After much anticipation, the Jacksonville Jaguars became an official team in 1993. A pre-season game against the Carolina Panthers demonstrated that they were ready for the big league. Appearing in multiple conference championships, the Jaguars have been successful considering their short time on the charts. Beginning readers will understand the importance of hard work and dedication in this title!

"A fascinating account of how the city of Jacksonville met the major challenges of the last half of the 20th century, from those posed by race relations to downtown development to the environment. Crooks has provided a well-written, clear, and thoughtful analysis of the need for and movement to establish a consolidated government, and the early years of that government. His understanding of Jacksonville and of the times is impressive."--Joan S. Carver, Jacksonville University In the 1950s and '60s Jacksonville faced daunting problems. Critics described city government as boss-ridden, expensive, and corrupt. African Americans challenged racial segregation, and public high schools were disaccredited. The St. Johns River and its tributaries were heavily polluted. Downtown development had succumbed to suburban sprawl. Consolidation, endorsed by an almost two-to-one majority in 1967, became the catalyst for change. The city's decision to consolidate with surrounding Duval County began the transformation of this conservative, Deep South, backwater city into a prosperous, mainstream metropolis. James B. Crooks introduces readers to preconsolidation Jacksonville and then focuses on three major issues that confronted the expanded city: racial relations, environmental pollution, and the revitalization of downtown. He shows the successes and setbacks of four mayors--Hans G. Tanzler, Jake Godbold, Tommy Hazouri, and Ed Austin--in responding to these issues. He also compares Jacksonville's experience with that of another Florida metropolis, Tampa, which in 1967 decided against consolidation with surrounding Hillsborough County. Consolidation has not been a panacea for all the city's ills, Crooks concludes. Yet the city emerges in the 21st century with increased support for art and education, new economic initiatives, substantial achievements in downtown renewal, and laudable efforts to improve race relations and address environmental problems. Readers familiar with Jacksonville over the last 40 years will recognize events like the St. Johns River cleanup, the building of the Jacksonville Landing, the ending of odor pollution, and the arrival of the Jaguars NFL franchise. During the administration of Mayor Hazouri from 1987 to 1991, Crooks was Jacksonville historian-in-residence at City Hall. Combining observations from this period with extensive interviews and documents (including a cache of files from the mezzanine of the old City Hall parking garage that contained 44 cabinets of letters, memos, and reports), he has written an urban history that will fascinate scholars of politics and governmental reform as well as residents of the First Coast city. James B. Crooks is emeritus professor of history at the University of North Florida

Have you ever seen a panther? A panther is not only powerful, but it’s fast and swift too. When the Carolina Panthers take the field, they are always ready to go after their opponent. “The Carolina Panthers” by Mark Stewart offers young fans a look into one of the toughest, smartest teams in the NFL while including fun facts, team spotlights such as Steve Smith and Cam Newton, and pictures of Panthers memorabilia. Have a young fan who likes to argue sports? Don’t miss the “Great Debates” section where readers get insight into some of the greatest debates surrounding the Panthers and professional football! Team spirit is that deep passion shared by the players and fans when they wear the same colors, watch the same scoreboard, and cheer the same triumphs. This popular series has been completely revised and updated for the Fall 2012 release. Book updates include new team information, records, photos, and timelines as well as new features like GREAT DEBATES and GLORY DAYS. Once you finish the book, you can go to the OVERTIME WEBSITE where each football team has its very own webpage to accompany the reading material. This site will be updated throughout the season and postseason with kid-friendly news about their favorite football teams - the perfect source for up-to-date statistics and player information for young sports fans.

The early days of the New York Giants helped the NFL become what it is today: AmericaÕs most popular sport. Representing New York City, the Giants boast a huge fan base. In 2008, Eli Manning led the Giants to victory in a huge Super Bowl upset against the New England Patriots. Explore the history behind one of the NFLÕs most recognized teams in this title for young audiences.

Since the team’s start in 1995, the Jacksonville Jaguars have delighted fans with big plays and even bigger wins! In this hi-lo title, reluctant readers are introduced to the team’s history, players, and traditions through leveled text and action-packed images. Special features highlight the team’s championships and notable players, and fun facts call out additional information. The book ends with a two-page spread full of important stats, records, a timeline, and more.

Ever heard of the “Hail Mary”? No, we don’t mean the prayer. “The Dallas Cowboys” by Mark Stewart not only explains where the nickname for a long pass came from, but also offers young fans a look into one of the most beloved teams in the NFL while including fun facts, team spotlights such as Troy Aikman and Tony Romo, and pictures of Cowboys memorabilia. Have a young fan who likes to argue sports? Don’t miss the “Great Debates” section where readers get insight into some of the greatest debates surrounding the Cowboys and professional football! Team spirit is that deep passion shared by the players and fans when they wear the same colors, watch the same scoreboard, and cheer the same triumphs. This popular series has been completely revised and updated for the Fall 2012 release. Book updates include new team information, records, photos, and timelines as well as new features like GREAT DEBATES and GLORY DAYS. Once you finish the book, you can go to the OVERTIME WEBSITE where each football team has its very own webpage to accompany the reading material. This site will be updated throughout the season and postseason with kid-friendly news about their favorite football teams - the perfect source for up-to-date statistics and player information for young sports fans.

On All Saints Day in 1966, the New Orleans Saints became the NFLÕs sixteenth franchise. Enthusiastic fans showed their spirit by celebrating ÒMardi Gras in AutumnÓ at their home games. After Hurricane Katrina, the Saints came back stronger than ever and revived the cityÕs high spirits. Discover what it takes to persevere and succeed in this title for reluctant readers.

Have you ever played fantasy football? If you do, you should get tips from Maurice Jones-Drew who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Not only does he love the game, he now hosts a fantasy football radio show. “The Jacksonville Jaguars” by Mark Stewart offers young fans a look into one of the most hard-working teams in the NFL while including fun facts, team spotlights such as Mark Brunell and Maurice Jones-Drew, and pictures of Jaguars memorabilia. Have a young fan who likes to argue sports? Don’t miss the “Great Debates” section where readers get insight into some of the greatest debates surrounding the Jaguars and professional football!

Feel like you are on the field with today's NFL teams with these exciting and informative books. Learn about the history, best moments, and top players of teams like the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings. With easy text and heart-racing photos, these hi-lo books will have any young reader going for the extra point! Aligned to Common Core standards & correlated to state standards. Fly! is an imprint of Abdo Zoom, a division of ABDO.

Learn how local and federal law enforcement officials team up to keep hundreds of thousands of people safe during football's biggest game of the year. Additional features to aid comprehension include a table of contents, fact-filled captions and sidebars, detailed photographs, an informational diagram, a phonetic glossary, sources for further research, and an introduction to the author.