New Releases by Don Rauf

Determined to teach youthful users of digital devices how to write code, the mysterious programmer Jonathan Gillette wrote an entertaining and informative guide to the programming language Ruby that he made available online for free. He also designed a free application known as Hackety Hack that teaches novice programmers how to master Ruby. This is the intriguing story of an idealistic programmer who demystified the world of programming for young people and then vanished into cyberspace. It is also a useful guide to both Hackety Hack and Ruby, one that introduces readers to some of the basics of computer programming.

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.

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: Fashion Designer introduces readers to the trendy world of fashion. Bringing readers inside this exciting industry, this new career book provides an in-depth look at a career in this field, featuring profiles of working professionals, Reality Check sidebars, and A Day in the Life activity list. This accessible guide is filled with full-color and black-and-white photographs, providing a behind-the-scenes look at a career in fashion design. Chapters include: The Evolution of Fashion Fashion Designer at Work Fashion Design Tech and Trends Fashion Industry Sweat and Shears Finding the Right Fit Kids Ask, Fashion Designers Answer Fashion Designer for a Day.

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.

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 and Check It Out sidebars for further research - A Day in the Life activity list that details a typical day on the job - Q&As between real-life kids and pros - A Count Me In journal feature for readers to track their activities. With a lively tone, dynamic look, and plenty of full-color and black-and-white photographs, the Virtual Apprentice books are the perfect starting point for young adults beginning their career exploration.

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.

Careers advice.

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

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.