Anna Collins

Gangs have both worried and fascinated Americans for many years, but gangs are not a uniquely American problem; they can be found all over the world, from Sweden to Japan. Most of what people learn about gangs through movies and television does not reflect the reality researchers have discovered through firsthand studies of gang life. The detailed main text, informative charts, annotated quotes from experts, and full-color photographs explore this...

"Throughout history, armies have used various kinds of germs to cripple their enemies. International treaties currently outlaw the use of biological weapons, but this does not necessarily mean that none are being developed. Through informative text, augmented by detailed infographics and sidebars, readers learn about the history of biological warfare and ways it can be avoided in the future. Annotated quotes from experts on this topic and discussion...

"Throughout the world, millions of people face food insecurity every day. Although the United States is a prosperous country, it is not immune to this problem. Concerns about where their next meal is coming from plague hundreds of thousands of Americans. Understanding what food insecurity means is the first step toward solving it . . . text and . . . fact boxes give readers a better understanding of the facts surrounding this often complex issue....

Debate has long raged over whether graffiti can be considered an art form. Its illegal nature has caused many people to denounce it, while others contend that a work does not have to be legal to be art. The heart of the question is, what defines art? Informative text discusses competing views on the issue, presenting all sides of the debate to help readers form their own opinions. Engaging sidebars spotlight graffiti artists such as the famous Banksy,...

Social media has become an integral part of life in the 21st century. Nearly every young adult has one or more social media accounts, making it imperative that they learn the best ways to protect themselves and their private information. It is equally important to highlight the good that young adults can do with social media. Readers take an in-depth look this topic with the help of sidebars, full-color photographs, and discussion questions that encourage...

When YouTube was first launched in 2005, the site immediately started attracting visitors. Two years later, it created a program that allowed people to get paid for their content. Today, many people have made YouTube their full-time career. However, even people who do not intend to become professional vloggers can benefit from having a YouTube channel. Through in-depth sidebars and full-color photographs, readers learn the basics of creating and maintaining...

Presents a collection of odd facts, fun trivia, and interesting attractions around the world.