CONTEMPORARY ISSUES © 2022

by

The most devastating virus to affect humanity in a century, SARS-CoV-2 went from a curious new disease to a global pandemic within the span of weeks. The global system made it possible for COVID-19 to spread to nearly every country in the world within a month, at which point the virus devastated healthcare systems, paralyzed national economies, and contributed to social unrest and instability. Mask mandates, vaccination, and other issues relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic are explored in this book. The CONTEMPORARY ISSUES series is intended to give young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with essays that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Virginia M. Fair

Today, surveillance cameras are inescapable. They can be found in banks and stores. They are in schools, parking lots, and sports stadiums. They could even be in a neighbor’s doorbell. The world of constant surveillance concerns those who fear that anonymity is a thing of the past. Others praise the benefits of increased surveillance and the growing utility of drones for a variety of uses. This book explores a variety of issues related to surveillance and drone use. The CONTEMPORARY ISSUES series is intended to give young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with essays that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Abby Bryn

Video games and entertainment media are meant to be fun, but games and television shows have also been no stranger to controversy. Politicians, teachers, and parents groups have accused them of glorifying violence, leading to a sedentary lifestyle, and other issues. Others note the potential benefits of entertainment media. The discussion is not clear-cut, and as such, the consensus can be difficult to grasp. This book aims to provide much-needed perspective. The CONTEMPORARY ISSUES series is intended to give young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with essays that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Ashley Nicole

Marijuana has been illegal throughout the United States for nearly a hundred years, and it remains prohibited by the federal government under the 1970 Controlled Substances Act. However, since the 1990s a growing number of states and jurisdictions have passed laws that conflict with the federal prohibition on marijuana use. These laws allow marijuana to be used as a medical treatment for certain conditions. A few states even allow it for recreational use. This book explores the heated debate currently raging over the benefits to society of legalizing marijuana. The CONTEMPORARY ISSUES series is intended to give young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with essays that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Ashley Nicole

Today, news organizations are facing a crisis of trust, as many Americans believe that the news media intentionally ignores or misreports certain stories. The idea that American mass media outlets typically favor a particular point of view or perspective has contributed to sharp divisions in modern society. This book examines some of the most controversial issues related to media bias. The CONTEMPORARY ISSUES series is intended to give young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with essays that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

by Jennifer Rowan

When the first enslaved Africans arrived at Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619, America’s long and troubled history with slavery began. Although slavery was ended at the conclusion of the Civil War, the United States is still wrestling with the issue of how to provide restitution for the damage caused by this institution. This book explores the issue of whether the government should pay reparations for slavery. It examines what those reparations might look like, and how they might change the lives of eligible Black Americans. The CONTEMPORARY ISSUES series is intended to give young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with essays that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.