If you are afraid of the dark, you are not alone. In fact, it's one of the most common fears kids have-and it can plague adults, too! And fear of the dark is just the beginning: whether you're troubled by monsters or burglars or tomorrow's math quiz, nighttime can be a scary period for many of us. This book explores the fear of things that go bump in the night and provides concrete tips on what you can do to conquer those fears. Fear and anxiety are...

The story of Mexican immigration to America is one of almost constant struggle, but it is also one of constant hope. Millions have come north looking for a better life. To help build that life, they brought with them food traditions that have become a vital part of American life, too. Inside, read about the ongoing story of Mexican immigration and how sharing food and family traditions have helped ease the way. No matter where they come from, people...

We all have "down" days as well as happier days. For people with a bipolar disorder, feelings of sadness and happiness can be more extreme. There is an alternation between feeling very "up" and very "down." It can feel like their moods are in control of them. Fortunately, there are ways to treat this disorder and feel more balanced. The lives of millions of kids are affected by mental illness. And yet it's all too common for kids to feel like they...

Families are the center of most kids' lives-parents are their guides and protectors, while siblings are their first friends. Threats to family unity can be frightening, be it fighting and divorce, sickness and death, or some other issue, like deployment or deportation. This book explores various family fears and offers advice about how to manage anxiety about what might (but probably won't) occur. Fear and anxiety are completely normal parts of growing...

Mental or physical challenges don't just affect the people who have them-they can impact entire families, too. This book looks at the many different types of challenges that exist and discusses how these situations can be a challenge for families but also a source of great strength. "What is a family?" What used to seem like a simple question has grown ever more complex. The set explores the different types of family structures that have become...

Everybody feels anxious sometimes; it's just part of being human. But for some people, those nervous feelings never go away. When anxiety gets so bad that it stops people from doing the things they want to do, it could be an anxiety disorder. Fortunately, there are lots of things people can do to feel better. The lives of millions of kids are affected by mental illness. And yet it's all too common for kids to feel like they are alone with their problems....

The word phobia is often used as a joke-a kid might say he has a phobia of spinach, when all he really means is that he dislikes the taste. But for people with genuine phobias, the condition is no laughing matter. Whether it's heights or crowds or plane travel, phobias can make life very difficult. This book introduces readers to the most common phobias and provides useful advice about how these fears can be conquered. Fear and anxiety are completely...

We are all forgetful sometimes. As people age, they can become more forgetful still. But when remembering information becomes a daily struggle, a person might be suffering from a condition called Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's has been called "the thief," because it steals away the person you loved. Knowing someone with this disease can be hard, but there are ways to encourage your loved ones and help them live happily. The lives of millions of...

Feeling sad sometimes is a normal part of being human. But for some people, the sad feelings overtake everything else, leaving them hopeless and empty. The things that used to make them feel happy don't make them feel that way anymore. Having depression is a very common and very serious mental disorder. However, there are ways to fight depression, get treatment, and feel better. The lives of millions of kids are affected by mental illness. And yet...

Alcohol and tobacco have long histories as socially acceptable drugs. And yet, both alcohol and tobacco can be exceedingly deadly. For instance, excessive drinking has been cited as a cause of death in 1 out of 10 adults under the age of 64. Understanding the potential risks of legal drugs is a challenge all teens will have to confront. From caffeine and aspirin to heroin and meth, drugs are an inescapable part of life in the 21st century. Addiction,...