New Nonfiction

Here are some of the latest nonfiction titles in the CA Library collection; look for them in the New Books section!

42 Is Not Just A Number: The Odyssey Of Jackie Robinson, American Hero by Doreen Rappaport — An eye-opening look at the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson, the man who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball and became an American hero. “An engaging account of the man’s life and presents enough background information about American racism during the 1930s and 1940s to help young readers understand the depth of his courage and the magnitude of his achievement as a one-person civil rights movement” (Booklist).

Americanized: Rebel Without A Green Card by Sara Saedi — In San Jose, California, in the 1990s, teenaged Sara keeps a diary of life as an Iranian American and her discovery that she and her family entered as undocumented immigrants. “Filled with pop culture references, journal excerpts, photographs, and relatable coming-of-age content, this book will keep readers fully entertained while pushing them to deeper cultural understandings” (School Library Journal).

Born Both: An Intersex Life by Hida Viloria — A candid, provocative, and eye-opening memoir of life, love, and gender identity as an intact intersex person, as well as a call to action for justice for intersex people. “Owing to the dedicated research and advocacy of writers like Viloria, the intersex community is making meaningful progress toward equal rights. This brave and empowering book deserves a wide audience” (Library Journal).

Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked The World by Pénélope Bagieu — In graphic novel format, looks at the lives of twenty-nine charismatic women in history, including Josephine Baker, Betty Davis, Cheryl Bridges, and many others. “A strikingly original collective biography for casual readers, students, and those looking for inspiration in their own lives” (School Library Journal).

A Brief History Of Feminism by Patu/Antje Schrupp — An engaging illustrated history of feminism from antiquity through third-wave feminism, featuring Sappho, Mary Magdalene, Mary Wollstonecraft, Sojourner Truth, Simone de Beauvoir, and many others. “Powerfully organizes feminism’s many distinct terms, aims, and methods into a concise and savvy series of images…a great overview of a complicated subject” (Publishers Weekly).

Broad Strokes: 15 Women Who Made Art And Made History, In That Order by Bridget Quinn — Art historian Bridget Quinn delves into the lives and careers of 15 brilliant female artists, from the 1600s to the present, in text that’s smart, feisty, educational, and an enjoyable read. “This beautiful volume will inspire artists and delight anyone interested in biographies or art” (School Library J0urnal).

Can Your Outfit Change The World? by Erinne Paisley — Looks at how and where clothes are made, how the people who make the clothes are treated and how the companies who sell the clothes affect the health of our planet. “Will find an audience among readers concerned about how their clothing choices impact their world” (Booklist).

Can Your Smartphone Change The World? by Erinne Paisley — This how-to manual looks at specific ways readers can create social change through the tap of a screen. Filled with examples of successful hashtag campaigns, viral videos and new socially conscious apps, the book provides practical advice for using smartphones a tools for social justice. “Striking a casual but persuasive tone, Paisley demonstrates that fighting for one’s beliefs can be fun, creative, and effective — especially when social media is involved” (Publishers Weekly).

Chasing King’s Killer: The Hunt For Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Assassin by James L. Swanson — James Earl Ray and Martin Luther King, Jr. had two very different life journeys — but their paths fatally collide when Ray assassinates the world-renown civil rights leader. This book provides an inside look into both of their lives, the history of the time, and a blow-by-blow examination of the assassination and its aftermath. “The source notes are copious and clear enough to serve as a guide for continued study…a top pick for YA history collections” (School Library Journal).

Chasing Space by Leland Melvin — In this inspiring memoir, adapted from the simultaneous version for adults, young readers learn about Leland Melvin’s remarkable life story, from being drafted by the Detroit Lions to orbiting our planet in the International Space Station. “Melvin tackles stupendous obstacles with dogged determination, showing you what is indeed possible in life — if you believe” (Neil deGrasse Tyson).

Escape From Syria by Samya Kullab, Jackie Roche & Mike Freiheit — A breathtaking and hard-hitting story of one family’s struggle to survive in the face of war, displacement, poverty and relocation. “In league with Art Spiegelman’s Maus and Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis, this is a must-purchase for any teen or adult graphic novel collection” (School Library Journal).

I Have The Right To: A High School Survivor’s Story Of Sexual Assault, Justice, And Hope by Chessy Prout, with Jenn Abelson — A young survivor tells her searing, visceral story of sexual assault, justice, and healing in this gut-wrenching memoir. “Readers will take away a deep appreciation and admiration for Prout’s resilience as she transitions into a resolute crusader for the empowerment of victims of sexual violence — and for its prevention” (Publishers Weekly).

Journey: An Illustrated History Of Travel by Simon Adams, R.G. Grant and Andrew Humphreys — An illustrated account of human movement, travel, exploration, and scientific discovery — from the first trade networks in ancient Sumer to the epic Voyager missions. “No other travel book includes discussions covering such a wide range of time and space. From ancient Egypt to the Vikings to Marco Polo to Route 66, this work serves as a testament to our desire to roam the world” (Booklist).

Photographic: The Life Of Graciela Iturbide by Isabel Quintero and Zeke Peña — Graciela Iturbide was born in Mexico City in 1942, the oldest of 13 children. When tragedy struck Iturbide as a young mother, she turned to photography for solace and understanding, setting out on a photographic journey that has taken her throughout her native Mexico, from the Sonora Desert to Juchitán to Frida Kahlo’s bathroom, to the United States, India, and beyond. “Quintero and Peña have set a new standard in artist biographies. A must for teen collections” (School Library Journal).

The Rock & Gem Book: And Other Treasures Of The Natural World by Dan Green — Filled with over 1,200 stunning full-color photographs, this is the perfect encyclopedia for young geologists to consult. From the quartz in watches to the limestone in the Great Pyramids, the earth’s natural treasures are used in architecture, art, and science.

Rookie On Love: 45 Voices On Romance, Friendship, And Self-Care, edited by Tavi Gevinson — A collection of essays, poems, comics, interviews, and illustrations on love from the online magazine RookieMag.com. “Each voice lends itself to universal truths about love, sometimes in no-holds-barred language, making this a good choice for YA and new adult collections” (Booklist).

This Is Just My Face: Try Not To Stare by Gabourey Sidibe — Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe reflects on her life amidst a polygamous father and her rise to fame as a movie star, reflecting on dispatches of friendship, depression, celebrities, haters, fashion, race, and weight. “An immersive, honest, and funny read for fans of Sidibe or celebrity memoirs” (School Library Journal).

“You’re In The Wrong Bathroom!”: And 20 Other Myths And Misconceptions About Transgender And Gender-Nonconforming People by Laura Erickson-Schroth and Laura A. Jacobs — Debunks the twenty-one most common myths and misperceptions about transgender issues. “A timely and worthwhile purchase for libraries as well as middle- and high-school counseling offices, community centers, and places of worship” (Booklist).

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