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Library Bookwatch

Volume 8, Number 1 January 2013 Home | LBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Science Shelf Reference Shelf
Library Science Shelf Cookbook Shelf Social Issues Shelf
Genealogy Shelf Photography Shelf Writing/Publishing Shelf
Criminology Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf
Gardening Shelf Theatre/Cinema Shelf Agriculture Shelf
Education Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf Language Studies Shelf
Parenting Shelf Travel Shelf International Studies Shelf
American History Shelf World History Shelf Fiction Shelf
Economic Studies Shelf Military Shelf Terrorism Studies Shelf
Philosophy Shelf Audiobook Shelf Library DVD Shelf
Literary Studies Shelf Mystery/Suspense Shelf Business Shelf
Humor Shelf Large Print Shelf Nautical Shelf
Art Shelf Gaming Shelf Psychology Shelf
Political Science Shelf Biography Shelf Architecture Shelf
Journalism Shelf    


Reviewer's Choice

From Codex to Hypertext
Anouk Lang, editor
University of Massachusetts Press
PO Box 429
Amherst, MA 01004
9781558499539, $28.95, www.umass.edu/umpress

The written word remains powerful, even as its method of delivery changes. "From Codex to Hypertext: Reading at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century" discusses the evolution of reading, and the formation of many reading communities throughout society and where they are emerging as a reformer in prisons, to a builder of communities, and offering reading as a basis for a positive force in society. "From Codex to Hypertext" is a strongly recommended addition to educational studies collections focusing on literary advocacy.

Stranger to History
Aatish Taseer
Graywolf Press
250 Third Avenue North, Suite 600
Minneapolis, MN 55401
9781555976286, $16.00, www.graywolfpress.org

Modern Islam can be a difficult to understand animal. "Stranger to History: A Son's Journey Through Islamic Lands" is a memoir from Aatish Taseer, a son of a mixed Sikh/Muslim family, who after the London Bombings sought to better understand Islam by venturing into Pakistan, and how it strikes close to home, losing his father, a Pakistani Politician, to assassination. "Stranger to History" is a strong addition to international studies and memoir collections, highly recommended.


The Science Shelf

Introducing Oceanography
David N. Thomas and David G. Bowers
Dunedin
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 Northeast 58th Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, OR 97213
www.dunedinacademicpress.co.uk
9781780460017 $19.95 www.isbs.com

Illustrated with full-color photographs and charts on almost every two-page spread, Introducing Oceanography is a guide to the science that studies the Earth's oceans, written especially for lay readers and non-specialists curious to learn more. Expert oceanographers David N. Thomas and David G. Bowers keep technical terms to a minimum (and provide a glossary) to make Introducing Oceanography thoroughly accessible. Some mathematical equations are presented, but they do not require knowledge of calculus. "One of the most dramatic changes that takes place in the Southern and Arctic Oceans is the transformation of open ocean into frozen wastelands that look more like landscapes than seascapes. This is the pack ice (or sea ice) that covers vast expanses of the polar oceans for much of the year. It is an important platform for the wildlife commonly associated with these frozen climes." An amazing, engaging, and completely user-friendly survey, Introducing Oceanography is enthusiastically recommended for public library collections and any individuals curious to learn more about this fascinating discipline.


The Reference Shelf

The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2013
World Almanac Books
c/o Infobase Learning
132 West 31st Street
New York, NY 10001
9781600571619 $34.95 www.worldalmanac.com

The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2013 continues its strong tradition (since 1868!) of packing an immense amount of solid, quick-reference information at the browser's fingertips. The new 2013 edition includes data on America's 2012 election results, the 2012 Olympic records and results, a new "the World at a Glance" section, 2012's top 10 news topics, and a brief, full-color section of the "2012 Year in Pictures". A one-stop shop of data, statistics, charts, and graphs covering everything from science and technology to world maps & flags, sports highlights, and much more, The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2013 is highly recommended as an indispensable addition to public library collections.


The Library Science Shelf

Reference And Information Services, third edition
Kay Ann Cassell & Uma Hiremath
ALA Editions
c/o American Library Association
50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611
www.alastore.ala.org
9781555708597, $69.95, www.amazon.com

Now in an expanded and thoroughly updated third edition, "Reference and Information Services: An Introduction" by librarians Kay Ann Cassell and Uma Hiremath is a 528 page compendium providing a complete and comprehensive instructional course in all aspects of library reference and information services. Deftly organized into four major sections (Fundamental Concepts; Introduction to Major Reference Sources; Special Topics in Reference and Information Work; Developing and Managing Reference Collections and Services), "Reference And Information Services" will serve equally well as a Library Science curriculum textbook and as an on-going professional reference work. Of special note is the appendix article 'RUSA - Outstanding Reference Sources 2007-2012'. Enhanced with the inclusion of an Index of Reference Sources, a Subject Index, and a listing of the editors and contributors, "Reference And Information Services" is highly recommended for the Library Science resource collections of professional and academic libraries.


The Cookbook Shelf

Betty Crocker the 1500 Calorie a Day Cook Book
General Mills editorial staff
Elyse Cohen and Catherine Swanson, contributing writers
John Wiley & Sons
111 River St., Hoboken, NJ 07030
9781118344347, $19,99, www.wiley.com

"The 1500 Calorie a Day Cook Book" is a collection of planned component recipes that assists the calorie conscious eater in preparing a healthful, adequate, palate pleasing, easily prepared variety of entrees and menus. Subtitled "200 tasty recipes to build a daily eating plan," this cookbook begins with a week's worth of delicious menus including suggestions for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack or dessert, with calorie totals for each, all around 1500 calories per day. Color photo-illustrated recipes follow in four chapters, for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks and desserts. Recipes are simple and clear, with ingredients in standard measurements, step by step instructions, and nutritional information at the end, plus added hints for easy ways to lighten the calorie count of the recipe. Recipe examples include Chipotle Shrimp Ceviche Salad, Chocolate Crepes with Banana-Pecan Topping, Pineapple Chicken Stir-Fry, Seared Tilapia with Lemon-Tarragon Sauce and Spinach Orzo, and African Squash and Chickpea Stew, and even Frozen Hazelnut-Mocha Pie. Recipes have highlighted calorie counts at the top of each recipe. "The 1500 Calorie a Day Cookbook" finishes with a metric conversion guide and recipe testing and calculating nutrition information, presenting a healthful and creative alternative set of user friendly recipes to encourage and assist in weight loss and maintenance. Every single recipe looks delicious and is also easy to prepare.

Better Homes and Gardens Easy Dinners Healthy Recipes
BHG editorial staff
Meredith Corporation
1716 Locust Street
Des Moines, IA 50309-3023
9780696243400, $TBA, www.amazon.com

Originally released in 2009, "Better Homes and Gardens Easy Dinners Healthy Recipes" is a cook and healthy eaters' friendly collection of low maintenance recipes for main dishes, side dishes and desserts. Handy tips on making meals healthier by lowering fat, calories and sodium are presented in the first chapter. Following are recipes for supper dishes containing meats, poultry, fish and seafood, vegetarian (meatless) choices, and of course side dishes and desserts. Many recipes incorporate fresh seasonal produce for added fiber and nutrients, such as the Balsamic Pork & Berry Salad, which features, romaine, strawberries, celery pork tenderloin, toasted nuts, fresh chives, and a special low oil honey/balsami vinegar dressing (p. 66) Another such recipe is the Turkey & Nectarine Salad which features cooked turkey breast, greens, nectarines or peaches, sweet red pepper, and a light buttermilk ranch dressing with dill (p. 144). Additional tempting entrees include Sunshine Salad, with sea scallops, shrimp, greens, apricots or peach or nectarine), mango or papaya, and toasted almonds, with a special ginger-cream dressing (fat free sour cream, crystallized ginger, sherry vinegar, orange peel and juice, and red pepper, p. 196). Imaginative meatless dishes include Lentil & Veggie Tostadas (p. 216), and Tortellini Vegetable Salad (p. 212). For desserts and side dishes there are Lemon-Tarragon Vegetables (p.232), Caramelized Sweet Potatoes (p. 236), chocolate Ricotta-Filled Pears, and Gingered Peach & Pear Crisp. All recipes are presented in two columns on one page, with numbered step by step instructions and accompanying color photo of the finished dish. Standard measurements are used, and metric equivalents are provided at the end of the book, along with an alphabetized list of emergency substitutions. Recipes are easy, clearly written and feature easy to obtain ingredients. Nutrition facts per serving are listed at the end of each recipe, making it even easier to incorporate recipes into a healthy eating lifestyle and menu. This family friendly cookbook makes it simple to produce healthy meals at home for even a novice cook, with limited time to shop for and prepare meals.

The Karma Chow Ultimate Cookbook
Melissa Costello
Health Communications, Inc.
3201 S.W. 15th Street
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442-8190
KarmaChow.com
9780757316333 $18.95 www.hcibooks.com

The Karma Chow Ultimate Cookbook: 125+ Plant-Based Vegan Recipes for a Fit, Happy, Healthy You lives up to its title with recipes that delight the tongue with their spicy, sweet, and flavorful combinations, all of which are entirely plant-based and planet-friendly. Colorful photographs illustrate delectable dishes such as "Cherry Pecan Quinoa Muffins", "Raw Kale Salad with Creamy Chipotle Dressing", "Maple Miso Brussels Sprouts", "Lavender Coconut Ice Cream" (using coconut milk), and much more. An introduction offers general cooking tips, tricks, and techniques, as well as insights from author Melissa Costello on making the tradition to the vegan way of life. Highly recommended not only for vegans, but also for anyone looking to enjoy healthy, plant-based cuisine for its own sake!

Amalia's Guatemalan Kitchen
Amalia Moreno-Damgaard
Beaver's Pond Press
7108 Ohms Lane
Edina, MN 55439
9781592985531 $39.95 www.BeaversPondPress.com

Amalia's Guatemalan Kitchen is a gigantic compendium of 170 recipes in the Guatemalan tradition. Step-by-step instructions in plain terms make these dishes readily accessible to home cooks of all skill and experience levels. Glorious, full-color photography illustrates mouth-watering dishes such as "Crispy Corn Tortillas Topped with Guacamole, Beans, and Salsa", "Spicy Shredded Beef and Potato Stew", "Conch and Green Mango in Habanero Sauce", "Guatemalan Cheese Bread", and much more. A wealth of beginner-friendly tips, tricks and techniques concerning traditional Guatemalan ingredients and cooking methods and a handy index round out this excellent resource, highly recommended especially for international cookbook collections.


The Social Issues Shelf

Don't Leave Your Friends Behind
Victoria Law and China Martens
PM Press
PO Box 23912
Oakland, CA 94623
9781604863963, $17.95, www.pmpress.org

Social Justice encourages a collectivism, and no one should be left out. "Don't Leave Your Friends Behind: Concrete Ways to Support Families in Social Justice Movements and Communities" is a guide to inclusivity in many communities for social activist who often struggle to reach many members of their community, most commonly with age groups. Encouraging activities that reach out to all ages and build community in the community, "Don't Leave Your Friends Behind" is a strong addition to community social issues and reference collections, highly recommended.

Nine-Tenths of the Law
Hannah Dobbz
AK Press
3500 Parkdale Avenue, Building 1, #A28
Baltimore, MD 21211
9781849351188, $21.00, www.akpress.org

If no one is using it, does it belong to them if someone can make better use of it? "Nine-Tenths of the Law: Property and Resistance in the United States" is a collection of essays analyzing squatters and the people persecuting them, from legal battles to riots and strikes throughout American history, as Hannah Dobbz presents that shelter is a fundamental human right, and squatting is simply taking back what is ours. An intriguing look into a growing problem, "Nine-Tenths of the Law" is well worth considering for social issues collections focusing on property rights.


The Genealogy Shelf

The Genealogist's Internet, fifth edition
Peter Christian
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781408159576, $27.95, www.bloomsbury.com

The internet is an invaluable research tool for many fields. "The Genealogist's Internet" is a fifth edition update for the enthusiastic family history researcher who wants to get the best research they search out their family's history by themselves and with the assistance of others who enjoy seeking out their family trees. With advice on using public records and their presence on the internet, "The Genealogist's Internet" is an updated and very much useful addition to any genealogist reference collection.

Kinship
Jackie Smith Arnold
Genealogical Publishing Company
3600 Clipper Mill Road, Suite 260
Baltimore, MD 21211
9780806319537, $14.95, www.genealogical.com

The law and the family have intertwined much. "Kinship: It's All Relative" is a guide to the history of genealogy and the law, compiling the history of how kinship has been tracked since Biblical time, ancient common laws, inheritance rights, and much more, with in-depth charts tracking modern marriage laws and much more. "Kinship" is a strong addition to genealogy and reference collections, highly recommended.


The Photography Shelf

The Print and The Process
David duChemin
New Riders
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300
Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
9780321842763, $44.99, www.mcp.com

There's more to photography than pointing a camera in the right direction. "The Print and the Process: Taking Compelling Photographs From Vision to Expression" is a guide to making the most out of a photograph and driving it further. David duChemin advises readers on how to understand photography and make a photography that will stand on its own power and succeed wherever it is displayed. With wisdom on photography and plenty of example ideas to inspire those who want to take more out of their pictures, "The Print and the Process" is educational and may serve as a book of photography in its own right.

Sailboats and Swans
Michal Chelbin
Twin Palms Publishers
54 1/2 East San Francisco Street
Santa Fe, NM 87501
9781936611034, $65.00, www.twinpalms.com

To be locked away from society and treated like an animal does things to you. "Sailboats and Swans" is a collection of photography and insight into the imprisoned peoples throughout the Ukraine and Russia, taking photos from seven different prisons and over six years. A poignant look at these human beings, their eyes and their lives, "Sailboats and Swans" is an insightful coffee table picturebook with a profound message of humanity in spite of all else.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

Epic
Frederick Turner
Rutgers University
35 Berrue Circle
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8042
1412849446, $39.95, www.transactionpub.com

Epic is a term that means great, grand, bigger than you or I. "Epic: Form, Content, and History" delves into this concept in storytelling, where massive, sweeping narratives have taken hold in much of literature as well as countless other mediums in comics, gaming, movies, anime, and so many others. Analyzing the epic story and why it attracts so many with its origin stories, endless journeys, and battle of good and evil. "Epic" is a core addition to any community or college library literary study collection.


The Criminology Shelf

Boys of the Cloth
Vincent J. Miles
Hamilton
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200
Lanham, MD 20706
9780761859741, $26.99, www.rlpgbooks.com

Sexual abuse by priests continues to be a black mark on the Catholic church. "Boys of the Cloth: The Accidental Role of Church Reforms in Causing and Curbing Abuse by Priests" analyzes the politics and policies of the Catholic Church over hundreds of years and how it is strong impacting in both directions the corruption of the church. Vincent Miles focuses on the 1960s, but takes notes on the modern situation as well as history to present a vivid picture of scandal and why it is happening. "Boys of the Cloth" is a strong addition to social issues and religious studies collections, highly recommended.

The Spin Doctor
Kirk Mitchell
New Horizon Press
PO Box 669
Far Hills, NJ 07931
9780882823942, $24.95, www.newhorizonpressbooks.com

Those with much to hide often create elaborate plots to cover their trail. "The Spin Doctor: Hero or Cold Blooded Killer" tells the story of Kurt Sonnenfeld, accused of killing his wife and fleeing the country to evade the charge. Sonnenfeld claims that the United States Government is out to silence him for having evidence that 9/11 was an inside job. A story of spin and international debate, "The Spin Doctor" is an intriguing tale of international law and true crime.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Exploring the Religion of Ancient Israel
Aaron Chalmers
Print Publicity Manager
InterVarsity Press Academic
PO Box 1400
Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
9780830825455 $30.00 www.ivpress.com

Exploring the Religion of Ancient Israel is an academic, yet thoroughly accessible textbook about what history and archaeology have to say about the religion practiced in ancient Israel. Topics covered include the major religious offices mentioned in the Old Testament (such as prophet, priest, sage, and king), the beliefs of the common people, the roles of "the wise" and more. "The lack of a clear dividing line between the various religious specialists is seen in the way that certain individuals could hold multiple offices. For example we have two clear examples of priests, or potential priests, functioning as prophets: Ezekiel (who is explicitly described as a priest in Ezek. 1:3) and Jeremiah (who is said to be a member of the priestly families who lived in Anathoth, Jer. 1:1). There is also good reason to think that at least some of Israel's sages were drawn from priestly circles." A handful of black-and-white illustrations enhance this choice pick for college classroom use, religious studies shelves, library collections or simple browsing. Highly recommended!

History of the World Christian Movement
Dale T. Irvin & Scott W. Sunquist
Orbis Books
PO Box 308
Maryknoll, NY 10545-0308
9781570759895, $40.00, www.orbisbooks.com

Christianity is a major force in the Western World, and its history is closely entwined with much of the rest of the world as well. "History of the World Christian Movement: Volume II: Modern Christianity from 1454-1800" chronicles the history of Christianity from the rise of the Renaissance and the discovery of the New World to the grasp of the Industrial Revolution. Exploring the impact of Christianity, Dale Irvin & Scott Sunquist put a stronger focus on Christianity's role in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. "History of the World Christian Movement" presents a strong study of the force that Christianity has had throughout the world.

Spirituality in Social Work and Education
Janet Groen, Diana Coholic, & John R. Graham, editors
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3C5
9781554586264, $42.95, wlupress.wlu.ca

For many, social work and spirituality go together, following the words of faith to help those who need it. "Spirituality in Social Work and Education: Theory, Practice, and Pedagogies" discuss the clash of faith and social work, where they come together and where they may be at odds with one another. With a focus on social justice and spirituality when it comes to education on many levels, professors of education and economics in Janet Goren, Diana Coholic, John Graham come together to provide a scholarly discussion of social issues and where the soul lies. "Spirituality in Social Work and Education" is a core addition to any spirituality and social issues studies collections, enthusiastically recommended.

Misreading Scripture With Western Eyes
E. Randolph Richards & Brandon J. O'Brien
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400
Downers Grove, IL 605151426
9780830837823, $16.00, www.ivpress.com

American society has not much in common with the society of first century Palestine. "Misreading Scripture With Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible" seeks to present the stories and words of the Bible in a new light, but analyzing the culture of the era of the Biblical texts, and removing the western assumptions that come with society, such as the role of the Roman Empire, smaller families, individualism, and much more. "Misreading Scripture With Western Eyes" is a fine study of the Bible by understanding the people and culture of the Bible more clearly.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Sink Into Sleep
Judith R. Davidson
Demos Medical Publishing
11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10036
9781936303380, $18.95, www.demosmedpub.com

Sleep is often taken for granted, until it doesn't come so easily. "Sink Into Sleep: A Step-by-Step Workbook for Reversing Insomnia" explores options those who have been deprived of the sweetness of sleep and how they can take steps to a more restful life. Focusing on the differences of sleep needs for both men and women, medical conditions, when to resort to medication, and how to face serious sleep related issues, "Sink Into Sleep" is a must for health and reference collections, highly recommended.

The Early Intervention Teaming Handbook
M'Lisa L. Shelden & Dathan D. Rush
Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company
PO Box 10624
Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
9781598570854, $34.95, www.brookespublishing.com

It takes a village to raise a child, and that village needs good communication with one another. "The Early Intervention Teaming Handbook: The Primary Service Provider Approach" focuses on children with special needs and children in general, as authors M'Lisa L. Shelden & Dathan D. Rush advocate a communal approach that will help care for all children involved, backing up the primary service provider, working with other primary service providers for greater comprehension of a child's needs. "The Early Intervention Teaming Handbook" is a strong addition to any collection focusing on health for special needs children, highly recommended.

The Functional Approach to Hypothyroidism
Kenneth R. Blanchard
Hatherleigh Press
c/o The Hatherleigh Foundation
5-22 46th Ave, Ste 200
Long Island City, NY 11101
9781578263875, $15.00, www.hatherleighpress.com

An out of control thyroid is the precursor to many ailments. "The Functional Approach to Hypothyroidism: Bridging Traditional & Alternative Treatment Approaches for Total Patient Wellness" is a health guide for those suffering from Hypothyroidism and want to better cope with their health and wellness on many levels, and dealing with its symptoms on many aspects of one's life. "The Functional Approach to Hypothyroidism" is a strong addition to health and wellness collections, especially for those dealing with their own thyroid issues.


The Gardening Shelf

The Beginner's Guide to Gardening
Creative Homeowner
24 Park Way
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
9781580115636, $14.95, www.creativehomeowner.com

For those who enthusiastic about gardening, they want to make it so they enjoy their habit for years to come. "The Beginner's Guide to Gardening" is a guide to the hobby from Creative Homeowner as they advise novices and intermediates alike to get the most out of their gardens, no matter their purpose. Outlining skills and techniques to bring it all together and make the most of it, "The Beginner's Guide to Gardening" is a full color reference that should not be overlooked for those who want to learn everything they can in an easy to use reference.


The Theatre/Cinema Shelf

Screen World
Barry Monush
Applause Books
c/o Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing Group
19 West 21st Street, Suite 201
New York, NY 10010
9781557839527, $49.99, www.halleonard.com

The world of film is bustling. "Screen World: Volume 63 2011" seeks to cover every major film released in the United States in 2011, both foreign and domestic, touching on major films throughout the year. With elaborate features on the more major films and over a thousand black and white photos all throughout, Barry Monush compiles what is a comprehensive reference to film in America throughout 2011 for those want the knowledge at their fingertips. "Screen World" is a reference not to be overlooked.


The Agriculture Shelf

Iron Harvests of the Field
Peter Dewey
Carnegie Publishing
c/o International Publishers Marketing
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
9781859361801, $45.95, www.carnegiepublishing.com

Machines have changed everything we know about farming. "Iron Harvests of the Field': The Making of Farm Machinery in Britain Since 1800" delves into the history and evolution of British agriculture since the Industrial revolution and a blending of British heritage, of the farmer, and of the factory worker. Tracing the early days of the technology to innovators and the enterprises who sold it, the history of the merging of these two concepts tell much about the story of the working man in society. "Iron Harvests of the Field" is a strong addition to general history and reference collections, especially those with a focus on the Industrial Revolution in regards to Great Britain.


The Education Shelf

The Ultimate Guide to Internet Resources
Frances A. Karnes & Kristen R. Stephens
Prufrock Press
PO Box 8813
Waco, TX 76714-8813
9781593639693, $24.95, www.prufrock.com

Providing the best educational experience possible is what many teachers strive for, no matter how difficult it may seem. "The Ultimate Guide to Internet Resources: For Teachers of Gifted Students" is a guide for teachers who want to hunt down the more appropriate resources for their students and their schools. With plenty of advice on hunting down the appropriate resources, to improve curriculum and help students learn their practice more effectively. "The Ultimate Guide to Internet Resources" is a must for modern teachers who want to stay informed of the potential they can bring to their students.

So Much More than the ABCs
Judith A. Schickedanz, PhD and Molly F. Collins, EdD
National Association for the Education of Young Children
1313 L Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
9781928896883 $28.00 www.naeyc.org

So Much More than the ABCs: The Early Phases of Reading and Writing is a bedrock foundational guide for anyone involved in the literary development of young children, including parents, tutors, and schoolteachers. Chapters focus on what children need to learn in the early stages of life (including infancy, toddlerhood, preschool and elementary school age), strategies that teachers can use to communicate basic literacy, the aspects and features of understanding language, and how to design a classroom environment to promote language development and literacy. Color photographs enhance this sensible and accessible guide, highly recommended especially for children's educators and caregivers. "A book nook for toddlers in a group care setting differs from the typical upright book-display racks found in preschool classrooms, which are not functional or safe in a toddler room. First, toddlers are not tall enough to reach the higher shelves. Second, unseasoned walkers may lose their balance as they reach to obtain materials. Third, and more serious, the bookshelf itself can topple over if toddlers try to climb on it. (Furniture should, of course, be bolted or otherwise secured to walls or the floor)."

Teach Beyond Your Reach, second edition
Robin Neidorf
CyberAge Books
c/o Information Today, Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike
Medford, NJ 08055-8750
9781937290016, $29.95, www.infotoday.com

Classrooms have grown beyond the classroom. "Teach Beyond Your Reach: An Instructor's Guide to Developing and Running Successful Distance Learning Classes, Workshops, Training Sessions, and More" is a guide to long distance education from the perspective of the educator, as Robin Neidorf advises teachers who use distance learning to better create their educational methods, create a bond with students, understand how adults learn, and building community. "Teach Beyond Your Reach" is a must for education collections focusing on e-learning.

Overcoming Textbook Fatigue
ReLeah Cossett Lent
ASCD
1703 North Beauregard Street
Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
9781416614722, $26.95, www.ascd.org

Textbooks aren't fun, and can create a boredom that will kill the spirit of learning. "Overcoming Textbook Fatigue: 21st Century Tools to Revitalize Teaching and Learning" analyzes the effects of over reliance on textbooks in education and classrooms. ReLeah Cossett Lent encourages educators to break free from the textbook as overlord of the classroom to instead merely one resource out of many. With plenty of ideas and activities to reclaim the classroom from the textbook, "Overcoming Textbook Fatigue" is a choice and much recommended addition to education collections, not to be overlooked.

Building a Culture of Support
PJ Caposey
Eye On Education
6 Depot Way West
Larchmont, NY 10538
9781596672277, $29.95, www.eyeoneducation.com

Aiding one another creates a positive environment where many can flourish. "Building a Culture of Support: Strategies for School Leaders" is a guide for school leaders in helping found good thought and ideals for their schools, and being a beacon of support for all those in the school environment, from the staff of the school, to the students and their parents, and the world around the school as well. With plenty of sage wisdom for the difference that one driven person can make in the educational experience, "Building a Culture of Support" is a sage and much recommended addition to educational reference collections.

From Handprints to Hypothesis
Todd Wanerman, MA
Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court
St. Paul, MN 55117-1065
9781605541235 $29.95 www.redleafpress.org

An early childhood educator of twenty-five years' experience, Todd Wanerman, MA presents From Handprints to Hypothesis, a resource filled cover-to-cover with hands-on educational projects to stimulate the minds and burgeoning curiosity of very young children. Chapters review the major theories of toddler development, outline effective goals and guidelines incorporating these theories for assembling one's own curriculum, and offer twelve art projects (from simple to complex) in meticulous detail. Color photographs on virtually every page enhance this superb resource for anyone charged with cultivating the minds of very young children. Highly recommended.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Butterflies of the South Pacific
Brian Patrick & Hamish Patrick
Otago University Press
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 Northeast 58th Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, OR 97213
www.otago.ac.nz/press
9781877578045 $49.99 www.isbs.com

Featuring glorious color photography throughout, including close-up images of virtually every listed species, Butterflies of the South Pacific is an information-packed guide that is invaluable to entomologists, yet accessible to lay readers. Each profiled species has its own text block describing its locality, wingspan, distribution, and notable observations about its ecology. In addition to the exhaustive species listings, Butterflies of the South Pacific also devotes its first and final chapters to general information concerning butterflies' precarious position in fragile Pacific ecosystems, as well as conservation and education efforts. A bibliography and an index round out this professional-quality resource. Highly recommended.

Experiencing Animal Minds
Julie A. Smith & Robert W. Mitchell
Columbia University Press
61 West 62nd Street
New York, NY 10023-7015
9780231161510, $35.00, http://cup.columbia.edu

Animals too have minds, and our communications with them can often be troubled. "Experiencing Animal Minds: An Anthology of Animal-Human Encounters" discusses the communications between mankind and the rest of the animal kingdom. Julia Smith and Robert Mitchell, professors of language and psychology, offer a study of animal thought and reasoning, critiquing the ready nature of humanity to anthropomorphizing them and how to understand that a bear's logic is far removed from human logic. "Experiencing Animal Minds" is a fascinating study of thought and psychology in a scope that goes beyond the human understanding of the universe.


The Language Studies Shelf

Improving Your Global Business English
Fiona Talbot & Sudakshina Bhattacharjee
Kogan Page USA
1518 Walnut Street, Suite 1100
Philadelphia, PA 19102
9780749466138, $19.95, www.koganpageusa.com

For better or worse, English has become the language of business internationally. "Improving Your Global Business English: The Essential Toolkit for Writing and Communicating Across Borders" is a useful guide for international business people as they advise how to sharpen one's language skills across borders, understanding many pitfalls that even primary speakers may fall into. With tips focused on social media, grammar, and speaking well across borders, "Improving Your Global Business English" is a strongly recommended for business and language collections.


The Parenting Shelf

What Your Child Needs From You
Justin Coulson
Australian Council for Educational Research
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Suite 300
Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781742860435, $24.95, www.isbs.com

The family bonds are not something that simply happens, but something to be nurtured. "What Your Child Needs From You: Creating a Connected Family" is a guide for fostering strong family bonds in their children and encouraging discipline and compassion in ways that temper the child's character without hostile punishment, and encouraging good principals for a life time. "What Your Child Needs From You" is a must for parenting and family relationship collections, highly recommended.

The Biting Solution
Lisa Poelle
Parenting Press
PO Box 75267
Seattle, WA 98125
9781936903078, $13.95, www.parentingpress.com

Bad habits can lead to a pile of problems later on. "The Biting Solution: The Expert's No-Biting Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Early Childhood Educators" is a guide for parents of solution who are having problems about biting as a youth, the roots of the problem, and what can be done to help youths communicate and behave more appropriately. Boasting potential successes in a week or less, "The Biting Solution" is a useful guide for parents of very young children, highly recommended.


The Travel Shelf

Food Lover's Guide to the World
Lonely Planet Publications
150 Linden Street
Oakland CA 94607
9781743210208, $39.99, www.lonelyplanet.com

The world has plenty to offer for those with adventurous taste buds. "Food Lover's Guide to the World: Experience the Great Global Cuisines" is a guide to traveling the world or traveling for those places that bring the world's flavors closer to home. A comprehensive and full color guide to finding the best dishes around the world, with a spattering of recipes throughout, it is also discussed on cultural tips and how to approach what may be more difficult to eat foods. "Food Lover's Guide to the World" is a strong pick for world travelers and adventurous eaters and cooks, highly recommended.


The International Studies Shelf

New Perspectives in Italian Cultural Studies
Graziella Parati, editor
Fairleigh Dickinson University Press
285 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940
www.rowman.com
9781611475661, $75.00, www.amazon.com

The second volume in the Fairleigh Dickinson University Press series in Italian Studies, "New Perspectives in Italian Cultural Studies: The Arts And History" is a 344 page compendium knowledgeably compiled and deftly edited by Graziella Parati ( Paul D. Paganucci Professor of Italian Literature and Language and professor in the Comparative Literature and Women's and Gender Studies Programs at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire) and features fourteen erudite, scholarly, and seminal contributions by experts in their fields. The articles are organized into four major sections: Fiction; Film; The Arts; and Fascism. Of special note is Victoria Belco's 'Reading Crime in Fascist Italy'. Enhanced with a usefully comprehensive index, "New Perspectives in Italian Cultural Studies: The Arts And History" is a seminal work of collective scholarship and highly recommended for academic library Italian History & Contemporary Culture reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Arab Spring in Egypt
Bahgat Korany & Rabab El-Mahdi, editors
American University in Cairo Press
420 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018-2729
9789774165368, $34.95, www.aucpress.com

The Arab Spring brought sweeping change to Egypt and other Arab states, but a year later, what has resulted? "Arab Spring in Egypt" analyzes the how and why of the event, and the current challenges facing the nation as it tries to move to something better than it had. Looking at the root causes of the uprising against Mubarak, and why the wave of revolution that started in Tunisia resounded so well, "Arab Spring in Egypt" is a modern history study that brings much greater understanding to light about the views of modern Arabic people and the future they see for their country.


The American History Shelf

Light On The Prairie
Nancy Plain
Bison Books
c/o University of Nebraska Press
233 North 8th Street
Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588-0255
www.nebraskapress.unl.edu
9780803235205, $16.95, www.amazon.com

"Light on the Prairie: Solomon D. Butcher, Photographer of Nebraska's Pioneer Days" by Nancy Plain is a 128 page compendium showcasing the life and work of the pioneer photographer Solomon D. Butcher (1856-1927). Superbly reproducing sixty-two of Butcher's iconic photographs depicting life and times in frontier Nebraska, "Light On The Prairie" features an informed and informative commentary making it a very highly recommended and unique addition to personal, community, and academic library American History and American Photography reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The World History Shelf

A Concise History of the Middle East, tenth edition
Arthur Goldschmidt Jr. & Lawrence Davidson
Westview Press
2465 Central Avenue
Boulder, CO 80301
9780813348216, $52.00, www.westviewpress.com

The Middle East has been a volatile center of conflict for quite some time. "A Concise History of the Middle East" is an updated study of the deep causes of history that form the foundation of many of the issues today throughout the region, and how they have fueled much of the current events of the region surrounding the Arab Spring, the Israel-Palestine Conflict, the impact of Islam, and much more. "A Concise History of the Middle East" is a studious and scholarly delve into history and the explorations of culture, offering an informed perspective on these events, a vital read.

Home Truths
Richard Mackie & Graeme Wynn, editors
Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219
Madeira Park, BC, Canada, V0N 2H0
9781550175776, $26.95, www.harbourpublishing.com

British Columbia offers a very deep history, clashing the West with a native touch and unique innovators through it all. "Home Truths: Highlights from BC History" seeks to explore the history of the Canadian Province through important geological and personal history events as many writers offer their insights on how the country was built and formed over the years. A vast and wide scope at major events in the history of Vancouver and its lands, "Home Truths" is a must for Canadian history collections, recommended.

Expedition to Disaster
Philip Matyszak
Pen and Sword Military
c/o Casemate Publishers
908 Darby Road, Havertown, PA 19083
1848848871, $29.95, www.pen-and-sword.co.uk

For domain over Greece, the competition was fierce. "Expedition to Disaster: The Athenian Mission to Sicily 415 BC" is a history telling of the struggles from Athens to gain control over Sicily. Philip Matyszak, professor of ancient history, provides a riveting account of the conflict, telling of the key players, their motivations, their heroism, their failure, providing an educating narrative that does much to bring much understanding to the people of the times. "Expedition to Disaster" is a must for history collections focusing on the Greeks and their military endeavors.


The Fiction Shelf

Chojun
Goran Powell
YMAA Publications
PO Box 480
Wolfeboro, NH 03894-0480
9781594392535, $12.95, www.ymaa.com

Martial arts is a history, a culture, well worth defending. "Chojun: A Novel" is a story of martial arts and history, set among the years leading up to World War II and its aftermath. Kenichi Ota seeks to master his master Chojun Miyagi's karate, and as the war passes over them and brings changes to the land, Kenichi seeks to preserve the ways of his master. "Chojun" analyzes the impact of martial arts, far beyond a combat technique and exercise, recommended.

Olympic Affair
Terry Frei
Taylor Trade Publishing
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200
Lanham, MD 20706
9781589796980, $24.95, www.rowman.com

Romance often blooms in the most bizarre of places. "Olympic Affair" is a historical novel delving into a potential and unusual coupling, drawing much from history and personal memoirs of German filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl. Riefenstahl, famed and infamous for her connections to the Nazi party, is rumored to have had an affair with an American athlete. Through fiction, Terry Frei explores such a circumstance, naming the athlete as Jesse Owen's peer Glenn Morris. "Olympic Affair" is an unusual yet riveting read of historical fiction and romance, much recommended.

Anonymity
Janna McMahan
Koehler Books
www.koehlerbooks.com
c/o Morgan James Publishing
4410 E Claiborne Square, Suite 334
Hampton VA 23666-2071
9781938467233, $15.95, www.morganjamespublishing.com

Wobbling on the edge of life and oblivion, reaching for a life worth living always proves quite difficult. "Anonymity" follows the plight of Emily, a Bartender who wants to reach out to Lorelei, a girl out on the streets who passes through Emily's bar every so often. Her efforts to help though, may end up more harmful than helpful, and "Anonymity" is a riveting tale of life for many young people who struggle to get by in their lives.

Butter
Anne Panning
Switchgrass Books
c/o Northern Illinois University Press
2280 Bethany Road
DeKalb, IL 60115
9780875806815, $16.95, www.niupress.niu.edu

Entering the confusing haze that is a teenager is not made any easier by the bomb of truth. "Butter" is a novel from Anne Panning, following 11-year-old Iris who learns of her adoptive origins, living in small town Minnesota in the 1970s. Focusing on the shift of America from small town life to big town life and the nature of strangers, Panning creates a poignant and enticing read that explores the nature of life and innocence. "Butter" is a strong pick for literary fiction collections.


The Economic Studies Shelf

The Pure Theory Of Capital
Lawrence H. White, editor
Liberty Fund, Inc.
8335 Allison Pointe Trail
Indianapolis, IN 46250
www.libertyfund.org
9780865978454, $14.50, www.amazon.com

Friedrich August Hayek (8 May 1899 - 23 March 1992), was a British economist and philosopher best known for his defense of classical liberalism. In 1974, Hayek shared the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences with Gunnar Myrdal for his "pioneering work in the theory of money and economic fluctuations and... penetrating analysis of the interdependence of economic, social and institutional phenomena." Hayek is a major economist and political thinker of the twentieth century. His account of how changing prices communicate information which enables individuals to coordinate their plans is widely regarded as an important achievement in economics. Compiled and edited by Lawrence H. White (Professor of Economics, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia) is a 480 page compendium comprised of the writings of F. A. Hayek and was originally published in 1941. Of special note is Professor White placing these writings into their proper historical context for the benefit of a new generation of economics students. "The Pure Theory Of Capital" is a strongly recommended addition to academic and university library 20th Century Economic Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

The House That Uncle Sam Built
Helena Yeaman
Florida Academic Press
PO Box 357425, Gainesville, FL 32635
9781890357337, $24.95, www.amazon.com

Homeownership has long been a milestone in life's success. "The House That Uncle Sam Built: How the Federal Government and Real Estate Interests Created, Inflated and Rescued the American Dream" takes a new perspective on the 2008 financial crisis and how the cultural push towards home ownership played its hand including government agencies like the federal agency and how historic economic writers Adam Smith and Friedrich Hayek would interpret America's economic problems surrounding this industry. "The House That Uncle Sam Built" is a strong addition to economics and political discussion collections, recommended.


The Military Shelf

The Guerrilla Factory
Tony Schwalm
The Free Press
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
9781451623604 $26.00 www.simonsays.com

Retired lieutenant colonel of the U.S. Army Special Forces and seasoned combat veteran Tony Schwalm presents The Guerrilla Factory: The Making of Special Forces Officers, The Green Berets, an inside look at the demanding training required of every Army officer aspiring to leadership in the U.S. Army Special Forces (also known as the Green Berets). Schawlm's first-person narrative recounts first his own Special Forces training, followed by true stories of his years commanding the men tasked with the grueling responsibility of preparing officers to lead Special Forces A-teams. From an up-close and personal narrative of the extremely harsh Special Forces Qualification Course (the "Q Course"), to the challenges involved in teaching Army soldiers to shift from rigidly following orders to learning how to think for themselves in complex and difficult situations, The Guerrilla Factory paints a vivid picture of the extremes demanded of America's greatest warriors - who must also serve as America's greatest diplomats! An extraordinary account of preparing men not only how to fight and survive, but also learn the ways of other cultures and build coalitions with other warriors for a shared vision, The Guerrilla Factory is highly recommended for public and college library military studies shelves.


The Terrorism Studies Shelf

Terrorism and the Electric Power Delivery System
National Academies Press
500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
9780309114042, $49.00, www.nap.edu

Electricity has become so essential to American life. "Terrorism and the Electric Power Delivery System" is a collection of essays and thoughts surrounding America's electric power, and the potential threats that lie from attacks on these systems. Discussing vulnerabilities, how to protect against them, recovery concerns, potential dangers from extended power outages, and other vital issues, these issues are discussion comprehensively and are very much worth considering. "Terrorism and the Electric Power Delivery System" is a must for any collection focusing on national security and the United States defensive systems, very much recommended.


The Philosophy Shelf

Beyond Habermas
Christian J. Emden & David Midgley
Berghahn Books
20 Jay Street, Suite 512
Brooklyn, NY 11201
www.berghahnbooks.com
9780857457219, $65.00, www.amazon.com

Jurgen Habermas (born June 18, 1929) is a German sociologist and a philosopher in the tradition of critical theory and pragmatism. He is perhaps best known for his theory on the concepts of communicative rationality and the public sphere. His work focuses on the foundations of social theory and epistemology, the analysis of advanced capitalistic societies and democracy, the rule of law in a critical social-evolutionary context, and contemporary politics, particularly German politics. Habermas's theoretical system is devoted to revealing the possibility of reason, emancipation, and rational-critical communication latent in modern institutions and in the human capacity to deliberate and pursue rational interests. He is perhaps best know for having introduced the concept of the 'bourgeois public sphere' with respect to the field of political science. Collaboratively compiled and edited by Christian J. Emden (Associate Professor of German Intellectual History and Political Thought, Rice University) and David Midgley (Reader in German Literature, Cambridge University, England), "Beyond Habermas: Democracy, Knowledge, and the Public Sphere" is 248 page compendium nine erudite and scholarly essays by accomplished academicians and organized into three major sections: Public Opinion in the Democratic Party; Knowledge and the Public Sphere; and Democracy, Philosophy, and Global Publics. Informed, informative, thoughtful, thought-provoking, and reflecting an expansion based or inspired in part upon the earlier work of Habermas, this superb anthology of impeccable scholarship is a seminal and highly recommended body of work. Enhanced with the inclusion of an extensive bibliography, notes on the contributors, and a comprehensive index, "Beyond Habermas" is an essential addition to academic library philosophy collections.

Why the World Doesn't Seem to Make Sense
Steve Hagen
Sentient Publications
1113 Spruce Street
Boulder, CO 80302
978159181180, $18.95, www.sentientpublications.com

Understanding is secondary to much of the world. "Why the World Doesn't Seem to Make Sense: An Inquiry into Science, Philosophy, and Perception" is a philosophical exploration of philosophy and science itself, as Steve Hagen tries to define the purpose of understanding, discussing many concepts and their purpose in seeking to define our perception. With a touch of humor and no shortage of concept to ponder, "Why the World Doesn't Seem to Make Sense" is a core addition to any community or college modern philosophy collection.


The Audiobook Shelf

Birds in Town and Village
W.H. Hudson, author
Neville Jason, narrator
Naxos of America, Inc.
1810 Columbia Avenue, Suite 28
Franklin, TN 37064
9781843795964 $41.95 www.naxosaudiobooks.com

Birds in Town and Village is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of a classic text by ornithologist William Henry Hudson (1841-1922), a founding member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. He tells of his keen observations of wildlife, especially the lives and daily activities of birds, in this venerable chronicle credited with helping to establish the hobby of birdwatching. An engaging narrative read aloud in a down-to-earth manner by prize-winning speaker and radio performer Neville Jason, Birds in Town and Village is a joy to listen to and a superb gift for bird lovers everywhere. 6 CDs, 7 hours 23 min.

Habits of the House
Fay Weldon, author
Katherine Kellgren, narrator
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781427228918 $34.99 www.macmillanaudio.com

Award-winning writer of the pilot for the original "Upstairs Downstairs" show Fay Weldon presents Habits of the House, a novel of upper-crust machinations in turn of the century London, now available as an unabridged audiobook brought to life by the superb performance of Katherine Kellgren. The year is 1899, and Lord Robert is at his wits end to avoid fiscal catastrophe - his estate is heavily mortgaged, and the Lord Robert's best prospect for remaining solvent is to marry his son to a suitable wife with a large dowry. When Minnie, the heiress of a Chicago meat baron, arrives on the scene, she seems like the perfect catch - even if the daughter of a businessman would normally have no place among high society. A tale of wit, subtlety, romance, and the devious interplay of the elite, Habits of the House is thoroughly enjoyable and sure to prove popular for public library audiobook collections. 7 CDs, 9 hours.

Die, Snow White! Die, Damn You!
Yuri Rasovsky
Blackstone Audiobooks
PO Box 969
Ashland, OR 97520
www.BlackstoneAudio.com
09781455127274, $19.95, www.amazon.com

Rarely is their so much fun packed into just two CDs of an audio book! Written, produced and directed by the late Yuri Rasovsky (1944-2012), "Die, Snow White! Die, Damn You!: A Very Grimm Tale" is an original and hilarious reworking of the Snow White story with bits of other fairytales embedded here and there. Featuring an outstanding cast of performers that includes such major talents as Sandra Oh, Simon Helberg, and Kate Burton, "Die, Snow White! Die, Damn You!" is a rollicking great satire that is unrelentingly funny from beginning to end. You'll never think of Snow White the same way again! Enhanced with superb production values, "Die, Snow White! Die, Damn You!" is a highly recommended 'theatre of the mind' experience and will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal and community library audio book collections!


The Library DVD Shelf

The Story of Math Collection
Hosted by Professor Marcus du Sautoy
Athena
athenalearning.com
c/o Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598288902 $79.99 www.acornonline.com

The Story of Math Collection is a five-DVD documentary about the extraordinary history and beauty of the discipline of mathematics. From ancient surveyors in the cradle of civilization who needed mathematics to keep track of farmland and taxes, to modern-day contributions that expand our understanding of the universe itself, The Story of Math Collection is not only about equations, but also about the creative and often unusual individuals who advanced humanity's collective understanding. The DVDs include "The Story of Math" series, "The Music of the Primes" which focuses upon the quest to learn about harmony in the prime numbers, and "The Code", which is about patterns that often recur in nature. Bonus materials include brief viewer's guides, short biographies of notable mathematicians, and three "math shorts". Accessible to viewers of all ages and backgrounds, The Story of Math makes learning about science fun, and is worthy of the highest recommendation especially for high school and college library DVD collections. 5 DVDs, 484 min. plus bonus, widescreen, SDH subtitles.

My Digital Life
Learning ZoneXpress
667 East Vine Street
Owatonna, MN 55060
$79.95 www.learningzonexpress.com

Intended both youth and adult viewers, My Digital Life is a DVD overview of challenges endemic to the digital age. Topics addressed including being aware of privacy concerns online, one's digital footprint (the internet is "written in ink" in that anything posted there is potentially archived forever, saved on a vast multitude of people's computers), common misconceptions about "multitasking" and how it can interfere with learning, the risk of neglecting interpersonal skills in an era where social media are increasingly prevalent, and much more. My Digital Life does not demonize the new wired world, but it does put forth the value of taking time to unplug, and ensuring that technology does not encroach upon one's need for sleep, or other valuable aspects of life. Printable teaching materials are available online for this excellent, educational DVD, ideal for homeroom viewing and high school or public library DVD collections. 28 min.

Detropia
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149
Oley, PA 19547
193777242X $295.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com

Licensed for public performance, Detropia (a tell-all fusion of "Detroit" and "dystopia") is a documentary of Detriot, one of America's cities hardest-hit by deindustrialization. Detropia tells of how Detroit became the destination of African-Americans fleeing from racist Jim Crow laws in the South; how manufacturing bolstered the middle class; and how America's love affair with the automobile shaped the economic foundations of the "Motor City" - with devastating results when the industry all but collapsed. The Great Recession of 2009 onward put Detroit on the brink, hollowed out its middle class, expanded its slums and exacerbated its ills. Yet there are those who will not give up hope, and envision a revolutionary new future for a postindustrial Detroit. A striking portrayal of human resilience and ingenuity grappling with the fallout of an all but broken economic system, Detropia is highly recommended. 86 minutes (58 minute version on disc), SDH captions.

She-Wolves: England's Early Queens
Athena Learning
c/o Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
www.athenalearning.com
9781598287677 $34.99 www.acornonline.com

As seen on public television, She-Wolves: England's Early Queens is a documentary on DVD based on the book by historian Dr. Helen Castor, about the women in England's history who dared to assume the throne - or at least, make the attempt. 800 years ago, Matilda (daughter of Henry I and granddaughter of William the Conqueror) was the first to seek to wear the crown; others followed, despite the fierce opposition of a male-dominated world. Women who sought rulership were demonized, called "she-wolves", stymied, betrayed, imprisoned, and worse. A 16-page viewer's guide complements this extraordinary exploration of the lives of seven early English Queens in a staunchly patriarchal society. She-Wolves: England's Early Queens is as fascinating as it is educational, and highly recommended especially for public and college library DVD collections. 185 min., widescreen, SDH subtitles.

Unfinished Spaces
a film by Alysa Nahmias and Benjamin Murray
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149
Oley, PA 19547
www.unfinishedspaces.com
193777239X $295.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com

Unfinished Spaces is an award-winning documentary offering a glimpse into Cuban cultural history. In 1961, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara tasked three bright young architects with constructing Cuba's National Art Schools upon a former golf course in Havana. The school's first classes, instructing dancers, musicians, and artists from across the country, began while construction was still unfinished; yet work on the schools was abruptly halted when the political climate turned against the project. Forty years later, the unfinished schools remain in use, though suffering from the ravages of time and wear. Castro personally invited the exiled architects to return to Cuba and finish their masterpiece. Unfinished Spaces is a wonderful addition to library DVD collections about art and art history, highly recommended. 86 minutes (an abridged 58 minute version is also available on the DVD), with optional English SDH Captions or Spanish subtitles.


The Literary Studies Shelf

Stories In a New Skin
Keavy Martin
University of Manitoba Press
301 St. John's College
Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2M5
9780887557361, $31.95, www.uofmpress.ca

The literature of a culture changes as the culture changes. "Stories in a New Skin: Approaches To Inuit Literature" is an exploration of indigenous literature as Keavy Martin presents an in-depth and scholarly study on its development, comparing classical works to those who still revere its styles in the modern day. With much respect to the source of the studies, "Stories in a New Skin" is a strongly recommended addition to any literary studies collection focusing Inuit culture, literature, film, and other artistic endeavors.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

The Unfinished Crime & The Girl Who Had to Die
Elisabeth Sanxay Holding
Stark House Press
1315 H Street
Eureka, CA 95501
9781933586410, $19.95, www.starkhousepress.com

Uncertainty and darkness is the allure of many a mystery. "The Unfinished Crime & The Girl Who Had to Die" is an omnibus of two mystery novel from Elisabeth Sanxay Holding, another compilation of classics from Stark House, a prolific publisher of the early twentieth century offering a mirror of the time, with her unique brand and take on the genre. "The Unfinished Crime & The Girl Who Had to Die" is an enticing addition to any mystery collection, highly recommended.


The Business Shelf

How to Read a Client From Across the Room
Brandy MyChals
The McGraw Hill Companies
Two Penn Plaza, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10121-2298
9780071803533, $20.00, www.books.mcgraw-hill.com

Communication has far more behind it than opening one's mouth. "How to Read a Client From Across the Room: Win More Business with the Proven Character Code System to Decode Verbal & Nonverbal Communication" is a guide for forming stronger communication cues when trying to close in on a business deal, facilitating them and creating a more successful business environment. With plenty of advice on everything from appearance to body language to straight up talking, "How to Read a Client From Across the Room" has plenty to consider for business reference collections.


The Humor Shelf

Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year 2013 Edition
Steve Kelley, editor
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street
Gretna, LA 70053-2246
9781455617760 $14.95 print
9781455617777 $14.95 ebook www.pelicanpub.com

Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year 2013 Edition is the forty-first installment in a long tradition of annual creme de la creme collections of the year's most vividly relevant, witty, and sarcastically insightful political cartoons. As always, the cartoons are sorted by subject, and each section is prefaced with a few paragraphs summarizing the year's noteworthy news events, the better to provide context. Of course, the 2012 US presidential election figures prominently, as do the rise of SuperPACs, Occupy Wall Street, gun violence, the struggling economy, the proliferation of social media, health care contentions, tributes to people no longer with us, and much more. "'Do you support Chick-Fil-A's CEO on traditional marriage, or do you favor activists' calls for a nationwide boycott?!!' 'I miss the separation of church and fast food...'" Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year 2013 Edition lives up to its title and is sure to prove a popular, entertaining, and edifying pick for public library general collections or provocative gift-giving!


The Large Print Shelf

The Fugitive's Mission
Max Brand
Sagebrush
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print (USA), Inc.
PO Box 1230
West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9780753190005, $29.99, www.amazon.com

Frederick Schiller Faust (May 29, 1892 - May 12, 1944) was an American author known primarily for his thoughtful and literary Westerns under the pen name Max Brand. Now three of his iconic short stories are available in a large print format in "The Fugitive's Mission". This 328 page compendium is comprised of the title piece, 'The Fugitive's Mission'; 'The Strange Ride of Perry Woodstock'; and 'Reata: The Reata Story'. As was with all of his trademark western yarns, the action is fast, furious, and surprising, making him one of the true literary greats of the genre along side Zane Grey and Louis L'amour. Also very highly recommended for enthusiasts of the western novel is the outstanding large print 'Lindford Western Library' series from Ulverscroft whose most recent additions are Robert Andeson's "Ghost Riders at Shotgun Bluffs" (9781444812725, $20.99); Rory Black's "The Skull of Iron Eyes" (9781444812732, $20.99); and "Showdown at Dirt Crossing" (9781444812749, $20.99).


The Nautical Shelf

America's Black Sea Fleet
Robert Shenk
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road
Annapolis, MD 21402
9781612510538 $34.95 www.navalinstitute.org

Robert Shenk (Professor of English, University of New Orleans) presents America's Black Sea Fleet, a historical examination of America's Black Sea Fleet in the years after World War I. This small but bold fleet of destroyers and other nautical vessels responded to multiple international incidents, from an evacuation of roughly 150,000 White Russians during the close of the Russian Revolution, to coordinating Hoover grain ships to ports in famine-stricken southern Russia, to aiding in the escape of hundreds of thousands of Greek and Armenian refugees from violent Turkish Nationalist Revolution, and much more. A handful of maps and vintage black-and-white photographs enhance this meticulously researched, extraordinarily detailed study, ideal for naval history shelves yet accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library collections.

Intrepid Sailors
Chipp Reid
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road
Annapolis, MD 21402
9781612511177 $35.95 www.navalinstitute.org

Also available as an ebook, Intrepid Sailors: The Legacy of Preble's Boys and the Tripoli Campaign is a close study of the fascinating true story of the U.S. Navy's campaign against Yusuf Karamanli of Tripoli, who declared war on America in 1801. After two campaigns against the Barbary pirates ended in failure, Commander Edward Preble became commander of the U.S. naval forces in the Mediterranean. Award-winning journalist Chipp Reid reconstitutes the making of history from primary sources. Although Intrepid Sailors is a historical record, the true stories of daring heroics by often dangerously inexperienced young officers is enthralling reading from cover to cover. Highly recommended, especially for public library nautical and military history collections.


The Art Shelf

Artists of New Mexico Traditions
Michael Pettit
Museum of New Mexico Press
PO Box 2087
Santa Fe, NM 87504-2087
9780890135754 $29.95 www.mnmpress.org

Artists of New Mexico Traditions: The National Heritage Fellows is a portrait of the lives and works of the fifteen New Mexico artists that have been named National Heritage Fellows since 1982. Each individual has earned the honor through a lifetime of work, achievement, and innovation in their discipline. Color photographs of people and their beautiful creations are interspersed every few pages, but Artist of New Mexico Traditions focuses squarely upon the people who create great art, rather than the art itself. Interviews with living artists, family members, curators, and others as well as composite portrayals of villages, extended families, and traditions combine into an involved and inviting pastiche of great modern creators from Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures. Highly recommended.

Ardmore: We Are Because of Others
Ardmore Ceramic Art
Random House Struik
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive
Dulles, VA 20166
www.internationalpubmarket.com
9781431701117, $50.00, www.amazon.com

In art history, ceramics and ceramic art mean art objects such as figures, tiles, and tableware made from clay and other raw materials by the process of pottery. Some ceramic products are regarded as fine art, while others are regarded as decorative, industrial or applied art objects, or as artifacts in archaeology. They may be made by one individual or in a factory where a group of people design, make and decorate the ware. Decorative ceramics are sometimes called "art pottery". Ardmore Ceramic Art was established by Fee Halsted on Ardmore Farm in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains of KwaZulu-Natal. "Ardmore: We Are Because of Others" is a superbly illustrated, 216 page compendium showcasing an impressive roster of ceramic artists and their equally impressive creations. The ceramic art examples are elegant, exquisite, graceful, and works of enduring beauty. Enhanced with an informed and informative commentary on the artists and their represented works, "Ardmore: We Are Because of Others" is very highly recommended as an enduringly popular addition to personal, community, and academic library Art History reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The Gaming Shelf

576 Tips to Improve Your Defensive Play at Bridge
Eddie Kantar
Master Point Press
331 Douglas Avenue
Toronto, ON, Canada, M5M 1H2
9781897106891, $23.95, www.masterpointpress.com

A good defense can salvage even the most hopeless game. "576 Tips to Improve Your Defensive Play at Bridge: Defensive Tips for Bad Card Holders" is a guide to improving one's Bridge skill on the defensive front, helping one gain a more complete understanding of their game and rounding out their skills. Rapid firing tips with plenty of rounding scenarios and much more, "576 Tips to Improve Your Defensive Play at Bridge" is a must for bridge players, not to be missed.


The Psychology Shelf

Meeting The Challenges Of Adolescent Psychotherapy
James E. Gardner
Research Press
PO Box 9177, Champaign, IL 61826
www.researchpress.com
9780878226757, $21.95, www.amazon.com

Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and psychological human development generally occurring between puberty and legal adulthood (age of majority). The period of adolescence is most closely associated with the teenage years, although its physical, psychological and cultural expressions can begin earlier and end later. Psychotherapy is a general term referring to therapeutic interaction or treatment contracted between a trained professional and a client, patient, family, couple, or group. The problems addressed are psychological in nature and of no specific kind or degree, but rather depend on the specialty of the practitioner. "Meeting The Challenges Of Adolescent Psychotherapy" by James E. Gardner (a clinical psychologist specializing in diagnostic and psychotherapeutic work with children and adolescents and parent counseling) is a 169 page compendium directly addressing the issues and factors particular to counseling teenage clients and patients. Beginning with the opening chapter on 'What Is Psychotherapy? How Does It Work', and continuing on to the concluding chapter on 'Drugs and the Adolescent', "Meeting The Challenges Of Adolescent Psychotherapy" is informed, informative, deftly written, and superbly organized in its presentation. "Meeting The Challenges Of Adolescent Psychotherapy" is a welcome and highly recommended addition to professional and academic library Psychology/Psychotherapy reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

The Cultural Context Of Sexual Pleasure And Problems
Kathryn S.K. Hall & Cynthia A. Graham
Routledge
711 - 3rd Avenue, Floor 8
New York, NY 10017-9209
www.routledge.com
9780415634946, $49.95, www.amazon.com

Compiled and edited by the team of licensed psychologist Kathryn S.K. Hall and academician Cynthia A. Graham (Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, England), "The Cultural Context of Sexual Pleasure and Problems: Psychotherapy with Diverse Clients" is a 416 page compendium comprised of fifteen seminal contributions by experts in the field of sex therapy. Organized into five major sections (The Need for Cultural Sensitivity; Sex Therapy is Not Practiced Here: Cultural Challenges; The Emerging Practice of Psychotherapy for Sexual Problems; Cultural Adaptations of Psychotherapy Approaches to the Treatment of Sexual Problems; The Other Side of the Couch: The Cultural Contributions of the Therapist). A seminal body of impressive scholarship, "The Cultural Context Of Sexual Pleasure And Problems" is a very strongly recommended contribution to the field of psychotherapy and a core addition to professional and academic library reference collections.


The Political Science Shelf

The Last Great Senator
David A. Corbin
Potomac Books, Inc.
22841 Quicksilver Drive
Dulles, VA 20166-2012
www.potomacbooksinc.com
9781612344997, $34.95, www.amazon.com

Robert Carlyle Byrd (born Cornelius Calvin Sale, Jr.; November 20, 1917 - June 28, 2010) was a United States Senator from West Virginia. A member of the Democratic Party, Byrd served as a U.S. Representative from 1953 until 1959 and as a U.S. Senator from 1959 to 2010. He was the longest-serving senator and the longest-serving member in the history of the United States Congress. "The Last Great Senator: Robert C. Byrd's Encounters with Eleven U.S. Presidents" by David A. Corbin (Senator Byrd's former speech writer and an expert on the U.S. Senate having served 26 years as a Senate staffer, including ten years on the leadership staffs of Senate Majority leaders George Mitchell and Tom Daschle) is a 388 page compendium that begins with Senator Byrd's life in West Virginia, then proceeds to his election to the U.S. Senate in 1958. The focus is then consecutively showcased upon his work with the Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush I, Clinton, Bush II, and Obama administrations. Superbly written, enhanced with extensive notes, a bibliographic essay, and a comprehensive index, "The Last Great Senator: Robert C. Byrd's Encounters with Eleven U.S. Presidents" is a unique and highly recommended contribution to community and academic library American Political Science. American History, and American Biography reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

The Power Of The Mayor
Chris McNickle
Transaction Publishers
35 Berrue Circle
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8042
www.transactionpub.com
9781412849593, $39.95, www.amazon.com

David Norman Dinkins (born July 10, 1927) is a former politician and Mayor of New York City from 1990 to 1993. He was the first and is, to date, the only African American to hold that office. "The Power of the Mayor: David Dinkins: 1990-1993" by Chris McNickle is a 324 page critique of David Dinkins four year term as the mayor of New York, noting the flaws of his political leadership style as well as his political successes which were to include balancing four annual budges, preventing a fiscal takeover by the unelected new York State Financial Control Board, a substantial reduction in the crime rate, structural changes to the municipal public school system, and improved access to health care services for the poor. Informed, informative, insightful, detailed, and superbly written, "The Power of the Mayor" is enhanced with the inclusion of an extensive bibliography and a comprehensive index making it an invaluable and seminal contribution to academic library 20th Century American Political Science reference collections and Black Studies supplemental reading lists.


The Biography Shelf

American To The Backbone
Christopher L. Webber
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street
5th Floor, NY, NY 10004
www.pegasusbooks.com
9781605981758, $29.95, www.amazon.com

James William Charles Pennington (1809 - 1870) was an African American orator, minister, and abolitionist. James Pembroke was born a slave on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. When his owner died, he became the property of his son, Frisby Tilghman who moved to Rockland, Washington County, Maryland. There James learned the trades of brickmaker and blacksmith. On October 28, 1827, at the age of 19, he ran from a job in Hagerstown, towards Petersburg (now called York Springs), Pennsylvania. He changed his name to James W.C. Pennington and moved to New York in 1828. He settled in New Haven, Connecticut, and audited classes at Yale Divinity School from 1834 to 1839 - becoming the first black man to attend classes at Yale. He was subsequently ordained and became a teacher, abolitionist, and author. He wrote "The Origin and History of the Colored People" in 1841, which has been called the first history of African Americans, and a slave narrative in 1849, "The Fugitive Blacksmith". In 1849 the University of Heidelberg awarded him an honorary doctorate of divinity. "American to the Backbone: The Life of James W. C. Pennington, the Fugitive Slave Who Became One of the First Black Abolitionists" by Christopher L. Webber is a 432 page biography of a most remarkable man whose legacy continues to be one of inspiration and example. A deftly crafted work of impressive detail that is enhanced with the inclusion of an appendix, notes, bibliography, and an index, "American To The Backbone" is highly recommended reading and an indispensable addition to community and academic library Black Studies and 19th Century American Biography collections.

Martin Amis: The Biography
Richard Bradford
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street
5th Floor, NY, NY 10004
www.pegasusbooks.com
9781605983851, $29.95, www.amazon.com

Martin Louis Amis (25 August 1949) is a British novelist. His best-known novels are Money (1984) and London Fields (1989). He has received the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for his memoir Experience and has been listed for the Booker Prize twice to date (short listed in 1991 for Time's Arrow and long listed in 2003 for Yellow Dog)). Amis served as the Professor of Creative Writing at the Centre for New Writing at the University of Manchester until 2011. The Times named him in 2008 as one of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945. "Martin Amis: The Biography" by Richard Bradford (Research Professor in English, University of Ulster, Ireland) is a 336 page compendium showcasing the personal life and literary accomplishments of an accomplished (and occasionally controversial) author. Enhanced with extensive notes, a bibliography, and an comprehensive index, "Martin Amis: The Biography" is a superbly crafted and detailed account which should be considered mandatory reading for his legions of fans and a seminal contribution to academic library Contemporary Literary Biography reference collections.

The Reindeer Botanist
Wendy Dathan
University of Calgary Press
2500 University Drive, N.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
www.uofcpress.com
9781552385869, $46.95, www.amazon.com

Alf Erling Porsild (1901 - 1977) was a Danish-Canadian botanist. Between 1936-1945, he was curator at the National Museum of Canada, Ottawa, and from 1945 to 1967 he was head of the department of botany there. He authored over 100 scientific articles on the flora of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and of the Rocky Mountains, as well as numerous popular papers and books, including important floras of Canada's Arctic and northern regions. He made over 25,000 plant collections (numbers), resulting in over 100,000 specimens which are deposited in the National Herbarium of Canada (CAN) at the Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, and in other herbaria around the world. The Canadian Botanical Association awards annually the 'Alf Erling Porsild Award', in recognition of the best paper published in the field of systematics and phytogeography that year by a graduate student in a Canadian university or a Canadian student in a foreign university. "The Reindeer Botanist: Alf Erling Porsild, 1901-1977" by Wendy Dathan (Curator of the Grand Manan Museum) is a massive 600 page compendium (that had its origins in her Master's Thesis on Porsild's Canadian Reindeer Project years) detailing the life and accomplishments of a scientist who experienced both professional triumph and personal tragedy. Of special note is biographer Wendy Dathan's 'Epilogue: Closing the Circle'. Enhanced with copious notations, selected references, and a comprehensive index, "The Reindeer Botanist: Alf Erling Porsild, 1901-1977" is an academic masterwork of seminal scholarship and highly recommended for academic library 20th Century Canadian Biography collections and Canadian Botanical Studies supplemental reading lists.

A Noble Treason
Richard Hanser
Ignatius Press
PO Box 1339, Fort Collins, CO 80522
www.ignatius.com
9781586175573, $17.95, www.amazon.com

Sophia Magdalena Scholl (9 May 1921 - 22 February 1943) was a German student, active within the White Rose non-violent resistance group in Nazi Germany. She was convicted of high treason after having been found distributing anti-war leaflets at the University of Munich with her brother Hans. As a result, they were both executed by guillotine. Since the 1970s, Scholl has been celebrated as one of the great German heroes who actively opposed the Third Reich during the Second World War. Now Richard Hanser (who served as a psychological warfare specialist in Europe during World War II) has written "A Noble Treason: The Story of Sophie Scholl and the White Rose Revolt Against Hitler", a 312 page, superbly researched and deftly. written compendium giving the detailed and documented story of this remarkable woman and her small band of friends who sought to resist one of the greatest evils of modern history. With the inclusion of a comprehensive Index, "A Noble Treason" is very highly recommended for personal reading lists of inspiring true life stories, as well as both community and academic library collections.


The Architecture Shelf

Architecture And Interpretation
Jill A. Franklin, et al
Boydell Press
c/o Boydell & Brewer Inc
668 Mount Hope Avenue
Rochester, NY 14620-2731
www.boydellandbrewer.com
9781843837817, $99.00, www.amazon.com

Educated at the University of the Witwatersrand where he earned a Fine Arts degree and the University of London where he was awarded an Academic Diploma, Eric Fernie has had a long career in the academic and art worlds, occupying a number of important posts. He was Director of the Courtauld Institute from 1995 to 2003 and was President of the Society of Antiquaries of London from 2004 to 2007. It is in his honor that a group of outstanding scholars, under the collaborative editorship of Jill A. Franklin, T. A. Heslop, and Christine Stevenson, contributed twenty-one informed and informative essays on architectural history beginning with John Mitchell's 'Believing is Seeing: the Natural Image in Late Antiquity', and concluding with Peter Guillery's 'Bicycle Sheds Revisited, Or: Why are Houses Interesting?'. Enhanced with a superbly presented introduction by Christine Stevenson and T. A. Heslop, a profusion of illustrations, and a list of contributors and their credentials, as well as a very useful Index, "Architecture And Interpretation: Essays For Eric Fernie will prove to be a seminal and enduringly valued addition to professional and academic library Architectural History reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The Journalism Shelf

Photo Journalism
Nick Yapp & Amanda Hopkinson
H. F. Ullmann
c/o 60 Cycle Media Relations LLC
38 High Avenue, Nyack NY 10960
www.ullmann-publishing.com
9783848000623, $39.99, www.amazon.com

Photo journalism is a particular form of journalism (the collecting, editing, and presenting of news material for publication or broadcast) that creates images in order to tell a news story. It is now usually understood to refer only to still images, but in some cases the term also refers to video used in broadcast journalism. Photojournalism is distinguished from other close branches of photography (e.g., documentary photography, social documentary photography, street photography or celebrity photography) by complying with a rigid ethical framework which demands that the work is both honest and impartial whilst telling the story in strictly journalistic terms. Photojournalists create pictures that contribute to the news media. A photojournalist is a reporter but he or she must often make decisions instantly and carry photographic equipment, often while exposed to significant obstacles (e.g., physical danger, weather, crowds). Collaboratively compiled and edited by Nick Yapp and Amanda Hopkinson, "Photo Journalism" is a massive, 816 page compendium of images representing 150 years of professional photojournalism from its incipient beginnings down to the present day. Of special note is that the descriptive caption information is offered in a tri-lingual format (English, French, German). A seminal work, "Photo Journalism" showcases an exceptional body of work and should be a core addition to professional, community, and academic library Photography reference collections.


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