Should Students Be Allowed to Protest at School?
Part of the Points of View series
In the wake of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the number of student walkouts and other kinds of protests have risen dramatically. Gun control is not the only subject students protest, but as it made headlines across the country, adults debated how effective these walkouts were and how permissible they should be. Vivid photographs, intriguing fact boxes, and an informative graphic organizer help readers gain a deeper understanding of the issue of school protests to help readers make their own decisions about a topic that has huge effects on their own lives.
Should Students Have to Do Community Service?
Part of the Points of View series
Community service is often an enriching experience, but should it be mandatory for all students? This is the question readers explore as they learn about both sides of a debate that directly affects them. As readers learn the reasons people feel strongly in favor of and against making service hours mandatory for young people, they are encouraged to think for themselves about where they stand on this issue. They're also invited to use the information presented in fact boxes to support their opinion. Colorful photographs of relatable students and a helpful graphic organizer enhance this exercise in critical thinking.
Are Group Projects Helpful for Students?
Part of the Points of View series
Group projects are often a challenging exercise for students. Are the benefits worth the challenges? Readers learn to develop their own informed answer to that question as they explore the different sides to the debate surrounding group projects. The unbiased main text presents different points of view alongside relatable photographs and fact boxes with information readers can use to support their argument. In addition, a detailed graphic organizer completes this critical thinking exercise that applies to many readers' personal experiences. This introduction to the process of respectful debating is an essential tool for today's world.
Is It Wrong to Ban Books?
Part of the Points of View series
When people discuss the idea of banning books, they are also discussing much broader concepts, including censorship, basic freedoms, and the power of religious and political institutions. These challenging topics are presented in accessible ways as readers explore the debate surrounding banned books. As they immerse themselves in many viewpoints surrounding this debate through engaging text, fact boxes, vibrant photographs, and graphic organizers, they discover the importance of developing an informed, independent opinion about issues that affect their lives.
Should Boys and Girls Go to Separate Schools?
Part of the Points of View series
Some people strongly believe boys and girls should go to separate schools. Others believe this separation isn't good for students. People on each side of this debate use different facts to support their point of view. Readers discover these facts and how they're used to support opinions in this engaging critical thinking exercise. As the main text encourages respect for other opinions, fact boxes, graphic organizers, and vibrant photographs provide additional information and exciting visual elements. Gender equality is an important issue, and this look at gender and education provides an accessible introduction to this topic for elementary readers.
Should the Voting Age Be Lowered?
Part of the Points of View series
As young people are becoming louder voices for change, the idea of lowering the voting age has been brought up more often. While some people believe this would encourage teenagers to become more active citizens, others believe there are good reasons to keep the voting age at 18. As readers explore both sides of this debate, they learn essential facts to form and back up their own informed opinion on this topic, which has real implications for their future. Fact boxes, graphic organizers, and full-color photographs enhance the objective main text, creating a reading experience that enhances critical thinking skills.
Should Junk Food Be Banned in Schools?
Part of the Points of View series
The debate over junk food in schools brings up important points about childhood obesity, public health, and personal choice. All these issues are addressed as readers view arguments both for and against banning junk food in school cafeterias. The balanced, fact-filled text encourages readers to develop their own informed opinions about this issue that directly affects their lives. Colorful photographs, a detailed graphic organizer, and additional fact boxes enhance the main text to give readers a comprehensive understanding of this ongoing debate.
Does Voting Matter?
Part of the Points of View series
Society can be cynical at times, and this can lead to apathy. One example of this is the question of whether or not a person's individual vote in an election actually matters. Readers are exposed to the different points of view about this hot-button topic, and they learn to develop their own viewpoint about the democratic process and to back it up with relevant facts. They discover those facts in the engaging main text, eye-catching fact boxes, and helpful graphic organizers. Colorful, relatable photographs also help readers see how this debate is reflected in the world around them.
Should We Trust the News?
Part of the Points of View series
'Fake news' is a term used by politicians and on social media. It can be difficult to know what news sources to trust, or if any can be trusted. The question of whether or not we should trust the news is at the center of this critical thinking exercise, which is also an accessible introduction to media literacy. As the informative main text details each side of this debate, fact boxes present statistics readers can use to back up their point of view. In addition, a helpful graphic organizer and full-color photographs act as engaging visual learning tools.
Should School Lunches Be Free?
Part of the Points of View series
School lunches should be free for all students. Some people might strongly agree with this statement, while others might strongly disagree. In order to engage in a debate about this topic that affects readers' everyday lives, readers first need to understand both sides. They are able to do this with the help of balanced main text, fact boxes, and graphic organizers. Different points of view are clearly presented to readers, who are encouraged to think critically about an issue that would impact them and their families. This valuable reading experience is enhanced through the use of colorful photographs.
Should We Pay for Water?
Part of the Points of View series
Water is a natural resource we need to survive. Knowing this, is it right that we have to pay for it? Readers explore the different ways this challenging question can be answered, developing strong critical thinking skills as they evaluate arguments for and against paying for water. Essential facts needed to understand each point of view are presented through age-appropriate text, informative fact boxes, and clear graphic organizers. Vivid photographs keep readers engaged as they learn the information necessary to develop their own informed opinion and to respect the opinions of others when discussing this important issue.
Are School Uniforms Good for Students?
Part of the Points of View series
Some students wear uniforms to school each day. Others do not wear uniforms. Is one approach better than the other? Readers are immersed in the debate surrounding school uniforms through the use of informative text that presents multiple points of view. Eye-catching fact boxes, detailed graphic organizers, and full-color photographs enhance this engaging reading experience. Readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and developed an informed opinion as they explore the many sides of an issue that would directly affect them.
Are Some Sports Too Dangerous for Kids?
Part of the Points of View series
Sports are fun, but they can be dangerous, too. As more information becomes available about concussions and other injuries, many people have wondered if certain sports, such as football, are too dangerous for kids to play. People often have strong opinions about this topic, and readers are introduced to these opinions in a way that enhances their critical-thinking skills. The facts readers need to develop their own informed opinion are included in the thoroughly researched main text and accompanying fact boxes. A graphic organizer and full-color photographs help readers visualize the many parts of this complex issue.
Do Music and Art Classes Matter?
Part of the Points of View series
When schools need to cut their budgets, music and art classes are often some of the first things to go. Why do some people feel these classes are unnecessary? Why do others feel they're essential? These two questions are at the heart of what readers will find as they explore this essential education debate. The engaging text challenges them to understand why people have different points of view and to form their own point of view using facts, which they find in accessible fact boxes. With graphic organizers and colorful photographs filling the pages, readers will enjoy this critical-thinking exercise.
Are Humans Causing Climate Change?
Part of the Points of View series
The topic of climate change often inspires very strong feelings, and it can sometimes be difficult to sort through the feelings to find the facts. That's exactly what readers are able to do in this helpful guide to this important debate. Balanced, unbiased.
Should Bullying Be a Crime?
Part of the Points of View series
Bullying is a serious problem, and some people believe it should be considered a crime. However, others believe that takes things too far. These different viewpoints can affect antibullying policies, so it's important for readers to understand why people hold these opposing points of view. As readers explore this debate in depth, they're aided by accessible text, eye-catching fact boxes, and a detailed graphic organizer. Full-color photographs help readers register this important issue, which directly affects them. As readers sharpen their critical thinking skills by exploring a controversial issue, they're encouraged to develop their own informed opinions about bullying.
Is Television Bad for Kids?
Part of the Points of View series
Is television bad for kids? This question has been asked by parents, scientists, and more ever since television sets first entered people's homes, and different people have come up with different answers. As readers are challenged to form their own opinions about the effects of television on young people like them, they strengthen their critical thinking skills and learn to respect a variety of viewpoints. The unbiased main narrative is presented alongside fact boxes that help readers find relevant data to back up their opinions. In addition, a comprehensive graphic organizer and full-color photographs enhance the reading experience.
Is Virtual Learning Good for Students?
Part of the Points of View series
Virtual learning became the reality for most students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The debate over virtual learning has many strong arguments on both sides. While one side argues that virtual learning provides a flexible schedule and comfortable home environment for students, the other side argues that students from low-income households and with special needs can fall behind. This book explores several arguments on both sides of the virtual learning debate. Readers are encouraged to think for themselves using facts and their own experience. This timely topic gives readers a chance to exercise the important life skill of critical thinking.
Should Peanuts Be Banned in Schools?
Part of the Points of View series
Peanuts are one of the most common-and most deadly-allergens around the world and the rates of peanut allergies have been on the rise in the 21st-century. Fears about exposure to peanuts as well as the large number of people, who are affected by them have prompted some schools to ban peanut products. Are these bans effective? Are they fair to the people whose lunch options are thus, restricted? This objective text, augmented with engaging fact boxes and vibrant photographs, examines arguments on both sides of this relatable issue for young students.
Is Technology Becoming Too Smart?
Part of the Points of View series
As technology continues to advance at an exponential rate, people have begun to express fears about the abilities of smart devices. While these people worry about job security, data security, and the implications for law enforcement, others point out benefits such as streamlined production and exciting new inventions. Through fascinating fact boxes and an informative graphic organizer that enhance the main text, readers learn about the various points of view surrounding this STEM issue. Objective text encourages critical thinking to help the next generation of innovators come to their own conclusions about technology.
Is It Our Job to Protect the Environment?
Part of the Points of View series
Many people believe humans have a responsibility to take care of the planet. However, other people believe it isn't their job to protect the environment. Readers discover the facts behind these two opposing points of view and how those points of view determine people's actions. Along the way, they examine their own opinion on this topic, which aligns with common science curricula, and learn to use facts to back up their opinion. Fact boxes, graphic organizers, and vibrant photographs come together to create an eye-catching design that enhances this exploration of critical-thinking skills.
Are Kids Too Busy?
Part of the Points of View series
Today's kids are sometimes described as overscheduled-with homework, sports, dance classes, music lessons, volunteer work, and other activities often taking up every moment of their free time. In the eyes of some people, though, this is good-it helps kids prepare for the future, stay active, and stay safe after school. But what do kids think? This engaging exercise in critical thinking invites kids to develop their own informed opinion on how their generation spends their time. Fact boxes allow them to support their viewpoint with relevant data, and a helpful graphic organizer summarizes both sides of this debate.
Is Exploring Space Important?
Part of the Points of View series
Space exploration has taught us valuable things, and it might find a new home for humans if Earth someday becomes uninhabitable. While there is value in these reasons for devoting time and money to space exploration, some people argue that time and money could be better spent helping people on Earth. This complicated debate is presented to readers through unbiased text that fosters the independent development of an informed opinion about this hot topic. Engaging photographs and a graphic organizer enhance the reading experience, and fact boxes allow readers to support their point of view with relevant data.
Should Kids Go to Protests?
Part of the Points of View series
Protests are an important way people use their voices to fight for change. Throughout history, young people have often been involved in protests and marches, and this continues today, with kids attending-and even leading-protests against gun violence, injustice, and inaction in the fight to slow climate change. Some people believe it's important for kids to see their First Amendment rights in action, while others worry that protests aren't safe for children. Readers are invited to examine their own point of view regarding this issue as they explore unbiased main text, relevant fact boxes, and a helpful graphic organizer.
Is It Too Hard to Vote?
Part of the Points of View series
It's not always easy for Americans to exercise their right to vote. From taxes and tests that kept Black Americans from voting in the past to identification requirements and other issues that prevent eligible citizens from voting today, many people believe it's always been too hard for people from certain groups to vote. Others, though, believe that today's voting system works for all Americans. Readers explore both sides of this debate that's at the center of American politics through unbiased text that invites them to form their own opinion and back it up with relevant data from fact boxes.
Should Students Have to Learn Another Language?
Part of the Points of View series
As the world gets more connected, many people believe knowing other languages is a key to success. With this in mind, some schools make learning another language mandatory. Do you agree with this, or should students be able to opt out of learning a second language? Readers are asked this question and are then presented with arguments from people on both sides. As readers explore the unbiased main text, helpful fact boxes, and detailed chart breaking down different points of view, they are encouraged to develop their own informed opinion on a topic that directly affects them.
Do Professional Athletes Make Too Much Money?
Part of the Points of View series
Professional athletes are often paid millions of dollars. Many sports fans believe athletes deserve to make a lot of money because they have special skills, make money for their teams and for the cities they play in by attracting fans, and often have short careers and deal with serious injuries. Others, however, believe they make too much money for playing a game and workers such as teachers should make more than athletes. Readers are invited to form their own opinion on this issue as they explore the accessible text, fact boxes, and a helpful graphic organizer.
Should the School Day Start Later?
Part of the Points of View series
Debates over what time to start the school day are happening in many communities. Because this decision affects students, it's helpful for them to understand the arguments used on both sides and to form their own opinion about this issue. They're able to do so after exploring this debate through accessible main text, eye-catching fact boxes, and a detailed graphic organizer. Relatable full-color photographs enhance this crucial critical thinking exercise. Is there a scientific reason why teenagers hate waking up early for school? The answer is waiting for readers to discover.
Should All Children Get Vaccines?
Part of the Points of View series
The vaccination debate has made headlines across the United States in recent years, but news outlets often sensationalize this important health topic, leaving people with more questions than answers. As readers explore the arguments used by people on both
Should Every Community Have a Library?
Part of the Points of View series
Libraries are an important part of many communities, but some people have argued that they're not as necessary as they once were. Budget cuts and the rise of the internet have led some to question the need for libraries. As readers explore this point of view, they also find compelling reasons why many still consider a library in every community a necessity. These reasons are presented through accessible main text that is enhanced by fact boxes, full-color photographs, and a detailed graphic organizer. This critical thinking exercise promotes a love of reading and respect for other opinions.
Why Are Some People Homeless?
Part of the Points of View series
Homelessness is a problem that affects millions of people around the world. When discussing important issues such as homelessness, it is important to understand the pertinent facts in order to form a solid argument. Readers are presented with those pertinent facts through enlightening main text and helpful text features, including fact boxes and graphic organizers. Full-color photographs accompany this vital information. People approach social issues such as homelessness from different points of view, and readers are introduced to new perspectives as they enhance their own critical thinking skills.
Who Should See What You're Doing Online?
Part of the Points of View series
Privacy has always been a major concern for young people, and with the rise of laptops, tablets, and smartphones, it is much easier for them to hide what they're doing from adults. However, there are still ways for parents, teachers, and even the government to see what young people are doing online. Is this ethical? Is it necessary? These questions and more are posed as readers explore the complex issue of privacy in the digital age. Balanced main text, informative fact boxes, and visual elements such as photographs and graphic organizers give readers a comprehensive understanding of this topical issue.
Should We Keep Animals in Zoos?
Part of the Points of View series
Are zoos ethical? There is not one right answer to this challenging question. Readers discover the different arguments that can be made in favor of and against zoos. These different points of view are presented with relevant facts to support them, encouraging readers to understand the different sides of the debate surrounding zoos. Clear main text, eye-catching fact boxes, and detailed graphic organizers help readers make their own informed opinion. Full-color photographs are included to enhance a reading experience that sharpens essential critical thinking skills and encourages readers to approach controversial topics with an open mind.
Should Citizens Be Required to Vote?
Part of the Points of View series
In some countries, citizens are required to vote in elections, but in the United States, citizens are free to choose not to vote. This had led to low voter turnout in many elections, and some people think making voting mandatory for American citizens would help the democratic process. Why do they believe this, and why do others strongly disagree with them? Readers explore these opposing points of view through unbiased main text, fact boxes, vibrant photographs, and a helpful graphic organizer. This creative look at democracy around the world encourages the development of informed opinions and critical-thinking skills.
Should Animal Testing Be Banned?
Part of the Points of View series
Animal testing is a controversial practice, and many people have strong feelings about it. Understanding both sides of the debate about animal testing is crucial for the development of an informed opinion about this issue. Through unbiased main text and fact boxes, readers are presented with information and statistics used by those who support and oppose animal testing, and they are encouraged to use what they learn to decide where they stand. This critical-thinking exercise is enhanced through the use of full-color photographs and a well-designed graphic organizer.
Are Video Games Too Violent?
Part of the Points of View series
Violence in the media is a major topic of debate, and video games are often at the center of these debates. Are they too violent? Does playing a violent video game have any impact on a young person becoming violent themselves? Readers are encouraged to form their own answers to these challenging questions and to back them up with facts from the enlightening text. A detailed graphic organizer, vivid photographs, and helpful fact boxes are also included to guide readers as they explore the many facets of this controversial issue.
Does Technology Make People Lazy?
Part of the Points of View series
Technology has made life easier for people around the world, but is that necessarily a good thing? Some people believe technology has made people lazier, but others believe it actually makes people more productive. Readers deepen their understanding of this debate through detailed main text, concise fact boxes, a helpful graphic organizer, and relatable photographs. As they read, they're asked to challenge their own beliefs and develop their own informed opinion that they can back up with relevant facts. This reading experience engages critical-thinking skills and encourages a healthy respect for opposing viewpoints.
Should Students Have to Take Tests?
Part of the Points of View series
Most students would gladly stop taking tests, but is that really the best thing for them? Through enlightening main text, detailed fact boxes, colorful photographs, and helpful graphic organizers, readers are presented with opposing points of view on the importance of testing students. Readers are encouraged to use the information they discover to form their own opinions and back those opinions up with relevant facts. By exposing readers to multiple points of view, this text instills in them an appreciation for respectful debate and vital critical thinking skills.
Should Students Go to School All Year Round?
Part of the Points of View series
In some parts of the world, students go to school all year. Is this a good idea? Readers ask themselves this question as they explore different arguments for and against year-round schooling. As they discover these different points of view, they learn the importance of respecting other opinions. The informative main text is supplemented by fact boxes, which readers can use to develop their own informed opinion on this topic. Full-color photographs and a helpful graphic organizer enhance the reading experience, keeping young readers engaged as they develop essential critical-thinking skills.
Is It Wrong to Eat Meat?
Part of the Points of View series
Why do some people choose not to eat meat? Is it wrong to eat an animal that was once alive? These questions are complex and challenge young people's critical-thinking skills, and they form the backbone of this inside look at the debates surrounding vegetarianism, veganism, and eating meat. As readers explore this topic through engaging main text, accessible fact boxes, a detailed graphic organizer, and colorful photographs, they're introduced to different points of view and the facts used to support these differing viewpoints. This teaches young readers the importance of understanding differing perspectives and using facts to inform an opinion.
Should Students' Work Be Graded?
Part of the Points of View series
Grades are often seen as a way to measure students' progress and determine their understanding of important topics. However, the pressure to get good grades can harm students' mental health, and grades don't always accurately reflect a students' understanding of the material. These two conflicting viewpoints are presented to readers in an unbiased manner as they are encouraged to develop their own informed opinion about the necessity of grading students' work. Fact boxes and a helpful graphic organizer help readers strengthen their understanding of different points of view, which is an important critical-thinking skill.
Should All Students Have to Take Gym Class?
Part of the Points of View series
For some students, gym class is the best part of their day. For others, it's a class they wish they could skip. Should all students have to take gym class? This is the question readers are invited to ponder as they explore clear and objective text that presents both sides of this debate. Fact boxes, a detailed graphic organizer, and colorful photographs provide additional information and eye-catching visual components in this critical-thinking exercise. As readers learn to develop their own informed opinion about an issue that directly affects them, they also discover the importance of respecting other points of view.
Should Social Media Have Age Limits?
Part of the Points of View series
Most social media platforms have age limits, and many people often think this is a good way to keep young internet users safe. However, other people believe that the internet should be open to everyone, regardless of their age. Still others fall somewhere in the middle. Readers are introduced to the opinions and facts surrounding this debate through unbiased main text, colorful photographs, and helpful fact boxes. In addition, a clear graphic organizer summarizes the main points made by people on each side of this discussion to help readers develop their own informed opinion and strengthen their critical-thinking skills.
Should Students Learn About Racism?
Part of the Points of View series
Racism is woven into the history of the United States. But while some people think that it's just history and isn't necessary in today's schools, other people believe racism is still a big issue in the United States and should be taught in schools. While some people think learning about racism will only sow more divisions, other people say it is necessary to teach anti-racism to prevent racism in the future. This book covers this important topic in a relatable and age-appropriate way for young students. Readers will be able to read arguments on both sides of the debate and consider the facts. Then, they are encouraged to use those facts and their own experience to inform their point of view. This book will teach essential critical thinking skills through the lens of a hot issue in America today.
Is Safety More Important Than Privacy?
Part of the Points of View series
Fears about terrorism and other safety concerns have been prevalent for decades, but recent advancements in technology have given law enforcement and national security officials the ability to monitor suspected criminals. Some people believe this is not only desirable, but necessary. Others worry about the ways this power could potentially be abused. The many angles of conflict between safety and privacy are presented to readers through compelling photographs and fascinating fact boxes that supplement the neutral main text. This informative reading experience allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the arguments and formulate their own opinions.
Should Schools Have Dress Codes?
Part of the Points of View series
Most schools have at least some form of a dress code. However, some people believe dress codes are restrictive and unnecessary. Is one approach better than the other? Readers are immersed in the debate surrounding school dress codes through the use of informative text that presents multiple points of view. Eye-catching fact boxes, detailed graphic organizers, and full-color photographs enhance this engaging reading experience. Readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and develop an informed opinion as they explore the many sides of an issue that directly affects them.
Should the United States Have Open Borders?
Part of the Points of View series
As immigration becomes an increasingly important and controversial issue, it is important for everyone living in the United States to understand the opinions surrounding it. What does it mean for a country to have open borders? Should the United States adopt this policy or a different one? Readers learn the basics of immigration with this engaging volume that presents both sides of the debate surrounding border security and open borders. Intriguing fact boxes and striking photographs enhance the informative text, giving readers a foundation upon which to build their own intelligent views on this crucial topic.
Is It Important to Buy American Goods?
Part of the Points of View series
Some people believe Americans should make an effort to buy goods made in the United States. Others think that it doesn't matter where something is made. Thanks to allowances, many children are consumers in their own right. They should strive to make ethical decisions about where their money is spent. Through alternating viewpoints, complemented by fact boxes and a graphic organizer, this objective narrative explores both sides of the argument so readers can develop their own intelligent opinions and make informed choices about how they spend their money.