Here’s a look at some of the latest nonfiction books we’ve received at CA Library recently — look for them in the New Books section!

Black Birds In The Sky: The Story and Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre by Brandy Colbert — A searing new work of nonfiction from award-winning author Brandy Colbert about the history and legacy of one of the most deadly and destructive acts of racial violence in American history: the Tulsa Race Massacre. “A must-have first purchase for all libraries; this text invites readers to engage with a difficult history that’s essential in our understanding of today’s world” (School Library Journal).

The Brain On Youth Sports: The Science, The Myths and the Future by Julie M. Stamm — This book dispels myths about head impacts in youth sports, potential consequences of these collisions, and the changes sports organizations have made to make these sports ‘safer than ever.’ It will empower parents and athletes to make an informed decision on sports participation and provide recommendations on how to make these sports safer. “Stamm, a former high school athlete with a PhD in anatomy and neurobiology, celebrates sports, which help prevent obesity while teaching discipline, dedication, perseverance, and teamwork. But she worries about [the long-term effects of head trauma}. There are lifesaving lessons here for young athletes, parents, and policymakers” (Booklist).

Call and Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter by Veronia Chambers and Jennifer Harlan — This timely book covers the rise of Black Lives Matter and how it has been shaped by United States history, telling the story of how a hashtag became a movement. “[Chambers and Harlan] write with clarity and honesty, holding back no truths, but with language that makes the book accessible to preteen readers and adults alike. An educational introduction for young readers and a comprehensive primer for adults” (Kirkus Reviews).

Code Name Badass: The True Story of Virginia Hall by Heather Demetrios — Code Name Verity meets Inglourious Basterds in this riotous, spirited biography of the most dangerous of all Allied spies, courageous and kickass Virginia Hall. How how does a girl who was a pirate in the school play, spent her childhood summers milking goats, and rocked it on the hockey field end up becoming the Nazi Gestapo’s most wanted spy? Audacious, irreverent, and fiercely feminist, Code Name Badass is for anyone who doesn’t take no for an answer. “An enlightening account of a heroine worth knowing” (Booklist).

Collateral Damage: The Mental Health Effects of the Pandemic by Carla Mooney — As the coronavirus pandemic spread worldwide in 2020 and 2021, countries implemented various public health measures to slow the spread of the highly contagious virus. While these measures may have helped lessen infections, mental health experts warned of another looming crisis — the pandemic’s mental health fallout. “This carefully researched and informative title covers key concepts with an approach grounded in the importance of recognizing unhealthy behaviors and identifying coping strategies, thus meeting a need for digestible information on a much-needed contemporary topic” (Kirkus Reviews).

Fallout: Spies, Superbombs and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown by Steve Sheinkin — New York Times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin presents a follow up to his award-winning book Bomb: The Race to Build–and Steal–the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon, taking readers on a terrifying journey into the Cold War and our mutual assured destruction. “[Sheinkin] also identifies unsung heroes, individuals who made decisions that prevented all-out nuclear war. Lots of period photos, copious source notes, and a lengthy bibliography make this ideal for research. A thoroughly compelling read and will keep readers turning the pages” (Booklist).

How To Think Like Bill Gates by Daniel Smith — Reveals the key motivations, decisions and philosophies that made Gates a name synonymous with success. Studying how he honed his business acumen, faced down all competitors, overcame adversity and stood strong in the face of overwhelming odds, you too can learn to think like Bill Gates.

Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America, edited by Margarita Longoria — In this mixed-media collection of short stories, personal essays, poetry, and comics, a celebrated group of authors share the borders they have crossed, the struggles they have pushed through, and the two cultures they continue to navigate as Mexican Americans. “The variety of narrative styles contributes to the broad appeal of this volume. Well worth reading; a welcome addition to any bookshelf” (Kirkus Reviews).

A Time of Fear: America in the Era of Red Scares and Cold War by Albert Marrin — Marrin examines a unique time in American history — and explores both how some Americans were lured by the ideals of communism without understanding its reality and how fear of communist infiltration at times caused us to undermine our most deeply held values. “Those looking for in-depth coverage of the influence of and reaction to communism in the United States will want this for their collections” (School Library Journal).

Wonder Women of Science: Twelve Geniuses Who Are Currently Rocking Science, Technology, and the World by Tiera Fletcher — Meet award-winning aerospace engineer Tiera Fletcher and twelve other science superstars and hear them tell in their own words not only about their fascinating work, but also about their childhoods and the paths they traveled to get where they are–paths that often involved failures and unexpected changes in direction, but also persistence, serendipity, and brilliant insights. “In this unusually appealing guide to STEM career pathways, students will find inspiration, motivation, and useful information in equal measure” (Booklist).