Assessing Books in Line with the Greenaway Medal Criteria Essay

The Kate Greenaway Medal is one of the most prestigious awards given in the UK. It is awarded annually for distinguished illustration in children’s books. Awarded along with the Carnegie Award (given for distinguished writing in children’s books), the Greenaway Medal is given by the Chartered Institute of Librarians and Information Professionals (CILIP). For more than half a century now, the Greenaway Medal has been regarded as one of the most aspired recognitions by illustrators. Since it was first awarded in the year 1956, hundreds of prominent British book artists like Lauren Child, Anthony Browne, Shirley Hughes, and John Burningham have already received the award. The criteria Books which are nominated for CILIP’s Kate Greenaway medal must be of exceptional artistic quality. Focusing on the visual experience, the illustrated book must be stimulating and engaging. Although the graphic elements are prioritized, the texts must be properly coordinated with the images. Among the most important factors which must be assessed are the creative style, format, harmonization between illustration and text, and the visual experience. â€Å"The Baby Who Wouldn’t Go to Bed† by Helen Cooper The book tackles the story of a boy who simply refuses to go to sleep. When his mother calls for Bedtime, the boy drives away in his car and travel on to the night in search for a companion for his night quest. However, he constantly fails at his attempts to find the perfect comrade in the magical world full of characters from his toys. In the end, he realizes that nighttime is truly bedtime. He is then reunited with his mother, who like also cannot sleep as she was in search for him. To start with, the medium used for the book â€Å"The baby who wouldn’t go to bed† is quite suitable for its purpose. The visual images were not just appropriate – but rather very crucial to promote a general idea of the story. Although the concept presented in the book can also be delivered successfully through audio-visual mediums, the printed one is also equally fitting. Readers cannot help but notice that the visual images presented in the book follows the central theme that the story diverges on – a dreamy night. The images on the book well deliver the story from the sun setting to an overwhelming darkness all on its own as the readers go over the story page by page. As the story progresses, the shades and colors go darker and more looming with every page. Basically, the style of presentation of the texts and images vary. Some texts are matched with images much like groups of idea clumped together to present a segment of the story. In this style, the texts and images complement each other much like a painting with a written description. In other pages, the texts are separated from the visual images, thereby promoting the idea that the images only serve as a supplementary backdrop of the story. In some cases, the texts act as mere subtitles or captions for the graphics. Consistent throughout the whole book however is the dreamy style of illustration that is distinctively unique. Focusing on the typography, readers will find the book a pleasant read as its texts come in bold roman prints offered in the right sizes fit for kid’s reading. To a certain extent, the texts which are sparingly arranged in no more than five lines a paragraph heightens the reading appeal of the book. The spacing of the fonts and lines also makes each page pleasing to the eye. The lay-out of the book varies from page to page and that lack of a uniform presentation style adds up to the surprise element of the story. The texts do not appear intrusive. However, there are some pages where the texts are not placed in successive orders. This lack of order prompts a reader to ignore some texts so as to focus more on the highly important texts. A particular example is on page eight, where texts â€Å"The little car went slower†¦ and slower†¦ and slower† will probably be ignored as the more integral content (â€Å"The musicians played such a sweet tune†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ) attracts the reader’s whole attention. (Cooper) Among the most notable characteristics of the book was the fact that the images and the texts were complementing with each other. Both were much needed for the presentation of the story and both of which enhanced the effect of one towards the full comprehension of the story. Another positive aspect of the book is the fact that the illustration were all very clear as to what message that they wanted to deliver – it even seems that the pictures/ graphics alone can tell the story without the texts. In general, this book gives young ones (twelve months to six years) a good reading experience as it combines reality with imagination by merging a typical night time scenario with a magical and dreamy presentation. It plays out a pre-existing experience into a dreamy adventure that is packed with much imagination left to be unveiled by the reader. It serves well as a nighttime book that’s meant to be read just before naptime – and its whole significantly proves that it is in line with that theme. â€Å"Jethro Byrd Fairy Child† by Bob Graham The book â€Å"Jethro Byrd fairy Child† explores an age-old theme – the need to enjoy the small wonders of life and keep oneself imaginative despite an adult’s tendency to formulate a very preoccupied life as he welcomes maturity. In the book, Annabelle spends most of her time trying to find fairies. Fortunately, she discovers that they are really true as she meets the fairy child by the name of Jethro Byrd in her own backyard. She also meets the rest of the Byrd family and invites them for tea. Unfortunately, her parents cannot see the fairies and Annabelle wonders what would happen if she would just go with the fairies and leave her family behind. Just like any good fairytale book that is jam-packed with lots of creative juices, this book is an appropriate medium for the story. A book that’s full of illustrations is probably the best way of delivering a story with a fairy plot like this. However, although the theme and the plot of the story are both cliches, the illustrations are not. The graphics and the artist’s style are very distinguishing as it almost focuses only on a single setting – a backyard in a suburban area. Although the whole story seems is full of magical elements, what’s good about the illustrations is that they tone down the imaginations. The graphic images do not offer the same magical bluff that most fairy stories deliver. Instead, they create a more casual and simple theme that allows the readers to dwell on a balanced storytelling style – one wherein both the texts and the images are telling the story. In addition to that, the quality of the washed-out illustrations was consistently appealing all throughout the book. The simple style works well with the theme which is also straightforward and easy to follow. As for the typography, the book also rated well. The typeface and size were fit for the reading requirements of young ones four to seven years old. Another good thing about the book is that there was no uniform style of placing the texts. The texts were placed on the top, bottom, left, or right side of the page, depending on the demands of the graphical elements for every page. Such made the layout more appealing. Moreover, since the texts were properly placed, they did not appear intrusive in each page despite the fact that they were a bit too many lines for every page. Instead, the texts took on a very integral role to fully comprehend the flow of the story. Unlike other books with illustrations however, this one would probably fail to tell the story based on the graphical elements alone. Fortunately, the need for texts was met fully in a creatively appealing manner. The illustrations and the texts were also very much in synch. The artist made use of recurring visual images – the fence and the backyard setting – to normalize the magical theme and keep the readers abreast with the values and the theme that the story wanted to portray and develop. To set the normal setting of the story, the illustrations on the covers and title page of the book were used as an introductory element showing a casual metropolitan/suburban scenario. Unlike other graphical books which appear as picture mosaics, this one is more organized and fit for a child. The book’s use of images is not merely for decorative purposes. Rather, the images harmonize one’s imagination and reality. It merges the idea of fairy existence to normal day-to-day experiences, therefore engaging more young readers. With these illustrations, young readers cannot help but think of their own backyard and their own probable adventures with the fairies that they might find. Overall, the visual experience that this book offers is simple but overwhelmingly clear and engaging. The story which revolved around a simple plot with a spice of magical elements requires just these plain illustrative elements. As the illustrations normalize Annabelle’s adventure, the book becomes more engaging and pleasing to read. The colors used and the water-color style of the graphics also gave the book a very heartwarming appeal. Conclusions The two books fit the criteria of the Kate Greenaway Medal on the following grounds: the artistic style portrayed in the books were unique and distinctive; the illustrations were in sync with texts; the illustrations were clear; the illustrations did not appear like picture upholsteries, rather, they increased one’s understanding of the story. In general, the visual experiences offered by the books were engaging, enhancing the book’s ability to attract and retain the young reader’s interest in literary works. WORKS CITED: Helen Cooper. â€Å"The Baby who wouldn’t Go to Bed. † Toronto, ON: Doubleday Canada, 1996. Bob Graham. â€Å"Jethro Byrd Fairy Child. † Cambridge, Mass. : Candlewick Press, 2005, c2002

Free Essays on The Handmaids Tale Review

from Genesis 30:1-3. And when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister and she said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb? And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her. (Genesis 30:1-3) These three verses are the basis for the Republic of Gilead – once the United States. The Handmaids have no rights, no powers and no freedoms, and every movement they make is controlled by the government and all laws are justified by the Bible. The story of the Handmaids is made becomes a more personal experience because it is told in the first person by a woman we come to know as Offred. The Handmaid’s Tale creates a society that seems unimaginable, a society of oppression and fear, where society is a prison. It is a future that seems unimaginable by contemporary standards. The Handmaid's Tale poses many philosophical questions in regard to romantic and forbidden relationships and/ or friendships. The book itself is frightening and powerful. Against everything, Offred is determined to survive in this world, aided only be her memories of the past and her will to live again in that world again. The Handmaids support each other throughout their ordeals; they speak secretly to each other, sharing bits of news from outside Gilead. However, this is illegal. Only men are allowed the privilege of conversation in public. The setting in the book is strange and horrifyi... Free Essays on The Handmaid's Tale Review Free Essays on The Handmaid's Tale Review Written in 1986 by Margaret Atwood, the novel The Handmaid’s Tale tells the story of a near-future dystopia in which the United States no longer exists. A religious faction forces all fertile women to become handmaids. These once independent women must now live by Old Testament values and live a life of bearing children based on the words from Genesis 30:1-3. And when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister and she said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb? And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her. (Genesis 30:1-3) These three verses are the basis for the Republic of Gilead – once the United States. The Handmaids have no rights, no powers and no freedoms, and every movement they make is controlled by the government and all laws are justified by the Bible. The story of the Handmaids is made becomes a more personal experience because it is told in the first person by a woman we come to know as Offred. The Handmaid’s Tale creates a society that seems unimaginable, a society of oppression and fear, where society is a prison. It is a future that seems unimaginable by contemporary standards. The Handmaid's Tale poses many philosophical questions in regard to romantic and forbidden relationships and/ or friendships. The book itself is frightening and powerful. Against everything, Offred is determined to survive in this world, aided only be her memories of the past and her will to live again in that world again. The Handmaids support each other throughout their ordeals; they speak secretly to each other, sharing bits of news from outside Gilead. However, this is illegal. Only men are allowed the privilege of conversation in public. The setting in the book is strange and horrifyi...

Government Intervention at Boeing and Airbus Case Study

Government Intervention at Boeing and Airbus - Case Study Example Globalization led to the cross-border free flow of capital, labor, information and other resources. Countries began to realize that the only way to reap the fruits of comparative advantage was to compete internationally. FDIs and generation of government revenues were common results of international business in technology intensive areas (page 33) (Cavusgil, Knight, & Reisenberger, 2012) and, thus, the collaboration of various European governments in this respect can be attributed to this reasoning. The major reason behind Boeing’s complains is that the provision of subsidies by the EU government to its competitor Airbus is preventing both the companies to compete on equal footing. It is seen as an unfair trade practice by the U.S, although, the case reflects that the country itself is offering protection to its airline Boeing, albeit, in a different way. Thus, although the U.S government is not providing outright subsidies to Boeing, it is still protecting its business by bes towing it with military contracts. The key elements highlighted in the case are those of intervention through provision of subsidies, development of infrastructure, tax rebates and strategic national contracts. Part of the explanation underlying government support for Airbus is grounded in the democratic socialism political system of the EU. As learnt in the text, this form of system called social democracy is characterized by government intervention in private enterprises and in business activities.... To this extent, as pointed out in the case study, the governments of various EU countries including the French, German, Spanish and British governments have embarked on a mission to enhance the international competitiveness of its national airline, Airbus, through the provision of subsidies primarily. A major implication of globalization has been that in the midst of cut-throat competition, companies often find themselves competing on costs. The text also supports the fact that the costs of doing business are relatively higher in the EU which is largely because of high corporate taxes (page 178) (Cavusgil, Knight, & Reisenberger, 2012). This is a major reason behind the government rationale to support Airbus financially. To this extent that the cost of capital in EU is higher than that in U.S, the government’s intervention in Airbus’s operations is justified. The defensive rationale of government intervention manifests itself along these lines of thinking by claiming th at protection of the national economy is a major factor behind government intervention (page 204) (Cavusgil, Knight, & Reisenberger, 2012). The offensive rationale is also applicable here, since one of the major reasons for government intervention in the case of Airbus was to protect the infant industry that could not compete effectively with the two giants (Mac Douglas and Boeing) and the creation of tax revenues. Also one of the fundamental justifications for the same was the generation of jobs and employment opportunities that were created once Airbus had its operations all over Europe (Cavusgil, Knight, & Reisenberger, 2012). Furthermore, this move of European governments to support Airbus and make it

Bill Cosby legal allegations and laws that apply to and affect this Term Paper

Bill Cosby legal allegations and laws that apply to and affect this situation - Term Paper Example Several women have accused Bill Cosby of sexually assaulting them by use of drugs. The list has grown to13 plaintiffs with the latest being the two plaintiffs interviewed in Philadelphia and People magazines. The women that have claimed to be sexually assaulted by Cosby have grown to be more than 20 in number. The right to privacy holds that no person should experience not logical interference in his life. This right protects one’s privacy, correspondence, home, reputation, and honor. The law, therefore, should ensure the protection against such attacks or interferences. Bill Cosby has made efforts to see that his right to privacy is protected (Noorani 802). Bill Cosby has used his right of expression to protect his privacy in the cases of sexual assault. He has used this right to react to the accusers’ allegations by showing that they are liars. Bill Cosby’s act has aimed to gain and control the sympathy of the public and judicial process. He has painted the accusers as individuals who have hidden agendas of defaming him. This is by spoiling his reputation and honor that he has worked for long to gain. His act of doing this in the media is a technique that he uses to amplify his voice (Scocca). Bill Cosby has also used his right of self-defense to protect his privacy in the sexual assault accusation cases. For example, his lawyers’ call for dismissal of the defamation cases filed by the three women is an act of privacy protection. The lawyers argue the Cosby branding the women liars does not meet the defamation threshold. Bill’s statements were of self-defense, which is a privilege that should be provided to all the accused. In contrary, it is in Cosby’s rights to make self- defense utterances. According to his lawyers, the defamation claim on the act of self-defense will be a set of double standards. Hobson’s Choice supports the right of publicly denying the

Organizational Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Organizational Analysis - Essay Example This strategy comes into play whenever any organization has a certain aim or objective to reach as otherwise the entire strategy becomes an ineffective one. This strategy is used in order to be incorporated in the entire strategic planning model. For any company to be competitive, efficient and at par with the market, it has to be able to scan the internal and the external environment at that results in the fulfillment of the corporate aims. This analysis would allow the organization, to have valuable information resulting in the matching of the firm's resources and its capabilities to the sort of competition that exists in the market in which that company is operating and functioning in at present. For all companies in the present times, this tool has become highly important as it results in the strategy formulation and selection. The above diagram depicts all the four aspects which make up this analysis framework and which are used in order to scan the environment as well. The company that would be analyzed for the purpose of this paper would be done in a manner which would allow its internal and external factors to be highlighted while at the same time looking at the best possible strategy that could be used by this organization in order to achieve its corporate aims and all. Hill, T. & R. Westbrook (1997). The company that would be analyzed would be the ALDI which stands for Albrecht Discount; a discount supermarket chain which is based in Germany. It would be viewed in terms of the different areas which make it one of the biggest supermarket chains of Germany. This organization operates on a global level and delivers world class services to its global clients. This organization falls within the commercial sector which has recently had had to take a severe hit due to the recession and yet this particular organization has remained strong and steady enough-it even managed to score highly on the list of top companies operating within the European region proving that his chain has the strength which has allowed it to gain a good and strong position in the market despite such a strong setback. This organization's business services are made up of the provision of a range of goods which are available at discounted prices. The global strength of this organization can be gauged from the fact that it has over eight thousand stores worldwide and almost a new store opens up in Britain every week. The strengths of this supermarket have been this very ability to deliver quality services to a wide range of clients who have access to a number of in-house products and the outside products are unusually quite limited in number... The fact that this organization has always stressed on maintaining a low price policy which has allowed it to keep itself on its toes and hence, the ability to sustain itself during one of the worst financial scenarios to have ever existed. The innovative ideas such as having weekly special offers on more expensive products and by having a wide range of stores has translated into a strong and confident clientele. The ability of this chain to listen to the customer and value the feedback, efficient

Energy Resources Essay Example for Free

Energy Resources Essay Trade – offs for the energy resources Large scale hydroelectric power This taps the abundant energy resource presented to humanity by Nature in the form of water streams flowing under potential energy gradient presented by natural topography. This energy resource is practically free, practically renewable and exploiting this form of energy hurts the environs to the minimal extent. We can term it as green energy. This form of energy is very advantageous of economic development in remote and hilly terrain, where it is not easy to transport other forms of energy. This has disadvantages and limitations too. Construction of large dam required for large hydroelectric power in many cases leads to rehabilitation of a large population. A large dam (water mass) may lead to unduly high pressure on the tectonic plates and cause earth quakes with disastrous consequences. Besides, such plants have to be constructed in remote and hilly terrains, which is not an easy task in itself. Operation of the plant is made difficult by the silt that comes with the flowing water during rainy season. Passive solar power This converts solar energy into useful form of energy say heat which can be utilized for room heating, water heating etc. This is renewable or non exhaustive form of energy. This is highly eco friendly or green form of energy. This is distributed form of energy in the sense that this is consumed where it is produced, therefore, issues pertaining to energy transportation is not at all there. The features for exploiting can be designed in a building during construction or even retrofitted afterwards. What we get is heat only, which is not very useful form of energy. This is highly localized and can not be transported. This is not useful during night. It is not so easy to incorporate features for exploiting this form of energy in an existing building. This is not at all useful for those regions devoid of ample sunlight. Active solar power This converts solar energy into electrical energy by using photovoltaic cells. This is also renewable or non – exhaustive form of energy. This is green or eco friendly form of energy. This can be stored using batteries. This is also highly distributed form of energy as an active solar panel can be made of each household. This is working even when sun is not there i.e. during night or cloudy hours as the electrical energy can be stored in batteries. The disadvantages are very low conversion efficiency of solar energy into electrical energy. Small scale of solar power plants; large scale plants are yet become a reality and therefore, limited applications. Besides, toxic materials are required for construction of photovoltaic cells required for active solar power. Wind Power This converts energy of naturally flowing air current or wind into electricity. This is also renewable or non – exhaustive form of energy. This is green or eco friendly as it causes no harm to nature. This is available on large and industrial as well as small domestic scales. This can be very useful for development of regions devoid of other energy resources. This energy resource is not easily predictable or controllable. This is prone to seasonal variation as wind pattern follows a seasonal variation. The wind turbine is noisy.

The Rise And Decline In Teenage Suicides Psychology Essay

The Rise And Decline In Teenage Suicides Psychology Essay Teenage suicides are devastating, not only to the victim, but to families, friends and all who knew the victim. Statistical data show the rise and decline in teenage suicides ages 15 to 24 as far back as 1952. The causes, symptoms, risk factors, are all factors. Studies indicate that young men commit suicide at a higher rate than young women. There are economical as well as social surroundings that play a major role in placing teenagers at a higher risk of suicide. Researchers are finding that medical conditions undiagnosed or left untreated, is contributing to the rates of teenage suicides. Other researchers are finding that warning signs are going unnoticed and with the assistance of schools workers, doctors, and peers and above all, parents, watching for such signs can make a dramatic change in the rates of teenage suicides. Appropriate funding for prevention programs, family as well as school interventions can make a difference between life and death in a teenager who may be cons idering suicide. The purpose of this paper is to explore the causes and prevention programs for teenager suicides between the ages of 15 and 24. The different ways gender, age, and society can influence a teenagers thoughts of suicide is also explored. I will show various warning signs and symptoms teenagers feel when contemplating suicide (Andrews, Tanya David, 2005). The overall purpose of my research is to examine the prevalence of teenage suicides between the ages of 15 and 24. Various studies indicate that economical as well as social problems play a role in teenagers trying to commit suicide. It seems the lower the socioeconomic state, the higher the risk for teenage suicides (Brown, 2001). Other studies indicate that warning signs and symptoms are going unnoticed or untreated. Family histories, drugs, alcohol abuse, all play major roles and school workers, doctors, teachers, parents and so forth all need to be able to recognize and diagnosis such problems and try and reduce teenage suicide rates (Brown, et. al, 2007). Literature Review Many authors agree that social economic status affects the overall suicide rates among teenagers. They also agree that rural areas, sparsely populated areas in communities that have experienced historical trauma and cultural losses (Brown, 2001; Brown, Wyman, Brinales, Gibbons, 2007; Miller Eckert, 2009). Brown (2001) states that upheavals in the economy, job losses and social as well as loss of traditions will only increase suicide rates in teenagers. This author does not mention in his article whether or not economical influences play a role in teenage suicides. Individuals or THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 4 teens living in the lowest socioeconomic areas are more than five times the risk of suicide compared to others (Brown, 2001). Many authors agree that school based curriculum programs, prevention programs, school personnel training involving teachers, screening programs and community involvement are essential tools in preventing teenager suicides. They also agree on the percentage of teenage suicide rates and look at risk factors, warning signs and symptoms (Joe Bryant 2007; Kutcher, 2008; Miller, Eckert, 2009). Joe and Bryant (2007) and Kutcher (2008) also believe that screening of school-aged children can assist in identifying early risk factors and allow for intervention and prevention treatment. Brown 2001, Kutcher, 2008 and Wyman, Brinales and Gibbons (2007) agree that risk factors involving family histories of suicidal attempts, teenagers being exposed to drugs, alcohol, feelings of hopelessness, depression and mental disorders are risk factors that should be diagnosed and treated as a way in prevention methods. Miller and Eckert (2009) believe that factors leading to a decision to commit suicide are triggers such as mental illness, emotional, family turmoil and so forth. Other authors took a look at antidepressants that physicians and prescribe to teenagers for depression and the side effects that could take place (Barlas, 2007; Brent, 2007, Dockasi, 2009; Wagner 2007). All three discuss the Food and Drug Administration, (FDA) and the black box warning labels that are now required to be placed on labels indicating the potential risk of suicide due to the side affects of antidepressants. Teenage suicides are a major public concern in nearly every country. Suicides account for nearly 3% of all deaths, and are the third leading cause of death in teenagers. High school THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 5 students surveyed indicated that 9% have considered suicide and 2.6% have attempted suicide (Brown, et. al, 2007). Discussion Statistics of Suicide According to the World Health Organization, (WHO), teenage suicides have been on the rise from 1952 to 1992. Teenage suicides are the third leading cause of death in teenagers ages 15 to 24, and young men commit suicide successfully at a higher rate than women in over 30 countries. From the 1950s through 1998, youth suicide rates in the United States have nearly tripled (Brown, et al, 2007). Some reasons for such a trend are the loss of traditions, support, and teenagers can no longer rely on their parents as role models. This data indicates that mental illnesses are more prominent now in teenagers and is approaching 20% , compared to 10-12% in the 1960s (Brown, 2001). Suicide Attempt One such case is when an 8th grader stood at the edge of a concrete bridge looking down to the bottom some fifty feet below. All he knew was that he wanted to die; he extended his arms, took a deep breath and leaned forward. In an instance it could have been all over, expect for a stranger grabbing the young man around the stomach and pulling him to safety just seconds before he would have succeeded in committing suicide. Looking back, after receiving the necessary mental health diagnosis, he didnt regret what he tried to do, but he came to understand that what made him do such a thing was what he now understood to be a THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 6 mental illness. He knew he really didnt want to die, but something kept pushing him on, finally with help of a stranger and the right care, this young man can receive treatment for his illness and can live a long and productive life (Henick, 2010). Suicide Deaths Compared to Regular Medical Conditions The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2004, reported a 300% increase in suicides rates. Rates for teenagers 15 to 19 year olds increased 11%. Teenagers ages 10 to 14 showed an increase in suicides rates of 100% (Andrew, Tanya, David, 2005). In 1996, some basic facts are that teenagers died from suicide more than cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia and influenza, and chronic lung disease combined. Nearly one in five high school students have seriously considered a suicide attempt during the preceding school year, and three students made genuine suicide attempts within the last year (Andrew, et al, 2005). There are many risk factors that can influence why a teenager may want to commit suicide and these include, age, gender, cultural and social influences, mental illness, recent losses, family histories of suicides, prior suicide attempts, peer pressure, family violence, sexual violence and so forth (Kutcher, 2008). One such risk factor is the access to the means. Teenagers in the United States succeeded in killing themselves at a rate of 2.5 % due to the easy access to guns at home or from their peers. Suicides by means of guns has increased at a more rapid pace than any other methods used, such as hangings, drugs, and so forth (Brown, 2001). THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 7 Effects of Social and Economic Pressures Teenagers are not immune to the economical state or their social surroundings and the effect it has on their way of thinking or looking at the future. Teenagers surveyed in one study showed results that indicated the lower the socioeconomic status, the higher the risk for teenagers and showed that they had more than a five time risk of committing suicide (Miller Eckert, 2009). Upheavals in the economy have caused undue stress in young people and are making them feel as though they are unable to cope (Brown, 2001). Studies have shown that have linked socioeconomic factors and suicide risks to sexual orientation, social disadvantages, sexual abuse, and so forth. Over 90% of victims found to have at least one mental health disorder (Kutcher, 2008). Teenagers being exposed to alcohol, drugs and other substance abuses are at a greater risk of committing suicide. Hopelessness and suffering, depression, and mental disorders are going undiagnosed or untreated. Separation or divorces of parents causes undue stress on teenagers (Miller Eckert, 2009). Warning Signs and Treatments The U.S. Food Drug Administration, (FDA). In 2003-2004, the FDA issued a public warning that antidepressants could trigger suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teenagers 20 and under after taking the drugs for a minimum of 2 months. The Journal of Medical Association, (JAMA), looked at 5,310 children and teenagers and found that children taking antidepressants added a risk about 2 in 100 of experiencing worsening suicidal feelings above what they had been feeling (Barlas, 2007). The FDA, ordered that THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 8 antidepressant drugs needed warning labels indicating young people are 4% more likely to exhibit suicidal intentions if taking these drugs. The black box warning labels should included in the medications bottle stated an increased risk of suicide may accompany the use of these antidepressants and the black box warnings were placed on the inserts of all antidepressant medication and warned doctors to watch patients closely (Barlas, 2007; Brent, 2007; Dockasi, 2009; and Wagner, 2007). There are many warning signs that family members, friends, and school officials can be made aware and to look for in a teenager contemplating suicide. A very significant sign is the teenager tried to commit suicide previously; mood changes; giving away personal belongings; depression; great sadness; feeling of isolation; withdrawing from family, friends, peers; eating habits; turning to drugs and alcohol, and harming themselves to list a few. Common circumstances are linked to reasons why teenagers are committing suicide. The feelings of being rejected by family, friends, peers, failure and disappointment in oneself, emotional and family turmoil can lead a teenager to look for a permanent solution, such as suicide, since they cannot remedy the problems themselves. Many teenagers do not know they are suffering from a mental illness which could be causing their thoughts and feelings and by diagnosing and treating teenagers with mental illness. There can be a reduction in the deaths of teenagers and continue the downturn in statistics (Shaffer Cowdry, 1999). Studies have shown that have linked socioeconomic factors and suicide risks to sexual orientation, social disadvantages, sexual abuse, and so forth. Over 90% of victims found to have at least one mental health disorder (Kutcher, 2008). THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 9 Family histories of suicide attempts and teenagers who have attempted suicide before are at a greater risk for a second suicide attempt (Kutcher, 2008). Risk factors, such as which populations are at an elevated risk and which risk and positive factors could be targeted for preventing suicide (Brown, et al, 2007). There are various causes that could be contributing to teenagers committing suicide. Preventions of Suicide Curriculum school based prevention programs involving support of staff, screening of students and training teachers of what to look for in a troubled teenager. Involving peers and the community are areas that can also bring awareness to teenagers in need (Andrew, et al, 2005). Prevention programs involving specific information need to be provided directly to students that focus on warning signs and teaching peers how to talk with another teenager contemplating suicide. Knowledge is power and the more knowledge teenagers are about suicide, the better the results will be (Miller Eckert, 2009). Physicians or primary care doctors are key individuals in being able to diagnosis a trouble teenager. They are the first choice of contact that many teenagers want to contact in times of distress. Physicians treating teenagers need to be well educated and know the warning signs and give proper treatment (Kutcher, 2008). One such study analyzed prescription data for antidepressant medications used by teenagers and found that Lithium actually reduced the rate of both completed suicides and suicide attempts in teenagers diagnosed with bipolar disorder (Steele Doey, 2007). THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 10 Many schools are now using screenings for school-age children in an effort to identify teenagers at risk and can assist in identifying early risk factors and allow for intervention and prevention treatment (Joe Bryant 2007; Kutcher, 2008; Miller Eckert, 2009). School psychologists have an ethical and legal responsibility to prevent teenage suicides whenever possible. These psychologists play a vital role in school-based suicide prevention (Miller Eckert, 2009). There are many ways that state governments, public involvement and schools, colleges, healthcare providers and officials can make a difference in the overall teenage suicide rates. The National Governors Association, (NGA), produced a list of recommendations to assist in reducing teenage suicides. They suggest increasing public awareness, creating state prevention plans, establishing school-based prevention programs (Henick, 2010). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008, surveyed students in grades 9-12, and found that 14.5% of teenagers in the U.S. have seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months; 18.7% of teenagers were females; 10.3% of those teenagers were males; 11.3% of teenagers made a plan about how to commit suicide. Another result was that 6.9% of teenagers made at least one attempt that resulted in injury and required medical treatment (Miller Eckert, 2009). THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 11 The Presidents New Freedom Commission on Mental Health (2003) and the Childrens Mental Health Screening and Prevention Act of (2003), target teenagers who are at risk for suicide. Research has shown that when asked, a teenager will commonly state whether or not he or she is contemplating suicide. Many states now require that schools provide suicide prevention and management. There are three categories of the programs are, curriculum programs, in-service training for teachers and staff, and school-wide suicide screenings of school aged children (Joe Bryant, 2007). In 2003, President Bush authorized 82 million dollars over a three year period by passing a new law aimed at preventing suicides among teenagers and young people. The new law provided states, colleges, universities and other agencies with grant money to start suicide prevention and intervention programs. The Presidents New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, (2003), established screening of children, looking for mental illness, establishing community-based treatment and training for child care professionals in an attempt to stop suicides in teenagers (Joe Bryant, 2007). Laws Enacted The U.S. Congress and Surgeon General passed prevention acts with a main priority for 2010, aiming at addressing and trying to change statistical teenage suicide attempts currently at 2.6% down to 1%. Addressing antidepressants medications and psychosocial programs involving intervention will be done through research to determine hat strategy would be most effective (Brown et. al, 2007). THE RISE AND DECLINE IN TEENAGE SUICIDES 12 Conclusion Our children are our future. Studies that have shown suicide rates among our teenagers over the years have been at epidemic levels. There is a great need for federal, state, and local government involvement. Schools, universities, parents, communities and so forth, need to become aware of the causes, symptoms and address the teenagers needs accordingly. Reducing teenage suicide rates will be challenging, but by identifying risk factors, intervention and preventive treatment programs, funding and practices will definitely make a difference. Ending teenage suicides should be an attainable goal.