitudes of young people, both in the United States and elsewhere around the world. During the 1960s, rock music helped to change attitudes toward civil rights for African Americans. In the 1980s, rock helped to subvert the governments of the Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc satellites, leading to the collapse of Communism. Major rock concert events like the Concert for Bangladesh (1971), Live Aid (1985), and Live 8 (2005) have raised awareness, and money, for worthwhile causes. Rock ''n'' Roll music continues to evolve, as well as to influence self-expression in young people today.

Some of the most important documents in American history were composed and debated within the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. In 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence, which said that the American colonies would no longer be subject to the British rule. In 1787, Independence Hall hosted discussions for a new Constitution, which even today remains the foundation of government for the United States. The Liberty Bell, which once hung in the steeple of Independence Hall, has also become an important American symbol. Today, millions of people visit Independence Hall each year to celebrate the origins of America.

In 1787, the young United States was suffering from a governmental crisis. The original form of government created to unite the 13 states did not work well, and it was clear that something new was needed. In Philadelphia, representatives of the states met to create a new system of government. The document they produced, the U.S. Constitution, remains the framework for our government more than 225 years later. The U.S. Constitution sets out the duties of the various branches of the federal government, as well as the powers reserved by the states. It also delineates the rights that every individual possesses. To understand what being an American means, all citizens should understand the U.S. Constitution.

In November 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th president of the United States. By the time Lincoln took office in March 1861, the country was in crisis, as 11 states had declared their intention to secede and form a new nation, the Confederate States of America. More than four bloody years of civil war followed. Lincoln managed the government''s effort to put down the rebellion and restore harmony to the country, and in the process set the nation on the path toward ending slavery forever. The Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., commemorates Lincoln''s accomplishments, as well as his personal belief in the dignity and inherent equality of all people. It has been the site of many large gatherings and protests. For millions of Americans, the Lincoln Memorial remains an inspiring symbol of freedom.

It is said that the inspiration for the character of Uncle Sam was a man named Sam Wilson, who provided food for the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. By the 1830s, the figure of Uncle Sam had become a personified image of America, commonly used by newspaper and magazine cartoonists to represent the U.S. government''s decisions and policies. Perhaps the best-known image of Uncle Sam was created in 1917, during the First World War—a stern, white-haired man wearing star-spangled clothing, encouraging Americans to do their part to support their nation. Uncle Sam remains an important symbol of the United States and the policies and activities of our government.

George Washington played a vital role in the founding of the United States. He was commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, presided over the convention that drafted the U.S. Constitution, and served as the first president. To honor Washington for his contributions, in the 1840s construction began on a monument in his honor—a stone obelisk that rises more than 550 feet in the sky above the capital. It took nearly 40 years before the monument was completed. Each year, millions of people visit the Washington Monument, which represents the achievements of George Washington, and the gratitude that Americans feel toward the "Father of our Country."

Between 1892 and 1954, more than 12 million immigrants entered the United States through the Ellis Island processing station in New York harbor. To these immigrants, Ellis Island was a symbol of the American dream—once they passed through its gates, they could start a new life with opportunities that were not available to them in their countries of origin. Today, roughly one-third of our country''s population is descended from those who were processed at Ellis Island, and the facility is now a museum dedicated to American immigration.

In the early days of American independence, government leaders tried to identify an animal that would represent the new nation. They settled on the bald eagle, a proud raptor that fiercely defends its nest and its family. The eagle has been used to represent government power since the time of the Roman Empire. In 1787 the bald eagle was officially adopted as the emblem of the United States. The eagle is often shown holding an olive branch (representing peace) and arrows (representing war) in its talons. Today the bald eagle remains a living symbol of American strength and values.

Like its neighbors on the Arabian Peninsula, the Republic of Yemen has a long and rich history. The southern Arabian region, which present-day Yemen shares, was once the home of the Sabaean kingdom. Led by the queen of Sheba, the kingdom formed an alliance with King Solomon, as recorded in the Old Testament. In the era of the burgeoning spice trade, the people of the Yemen region, which was advantageously located along the sea routes to Asia, had opportunities to attain great wealth. However, the British and other powers to the north eventually made their own claims on trade in the region. In the years after losing control of their great ports, the Yemenis have endured long periods of poverty and armed conflict, much of which has been waged between their rival northern and southern states. A much-needed unification between the north and south finally occurred in 1990, but Yemen still struggles to resolve its regional differences and compete with the oil-rich states of the Persian Gulf. Discusses the geography, history, economy, government, religion, people, foreign relations, and communities of Yemen.

The Ottoman and Qajar Empires in the Age of Reform examines the two major Muslim influences on the region, discussing the effect of incursions by European powers and the internal reforms undertaken by Ottoman and Qajar leaders in response during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Islam is considered the worlds fastest-growing religion, and today more than 420 million Africans follow the Islamic faith. Since Islam was introduced to the continent during the seventh century a.d., it has had a profound political and cultural influence on Africa. This book traces the historical spread of Islam throughout Africa. It also examines current issues and controversies surrounding the Muslim faith in Africa, including fundamentalist interpretations of Islam, efforts to impose Islamic law in countries with mixed Muslim and non-Muslim populations, and religious-based violence.

Statistics show that 3,200 couples file for divorce every day in the United States, which clearly has an impact on the strength of families. Young people feel the painthe Gallup Organization has found that 75 percent of teenagers between 13 and 17 believe divorce is too easy to get. This volume examines the influences parents and families play in the lives of young people in the United States.

Most young people in the United States today are willing to give something back to their communities. A recent report showed that each year an estimated 13 million teenagers donate more than 2.4 billion hours of their time to charitable causes, and the Gallup Youth Survey has found that roughly one-third of all teens participate in volunteer work. This volume examines the opportunities young people have for volunteering, and explores the issue of school-mandated community service.

No issue seems to divide Americans as much as race. Nearly five decades after the adoption of federal civil rights laws, Americans are still wrestling with such issues as interracial marriage and affirmative action. Statistics show that teenagers are just as unsure of where they stand on such issues as adults. The role of race in the lives of young people is explored in this book.

Most young people report that they believe in God, yet recent surveys by the Gallup Organization have shown that fewer than half of all teenagers in the United States regularly attend church. Is organized religion losing its influence on young people? How many teenagers think about careers in the clergy? This volume examines the influence of religion and values on young people today.

Many young adults dream of getting a good education and finding a job they love. Teenagers recognize that higher education is an important key to finding a fulfilling job, although many young people are worried both about the rising cost of higher education and their future job possibilities given the current economic situation. This volume examines the choices that teens make when it comes to education and finding a career.

Experts say that in recent years there has been an epidemic of cheating among young people in the United States. Cheating is more than just students sneaking the answers to school tests; broadly defined, it is breaking the rules to get ahead. Examples of cheating today range from illegally downloading music from the internet, which cheats the artists out of royalties, to using performance-enhancing drugs to gain an athletic advantage. This book explores the ways teens cheat, examines their reasons for doing so, and discusses efforts to teach ethics to young people.

Teenagers have always been interested in the supernatural and paranormal. This book notes that fascination with the world of fantasy is nothing new, and examines modern groups like Wiccans and Goths. Discussion of the supernatural and the paranormal is interspersed with scientific explanations. Many other topics are covered, including angels and the End Times. The book also explores reasons why teens are fascinated with the unseen world of magic and mystery.