Kathlyn Gay – författare

The United States is perhaps the most culturally diverse nation in the world, and has frequently been called a "melting pot," "tossed salad," or "multicultural society" to reflect that diversity. However, since it's founding, the country has experienced conflicts—many of them violent—due to intolerance of values and views different from those of the majority. Cultural Diversity is a teen guide showing how cultural differences may be at the root of conflicts that crop up daily in high schools, on the job, in the courts, and even within families. In some cases these conflicts are the result of extreme racism, religious bigotry, or outright hatred for a particular group of people. This young adult resource is volume six in a new series entitled It Happened to Me, featuring teen voices. Topics such as prejudice, religious bigotry, racism, gender bias, sexual orientation, scapegoating, and stereotyping are presented with stories about young people who have faced problems and with forthright views from young people who have worked to foster respect for diversity. Along with anecdotes are historical perspectives.Each chapter begins with a quote, usually from a teenager whose words reflect the focus of the chapter. Numerous sidebars provide factual information about the causes of cultural conflicts, how stereotypes are perpetuated, the kinds of discrimination that various groups have suffered, and how hate groups operate. Scattered throughout the book are features that present conflict situations and ask readers: "What do you think?" In addition, readers are challenged to check out factual statements, to read other books that focus on cultural diversity issues, and to take action to instill respect for cultures different from the American mainstream.

The Military and Teens covers the major issues young adults should consider before making a decision to join the armed forces. Although each branch of the military provides print and electronic materials on what it has to offer enlistees, very few YA books take a pro-and-con look at military service. Moreover, commercial military books mostly cover specific wars or give tips on surviving induction and training.From deciding to serve, to what it's like to face death, to being forced to kill, to discrimination in the military, and to life afterwards, this work presents the benefits and downsides of military service. Kathlyn Gay covers the many available choices of careers in the military and points out where to go for more information. Both primary and secondary sources have been used to provide information on young participants in the American Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, World Wars I & II, as well as the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf wars. In the final pages of the book, the comprehensive list of available sources of information includes books, magazine articles, and websites for further research. Enhanced by young people sharing their personal experiences as enlistees and as members of military families, The Military and Teens is a useful resource for both teens and those who work with teens to advise them on career choices.

At least 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, many of them teenagers. There are many different types of epilepsy, and each type has different behavioral effects and is treated with different methods. This book, written specifically for a teen audience, dispels the myths, misconceptions, and misunderstandings about epilepsy and people who have the disorder. It provides positive, factual medical information and advice for teens on living a normal life by understanding the symptoms; being alert to the signs and factors that precipitate seizures; and educating themselves about treatment methods, medications, and management strategies. Stories from teens who have epilepsy show readers they can participate in normal activities. They also offer advice on whether and how to tell friends, dates, teachers, or an employer about the condition. The book concludes with an extensive resource listing of publications, Web sites, and organizations, as well as an appendix that covers the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it applies to people who have epilepsy.

Body image is a pervasive preoccupation for almost all teens. Nearly every teen has dealt with issues of height, weight, skin, and other features. And many teens have undertaken diets, engaged in body building programs, or resorted to surgery to alter their appearances. In Body Image and Appearance: The Ultimate Teen Guide, author Kathlyn Gay addresses all of these concerns to provide teens with a healthy way to think about themselves.This book tackles such topics as the cultural standards of what a "perfect" body should look like, methods for changing appearances, and matters related to height, such as dwarfism and height discrimination. Throughout the book, Gay offers advice on how teens can learn to be comfortable with their bodies and move beyond unhealthy preoccupations with size and appearance.

What does living green mean? For some, it means making a commitment to reduce, reuse, and recycle every day. For others, it also means respecting and conserving our natural resources, so they will be available in the future. In Living Green: The Ultimate Teen Guide, readers learn why protecting the environment is such a crucial undertaking and why and how young adults should take up this important cause.Living Green demonstrates how reckless indifference to our planet’s needs jeopardizes not only plants and animals but the existence of mankind. This volume addresses such concerns as leaving a low carbon footprint, protecting wildlife, saving natural resources, conserving trees and gardens, and fighting for environmental justice. Most importantly, Living Green explores the many ways that teens can make a difference—in their homes, communities, and in the world at large. While some of the teen efforts described here may be familiar, the author also focuses on issues seldom addressed, such as dumping toxic waste on poor and powerless communities. The book includes quotes from green advocates and teens who consider themselves eco-friendly, as well as useful advice that will help young adults embrace a lifestyle that will positively affect generations to come.

While many people appreciate cultural, social, political, and religious diversity, there are others who feel compelled to express their intolerance for others through cruel words and actions. Their behavior often stems from ignorance and insecurity, and they demonstrate their prejudices by belittling others who are different from them. These narrow-minded individuals attack others based on any number of reasons, including religious beliefs, sexual orientation, cultural background, social standing, or physical appearance. In Bigotry and Intolerance: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Kathlyn Gay looks at the various reasons why people of all age levels and backgrounds feel the need to disparage others. This book also offers help to teens who are the object of fear and hatred by showing them how to combat such behavior. Topics covered in this book include:the meaning of bigotry and intolerance types of bigotry—from religious bigotry to homophobia the difference between bigotry and racismwhat it feels like to be the target of bigotry how to cope with discriminationindividuals and groups that advocate tolerance and appreciation of cultural diversity Aimed at young adults who are interested in fighting bigotry and intolerance, this book will help teens who suffer from the small-mindedness of others. It might also help those who are less tolerant find some common ground with those who are different from them—and lead to a better understanding of how diversity makes for a richer, more interesting world. Featuring commentary from several young adults, Bigotry and Intolerance: The Ultimate Teen Guide will be welcomed by those who want to turn the tide of prejudice and fear in their schools and in their communities.

It has been estimated that at least half of the children in America come from families that have been affected by divorce. Of those children, more than half will see a parent’s second marriage dissolve as well. The impact of divorce on teens can be devastating, adversely affecting their attitudes, behaviors, and schoolwork, as well as their relationships with both friends and family. Divorce: The Ultimate Teen Guide focuses on the difficulties young people face in the wake of an epidemic that affects so many families. This book offers encouragement, insights, and resources to help teens cope with the challenges that come from living with divorce. Chapters address such issues as:Managing parental conflictsFinancial concernsCommunication problemsPlacing blame and taking sides DepressionLiving in a stepfamilyFeaturing stories about and quotes from young people and adults who have experienced parental separation and divorce, this book will be helpful for readers who are trying to deal with similar situations. With an emphasis on strategies and resources, Divorce: The Ultimate Teen Guide will help young people cope with this often devastating experience.

It has been estimated that at least half of the children in America come from families that have been affected by divorce. Of those children, more than half will see a parent’s second marriage dissolve as well. The impact of divorce on teens can be devastating, adversely affecting their attitudes, behaviors, and schoolwork, as well as their relationships with both friends and family. Divorce: The Ultimate Teen Guide focuses on the difficulties young people face in the wake of an epidemic that affects so many families. This book offers encouragement, insights, and resources to help teens cope with the challenges that come from living with divorce. Chapters address such issues as:Managing parental conflictsFinancial concernsCommunication problemsPlacing blame and taking sides DepressionLiving in a stepfamilyFeaturing stories about and quotes from young people and adults who have experienced parental separation and divorce, this book will be helpful for readers who are trying to deal with similar situations. With an emphasis on strategies and resources, Divorce: The Ultimate Teen Guide will help young people cope with this often devastating experience.

Profiles people who have attempted to create a more humane world, including Arthur Ashe, Rachel Carson, George Washington Carver, Desmond Tutu, and Harry Wu.

The Encyclopedia of Political Anarchy charts history's most misunderstood social movement. Covering political anarchy worldwide for the past 300 years, the book also examines the ancient roots of the movement, spotlights key individuals, and explores important groups, organizations, events, laws, legal cases, and theories.More than just a reference source, Encyclopedia of Political Anarchy also tells the interesting story of sophisticated and complex social and philosophical forces that left their mark on the world—from the 13th century Free Spirit movement against the oppressive power of the church in France to the present-day Zapatista National Liberation Army in Mexico.

Despite claims that young people today don’t care about the world they live in and don’t get involved in causes, more and more teens are taking up the fight for things they truly believe in. In fact, there are more than 10,000 members nationwide for the Youth Rights Movement and more than 50,000 members, fans, and supporters of Kids against Animal Cruelty. Many young adults who aren’t involved are simply unaware of how to become activists or where to start championing their causes.In Activism: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Kathlyn Gayexplains why people become activists, the types of causes they advocate or oppose, and how teenagers can get involved. Activists are vigorous supporters for issues that are important to them, from social causes to political campaigns. While students often volunteer for a short period of time for school credit, many want to continue doing more outside of the classroom. This book assists those young adults who want to learn more about specific issues and organizations. Chapters are divided by topic and includeYouth rightsTeen healthCampaigns against sexual violence and traffickingAnimal rightsReligious issuesPeace effortsGun control and gun rightsImmigrationThis book also includes a valuable chapter on learning to be an activist and a resource section that lists dozens of organizations dedicated to specific causes. Throughout this book, the author highlights the lives and activities of numerous teens who are long-term activists and also suggests books and films that promote activism. Activism: The Ultimate Teen Guide is a wonderful resource for young adults who are interested in making the world a better place.

While many people appreciate cultural, social, political, and religious diversity, there are others who feel compelled to express their intolerance for others through cruel words and actions. Their behavior often stems from ignorance and insecurity, and they demonstrate their prejudices by belittling others who are different from them. These narrow-minded individuals attack others based on any number of reasons, including religious beliefs, sexual orientation, cultural background, social standing, or physical appearance. In Bigotry and Intolerance: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Kathlyn Gay looks at the various reasons why people of all age levels and backgrounds feel the need to disparage others. This book also offers help to teens who are the object of fear and hatred by showing them how to combat such behavior. Topics covered in this book include:the meaning of bigotry and intolerance types of bigotry—from religious bigotry to homophobia the difference between bigotry and racismwhat it feels like to be the target of bigotry how to cope with discriminationindividuals and groups that advocate tolerance and appreciation of cultural diversity Aimed at young adults who are interested in fighting bigotry and intolerance, this book will help teens who suffer from the small-mindedness of others. It might also help those who are less tolerant find some common ground with those who are different from them—and lead to a better understanding of how diversity makes for a richer, more interesting world. Featuring commentary from several young adults, Bigotry and Intolerance: The Ultimate Teen Guide will be welcomed by those who want to turn the tide of prejudice and fear in their schools and in their communities.

According to recent statistics, at least 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, including more than 5.1 million Americans. Because there are so many different types of epilepsy—each with its own behavioral effects and treatment—it can be overwhelming for teens to handle. They need a reliable resource to guide them as they navigate the challenges of their condition.In Epilepsy: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Kathlyn Gay dispels the myths, misconceptions, and misunderstandings about epilepsy and people who have the disorder. The second edition of this book provides up-to-date, positive, factual medical information and advice for young people and their families about how to live a normal life with epilepsy. Topics covered in this book includesymptoms of epilepsysigns and factors that precipitate seizurestreatment methodsmedicationsmanagement strategiesReal-life examples from teens who have epilepsy help readers understand how they can participate in normal activities. These teens also offer advice on how to tell friends, dates, teachers, or employers about the condition. Epilepsy: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Second Edition concludes with extensive lists of publications, websites, and organizations to help those with a diagnosis prepare for a hopeful future.

Death is a sensitive subject for most people. Whether due to fear or superstition, many individuals avoid the topic of mortality. For teens, the subject is taboo as well. Most young adults believe that death won’t affect them, so they’d rather not talk about it. But death is a natural course of life, and everyone—including teens—will encounter it at some time in their lives, some sooner than later, and some unexpectedly. In Dealing with Death: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Kathlyn Gay addresses this difficult subject, providing matter-of-fact discussions on a number of issues that help teens better understand the nature of mortality. This book looks at the personal, legal, and moral questions related to death, includingHow do you deal with the deal of a loved one?What’s it like to live with a terminal illness?What happens after you die?Featuring real stories and quotes from teens about their experiences, this book shows young adults a variety of views on dying and grieving. This book will help readers deal with death—not only the reality that death is inevitable for all of us—but also the many ways people face death and bereavement. Dealing with Death serves as a valuable resource for all teens, whether they are dealing with tragedy or just looking for more information on a tough subject.

Although there are many reference guides to diseases, symptoms, and treatment for health problems of women, there is no comprehensive source for the social, political, economic and ethical issues that affect women's health decisions. The Encyclopedia of Women's Health Issues provides valuable information on over 200 topics, including the issues and history surrounding diseases and medical procedures faced by women; health concerns of different ethnic groups of women; information on organizations and programs that deal with women's health; profiles on the people who have pioneered women's health services and information; and legal decisions related to women's health. An extensive bibliography and guides to good Web sites and organizations give users additional helpful resources. Among the features and benefits of this reference are Charts and tables that present helpful facts and statistics Contacts for Web sites and organizations that provide access to information about women's health issues--much of it free Coverage of the issues, not just the diseases, critical to women's healthcare Provides both basic information and guidance for further reading and research