What are those strange colored lights in the sky? Will Cam's friend Eric win a contest with his photograph of a U.F.O.? Or will creatures from outer space keep Cam and Eric in the dark?
When Jennifer "Cam" Jansen and her friend Eric are at the mall, they witness a robbery at the jewelry store! Can Cam's amazing photographic memory help catch a thief?
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.
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?
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.
Why do boys and girls often play on separate sports teams? Some might argue that biological differences play a part in separating genders on the athletic field. Others might say that sexist mindsets are the main reason for the division of genders in sports.
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.
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.
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.
Students have always complained about the amount of homework they've been given, but informed debates about homework and its impact on students' lives and mental health have become more common in recent years.