PSLA TITLES FOR 2005                       REFERENCE/PROFESSIONAL

 

100 Most Popular Genre Fiction Authors:  Biographical Sketches and Bibliographies.  Drew, Barnard, Ed. Westport,

                Connecticut: Libraries Unlimited.  2005.  1-59158-126-5 $65.00.  Gr. 9+.  Professional.

This one volume reference will fill that gap for literacy criticism material on authors not always considered “literary.”  Nonetheless, students barrage librarians with questions about information that they can cite on their favorite authors.  The editor names this genre “popular” because of the huge appeal that these authors have to a wide range of readers.  Included are Dan Brown, James Patterson, Sue Grafton, Mary Higgins Clark and Jackie Collins, to name a few.  Included is information “about the author and the author’s writing,” “works by the author,” and also “for further information,” which will also help students in their research.  A handy tool for high school author research.  Popular Authors, Biography, Literary Criticism.                                                                                                                                                        Susan Mowery

 

100 Most Popular Genre Fiction Authors:  Biographical Sketches and Bibliographies.  Drew, Barnard, Ed. Westport,

                Connecticut: Libraries Unlimited.  2005.  1-59158-126-5 $65.00.  Gr. 9+.  Professional.

A great compilation detailing “top” 100 fiction authors, their titles, the writing process and biographical information.  Works by the Author include by genre(s) the titles and the year of publication.  The authors included “tend to be prolific” and “work to fill the voracious reading desires of their fans.”  A complete Author/Title Index and Genre Index are included.  Teachers, librarians, and students will find this easy to use and often browsed in the reference section.                   B.J. Neary

 

The Big 6 Collection: The Best of the Big6 eNewsletter Volume II. Ed. by Michael B. Eisenberg and Laura I.

                Robinson.  Worthington, Ohio: Linworth, 2005.  1-58683-194-1.  310p.  $39.95.  Professional.

This compilation includes the best of the Big 6 eNewsletter from the past three years. All levels, K-12, will find helpful information to integrate the Big 6 into their teaching. Part I details each step with tips and examples. In part II, lessons and reproducible organizers are arranged by grade level. A new model, the Super3, is included for grades K-2. Other articles cover technology resources and integration, and both state and content standards integration. An index is included.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Michelle Stone

 

Bigelow, Barbara C.  UXL Encyclopedia of Drugs & Addictive Substances. Detroit: Thomson/Gale, 2006. 

1-4144-0445-X.  5 vol.  902p.  $275.00.  Gr. 7-12.

The UXL Encyclopedia of Drugs & Addictive Substances is a five-volume encyclopedia that provides the history, usage trends, and the effects of fifty-two drugs and will give much needed and useful information for middle and high school students.  This authoritative resource is meticulously researched, is very readable and is based on the most current government and university studies on the use and abuse of drugs and other addictive substances.  A range of topics is covered from natural sources of drugs to prescription drugs to the rave culture.  Presented in alphabetical order, each drug has an entry that includes an overview, what kind of drug it is, what it is made of, how it is taken, are there any medical reasons for taking this substance?, usage trends, effects on the body, reactions with other drugs or substances, treatment options, consequences, the law and more information. Each entry also includes the official drug name, a list of street or alternative drug names for the drug, and the drug’s classification according to the U.S. government’s Controlled Substances Act (1970).  All entries contain informative sidebars on historical, social, legal, and/or statistical aspects of the drugs.  Many color and black and white photos, with maps, tables and other useful information like the Quiz on Test your knowledge: How much do you know about ecstasy?  Each volume includes Alternative Drug Names, Preface, Chronology and Words to Know. Each volume concludes with where to learn more from books, periodicals, web sites, and organizations and an index.  Reference.                                                                                                                                 B.J. Neary

 

Biography Today General Series 2005 Annual Cumulation.  Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2005.  0-7808-0692-1.  502p.  $62. 

                Gr. 4-12.

This hardbound volume is a cumulation of the three softbound issues released in 2005. It includes biographies of 30 people, well known to young readers,  from a variety of careers. Each entry includes the subject’s biography from birth to the present, b & w photos, many facts of interest to students, and further reading.  The index cross-references all entries published in Biography Today since 1992.  Additional subject series published each year include Authors, Business Leaders, Performing Artists, Scientists and Inventers, and Sports.                                                                              Michelle Stone

 

Bowman, J.H.  Essential Dewey. New York: Neal Schuman, 2005.  1-55570-544-8.  155p.  $55.00.  Professional.

This brief book, well and often wittily written, serves as a companion to, but not a substitute for, DDC, 22nd ed. It provides a good review of the history, goals, basic principles, and problems of DDC, supplemented with references to DDC 22, illustrations, challenging exercises, and brief explanations for the exercise answers. Included are treatments of simple and compound subjects, number building, preference order, exceptions and options, a bibliography, index, and a reminder never to classify on the basis of title alone or without subject analysis (more reasons not to use the CIP). Highly qualified to write on the subject, Bowman is the Program Director for Library and Information Science at the School of Library, Archive, and Information Studies at University College, London, and a member of the CILIP Dewey Decimal Classification Committee since 1985. Classification.                                                                                                                                     Eleanor Howe

 

Bromann, Jennifer.  More Booktalking That Works.  New York: Neal-Schuman, 2005.  1-55570-525-1.  145p.  $49.95.

Adult.  Professional.

An expansion of Bromann’s previous title, Booktalking That Works, This practical and straightforward book has two sections.   The first is arranged in a question-and-answer format covering various aspects of booktalking.  The second includes 200 booktalks.  A comprehensive index by genre, subject and a title rounds out this useful volume. Great for new librarians, but even the seasoned pro can find some good ideas here.                                                                                Pat Naismith

 

Congressional Quarterly.  The Middle East.  Washington, DC:  CQ Press, 2005.  1-933116-13-7.  593p. $56.00. 

Gr. 9 -12.

Presents an overview of the Middle East with emphasis on the conflicts as well as the economic, political and cultural issues of significance in this region of the world.  There is a discussion of the U.S. policy in the Middle East, a history of Islam, profiles of the countries, and information on the Arab-Israel conflict and much more.  A bibliography and index is included.  A good resource for student research on the Middle East.  Middle East.                                               Susan Krenicky

 

Conley, David T.  College Knowledge: What It Really Takes for Students to Succeed and What We Do

                to Get Them Ready. New York:  John Wiley and Sons, Inc. Jossey-Bass Education, 2005. 

0-787-97397-1.  $14.95.  Professional.

This book was primarily written for high school teachers preparing students to face the rigors of college.  The book focuses on curriculum design less through the eyes of a student and more for teachers developing high school curriculum to meet content challenges in college.  Steps faculty can take in the area of designing high schools for intellectual coherence and increasing college success is the premise.  This book discusses academic needs of high school students transitioning to the college campus and what high schools can do to help them meet the academic college level standards.  College Preparation.                                     Jann Maclean, Senior Seminar Teacher, Upper Dublin High School

 

Conley, David T.  College Knowledge: What it Really Takes for Students to Succeed and What We Can Do to Get Them

                Ready.  New York: Jossey-Bass, 2005.  0-7879-7397-1.  350 p. $24.95.  Adult.    

Conley, a professor at the University of Oregon, has spent many years researching how well high school students are prepared for college.  His results, which showed that they were woefully underprepared, were originally presented in report called "Understanding University Success," which was distributed to every high school in the US.  In College Knowledge, Conley speaks to teachers, administrators, parents and students to share what will prepare them for success in college. While at times, it seems more geared to the educational community, it will provide good strategies for all involved to help students succeed.  An extremely valuable addition to any collection.                                                                               Pat Naismith

 

The Continuum Encyclopedia of Young Adult Literature.  New York: Continuum, 2005.  0-8264-1710-8.  885p. 

$150.00.  Gr. 7-Adult.

This is a good reference book for information on young adult authors, titles, book awards, topical articles, and much more. Articles are arranged alphabetically including the topical articles, and there is a good index and an especially good listing of book awards that include young adult titles. Articles are well written, and there is also a list of contributors and their credentials. This would be especially useful for students doing author reports or reports on genres or various literary topics.         

                                                                                                                                                                           Nancy Chrismer

 

Cyclopedia of Young Adult Authors. Hackensack, NJ: Salem Press, 2006.  ISBN 1-58765-206-4. 3 volume set. 

                $225.00.  Gr. 6+.

This colorful set contains biographies of over 250 authors (Joan Abelove to Paul Zindel) that write for or are of interest to young adults.   Not all entries are modern writers. Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Arthur Conan Doyle and Jack London are also included. This set began as part of the database Novelist.  It is easily accessible. The signed articles contain the basic biographical data; an official web site, if available; a list of the principal works of YA fiction. There is further discussion of the author’s work in relation to his/her life.  This is a lively work.  Interesting concepts and terms are explained in sidebars which are linked by a color coded text and arrow that leads the reader to a certain page.  For example in the article on Ester Forbes the term, “apprentice” is explained in a colorful sidebar that has a picture of Donald Trump.  Also listed are the awards that the author had received.  Students will relate to this!  There is comprehensive index and list of photo credits in each volume.  Volume 1 has an overview and directions for use.  Volume 3 has an Awards List.            Jeannie Bellavance

 

 

 

Derks, Scott and Tony Smith.  The Value of a Dollar: Colonial Era to the Civil War, 1600-1865.  Millerton, NY: Grey House Publishing, 2005.  1-59237-094-2.  436p.  $145.  Gr. 7-12+.

A companion to the Value of a Dollar, 1860-2004, this large Reference book contains historic pricing information from an older time period.  Students will find it useful when researching such information as how much a slave cost in pre-Civil War America, or the price of a horse or a pair of gloves.  It is interesting to note that prior to the 19th Century, prices use British currency. Prices are based on information taken from primary sources such as account records, newspapers and letters. US History, Economics.                                                                                                                                                      Pat Bender

 

Dictionary of Modern American Philosophers.  John R. Shook, Ed.  Bristol, England: Thoemmes Continuum, 2005.

                1843710374.  4 volumes.  $1,980.00.  Gr. 9+.                   

Contains biographical entries for 1082 post-Civil War philosophers, and includes women, minority writers, and writers in related disciplines overlooked in other sources.  Entries vary in length, with the notability of the author.  Each entry offers: a short biography, an analysis of ideas, works, and issues, a bibliography, and suggestions for further reading. Unfortunately its cost will make this important set a possibility for only the largest libraries where economics is heavily studied.                                                                               Joyce Valenza

 

Dictionary of Twentieth-Century British Philosophers.  Stuart Brown. , Ed.  Bristol, England: Thoemmes Continuum,

                2005.  184371096X.  2 volumes.  $790.00.  Gr. 9+.

The fourth in a series of Dictionaries of British Philosophers, the nearly 500 entries vary in length from a few hundred to several thousand words, depending on the importance of the subjects.  As with the companion set above, each entry offers: a short biography, an analysis of ideas, works, and issues, a bibliography, and suggestions for further reading.  Unfortunately the cost will likely make this important set a possibility for only the largest libraries where economics is heavily studied.                                                                                            Joyce Valenza

 

Doll, Carol A.  Collaboration and the School Library Media Specialist.  Lanham, MA:  Scarecrow Press, Inc., 2005. 

0-8108-5117-2.  119p.  $26.95.  Professional.

Information literacy, Collaboration, Big6, Eight Ws, Follett, I-Search, Kuhlthau, Power Searching…. All terms today’s library medial specialist must embrace, understand, and incorporate into one’s professional life.  For librarians assuming the role of leadership within their curriculum, this “how-to” is a must.  Excellent examples, comprehensive research, and examples of research models are included.  Highly recommended for all library media specialists, especially those educating faculty and staff!                                                                                                                                            Mary Buxton

 

Drugs and Society.  Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2005.  0-7614-7597-4.  3 volumes.  $249.95.  Gr.9+.

The focus here is drugs of abuse, whether legal or illegal.  This engaging, 3-volume reference set contains 250 articles designed to meet the needs of high school students.  Thematic content is organized within the A-Z volumes by color-coding in three categories: substances, substance abuse, and society.   Articles cover such topics as: binge drinking, ecstasy, movies, women and drugs, and international drug trade.  Well indexed, with an extensive illustrated glossary.  Filled with photos and diagrams, this is bound to be popular for high school research.  A solid purchase!                               Joyce Valenza

 

Encyclopedia of African American Society.  Jaynes, Gerald D., Ed.  London: Sage Publications, 2005.  0-7619-2764-6.

                2 vols.  $295.00.  Gr. 9-Adult.

Over 700 articles in this two-volume encyclopedia provide valuable information about African American society.  To my knowledge, this is the only current encyclopedia of its kind focusing on topics unique to this important American ethnic group.  Topics cover traditions, history, regions, religions, people, entertainment, culture, politics, events, and all other aspects related to African Americans from the time they arrived in North America to the present. Most articles include cross references and a bibliography, and a helpful Reader’s Guide in both volumes point students toward entries grouped into 18 categories. This will be a very useful source for Black History.                                                                                    Pat Bender

 

 

Encyclopedia of Earth and Physical Sciences.  Second Edition.  Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2005. 

0-7614-7583-4.  13 volumes.  $657.07.  Gr. 7+.

In typically elegant Marshall Cavendish format, this 2nd edition covers major earth and physical science topics.  The first page of each of the 500 entries contains a definition and ideas for making “CONNECTIONS” within other articles.  Articles of more than one page offer CORE FACTS summary boxes.  Other box features include Closer Look; Discoverers; History of Science, Looking to the Future, and Science and Society.  Volume 13 includes the periodic table, the geological timescale, tables of conversions, lists of Nobel Prize winners, a glossary, and Further Reading and Research.   A most attractive and readable addition to the science reference collection!                                                                                   Joyce Valenza

 

 

 

Encyclopedia of Family Health.  Third edition.  Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2005.  18 volumes.

0-7614-7486-2.  $499.95.  Gr. 7+.

This third edition follows the familiar format of the earlier highly illustrated and inviting slim volumes, with content arranged alphabetically.  Volume 18 contains suggestions for further reading, websites, and organizations that might provide additional knowledge.  A solid purchase, containing articles, useful across the curriculum.           Joyce Valenza

 

Encyclopedia of Family Health.  Third edition.  Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2005.  18 volumes.

0-7614-7486-2.  $499.95.  Gr. 7+.

A comprehensive encyclopedia with 911 health related entries, arranged alphabetically. Each entry includes a thematic color-coded box with frequently asked questions and answers, photos, and/or diagrams. The color coded themes are ‘Human Body’, Diseases And Other Disorders’, ‘Treatments and Cures’, ‘Prevention and Diagnosis of Disease’, and ‘Human Behavior’.  Volume 18 includes first aid, a glossary, additional resources, health organizations, a thematic index, and a set index.                                                                                                                                                          Michelle Stone

 

Encyclopedia of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era.  Ed. By Buenker, John D. and Joseph Buenker.  Armonk, NY:

M. E. Sharpe, Inc., 2005.  0-7656-8051-3.  $269.  3 vols.  Gr. 9-12+.

Thematic essays alphabetically arranged about people, places, events, social issues, politics, acts, treaties, court decisions, immigration, the economy, labor, daily life, recreation, and all other important subjects related to the history of the United States between 1877 and 1919.  This important reference work will be especially valuable for AP History students.

US History.                                                                                                                                                                                 Pat Bender

 

The Encyclopedia of Politics: the Left and the Right.  Carlisle, Rodney P., Ed.  London: Sage Publications, 2005.

1-4129-0409-9.  2 vols.  $295.00.  Gr. 9 – Adult.

Finally here is an encyclopedia for our high school students to consult when studying political parties or elections.  International and historical in scope, the 450 alphabetically arranged entries describe conservative and radical parties of the world, including the Bolsheviks, populists, fascists, monarchists, socialists, separatists, republicans, and insurgents from all countries and continents. Volume 1 covers the Left, and Volume 2, the Right.  Entries are signed by professors or scholars, and there is a timeline of politics, and a general index in the second volume.  Named a New York Public Library  “Best of Reference 2006,” this Reference set fills a void in the school library’s  Political Science section. Political Parties.

      Pat Bender

 

Encyclopedia of War & American Society. Karsten, Peter, Ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2006.

0-7619-3097-3.  3 vol.  $395.00.  Gr. 9-Adult.

The relationship to and the effect of war on society is well documented in this 3-volume set.  Excerpts from letters, diaries, official documents, and works of literature punctuate the descriptive text.  Our AP U.S. history teacher was especially impressed with the section on terrorism.  She felt that it gave information that she had not found in other encyclopedic resources for high school students.                                                                                                                                        Pat Naismith

 

Explorers and Exploration.  New York: Marshall Cavendish. 2005.  0-7614-7535-4 (set).  11 vol.  $329.95.  Gr. 6-12.

This visually appealing series is a departure from most reference series on explorers. While many explorer series provide detailed, factual biographical information, this series includes thematic entries as well as the expected biographical profiles. The thematic entries are linked to exploration and are discussed within the context of the historic period.  For example, the entry on tides and currents first provides a scientific overview but then moves on to describe how tides and currents were essential for exploration. Exploration is not confined to discovering new lands but includes underground and underwater exploration to space exploration.  The colored tabs on each entry alerts the reader to the time period. Large, sharp color photos, diagrams, maps and illustrations accompany each entry, with many entries including more than one. The articles are detailed and are several pages long. The majority of the explorers discussed are European but there is a representative inclusion from other cultures and individual biographies of women explorers. The index is useful and is divided into an index for maps, biographies, science and technology and a comprehensive index. Each volume has its own index. Recommended for public and middle and high school libraries.   Social Studies.                                             Rosanne Zajko

 

Exploring the Middle Ages.  Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2005.  0-7614-7613-X.  11 vol.  $329.95.  Gr.5-9.

These 11 volumes contain 253 attractively illustrated articles covering all aspects of life during the 1000-year period from 500 to 1500 CE. known as the middle ages.  Articles fall into the following categories: biographies; dynasties; civilizations and peoples; places; art, culture, history, law and literature; philosophy and religion; science and technology; and cross-cultural articles.  All articles have at least one box or panel display and are color-coded by geographic region. Many entries include chronologies and detail maps.  Volume 11 contains a time line, comprehensive glossary, resources for further study, Internet resources, an index of maps, thematic and comprehensive indexes.  Though this set won’t have the depth needed for higher level secondary research, it is an engaging and perfectly appropriate source for the middle school history collection.   Fun for browsing and school projects.                                                                                                             Joyce Valenza

 

France and the Americas: Culture, Politics, and History.  3 Vol.   Marshall, Bill, Ed.  Santa Barbara, CA:  ABC-

                CLIO, Inc., 2005  (also an e-book).  1-85109-411-3.  $270.00.  Gr. 9+.

France and the Americas is an interesting encyclopedia that looks at the multi-faceted relationship that France has had with the Americas, both North and South, since the time of discovery to today.  Written by different experts, each entry recounts the history of a famous person, event or concept that connects the cultures and history in some unique way. From film directors like Truffaut to political concepts, such as republicanism, the intersection of ideas is fascinating.  It is as good reference for students studying both cultures and an excellent addition to a global studies curriculum.  Detailed table of contents and index are included.  France – History, Politics, Culture.  North and South America, History, Politics, Culture.  Global Studies, Biography.                                                                                                                 Susan Mowery

 

Gerstenfeld, Phyllis B.  Criminal Justice (3 vol. set).  Salem Press, 2005.  1-58765-218-8.  1318p.  $364.00

The set provides an introduction to the topic of criminal justice, followed by an alphabetical listing of specific subjects, a glossary, overview of crime rates and definitions, recent crime trends data, court rulings, famous American trials, television programs, timeline, criminal justice sites on the web, a listing of topics by category, as well as a variety of indexes.  Each subject listing includes a brief definition, a summary of the criminal justice issues involved, and a description of the significance of the topic in the criminal justice system.  Each listing concludes with a list of further reading and suggested related topics to examine.  The text is sprinkled with b/w photos, graphics with trends information, lists of important offenses, or a brief summary of an important case.                                                                                   Erika Thickman Miller

                                                                                                                               

Goble, Paul. All Our Relatives: Traditional Native American Thoughts about Nature.  Bloomington,

                Ind: World Wisdom, 2005.  0941532771.  unpaged.  $15.95.  Grade 4+.  Professional

Full of quotations, songs and short stories, this book shows how the Native Americans feel about nature.  There are 120 selections (all of which are documented), but they are not longer than half a page.  While full of facts, it is almost too full of facts making it a great professional resource for a teacher teaching a Native American unit rather than a resource tool for students.                                                                                                                                                  Nancy Thomas, Lower School Librarian, The Haverford School

 

Growing Up With Science. Third edition. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2006. 17 volumes.  0-7614-7505-2. 

                $429.95.  Gr. 6+.

This comprehensive encyclopedia includes 500 articles, arranged alphabetically, on the following: earth, space, and environmental sciences; life sciences and medicine; mathematics; physics and chemistry; technology; and people. Each article begins with a brief definition of the topic and includes “Did You Know” boxes with interesting facts. Also included are color photos, diagrams, and cross references to set entries. Volumes 1-16 each include a glossary and index. Volume 17 includes a periodic table, weights and measures, further reading, timelines, a set glossary, and index.            Michelle Stone

 

Habitats of the World.  Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2006.  0-7614-7523-0.  11 volumes.  $471.  Gr. 5-8.

“The most important message of Habitats of the World is that people can and do make a difference. Our ability to create a sustainable planet is within our reach.”  This attractive middle school set highlights, in its A to Z arrangement, the habitats of the world, their diversity, their interactions and interdependence, as well as our impact upon them.  Color codes divide the articles into the following categories: Land Habitats, Freshwater and Marine Habitats, Human Habitats, Unique Habitats, General Topics, or Great Ecologists. The set includes beautiful photographs, diagrams, maps, and fact boxes.  The text is large and appropriately readable for its audience.  Each article contains useful definitions and a glossary is included in each volume. Volume 11 includes a glossary; print, Internet, and museum resources; and six thematic indexes: animals; biomes and habitats; environmental issues; places; plants, algae and microorganisms.   Nice purchase for middle school science collections.                                                                                                                                                                 Joyce Valenza

 

Hanes, Richard C. and Sharon M. Hanes.  Crime and Punishment in America. Detroit: UXL/Thomson Gale, 2005.   0-7876-9162-3 (4 vol. set).  $225.00.  Gr. 7-12.

Volumes 1-2, The Almanac, include discussion of the history of crime from colonial to contemporary times, types of crime, and the criminal justice system.  The Biographies volume includes 26 persons from all walks of life who were important in the history of crime, corrections, and social reform. The Primary Sources volume presents 18 excerpted documents covering history, law and legislation, trials, newspaper coverage, and speeches. The text, well-written but easy to read, is supplemented by a chronology, glossary, numerous statistics, illustrations and portraits, bibliographical references at the end of each chapter, and a thorough index. The set provides good coverage on a wide variety of topics related to crime. Crime.                                                                                                                                                                                                Eleanor Howe

 

 

 

 

Hanes, Richard C. and Sharon M. Hanes.  Shaping of America, 1783-1815 Reference Library.  Detroit:  Thompson-

                Gale, 2005.  4 vols. (also available as an e-book).  1-4144-0181-7 9 (set).  $224.00.  Gr. 7+

This four-volume reference set includes Biographies A-K vol. 1, Biographies L-Z vol. 2, an Almanac and Primary Sources.  The set contains timelines, glossaries, information of where to go next, websites, and an extensive index.  The entries are very readable and most include black and white photographs or drawings.  The information includes various aspects of key figures lives, both personal and political. Also many African-American and noted women who made significant contributions to early American life are also highlighted.  This is a good reference to have for most reading levels as it is easy to comprehend and appealing.

Reference.  United States History – Early American Period.  Biography.                                                            Susan  Mowery

 

Hanks, Reuel R.  Central Asia: A Global Studies Handbook. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO, 2005.

1-85109-656-6.  467p.  $55.00.  Gr. 10+.

ABC-CLIO’s series of handbooks provide perfect background and depth for high school students involved in global research, or for simply better understanding today’s news.   For each country in this region, the book offers a narrative section covering geography and history; economy; institutions; and society and contemporary issues; and reference sections which include chronologies; significant people, places, and events; language, food and etiquette; organizations; and annotated bibliographies.  In a growingly connected world, this series should be in all high school collections. 

 Joyce Valenza

 

Harada, Violet H. and Joan M. Yoshina.  Assessing Learning: Librarians and Teachers as Partners.  Westport, CN:

                Libraries Unlimited, 2005.  $40.00.  Professional.

Experienced practitioners Harada and Yoshina clearly define the ways in which school librarians CAN be part of the assessment process—both formatively and summatively.  They address how we can improve practice by assessing our own work.  They present assessment tools and describe effective use of a wide range of graphic organizers. Using a “backward planning” approach, they describe assessments at all levels and focus on the value of student portfolios. The last section aids librarians in the critical task of communicating evidence of learning.  Filled with practical examples, is a most valuable tool for reexamining our programs and our impacts.                                                                                                                 Joyce Valenza

 

Harada, Violet and Joan M. Yoshina.  Assessing Learning:  Librarians and Teachers Partners.  Westport,

                Connecticut:  Libraries Unlimited.  2005.  1-59158-200-8.  $40.00.  Librarians, Professional.

This handy book fills a gap in the teacher-librarian collaborative relationship.  When the student research is completed, and information lessons taught, how does one evaluate student learning?  Have they achieved the information literacy goals that were set for them?  Harada and Yoshima’s book provides guidelines for critiquing, rubrics and many tools to assess learning. Also of high importance is the chapter entitled, “Communicating Evidence of Learning.”  In the era of tight budgets and accountability, the authors give many examples of ways to chart student progress and to prove that money on research tools was well spent.   Librarianship.                                                                                                  Susan Mowery

 

Harlan, Mary Ann, David V. Loertscher and Sharron L. McElmeel.  Young Adult Literature and Multimedia: a Quick Guide.  Salt Lake City: Hi Willow, 2005.  1-933170-10-7.  145p.  $35.   Professional.

The expansion of teen literature and multimedia over the Internet make it difficult to stay informed; the authors have created a quick guide for preservice teachers and librarians who need to get acquainted with teen literacy and learn more about teen literature.   Lists of important authors and books, brief “spotlight” pieces that target major events or personalities in pop culture, ideas for encouraging reading and topics for teacher discussions make this a book worth having.   

             Candy Blessing

 

Harris, Frances Jacobson.  I Found it on the Internet: Coming of Age Online.  Chicago:  ALA Editions, 2005. 

                0-8389-0898-5.  161p.  $34.96.  Professional.

School librarian Jacobson pulls together research and tools to aid us all in understanding the “wireless generation” and how they interact or do not interact with technology and with libraries.  Harris brings to the table a rich understanding of ICTand of youth psyche.  This is a must read for anyone who works with connected young people, especially those who want to work with and rise above the “fallout.”                                                                                                                                Joyce Valenza

 

Harris, Frances Jacobson.  I Found It on the Internet: Coming of Age Online.  Chicago: ALA, 2005.  0-8389-0898-5.  161p.  $34.96.  Professional.

“What teens do to one another online and the uses they make of technology for personal and social development are issues that have not received the attention they deserve.” The author calls on her years of experience as a high school librarian to offer ways to educate students to protect themselves online and become responsible users of communication technology, covering topics from domain name deception and hate mongering to blogs.                                                 Candy Blessing

 

 

Henderson, Helene.  Patriotic Holidays of the United States: An Introduction to the History, Symbols, and Traditions

                Behind The Major Holidays And Days Of Observance.  Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 2006.  0-7808-0733-2. 

                408p.  $63.00.  Gr. 7+.

Every major and minor political holiday observed in the United States is included in the 400+ pages of this volume. Black & White photos and charts enhance the text, as do the text boxes and sidebars.  The inclusion of primary source material makes this one a cut above other holiday books for research purposes.                                                                                 Pat Naismith

 

Hogan, Walter.  Humor in Young Adult Literature.  Scarecrow Press, 2005.  0-8108-5072-9.  223p.  $40.00.  

                Professional.

One in a series of books from Scarecrow Press on various themes in young adult literature, this work explores humor in young adult literature through eight essays that are organized by topics that are issues in the development of teens.  They include topics like family, friends, bullying, love, self image, etc.  Includes an index and extensive bibliography.  Humorous Young Adult Literature.                                                                                                                    Susan Krenicky

 

Howes, Kelly King.  The Roaring Twenties: Biographies.  Detroit: Gale, 2005.  1-4144-0211-2.  268p.  $110.00.  

Gr. 9-12.

One of the most colorful eras in U.S. history, the 1920’s highlights prominent figures, including African Americans and women.  Twenty five notable personalities and their contributions such as Louis Armstrong, The Comedy Kings, Clarence Darrow, Zora Neale Hurston and Margaret Sanger are profiled. Each biography begins with a quotation and ends with book and web site resources for further information.

The Roaring Twenties: Almanac & Primary Sources.

The 1920’s as seen from the political, business, technological and creative aspects. Subjects examined include the flappers, crime, radio, advertising, women in the work force, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Depression to name a few.  The Primary Sources includes 11 chapters that tell the 1920’s story in the words of the people who lived and shaped the decade.  Included are excerpts from influential books, political speeches and reflections of those who lived through the decade.  Each chapter ends with additional books and websites.  Additional sources are provided and an index is included.

       B.J. Neary

 

Hughes-Hassel, Sandra and  Jacqueline C. Mancall.   Collection Management for Youth: Responding to the Needs of Learners. Chicago: ALA, 2005.  0-8389-0894-2.  103p.  $34.96.  Professional.

The authors’ goal is empowering school library media specialists to provide collaborative services, developing and managing services that enable student learning and support information literacy.  Section 1 reinterprets the media specialist as change agent and leader. Part 2 lists tools and strategies realigning basic collection elements for the learner-centered collection. The final section provides reproducible copies, making this a useful addition to your professional library. 

                                                                                                                                                                                             Candy Blessing

 

The Internet: a Historical Encyclopedia.  Poole, Hilary W. and Moschovitis, Christos J. P., Ed.  ABC-CLIO, 2005.

1-85109-659-0.   (3 vol. set).  $285.00

Each volume in this set covers a different aspect of the Internet.  There is a chronology that begins with Internet Prehistory (1843 and Ada Lovelace’s sketch of Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine) and highlights major developments through 2004.  Volume 2 contains forty-two biographical entries.  The last volume in the set includes a discussion of issues related to the Internet that will be of value to anyone needing a brief background on a number of essential topics, from Activism to Digital Libraries, and Information Warfare to Wireless Internet.  Each volume includes photos, tables and graphs, a glossary, a list of resources, and an index.                                                                                                     Erika Thickman Miller

 

The Internet: a Historical Encyclopedia.  Poole, Hilary W. and Moschovitis, Christos J. P., Ed.  ABC-CLIO, 2005. 

1-85109-659-0.  (3 vol. set).  $285.00.

Each volume in this set covers a different aspect of the Internet.  The chronology volume begins with Internet Prehistory (1843 and Ada Lovelace’s sketch of Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine) and highlights major developments through 2004.  Volume 2 contains forty-two biographical entries.  The last volume in the set includes a discussion of issues related to the Internet that will be of value to anyone needing a brief background on a number of essential topics, from Activism to Digital Libraries, and Information Warfare to Wireless Internet.  Each volume includes photos, tables and graphs, a glossary, a list of resources, and an index.                                                                                                     Erika Thickman Miller

 

Knowles, Elizabeth and Martha Smith.  Boys and Literacy: Practical Strategies for Librarians, Teachers and Parents. 

                Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2005.  1-59158-212-1.  164p.  $37.80.  Professional. 

After a brief recap of research, the authors provide annotated booklists by genres most likely to appeal to boys (adventure, fantasy, graphic novel, etc.) with additional suggestions for further reading.  A separate author section provides lists of titles and contact information for writers who are known to write back to students.                                                       Candy Blessing

 

Lathrop, Ann. Guiding Students from Cheating and Plagiarism to Honesty and Integrity.  Westport, CT: Libraries

Unlimited, 2005. 1-59158-275-X. 264p. $35.00.  Professional.

This follow-up companion volume to Students Cheating and Plagiarism in the Internet Age is equally ripe for dog-earing by librarians and teachers.  It reveals that cheating is not just for students who struggle.  Above average students are just as likely to cheat in their quest for scholarships and top tier admissions.  The book includes the results of a four-question, open-ended survey of 600 students, grades 7 through 12. Any school struggling to improve its culture of honesty will want a copy.  We ALL own this issue and this book offers strategies for attack on all fronts.  Chapters include: Parents’ Role in Developing Student Honesty and Integrity; Leadership in Action; Integrity in the Writing Process; Using Technology with Integrity.  Its very practical COPY MEs include: a letter from a teacher to his students; a handout on conquering homework hassles; Michael Josephson’s Six Pillars of Character; a list of model policies; Nobody Likes a Cheat; a “Clean Hands” test for teachers; Identifying a Plagiarized Paper; and Carol Simpson’s Copyright and Plagiarism Guidelines for Students.                                                                                                                                                                                Joyce Valenza

 

The Lincoln Library of Greek & Roman Mythology. Ed. by Timothy and Susan Gall. Cleveland: Lincoln Library

                Press, 2006.  5 volumes.  0-912168-21-8.  $199.  Gr. 4-12.

This encyclopedia is a very thorough and user friendly A-Z listing of over 500 gods, goddesses, heroes, places and other important mythology references. Each Greek and Roman god/goddess has his/her own entry, despite similarities. Each of these entries begins with a pronunciation guide, gender, culture and the god or goddess’s attributes. Greek entries include the god/goddess name written in Greek.  Each ends with a listing of the subject’s family and further reading. Cross curricular links are included where appropriate. Six myths include short plays designed for classroom use. Illustrations include works of art, reproducible drawings, and photos. Volume 5 includes a ‘Table of Associations’ which lists the gods, goddesses and heroes by attribute, a ‘Table of Word Origins’, and a ‘Subject Index’.                                           Michelle Stone

 

Lincoln Library of Sports Champions.  7th ed.  Cleveland: The Lincoln Library, 2004.  0-912168-19-6.  14 v.  $498.00.

                Gr. 4-8.  (Please note that the 2004 copyright is misleading.  Most jobbers do not even show this set as

                published yet)

A comprehensive collection of sports biographies from the late 19th century through the current day.  Information is up-to-date and appealing presented, with four pages plus a photo being the norm for most entries.  The 7th ed. contains 65 new biographies, such as Michelle Wie, Yao Ming and Apolo Anton Ohno.  What boosts the value of this set are the indices, with not only a name index, but separate entries for women, by state of origin, etc.  A valuable addition to middle school library collections.                                                                                                                                                      Pat Naismith

 

Marley, David F.  Historic Cities of the Americas: an Illustrated Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 -  the Caribbean, Mexico, and

                Central America.  Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, Inc., 2005.  1-57607-027-1.  462 p.  $185.00  Gr. 9-12.

Seventy famous cities (Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, Chicago to name a few) are covered with information on each city’s beginnings and struggles to survive disease, battles and natural disasters. Contained in the two volumes and  valuable for high school student research in English and Social Studies. Photographs, maps and diagrams are very helpful. Very extensive bibliography at the end of each volume provides access to general and specialized journals.              B.J. Neary

 

Massoume, Price.  Iran’s Diverse Peoples: a Reference Sourcebook.  Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, Inc., 2005. 

1-57607-993-7.  376p.  $55.00.  Gr. 9-12.

The rich, diverse cultures in the nation of Iran are covered historically and ethnically for a period of 5,000 years. The reader better appreciates how Iran has struggled with the many challenges of diversity in its tribes, conquests, governments and modernization. The relationship of different groups with the central governments is discussed as well as the ways in which these people have influenced each other and the changes they have gone through.  Includes maps, photographs and many timelines as well as Appendix of Ethnic Groups, Non-Muslim Religious Minorities and Index. Biography.           B.J. Neary

 

Middle East Conflict Reference Library.  Zerbonia, Ralph G. Ed.  Detroit: UXL, 2006.  0-7876-9455-X.  4 vol. 

                $165.00.  Gr. 7-12.

Students will be getting the latest useful information on terrorism in the Middle East, the conflict in Iraq and thorough information on the people, events and documents that are key to understanding the Middle East conflict. The political, economic, religious, social and cultural conflicts are described comprehensively. Divided into four volumes; Middle East Conflict Almanac explores the historical events that have contributed to the conflicts in the twentieth century.  Included are a Timeline, Glossary, Research and Activity Ideas and Country Facts.  Middle East Conflict Biographies provides twenty six biographies on key figures involved in the Middle East conflict such as Simon Peres, Saddam Hussein, Madeleine Albright and Golda Meir. Included is a Timeline, Glossary and subject index. Middle East Conflict Primary Sources includes many key documents such