The United States of America is a complex nation. At various times in its nearly 250-year history, the country's citizens have endured racism, poverty, and gun violence. They've been split apart and brought together by politics, news media, and ideas about what constitutes a basic human right. In this nonfiction series, early high schoolers will learn the history behind many social studies hot topics, including immigration, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ discrimination; how and why we continue to struggle today; and what's being done to improve those challenging aspects of living in America. Each title includes real-life profiles of people who are living the featured topic, factual sidebars, a glossary, and an index. The topics of gun control and gun laws are divisive ones for Americans, especially as firearm violence in the United States increases and death tolls rise. This nonfiction social studies title for young adults examines the history of mass shooting tragedies in the United States, from restaurants and churches to schools such as Columbine and Sandy Hook. It explores theories about mass murder motives and possible solutions for prevention, including better mental health services and assault weapon bans. Includes sidebars, a glossary, a timeline, and profiles of advocate Sue Klebold and criminology researchers Jillian Peterson and James Densley.
