Book excerpt: Should cell phones be allowed in classrooms? Are students given too much homework? Do kids need recess? These questions can all be answered in different ways depending on a person's point of view. As readers explore challenging questions about hot-button issues, from voting to animal rights, they learn the importance of developing an informed opinion and respecting the opinions of others. Each balanced, unbiased text is supplemented with helpful fact boxes, detailed graphic organizers, and colorful photographs. These elements come together to create an engaging reading experience that builds crucial critical thinking skills. Features include: Basic, relevant statistics are provided on each topic to help readers learn to back up their opinions with facts. Opposing points of view are presented in an alternating format to help readers understand how respectful debates work. Objective, age-appropriate tone allows young readers to develop independent thinking skills and encourages them to look at every side of an argument.