The recent book flood continues, with all of the new books I’ve wanted to add to the library collection since June finally making it to the New Books shelves!
Here’s a look at some of the new nonfiction titles we’ve added to the collection covering Social Issues, Science and Self-Help. Follow the links for more information, including reviews, availability and previews:
Social Issues
American Girls: Social Media And The Secret Lives Of Teenagers by Nancy Jo Sales — Explores the changes in the way teenage girls are growing up in America, discussing the new norms, from extreme behaviors to lack of basic communication skills. “A compelling read for teens and those who work with them, giving voice to those who might not be heard otherwise” (Library Journal).
Being Jazz: My Life As A (Transgender Teen) by Jazz Jennings — Teen advocate and trailblazer Jazz Jennings — named one of “The 25 Most Influential Teens” of the year by Time — shares her very public transgender journey, as she inspires people to accept the differences in others while they embrace their own truths. “Her story is an important addition to the slender but growing body of transgender literature and belongs in every library” (Booklist starred review).
A Different Kind Of Daughter: The Girl Who Hid From The Taliban In Plain Sight by Maria Toorpakai with Katharine Holstein — Maria Toorpakai hails from Pakistan’s violently oppressive northwest tribal region, where the idea of women playing sports is considered haram-un-Islamic – forbidden – and girls rarely leave their homes. But she did, passing as a boy in order to play the sports she loved, thus becoming a lightning rod of freedom in her country’s fierce battle over women’s rights. “With clarity and captivating sincerity, Toorpakai illuminates the struggles of living under the threat of violence simply because she dreamed of becoming her own champion” (Booklist).
Fair Play: How LGBT Athletes Are Gaining Their Rightful Place In Sports by Cyd Zeigler – Zeigler, cofounder of the online magazine Outsports, tells the story of how sports have transformed for LGBT athletes, diving into key moments and issues that have shaped sports for LGBT people today. “Well researched, timely, and provocative, Zeigler’s book provides readers with candid personal accounts of the struggles and triumphs of LGBT athletes across a wide spectrum of the sports world” (Booklist).
Feminism: Reinventing The F Word by Nadia Abushanab Higgins — While most people believe in equal rights, the word feminism–America’s new F-word–makes people uncomfortable. Explore the history of US feminism and learn from modern leaders what it means to be a feminist–and why some criticize it. “This informative, impeccably researched investigation of the history of feminism will do more than fill a collection gap-it firmly emphasizes that feminism and feminist are not dirty words” (School Library Journal).
Grunt: The Curious Science Of Humans At War by Mary Roach – Grunt tackles the science behind some of a soldier’s most challenging adversaries–panic, exhaustion, heat, noise–and introduces us to the scientists who seek to conquer them. “A must-read for fans of Roach and for those who relish learning about the secret histories of everyday things” (Library Journal).
Ordinarily Well: The Case For Antidepressants by Peter D. Kramer — Do antidepressants work, or are they glorified dummy pills? How can we tell? Psychiatrist and author Peter D. Kramer examines the growing controversy about the popular medications. “Aimed at those who may be doubtful about antidepressants but open to a different scientific perspective, Kramer’s interpretation of the research on antidepressant drug effects is worthy of consideration” (Library Journal).
Reproductive Rights: Who Decides? by Vicki Oransky Wittenstein – Examines reproductive rights through a historical lens, from early history’s methods for family planning to the introduction of the Pill in the 1960s and the Roe v Wade decision of the 1970s, to contemporary legal and societal battlegrounds. “Well written and impeccably researched, this volume will appeal to budding activists and feminists and to those concerned about human rights” (School Library Journal).
What Is Anxiety Disorder? by Carla Mooney — Experts estimate that as many as 40 million American adults experience anxiety disorder in a given year, making it the most common mental illness in the United States. This book examines what this disorder is, what causes it, what it is like to live with it, and how or whether it can be treated or cured. “A list of chapter notes, organizations, and sources round up the reference credentials of the book, which will be of value to student researchers” (Booklist).
Science
Dead Zones: Why Earth’s Waters Are Losing Oxygen by Carol Hand — Currently the world has more than 400 identified dead zones – aquatic regions of low oxygen. The good news is that people can eliminate dead zones by changing agricultural practices and reducing pollution. Using real-world examples, this book looks at the impact of pollution on global water resources, and discusses the interconnectedness of ecosystems and organisms. “A significant overview for serious eco-activists or any students interested in our planet’s oceans and waterways” (School Library Journal).
The Ebola Epidemic: The Fight, The Future by Connie Goldsmith — Ebola has riveted–and terrified–the world. Since December 2013, the virus has killed more than eleven thousand people in West Africa. Hear from Ebola survivors and learn what experts say about this devastating disease. “A solid, valuable look at a still-mysterious illness and a tumultuous time in recent history” (Booklist).
The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee — Weaving science, social history, and personal narrative to tell us the story of one of the most important conceptual breakthroughs of modern times, Mukherjee animates the quest to understand human heredity and its surprising influence on our lives, personalities, identities, fates, and choices. “This highly accessible and thoughtful volume on a cornerstone of modern biology will have broad appeal” (Library Journal).
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren — An illuminating debut memoir of a woman in science, a moving portrait of a longtime friendship, and a stunningly fresh look at plants that will forever change how you see the natural world. “This title should be required reading for all budding scientists, especially young women. However, being a scientist is not essential in order to savor Jahren’s stories and reflections on living as well as fossil plant life” (Library Journal).
Wildlife Of The World, by DK editors — Spectacular portrait-style photography brings you “face-to-face” with individual animals in up-close and engrossing profiles on how the animals interact with their environments, mate, survive, and even play. “Like a classic children’s treasury book, this lavish work is an ideal option for researchers and browsers alike” (School Library Journal).
Self-Help
How To Like Yourself: A Teen’s Guide To Quieting Your Inner Critic & Building Lasting Self-Esteem by Cheryl M. Bradshaw — Don’t let your inner critic get in the way of being confident! How to Like Yourself offers a quirky, inspiring, and practical guide to help you overcome feelings of self-criticism, improve self-esteem, and be the true star in your life. “A solid text with good advice overall” (School Library Journal).
It’s Not A Perfect World, But I’ll Take It: 50 Life Lesssons For Teens Like Me Who Are Kind Of (You Know) Autistic by Jennifer Rose — Jennifer Rose is autistic. She’s also a college student who loves reading, writes fan fiction, and wants to be on TV someday. This is her uplifting guide to life, explainin how you can be different and still connect with others, how to deal with tough realities, and how to celebrate happy times. “Easy to digest and life-affirming, Rose’s honest narrative will resonate with readers” (School Library Journal).
Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths Of Introverts by Susan Cain with Gregory Mone and Erica Moroz — Susan Cain sparked a worldwide conversation when she published Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. With her inspiring book, she permanently changed the way we see introverts and the way introverts see themselves. This adapted young readers’ edition empowers introverted kids and teens. “Many will find value in this title that emphasizes that being an introvert is not a blemish on one’s personality but a benefit” (School Library Journal).
TED Talks: The Official TED Guide To Public Speaking by Chris Anderson — Since taking over TED in the early 2000s, Chris Anderson has shown how carefully crafted short talks can be the key to unlocking empathy, stirring excitement, spreading knowledge, and promoting a shared dream. This book explains how the miracle of powerful public speaking is achieved, and equips you to give it your best shot. “An invaluable guide to effective presentations, and catnip for all the TED fans out there” (Publishers Weekly).