Here’s a look at some of the notable nonfiction titles that have recently come in to CA Library —

Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger — Marketing professor Berger reveals the secret science behind word-of-mouth and social transmission, explaining how six basic principles drive all sorts of things to become contagious, from consumer products and policy initiatives to workplace rumors and YouTube videos. “A useful and entertaining primer that diagnoses countless baffling pop culture epidemics.” — Publishers Weekly

Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey — An exploration of how artists work, how they ritualize their days with the comforting (mundane) details of their lives: their daily routines, fears, dreams, naps, eating habits, and other prescribed, finely calibrated “subtle maneuvers.” “Moments of insight and entertainment…keep this routine of routines engaging.” — Publishers Weekly

Diego Rivera: An Artist For The People by Susan Goldman Rubin — Rubin follows Rivera’s career, looking at his influences and tracing the evolution of his style, emphasizing how is work often called attention to the culture and struggles of the Mexican working class. “With engaging prose that is beautifully illustrated with Rivera’s paintings and murals, this spacious volume introduces the great Mexican artist to young people.” — Booklist starred review

Helga’s Diary: A Young Girl’s Account of Life In a Concentration Camp by Helga Weiss — In 1939, Helga Weiss was a young Jewish schoolgirl in Prague. In 1941, she and her parents were sent to the concentration camp of Terezín. There, Helga wrote with astonishing insight about her daily life: the squalid living quarters, the cruel rationing of food, and the executions — as well as the moments of joy and hope that persisted in even the worst conditions. “Helga’s Diary serves as a remarkable testament to her horrific journey and the ultimate resiliency of youth.” — Booklist

The Law of Superheroes by James E. Daily and Ryan M. Davidson — An intriguing and entertaining look at how America’s legal system would work using the world of comic books. “A fascinating look at the possible legal consequences and responsibilities faced by those who inhabit the DC and Marvel universes/multiverses/alternate universes.” — Adult Books 4 Teens blog

Letters To A Young Scientist by Edward O. Wilson — Reflecting on his coming-of-age in the South as a Boy Scout and a lover of ants and butterflies, Wilson threads these twenty-one letters, each richly illustrated, with autobiographical anecdotes that illuminate his career — both his successes and his failures — and his motivations for becoming a biologist. “Warm, sage, and compelling, this concise and mighty book of wisdom and encouragement belongs in every library.” — Booklist starred review

Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder, adapted by Michael French — Meet Dr. Paul Farmer, a Harvard-educated doctor with a self-proclaimed mission to transform healthcare on a global scale. Tracy Kidder follows Farmer’s quest as he focuses his attention on some of the world’s most impoverished people and uses unconventional ways in which to provide healthcare, to achieve real results and save lives. “This story is remarkable, and Kidder’s skill in sequencing both dramatic and understated elements into a reflective commentary is unsurpassed.” — School Library Journal

Stronger Than Steel: Spider DNA and the Quest For Better Bulletproof Vests, Sutures, and Parachute Rope by Bridget Heos — Enter Randy Lewis’ lab and come face to face with golden orb weaver spiders, and transgenic alfalfa, silkworm silk, and goats, whose milk contains the proteins to spin spider silk — and to weave a nearly indestructible fiber. “Abundant photographs and a lively narrative make the topic accessible and almost lighthearted, and Heos lays groundwork for readers with a basic introduction to DNA and gene theory.” — Publishers Weekly

Weird Life: The Search for Life That Is Very, Very Different From Our Own by David Toomey — Distilling complex science in clear and lively prose, David Toomey illuminates the research of the biological avant-garde and describes the workings of weird organisms in riveting detail. “This title would be an excellent supplement to a physical science course and will be perfect for curious readers with humanities or social science backgrounds.” — Library Journal

World Peace and Other 4th-Grade Achievements by John Hunter — Award-winning teacher and high-profile public speaker John Hunter offers insights into conflict resolution and collective problem-solving gleaned from his many years teaching kids through the “world peace game,” an innovative global systems simulation he created. “Hunter proves the value of slow teaching in this important, fascinating, highly readable resource for educators and parents alike.” Booklist