Books have been arriving in the library all year. Here are some of the latest nonfiction titles in the New Books section at CA Library:
Biography
This Strange Wilderness: The Life And Art Of John James Audubon by Nancy Plain — “This narrative of the life of a dedicated and hard-working figure is the story of an amazing individual and a glimpse into the natural history of the early United States. An excellent addition to science and biography collections” (School Library Journal).
The Skeleton Cupboard: The Making Of A Clinical Psychologist by Tanya Byron — The gripping, unforgettable, and deeply affecting story of a young clinical psychologist learning how she can best help her patients. “[A] highly readable book to those considering the field of psychology or even just seeking a better understanding of what troubles the mind and what might be done for it” (Booklist).
Another Little Piece Of My Heart: My Life Of Rock And Revolution In The ’60s by Richard Goldstein — In 1966, at the ripe age of 22, Richard Goldstein approached The Village Voice with a novel idea — he wanted to be a rock critic at a time when rock criticism didn’t yet exist. In the weekly column he would produce for the Voice, Goldstein became the first person to write regularly in a major publication about the music that changed our lives. “Indispensable for understanding the culture of the ’60s and the music that was at its heart” (Kirkus Reviews).
Michelle Obama: A Life by Peter B. Slevin — An inspiring story of a modern American icon, here is the first comprehensive account of the life and times of Michelle Obama. “Those who would like to know more about the first lady, her family, and lifelong and recent friends who have helped her along the way will enjoy the author’s engaging and authoritative writing” (Library Journal).
Three More Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter — In the sequel to the New York Times bestselling memoir Three Little Words, Ashley Rhodes-Courter expands on life beyond the foster care system, the joys and heartbreak with a family she’s created, and her efforts to make peace with her past. “Rhodes-Courter once again exposes the horrors of the American child welfare system, this time as a foster parent herself” (Booklist).
Symphony For The City Of The Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich And The Siege Of Leningrad by M.T. Anderson — An account of the Siege of Leningrad reveals the role played by Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich and his Leningrad Symphony in rallying and commemorating their fellow citizens. “This ambitious and gripping work is narrative nonfiction at its best” (School Library Journal).
Social Issues and The Environment
The Modern Savage: Our Unthinking Decision To Eat Animals by James Mcwilliams — Just Food author James McWilliams’ exploration of the “compassionate carnivore” movement and the paradox of humanity’s relationship with animals. “McWilliams’ uncompromising call for plant-based food will both rile and rally readers” (Booklist).
Stonewall: Breaking Out In The Fight For Gay Rights by Ann Bausum — A dramatic retelling of the Stonewall riots of 1969, introducing teen readers to the decades-long struggle for gay rights. “Quoting from a variety of firsthand sources (journalists, bar patrons, cops, and others), Bausum paints a vivid picture of the three nights of rioting that became the focal point for [gay rights] activists. An essential purchase” (School Library Journal).
Turning 15 On The Road To Freedom: My Story Of The Selma Voting Rights March by Lynda Blackmon Lowery — As the youngest marcher in the 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Albama, Lynda Blackmon Lowery proved that young adults can be heroes. Jailed eleven times before her fifteenth birthday, Lowery fought alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. for the rights of African-Americans. “This inspiring personal story illuminates pivotal events in America’s history” (Booklist).
The Great Transition: Shifting From Fossil Fuels To Solar And Wind Energy by Lester R. Brown — The old economy, fueled by oil, natural gas and coal, is being replaced with one powered by wind, solar and geothermal energy. The Great Transition details the accelerating pace of this global energy revolution. “By carefully analyzing policies and practices already in place around the world, Brown and his team of researchers demonstrate that new energy sources will be commonplace sooner than we think” (Booklist).
The Boom: How Fracking Ignited The American Energy Revolution And Changed The World by Russell Gold — First invented in 1947, hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has not only become a major source of energy, it is changing the way we use energy, and the energy we use. A definitive narrative history, The Boom follows the twists and turns in the development and adoption of this radical technology. “Gold’s work is a tour de force of contemporary journalism that will captivate anyone concerned with the future of energy consumption and our rapidly changing climate” (Booklist).
Running Dry: The Global Water Crisis by Stuart A. Kallen — Discusses how droughts, floods, and massive storms along with the human population affect water usage, and explains how the competition for clean water has increased. “Both the length and format…will appeal to those with little or no background on the subject. An excellent source for student research” (School Library Journal).
The End Of College: Creating The Future Of Learning And The University Of Everywhere by Kevin Carey — The rise of the internet, new technologies, and free and open higher education are radically altering college forever, and this book explores the paradigm changes that will affect students, parents, educators and employers as it explains how we can take advantage of the new opportunities ahead. ” A clear and insightful description of developments in computer-based learning and potential changes in higher education” (Library Journal).
Asperger’s Teens: Understanding High School For Students On The Autism Spectrum by Blythe Grossberg — This book helps students with Asperger’s use their strengths and unique personal styles feel more comfortable in high school. “Paired with Beverly Brenna’s The White Bicycle (2012), this could provide older teens with good examples of independent, autonomous role models as they move from high school to college and beyond. Both teachers and counseling staff would be well served to have this title in the library collection” (Library Journal).
Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote To The College Admissions Mania by Frank Bruni — Over the last few decades, Americans have turned college admissions into a terrifying and occasionally devastating process. Bruni offers students and their parents a new perspective on this brutal, deeply flawed competition and a path out of the anxiety that it provokes. “His accessible narrative challenges the cultural fixation on elite educations while illuminating the commonalities of college experiences that have resulted in professional success and lives well lived. A worthy addition to college admissions literature” (Library Journal).
Alphabetical: How Every Letter Tells A Story by Michael Rosen — Former Children’s Laureate Rosen takes readers on an unforgettable adventure through the history of the alphabet in twenty-six vivid chapters, fizzing with personal anecdotes and fascinating facts. “A work about letters is also about literacy, and…Rosen is passionate about teaching children effectively and thus enabling them to unlock the secrets of reading. The book entertainingly proves that the ABCs have something to teach us all” (Booklist).