Here are some of the latest nonfiction titles we’ve added to the library collection. Look for them in the New Books section!
Books For Living by Will Schwalbe — From the author of the best-selling The End of Your Life Book Club, this is a wonderfully engaging new book: both a celebration of reading in general and an impassioned recommendation of specific books that can help guide us through our daily lives. “In this warmly engaging, enlightening, and stirring memoir-in-books and literary celebration, Schwalbe reminds us that reading isn’t just a strike against narrowness, mind control, and domination; it’s one of the world’s greatest joys” (Booklist starred review).
The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the Trial of the Century by Sarah Miller — In a compelling, linear narrative, Miller takes readers along as she investigates a brutal crime: the August 4, 1892, murders of wealthy and prominent Andrew and Abby Borden. The accused? Mild-mannered and highly respected Lizzie Borden, daughter of Andrew and stepdaughter of Abby. “Though readers will know the outcome of the trial from the very beginning, they will be invested in the narrative. Sure to be a hit with true crime fans everywhere” (School Library Journal).
Bubonic Panic: When Plague Invaded America by Gail Jarrow — Traces the efforts of doctors to halt the spread of the plague during the 1900 outbreak in San Francisco, discussing how political leaders tried to keep the epidemic from being publicized and the scientists working to unlock the secrets of the disease. “The intertwined themes of prejudice against Asian Americans, public health officials hampered by politicians, and mistrust of scientific research…make the story complex, revealing a good deal about human nature as well as the period and the disease itself” (Booklist).
Game On!: Video Game History from Pong and Pac-Man to Mario, Minecraft, and More by Dustin Hansen — Find out about the fast and furious growth and evolution of video games (including how they are quickly taking over the world!) by looking at some of the most popular, innovative, and influential games ever, from Pong , the very first arcade game ever, to modern hits like Uncharted. “This satisfyingly thorough and worthy addition to any collection is sure to please hard-core gamers and newbies alike” (School Library Journal).
George Lucas: A Life by Brian Jay Jones — The author of the bestselling biography Jim Henson delivers a long-awaited, revelatory look into the life and times of the man who created Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Indiana Jones. “Highly recommended for readers of modern biographies, film enthusiasts, and Star Wars aficionados” (School Library Journal).
The Glass Universe: How the Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars by Dava Sobel — The little-known true story of the unexpected and remarkable contributions to astronomy made by a group of women working in the Harvard College Observatory from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s. “With grace, clarity, and a flair for characterization, Sobel places these early women astronomers in the wider historical context of their field for the very first time” (Publishers Weekly).
Ignite Your Spark: Discovering Who You Are From the Inside Out by Patricia Wooster — A guide for teens that helps navigate the confusing and sometimes depressing challenges of adolescence while sharing positive advice on topics ranging from relationships and self-image to willpower and learning from failure. “Readers are challenged not only to change their outlook and think more positively but also to create practical action plans for personal success, with relatable examples and suggestions” (Booklist).
Invisible Man, Got the Whole World Watching: a Young Black Man’s Education by Mychal Denzel Smith — How do you learn to be a black man in America? For young black men today, it means coming of age during the presidency of Barack Obama. It means witnessing the deaths of Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Akai Gurley, and too many more. Smith chronicles his own personal and political education during these tumultuous years, describing his efforts to come into his own in a world that denied his humanity. “This is a commanding read that deserves a place in all libraries. It will make a great book group discussion, especially when paired with Ta-Nehisi Coates’s memoir, Between the World and Me” (School Library Journal).
J.J. Abrams vs. Joss Whedon: Duel For Media Master of the Universe by Wendy Sterba — Sterba compares the parallel careers in film and television of these creative masterminds pitting one against the other in a light-hearted competition. With in-depth discussions of their works, she seeks to determine who is the Spielberg (or perhaps the Lucas) of the twenty-first century. “A smart, fun analysis for film fans” (Booklist).
Katha Sagar, Ocean of Stories: Hindu Wisdom For Every Age by Sarah Conover with Abhi Janamanchi — A captivating collection full of the sights and sounds of India, this a book of stories from Ancient Hindu epics, myths, and folk traditions. “There are some unanswered puzzles (Are the gods immortal? When is the entire universe cyclically remade?), but as Conover reminds readers, the point is to experience the tales, not to seek philosophical consistency” (School Library Journal).
The March Against Fear: the Last Great Walk of the Civil Rights Movement and the Emergence of Black Power by Ann Bausum — James Meredith’s 1966 march in Mississippi began as one man’s peaceful protest for voter registration and became one of the South’s most important demonstrations of the civil rights movement, bringing together leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Stokely Carmichael, who formed an unlikely alliance that resulted in the Black Power movement. “This compelling account will be equally engaging for classroom resource material or individual research” (Booklist).
March of the Suffragettes: Rosalie Gardiner Jones and the March For Voting Rights by Zachary Michael Jack — The forgotten, real-life story of “General” Rosalie Gardiner Jones, who in the waning days of 1912 mustered and marched an all-women army nearly 175 miles to help win support for votes for women. “With an informal writing style, this is an engaging title that will appeal to many readers. The use of newspapers accounts of the march helps bring this event into the 21st century” (School Library Journal).
The Meaning of Michelle: 16 Writers on the Iconic First Lady and How Her Journey Inspires Our Own, edited by Veronica Chambers — In addition to a tribute to Michelle Obama, this book is also a rollicking, lively dinner party conversation about race, class, marriage, creativity, womanhood and what it means to be American today. “Readers who wish to know more about the First Lady’s influence and who want to understand her impact will enjoy the perceptions expressed in this unusual collection” (Library Journal).
An Overview: Who Are The Muslims? by Anbara Wali — A snapshot of life in the Islamic world, with an overview of the countries in which Muslims live, basic information about the beliefs shared by all Muslims, and the history of the spread of Islam throughout the world. “Effectively incorporates key icons throughout to encourage library readers to build knowledge, gain awareness, explore possibilities, and expand acquaintance with various viewpoints on the content” (Booklist).
Shackles From the Deep: Tracing the Path of a Sunken Slave Ship, a Bitter Past, and a Rich Legacy by Michael H. Cottman — An investigation into the wreck of the Henrietta Marie and how it reflects the tragic history of slavery in England, West Africa, the Caribbean and America. “Every bit of this concise, detailed book feels personal, and Cottman’s exploration and investigation of the wreck is rich with intrigue and poignant, thought-provoking questions” (Booklist starred review).
Steven Spielberg: A Life In Films by Molly Haskell — A film-centric portrait of the extraordinarily gifted movie director whose decades-long influence on American popular culture is unprecedented. “Haskell’s biography…reveals how a movie-making genius’s personal life shaped his craft and, in the process, reshaped popular culture” (Publisher Weekly).
The Story Of Seeds: From Mendel’s Garden To Your Plate, And How There’s More Of Less To Eat Around The World by Nancy F. Castaldo — With a global cast of men and women, scientists and laypeople, and photographic documentation, Castaldo chronicles where our food comes from, and more importantly, where it is going as she digs deeper into the importance of seeds in our world. “An impassioned call to action, likely to leave readers both scared and inspired” (School Library Journal).
The Superfun Times Vegan Holiday Cookbook: Entertaining For Absolutely Every Occasion by Isa Chandra Moskowitz — Author, vegan goddess, and comfort food queen Moskowitz is back with her biggest book ever–to prove that making festive vegan food for any occasion can be easy, delicious, and superfun. “All of these recipes mix and match so well, you don’t have to wait for a holiday to make any of these stellar dishes” (Booklist).
Teen Incarceration: From Cell Bars to Ankle Bracelets by Patrick Jones — Looks at the issue of teenage incarceration and introduces the stories of former teen incarcerees who have turned their lives around. “A strong addition to collections in need of social science titles on prison reform” (School Library Journal).
Un-American: The Incarceration Of Japanese Americans During World War II by Richard Cahan And Michael Williams — Featuring images by Dorothea Lange, Ansel Adams and other government photographers, this is one of the first visual looks at the Japanese-American internment during the 1940s, told with brilliant photographs that help us better understand this important chapter in U.S. history. “An intensely revelatory and profoundly resonant book of beauty and strength, history and caution” (Booklist starred review).