Best Selling Books by Don Rauf

What do people do at NASA (and in outerspace)? Readers pick from eight different scenarios and experience "next best thing to being there yourself" opportunities for interactive career exploration. Sidebars promote additional learning activities and independent reaserch

When it comes to landing a job, a portfolio has been a tool often used by graphic artists, architects, and possibly writers. In today''s world, a portfolio may help just about anyone seeking a professional career. A portfolio is a collection of work samples that can bring to life the achievements and skills you present on a r廥um�. Addressing career-ready standards of the Core Curriculum, this essential book teaches readers how to build a powerful portfolio no matter what career path they are on. Tips are included on how to avoid mistakes, make a stellar presentation, and highlight student accomplishments.

The Mexican-American War was a conflict that took place between the United States and Mexico from 1846 to 1848. This conflict emerged as the result of the 1845 American annexation of the Republic of Texas, which had declared independence from Mexico a decade earlier. Through images, maps, fast facts, and sidebars, this book examines the ways history, geography, and culture contributed to this armed conflict, and considers the legacy of the war today.

While budgeting and saving are practices that have been around forever, there have never before been more tools to help people do just that. Today, social media brings the power of people into the equation. This title teaches readers how to use the myriad of Web sites, apps, and crowdsourcing products available at their fingertips, such as TheMint.org and SmartyPig, to plan and stick to budgets and calculate the benefits over the long haul. Readers not only learn how to manage their money effectively, but also responsibly.

As his second term as president drew to an end in 1796, George Washington bid the country farewell and offered his advice for its future. He did so in an address that was published in a Philadelphia newspaper. This volume introduces young readers to the key themes in the open letter and liberally cites the words of that primary document. It is a great way to introduce elementary-school students to the importance and challenges of going back to an original text. It also offers a window into an immensely influential period of American history and a highly revered figure.

Technology has dramatically changed the world of media. People stream programs on demand to their televisions, they read books on handheld tablets, they get their news via the Internet, and listen to podcasts on their mobile phones. This authoritative book gives an overview of media careers that depend on a knowledge of computer science, including special effects designers, social media managers, and the programmers and developers who work on everything from satellite radio to web-based videos. Those passionate about media careers learn about the skills and education needed to pursue these careers, and the rewarding opportunities that may be in their future.

The makerspace movement is as nascent and revolutionary as the technology behind unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and this volume introduces readers to both fascinating worlds. UAVs are no longer science fiction. Though their surveillance capabilities are controversial, they’re also being used for more practical purposes. This volume teaches young people how members of the maker movement are producing their own UAVs for productive purposes. Readers learn just what makerspaces are and where to find one in their own community, hopefully piquing their interest in engineering careers.

This book introduces readers to the captivating world of virtual reality (VR), which is being hailed as the next frontier in technological user experience. Major tech companies such as Facebook and Microsoft are investing millions, if not billions, in VR. Perfect for students interested in the STEM disciplines, this book teaches them what virtual reality is, how it goes beyond just gaming and is being applied to solving real-world problems by creating virtual environments for users. Finally, readers learn about the bright future of virtual reality.

When it comes to landing a job, a portfolio has been a tool often used by graphic artists, architects, and possibly writers. In today''s world, a portfolio may help just about anyone seeking a professional career. A portfolio is a collection of work samples that can bring to life the achievements and skills you present on a r廥um�. Addressing career-ready standards of the Core Curriculum, this essential book teaches readers how to build a powerful portfolio no matter what career path they are on. Tips are included on how to avoid mistakes, make a stellar presentation, and highlight student accomplishments.

If makerspaces allow young people to collaborate on building projects, then Arduino allows them to go to the next level. Arduino is a do-it-yourself kit that includes a microcontroller that makes using electronics more accessible. Basically, this means that even those who are not experts in electronics can do amazing things, such as build and program robots. This book opens young people up to the possibilities of this exciting world by explaining exactly what makerspaces and Arduino are and how virtually anyone can use these tools to build programmable devices, a skill that is essential in any STEM field.

This informative book shows young people just how 3D works in movies, gaming, apps, and social media. It then guides readers on what courses to take to develop their tech skills in the field.

Crowdfunding is not a new concept--it was actually used by the Medicis and Walt Whitman in the funding of the arts. However, crowdfunding through the Internet is a new phenomenon. This book introduces readers to the concept of funding creative projects through a group of people, explaining its benefits and how it works. The history of crowdfunding is covered to the present day. Once Kickstarter came along, the company itself had to raise funds to get started. This book highlights the efforts of Chen, Strickler, and Adler to sell their idea to investors. It reveals how Kickstarter went through growing pains but finally emerged as one of the most successful Internet companies today. Readers learn about what it takes to make a start-up a lasting enterprise. With fact sheets on the founders and the company, this book serves as an inspiration for anyone interested in one day starting his or her own Internet company.

Virtual Apprentice: Cartoon Animator introduces readers to the exciting and colorful world of animation. Ideal for anyone who has ever dreamed of animating cartoons, this accessible new career book provides a behind-the-scenes look at a job in this field, featuring profiles of working professionals, A Day in the Life activity list that details a typical day on the job, and Reality Check sidebars to help readers decide if this is the job for them. This engaging career guide is loaded with full-color and black-and-white photographs and other helpful features. Chapters include: The Dawn of Animation Animator at Work Animation Tech and Trends Serious Training for a Funny Business Filling in the Background Kids Ask, Animators Answer Animator for a Day.

Java is one of the most popular programming languages in the world, operating on more than 7 billion devices and used by more than 9 million developers around the globe. Airplane systems, ATMs, cell phones, computers, medical equipment, parking meters, and televisions all run on Java. For those interested in coding today, a knowledge of Java is essential. Many technology professionals consider it easy to learn and its coding style is intuitive. Readers will gain a basic understanding of Java, how it works, its many uses, and how to acquire the skills needed to master this vital programming language.

Twine is no longer just for knitting. This popular online creation software is widely used, both by both professionals and amateurs, to create fun, interactive storytelling games. Far beyond simply writing text, Twine gives users the tools necessary for developing their stories into full-fledged narratives. This book offers a series of captivating and accessible activities that highlight the unique functionality of the Twine software, including its supported programming languages. Coding knowledge has never been more important, and writing stories in Twine is the perfect gateway into the world of computer science.

While the continued growth of the Internet has opened unprecedented possibilities for users, it has been accompanied by an upsurge in data breaches and cyberattacks that continue to threaten ordinary individuals as well as banks, businesses, and international relations. As we explore the still-uncharted frontiers of the web, the demand for professionals who can develop software, monitor electronic data, test systems for vulnerabilities, and more has skyrocketed. This volume guides readers past the firewalls and shows them what it takes to become an entry-level worker and how to climb the ladder to become a specialist in the ever-expanding field of cybersecurity.

Piercing the body to wear jewelry is an ancient practice that has grown in popularity and acceptance in recent years. Today, people of all ages have embraced piercing, along with tattoos and other forms of body modification, as a way to express themselves. Piercing isn''t just for ears anymore; noses, lips, eyebrows, navels, hands, tongues, and other body parts are all fair game. With captivating photographs, this dramatic book helps readers consider the cost and benefit of body piercing, as well as safety and health issues.

This inspirational book reveals how Sidney Crosby has skated his way straight to the top of hockey from a very young age. Just 19 when the Pittsburgh Penguins named him captain, "Sid the Kid" went on to lead his team to three Stanley Cup championships. He became the youngest player in National Hockey League history to reach 200 points, too. Sidney holds two Olympic gold medals and several MVP awards. Already considered one of the all-time greats, Sidney credits his success to hard work. The book includes dynamic full-color photographs, a fact sheet, and a timeline of Crosby''s accomplishments.

This guide provides an introduction to the programming language Ruby and the free application known as Hackety Hack that teaches novice programmers how to master it.

Provides a hands-on way to explore future career interests and options in the civil engineering field, including Internet links to newsletters and websites for further information.

Spy Files examines the science and technology behind the fascinating world of espionage, from mini-spy planes to spy animals, and more.

Virtual Apprentice: Actor introduces readers to fun career possibilities in movies and on stage. Featuring a behind-the-scenes look at this exciting industry, this new career guide includes profiles of working professionals, Reality Check sidebars, and A Day in the Life activity list to help aspiring actors with their career exploration. Filled with full-color and black-and-white photographs, this illustrated guide allows readers to learn the ins and outs of being an actor. Chapters include: Acting Now and Then Actor at Work Acting Tech and Trends Lights! Camera! Action! Supporting Roles Kids Ask, Actors Answer Actor for a Day.

Describes different types of jobs in Hollywood and what their responsibilities are, including actor, camera operator, costume designer, director, special effects artist, and stunt person.

One of the skills employers want most in new hires is the ability to speak well. Public speaking can not only advance a person in almost any career but can also help an individual do better in school as well. Following the English Language Arts standards for Speaking and Listening, this book teaches readers why public speaking can be such an effective tool, how to craft a powerful speech, and how to overcome one of the most common problems people have with talking in front of a crowd�stage fright.

A Front Row Seat to the Breaking News, Photos, Fact, and Fiction Surrounding America''s Lost, Abandoned, or Mythical Places Book jacket.

Schwinn: The Best Present Ever is a visual celebration of a American icon, with a complementary narrative throughout that tells the Schwinn story.

Presents a teenager''s guide to information technology careers, including descriptions and profiles, related information sources and organizations, and career assessment activities.

Behind the scenes and behind the trigger on the History Channel''s hit TV show. On Top Shot, some of the most skilled shooters in the world are gathered together to test their mettle in competition for $100,000. From former military snipers and ex-law enforcement officers to quick-draw artists, modern-day cowboys, and self-taught shooters, they are the best of the best with guns. In this fascinating book, readers will learn what makes Top Shot one of the most popular reality shows on television. * The weapons the contestants depend on to win * Facts and anecdotes about the colorful contestants throughout the years * The history of sharpshooting, and what it takes to be a master gunfighter * Behind-the-scenes stories about how Top Shot is created * And much more! For fans of Top Shot, fans of astounding gunplay, or fans of reality shows, Top Shot has become a can''t-miss weekly event--and now this book hits the bullseye for them all.

Careers advice.

In Eurasia, two countries have dominated the political, economic, and social landscape for centuries--Russia and Turkey. By sheer landmass, Russia is the largest country in the world and for decades after World War I, it was even bigger as the leader of the Soviet Union. This dictatorial, predominantly Christian empire included Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, and Ukraine. Other areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro were under Soviet influence. Often in conflict with Russia, Turkey stood apart with its democratic government and mostly Muslim population.In the early 1990s, the Soviet Union broke up, leading to several independent nations that, for the most part, have shifted to more democratic governments. While Russia and Belarus have elections, however, the process is highly controlled so that opposition parties cannot gain power. Several countries in Eurasia face economic struggles with high unemployment and health problems, with dangerous levels of pollution and alcoholism. Turmoil in the Middle East and between Ukraine and Russia have contributed to instability in the region. Since the harsh Soviet regime of the 1900s, however, social progress is heading in a positive direction as more people experience increased personal freedoms and tolerance. Each title in this series contains a forward from the Executive Director of the Social Progress Imperative, color photos throughout, maps, charts, and back matter including: a special "Countries at a Glance" statistical section, an index, and further reading lists for books and internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series in an effort to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content rich non-fiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers are able to reference back to the definitions--building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Text-Dependent Questions are placed at the end of each chapter. They challenge the reader''s comprehension of the chapter they have just read, while sending the reader back to the text for more careful attention to the evidence presented there. Research Projects are provided at the end of each chapter as well and provide readers with suggestions for projects that encourage deeper research and analysis. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader''s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.

The human body is capable of many great things, not the least of which is its remarkable ability to heal. It can overcome sicknesses like the flu, can mend broken bones, and close wounds. Modern medicine has made great progress in keeping us alive and well. But the power of the mind can keep bodies sound and help return the sick to good health, too. People can relieve stress and anxiety through healing crystals, acupuncture, and other techniques. The calming of the mind can greatly benefit a persons health. Healing looks at powers of the mind to heal and other puzzles of nature that lie beyond Western medicine.

Careers advice.

Discusses the work oceanographers do as they study the ocean''s depths.

Introduces the life of commercial airplane and jet pilots, including duties, training, and skills needed.

There are mysterious places and structures around the world that raise intriguing questions about their origins, construction, and effects. Who is responsible for the Great Pyramid in Egypt? Why have so many aircraft and boats disappeared while traveling through the Bermuda Triangle? Who built Stonehenge with its precise astronomical alignments? For years, scientists have searched for answers to these and other questions. While some plausible theories have been put forth, questions remain.

Each accessible book includes: - A behind-the-scenes look at the featured industry - Profiles of working professionals that offer an inside peek at what they do - "Reality Check" sidebars to help readers decide if this is the job for them - "Find Out More.

Introduces the pressing concerns of life and sustainable development in the Near East, including the issues of shelter and resources, nutrition and health, education and economic opportunity, and political rights.

Our personalities make each of us unique. But what if you had more than one personality? A person with multiple personality disorder can have multiple, unique and sometimes even dangerous personalities. Multiple personality disorder is only one form of disassociation that the human mind can experience. From Cotard delusion, the belief that you re walking dead, to Capgras syndrome, the illusion that those around you are imposters, this volume of Freaky Phenomena investigates disorders of the human mind. Personality explores true accounts of these conditions and how they affect a person s life. PUBLISHER S NOTE: Each title in this series contains a foreword by the Senior Research Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, color photos throughout, and back matter that includes an index and further resource lists of books, films, and Internet resources. Key Icons appear throughout the books in this series, encouraging library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities and expand their viewpoints through our content-rich nonfiction books. Key Icons in this series are as follows: Words to Understand are shown at the front of each chapter with definitions. These words are set in boldfaced type in that chapter, so that readers can reference back to the definitions building their vocabulary and enhancing their reading comprehension. Sidebars are highlighted graphics with content rich material within that allows readers to build knowledge and broaden their perspectives by weaving together additional information to provide realistic and holistic perspectives. Educational Videos provide links via QR codes to online video content that gives a multimedia dimension to the topics. And a Series Glossary of Key Terms is included in the back matter containing terminology used throughout the series. Words found here broaden the reader s knowledge and understanding of terms used in this field.