People's History (Lerner Publishing Group)

Can you imagine a world without teenagers? Before the early 1900s, the word teenager was not even part of the American vocabulary. The concept of adolescence-those transitional years between childhood and adulthood-simply did not exist. Instead, families needed young people to contribute to the family's earnings as soon as possible. Everybody worked; it was a part of life, for there was no life without it," wrote Edna Matthews Clifton of her teen years in Texas in the late 1800s. Many young people worked longs days and full weeks on farms or in factories. Such a schedule left little time for school or for fun. Throughout the 1900s, the idea of the teenager gradually began to take shape. A series of reforms put restrictions on child labor. Young people spent less time working and more time in school. They also began spending money on entertainment. Movie theaters and dance halls provided places for them to gather. Thirteen- to nineteen-year-olds established a unique culture that would continue to develop in the coming decades. In the twenty-first century, teens represent vital threads in the American fabric. Their spending choices affect both the economy and the way advertisers market products. Their taste in music, movies, and TV drives pop culture. And teens-for whom technology is a way of life-are the ones who will continue to push the boundaries of our technological future. From the flappers and jazz babies of the 1920s to the digital-savvy teens of the twenty-first century, you're about to follow the fascinating evolution of the American teenager.

American presidents have come from all walks of life. Some have had a lot of experience campaigning for office, while others have had almost none. In fact, the nation's first president-George Washington-didn't even run for office. He was chosen by a group of electors in 1789. More than 200 years later, campaigning for the United States' highest office takes years to plan, years to carry out, and a lot of money. Candidates must be prepared to rally supporters at live events across the nation, give hundreds of interviews and speeches, and create sophisticated communication strategies. No longer can candidates simply let their records speak for themselves. They must engage their competition-and the American voter-in vigorous debate 24/7, using robust advertising, strategic appearances, and social media messaging. Follow the changes in presidential campaign strategies from the nation's early leaders to twenty-first century contenders. Meet the personalities that have defined the office, from George Washington to Barack Obama, the nation's first African American president. Learn how strategies to pick candidates, raise money, run campaigns, sway voters, and elect leaders have evolved. And see if you can predict what lies ahead for Americans in upcoming presidential elections.