Most Popular Books by Hal Marcovitz

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.

Author Hal Marcovitz explores brain trauma in detail, covering its causes and effects, treatments, prevention, and medical advances. Charts and graphs share important information visually while fascinating photographs support the text. Readers will also hear from sufferers through their personal stories.

This title examines one of the world''s critical issues, the arms trade. Readers will learn the historical background of this issue leading up to its current and future impact on society. Import and export nations, civilians, brokers, mercenaries, terrorists, and corrupt governments are discussed in detail, as well as licensed production, embargoes, changing alliances, and government legislation meant to control the arms trade. Also covered are types of weapons, threats to international security, the United Nations and other organizations that work to control illegal weapons and exercise law enforcement, and the arms trade related to the global economy. Engaging text, informative sidebars, and color photographs present information realistically, leaving readers with a thorough, honest interpretation of the arms trade. Features include a timeline, facts, additional resources, Web sites, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. Essential Issues is a series in Essential Library, an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

The great chief, warrior, and medicine man of the Hunkpapa Sioux helped to defeat the Seventh Cavalry under George Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

According to Big Fish Games, approximately 155 million American play video games for at least three hours a week, and four out of five households own a video game console. Polygon tells us that consumers spent 16.5 billion dollars on gaming content in 2015. This illuminating volume delves into the world of video games and gaming. The book examines the history of video games, video games as part of contemporary culture, and what the future holds in store for gaming.

Is it difficult for your readers to make friends? Have they lost the one person they felt most comfortable with? Many people choose to be alone, but for those who don''t, the loneliness they experience may feel overwhelming and insurmountable. This guide discusses the negative effects of loneliness and provides research-based information on overcoming it. Readers take a quiz to figure out if they are an introvert or extrovert and discover how that affects their feelings about being alone.

Provides an account of the terrorist attacks against Israeli athletes during the 1972 Olympic games, profiling some of the individuals involved and exploring the political and historical reasons for the acts.

This title gives readers a balanced look at the arguments surrounding organ and body donation. Readers will learn the history of organ and body donation, as well as the pros and cons of organ transplants and harvesting organs. Color photos and informative sidebars accompany easy-to-follow text. Features include a table of contents, timeline, facts, additional resources, web sites, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. Essential Viewpoints is a series in Essential Library, an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

What are the defining characteristics of the sprawling era known as the Middle Ages? What sets ancient Egypt apart from other ancient civilizations? And what is the legacy of the twentieth-century genocide known as the Holocaust? These are some of the ideas explored in Understanding World History, a series that surveys the political, social, and cultural trends of major periods and events in world history. Primary and secondary source quotes bring historical events to life. Source notes, a bibliography for further research, and index provide additional tools for student researchers. Book jacket.

The teenage pregnancy rate has dropped in recent years, yet each year more than 320,000 teen girls in the United States give birth. This volume examines the changing attitudes of teenagers toward contraception, abstinence, sexually transmitted diseases, media influences, and other issues involving young people and sex.

Examines inhalants and how they affect the body and mind and how they can even cause death.

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.

A biography of the conquistador whose quest for the Seven Cities of Gold led to the exploration of the American Southwest in 1540.

A tiny country roughly the size of Indiana, Jordan has enjoyed a stable government throughout its 80-year history and has been a significant force in a tumultuous part of the world. Led by Hussein ibn Tallal for more than 40 years, the country built a strong economy, expanded personal freedoms, and assumed a key role in Middle Eastern affairs. Jordan is home to the ancient city of Petra, an archaeological site that remained unknown until 1812. Referred to in the Bible as Sela, Petra''s structures were created by carving into the solid, rose-colored rocks. In 1985, it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and in 2007, it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Using data from the Gallup You Survey and other sources, examines the issue of teenage sexuality, as well as its potential consequences.

A biography of the nineteenth-century soldier, politician, and explorer whose many expeditions helped open up the western territories to settlers.

A biography of the Italian traveler who became the first European to cross Asia completely and document his experiences.

Examines current controversies and positions on whether juvenile offenders should be tried as adults.

Presents information on the stem cell research that scientists do, including the methods that they employ and the results that they achieve.

A biography of the late rap musician.

Discusses the life and achievements of Al Sharpton, minister, civil rights activist, and politician.

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

A biography that examines the personal life and professional career of comedian and Oscar-winning actor, Robin Williams.

Mexican outlaw Pancho Villa became a modern-day Robin Hood when he rebelled against the cruelty of Mexico''s landowners. He later became a worldwide celebrity when his role in the Mexican Revolution led to his ruling northern Mexico in 1913.

Examines the drug PCP, how it is used, the effects it has on someone and treatments for addiction.

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.

Presents a brief discussion of the history of the Puerto Rican immigrant experience in the U.S., covering the stories of Puerto Rican individuals such as actress and singer Jennifer Lopez, journalist Ray Suarez, and actor Freddie Prinze, Jr.

In the years following the War for Independence, the United States of America was in danger of collapsing because the new nation lacked a solid system of governance and framework of laws. The delegates who met in Philadelphia in 1787 to write the US Constitution were charged with the awesome task of establishing a democracy that would survive the ages. The document they produced has stood the test of time and has also served as a model for emerging democracies across the globe.

Michelle Robinson Obama, a descendant of slaves and the first African-American first lady, was born into a tough neighborhood on Chicago''s South Side. Michelle could easily have been swallowed up by the streets but she hit the books instead and made it to Princeton University and Harvard Law School. After graduating, she met a young law student named Barack Obama. They dated for three years, married, and had two daughters. Michelle, a devoted mother, has been called "the rock of our family" by Barack. While working hard and maintaining her own demanding career, Michelle has always stood behind her husband, helping to guide and support his ongoing political ambitions. When Barack ran for the United States Senate in 2004, Michelle stared down some young thugs who tried to disrupt a rally. When Barack gave an important speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Michelle made sure he nailed it. After Barack won the presidency in 2008, Michelle has emerged as an important voice in the White House. Book jacket.

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.

Millions of people around the globe rely on their morning cup of Joe to get their day started right. Sodas and soft drinks provide a little pep during a long day. Students cramming all night for an exam keep the caffeine flowing. This book discusses the effects, use, and abuse of ubiquitous caffeine. Personal experiences of addiction are shared to drive the fact home that use of this drug can lead to abuse. Caffeine and its impact in sports is also discussed.

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.