Marlene Targ Brill – författare

So, you wanna turn Junior into a smarty-pants? What parent doesn't? Thing is, kids nowadays are more independent than ever and aren't always receptive to what parents want. In fact, if you tell your kids that studying is "good for them," they're more than likely to mumble, "Yeah, sure," in your general direction and head off to do something "fun." Sharpening the minds of your youngsters presents more challenges than climbing Mt. Everest, and the responsibility of making your kids use more of their brain cells can be overwhelming – even when you don't encounter resistance. Raising smart kids requires long-term commitment, sacrifice, and diligence – not to mention the patience of a saint. And as long as you don't obsess about being the perfect parent, you will be able to enjoy your kids' journey of self-discovery right along with them.But how do you accomplish this? How do you overcome the resistance? How do you tackle the overwhelming task of not only helping your children succeed in school, but also increasing their ability to make their own way in the world? That's where Raising Smart Kids For Dummies steps in to help.Written in easy-to-understand terms (and absolutely no slick psycho-babble), this book gives you sound advice on encouraging your kids to set their sights high and achieve success, whether at school, with friends, or in your community. And you don't have to be a new parent to gain insight from this book; experienced parents can reap rewards with the help of this book in their effort to raise fulfilled children.Here's just a sampling of what you'll find in Raising Smart Kids For Dummies: Recognizing the characteristics of smart kidsKnowing when to push – and when not toDisciplining your kids in a positive wayGrowing smarter kids from healthier bodiesPlanning the development of your kids' brains: From newborns to teenagersTaking your smart kids beyond high schoolEliminating brain drain from school-skipping, drug abuse, and raging hormonesTop Ten lists of family characteristics that nurture smart kids, what smart kids read, and resources for bolstering parents' confidenceYou've heard it said a thousand times: The children are the future. Children have such potential, but rarely live up to it. Why take this chance with your own kids? Make the commitment to prepare your kids for life on their own. With Raising Smart Kids For Dummies, you, too, can achieve success – and have a little fun along the way!

Today, we know Dolores Huerta as the cofounder, with Cesar Chavez, of the National Farmworkers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers of America. We know her as a tireless advocate for the rights of farmworkers, Mexican American immigrants, women, and LGBTQ populations. And we know her as the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama in 2012. Before all that, though, Huerta was a child in the farming community of Stockton, California, and then a teenager whose teachers underestimated her because she was Chicana. When she became a teacher herself, she witnessed her students coming to school shoeless and hungry. Many took days off from school to work in the farm fields to help feed their families. What could she do to help them? A young mother at the time, Huerta quit her teaching job to organize their parents. That began her journey to educate a nation about who produces our food and the conditions under which they work.Dolores Huerta Stands Strong follows Huerta's life from the mining communities of the Southwest where her father toiled, to the vineyards and fields of California, and across the country to the present day. As she worked for fair treatment for others, Dolores earned the nation's highest honors. More important, she found her voice.

Today, we know Dolores Huerta as the cofounder, with Cesar Chavez, of the National Farmworkers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers of America. We know her as a tireless advocate for the rights of farmworkers, Mexican American immigrants, women, and LGBTQ populations. And we know her as the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama in 2012. Before all that, though, Huerta was a child in the farming community of Stockton, California, and then a teenager whose teachers underestimated her because she was Chicana. When she became a teacher herself, she witnessed her students coming to school shoeless and hungry. Many took days off from school to work in the farm fields to help feed their families. What could she do to help them? A young mother at the time, Huerta quit her teaching job to organize their parents. That began her journey to educate a nation about who produces our food and the conditions under which they work.Dolores Huerta Stands Strong follows Huerta's life from the mining communities of the Southwest where her father toiled, to the vineyards and fields of California, and across the country to the present day. As she worked for fair treatment for others, Dolores earned the nation's highest honors. More important, she found her voice.

As part of our Biographies for Young Readers series for middle-grade readers, this book explains who Jane Addams was and why she caused such a stir in the United States and worldwide. The story follows Addams from her first realization of the unfairness that limited the lives, livelihoods, and health of disadvantaged people in the late 1800s to her becoming one of the most beloved-and most disliked-women of her day. She worked to create a more peaceful, fair world for all people, no matter their race, color, nationality, or gender.Along her journey, Addams cofounded Hull-House, the most celebrated settlement house in the United States, and she became a motivating author, speaker, and women’s rights and peace advocate. She worked tirelessly on community, state, and national levels to promote women’s, workers’, and children’s rights, and she spoke passionately against the evils of war. Addams devoted her activities and writings to championing programs for these and other humanitarian causes. Votes for women! Equal rights for African Americans! Good schools and a healthy environment for children! No one-not millionaires, presidents, or the FBI-could stand in the way of her quest for justice.Addams became one of few women worldwide to earn a Nobel Peace Prize. Her efforts to improve social services and communities and to train leaders to carry out this work led to the opening of the first professional school of social work-named in her honor-at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Her writing, teaching, and actions were based on the belief that “without the advance and improvement of the whole, no man can hope for any lasting improvement in his own moral or material individual condition.”

As part of our Biographies for Young Readers series for middle-grade readers, this book explains who Jane Addams was and why she caused such a stir in the United States and worldwide. The story follows Addams from her first realization of the unfairness that limited the lives, livelihoods, and health of disadvantaged people in the late 1800s to her becoming one of the most beloved-and most disliked-women of her day. She worked to create a more peaceful, fair world for all people, no matter their race, color, nationality, or gender.Along her journey, Addams cofounded Hull-House, the most celebrated settlement house in the United States, and she became a motivating author, speaker, and women’s rights and peace advocate. She worked tirelessly on community, state, and national levels to promote women’s, workers’, and children’s rights, and she spoke passionately against the evils of war. Addams devoted her activities and writings to championing programs for these and other humanitarian causes. Votes for women! Equal rights for African Americans! Good schools and a healthy environment for children! No one-not millionaires, presidents, or the FBI-could stand in the way of her quest for justice.Addams became one of few women worldwide to earn a Nobel Peace Prize. Her efforts to improve social services and communities and to train leaders to carry out this work led to the opening of the first professional school of social work-named in her honor-at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Her writing, teaching, and actions were based on the belief that “without the advance and improvement of the whole, no man can hope for any lasting improvement in his own moral or material individual condition.”

Judith Resnik didn’t grow up dreaming of space, but when NASA opened its doors to women astronauts in the late 1970s, she stepped forward-and soared. One of the first six women ever accepted into NASA’s space shuttle astronaut-training program, Resnik brought her sharp mind, determination, and creativity to a field that had long been closed to women. Although she wasn’t the first American woman in space, she became one of the most accomplished astronauts of her time.Resnik’s journey wasn’t easy. She faced challenges at home and in school, but she never let obstacles stop her. A gifted student, she excelled in math, science, and music-she even considered becoming a concert pianist before choosing a career in engineering. Her hard work paid off: She earned multiple degrees and helped design improvements for the space shuttle itself. She proved that astronauts aren’t just pilots-they’re problem solvers, inventors, and explorers.In 1984, Resnik launched into space for the first time aboard the shuttle Discovery. Two years later, she joined the crew of Challenger. Tragically, that mission ended in disaster, cutting her life short. While the world focused on the loss of teacher Christa McAuliffe, who was a passenger on that flight, Resnik’s story was often overlooked. Yet her contributions to science and space exploration live on through programs, schools, and scholarships that bear her name.This inspiring biography brings Resnik’s remarkable life to light. Readers will discover how a girl from Ohio became a trailblazer in space and how her courage and brilliance continue to inspire new generations. Her story reminds us that even if you’re not first, you can still make history-and that reaching for the stars starts with believing in yourself.

Judith Resnik didn’t grow up dreaming of space, but when NASA opened its doors to women astronauts in the late 1970s, she stepped forward-and soared. One of the first six women ever accepted into NASA’s space shuttle astronaut-training program, Resnik brought her sharp mind, determination, and creativity to a field that had long been closed to women. Although she wasn’t the first American woman in space, she became one of the most accomplished astronauts of her time.Resnik’s journey wasn’t easy. She faced challenges at home and in school, but she never let obstacles stop her. A gifted student, she excelled in math, science, and music-she even considered becoming a concert pianist before choosing a career in engineering. Her hard work paid off: She earned multiple degrees and helped design improvements for the space shuttle itself. She proved that astronauts aren’t just pilots-they’re problem solvers, inventors, and explorers.In 1984, Resnik launched into space for the first time aboard the shuttle Discovery. Two years later, she joined the crew of Challenger. Tragically, that mission ended in disaster, cutting her life short. While the world focused on the loss of teacher Christa McAuliffe, who was a passenger on that flight, Resnik’s story was often overlooked. Yet her contributions to science and space exploration live on through programs, schools, and scholarships that bear her name.This inspiring biography brings Resnik’s remarkable life to light. Readers will discover how a girl from Ohio became a trailblazer in space and how her courage and brilliance continue to inspire new generations. Her story reminds us that even if you’re not first, you can still make history-and that reaching for the stars starts with believing in yourself.

While medical conditions that affect large populations are familiar to most people, there are lesser-known afflictions that do not get attention simply due to the fewer number of those affected. Literature and online resources about these conditions are not only limited but primarily aimed at adults. Consequently, teens who are susceptible to these disorders are often unable to find information that speaks directly to them, which can prove both frustrating and discouraging.In Chronic Illnesses, Syndromes, and Rare Disorders: The Ultimate Teen Guide, Marlene Targ Brill looks at conditions that affect thousands of young adults. Though not quite as common as other medical issues, these afflictions are no less threatening to teens who want to know more. Chapters in this book address·Celiac disease·Crohn's disease·Down syndrome·Hemophilia·Melanoma ·Multiple sclerosis·Phenylketonuria·Sickle cell disease·Tourette syndromeIn addition to providing specific information about each of these conditions, this book also offers general advice to teens who face medical challenges in general. An invaluable resource for young adults and their families, Chronic Illnesses, Syndromes, and Rare Disorders: The Ultimate Teen Guide offers hope to the many thousands of people looking for answers.