Books by Fiona Macdonald

This book explores the ways in which notions of childhood are being influenced by a rapidly expanding consumer-media culture in the 21st Century. It has been argued that new stages of childhood are being created and defined by children’s role as consumers. The concept of ‘tween’, girls aged between 9 and 14, has generated the greatest debate. While the fantasy world of ‘tween’ offers girls a space to fashion a young, feminine identity it has been widely argued that the consumer-media’s messages pressure tween girls to consume and adopt highly sexualised appearances and behaviours. The author considers how the art of consumption for ‘tween’ girls is intrinsically linked with their desire for independence and belonging, and how their consumption is interwoven with other important social and cultural influences. The book will be of interest to scholars and students in the fields of Childhood and Youth Studies, Cultural Studies, Feminist andWomen’s Studies and Sociology.

This fascinating guide to the world''s oceans combines fact-packed, easy-to-read text with colourful and quirky illustrations. From tides to marine life, it is an eye-opening introduction to the nature of oceans and what they contribute to the Earth. Each spread has multiple entry points, including an introductory paragraph, illustrations and side panels such as Fascinating Facts, Helpful Hint, Can You Believe It?, and Disgusting Data, which provide additional information and handy advice.

For 5,000 years and more, libraries have been gathering and preserving writings of all kinds. They’re keepers of the world’s memory. They’re storehouses of knowledge, and imagination, and fun. Learn about how these places and their collections of written words allow us to check our facts, find important information, share stories, beliefs and ideas, build communities and learn valuable life skills. You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Libraries! is part of a brand-new science and technology strand within the internationally acclaimed You Wouldn’t Want to Be series. The clear, engaging text and humorous illustrations bring the subject to life and stimulate young readers'' curiosity about the world around them. Specially commissioned cartoon-style illustrations in full colour make these books attractive and accessible even to reluctant readers. Information is conveyed through captions, labels and humorous speech bubbles in addition to the main text. Illustrated sidebars headed ‘How It Works’, ‘Top Tip’ or ‘You Can Do It’ supply more facts, describe simple, safe experiments, or steps that readers can take to help make the world a better place. Each volume includes a timeline and a list of ‘Did You Know?’ facts.

The threat of terrorism and biological warfare become all too real in this riveting thriller when the danger comes from a family's most cherished pets. Tessa Sanderson, ex-FBI agent, has moved to a sleepy Maryland town to escape her tragic past. When the town's beloved dogs begin viciously attacking pet owners, federalaCDC agents determine that the dogs are carrying a mutated flu affecting the aggression center of their brains, for which their is no knownacure. Tessa offers to help round up and quarantine the dogs, even though some unconvinced locals are preparing to protect their pets by any means necessary. But she has another reason for getting involved?someone has been sending her threatening emails in Arabic claiming responsibility for the virus, and Tessa is resolved to go deep undercover to expose this deadly conspiracy.aCombining hard science with thoughtful narrative, this chilling tale of science fiction explores the complex relationships between dogs and their owners."

Breathe in, breathe out ... We all do it, every day and every night. Breathing is essential for life. It brings oxygen (a gas in the air) into our lungs. We need oxygen to keep our brains and bodies working properly. Without it--without breathing--we would die very quickly! This breathtaking guide to breathing explores the process of breathing and how disgusting substances like mucus and snot have unexpected uses.