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1 | Book Collection Of Hickory High School | How to Search: Press CTRL and F to open the search tool. Type author name or title to find the work you need. | Use this OPT-OUT FORM for each book you wish to restrict from your child's access. | |||
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3 | Parent/Guardian Book Opt-Out Information Dear Parent/Guardian, North Carolina's House Bill 805 gives parents the right to identify titles from the school library catalog and classroom libraries that may not be borrowed by your child. Parent/Guardian Responsibility and Acknowledgment It is their responsibility to review this spreadsheet of the school and classroom library contents to identify titles for restriction and to complete the required steps for restricted access. Restrictions apply only to the titles listed. All other titles remain available. Opting out does not remove the book(s) from the school or classroom collection; it only prevents their child from accessing or checking them out. What Does the New Law Mean for You? The law requires schools to share every book title available in libraries and classrooms. You now have the right to: 1. Look up all book titles on campus (directions in upper right area of screen) 2. Decide if you want to block specific titles for your child 3. Request that your child not be allowed to check out or read certain books Important: If you restrict a book, only your child’s access changes—other students will still have access to it. No books are removed from the library or classroom. Our goal is to make this process as simple as possible. If you wish to restrict your child’s access to any book available in the classroom or school library, do the following: 1. Press CTRL and F to open the search dialog box. 2. Type the author's last name OR the title of the book you wish to view. 3. If you wish to restrict your child's access to that book, open, complete, and submit this OPT-OUT FORM. For each book you wish to restrict, you will need to fill out a separate form. Next Steps: The Instructional Technology Facilitator will add your child's name along with the book title(s) he/she cannot access to a Book Opt-Out spreadsheet to be shared with teachers. Also, depending on whether the book is a media center book or not, the student will be added to an "Opt-Out" group in our library system. Opt-Out books will be designated as "opt-out" as well. If a student attempts to check out a library book that has been restricted by parents, the attendant will be notified and the student will not be allowed to check out the book. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel to contact HHS's administrative team or Mr. Rice, ITF. | |||||
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5 | Title | Author First Name | Author Last Name | Description | Rationale | Location |
6 | Venezuela in pictures | Wendy | Aalgaard | Venezuela in Pictures (Wendy Aalgaard) is a pictorial introduction to Venezuela’s landscapes, cities, wildlife, heritage, and cultural scenes—ideal as visual entry for students unfamiliar with the region. | Media Center | |
7 | I had a hammer : the Hank Aaron story | Hank | Aaron | I Had a Hammer: The Hank Aaron Story (Hank Aaron with Lonnie Wheeler) is a candid memoir of a Hall of Famer who broke Babe Ruth’s home-run record while facing relentless racism; Aaron recounts segregated Southern childhood, Negro Leagues beginnings, minor league hostility, and major-league excellence, detailing the discipline behind consistent hitting and the stress of hate mail and threats during the chase to 715; he reflects on labor rights, front-office power, and post-career advocacy; plainspoken and reflective, the book humanizes a sports icon and invites conversations about perseverance, dignity, and the intersection of athletics, business, and civil rights. | Media Center | |
8 | Lackawanna : a novel | Chester | Aaron | Lackawanna: A Novel' by Chester Aaron is a work of historical fiction that would likely tell a story centered on the Lackawanna Valley region of northeastern Pennsylvania, an area that was famous for its coal mining industry. The novel would probably be set during the late 19th or early 20th century, the height of the anthracite coal boom, and it would explore the lives of the immigrant workers and their families who toiled in the dangerous mines and lived in the company towns of the region. The narrative could follow a single family or a group of characters from one of the many ethnic groups who made up the mining community, such as the Irish, the Welsh, or the Eastern Europeans. The novel would be a work of social realism, with a detailed and gritty depiction of the harsh and often-brutal conditions of life in the coal patch. It would explore the dangers of the work in the mines, the poverty and the lack of opportunity in the company towns, and the long and often-violent history of the labor struggles between the miners and the powerful coal companies, such as the infamous Molly Maguires and the great anthracite coal strike of 1902. 'Lackawanna' would be a story of struggle, of community, and of the lives of the ordinary people who fueled the industrial revolution in America. | Media Center | |
9 | Cerebral palsy | Nathan | Aaseng | Nathan Aaseng explains cerebral palsy, a group of disorders affecting movement and posture caused by brain damage before or during birth, covering types, causes, symptoms, associated conditions, treatments, therapies, and living with CP. | Another edition by Nathan Aaseng on cerebral palsy, providing comprehensive information about this neurological condition affecting movement and coordination, covering types, causes, therapies, educational needs, and living successfully with cerebral palsy. | Media Center | |
10 | Cherokee Nation v. Georgia : the forced removal of a people | Nathan | Aaseng | Nathan Aaseng examines the 1831 Supreme Court case addressing Cherokee sovereignty as Georgia attempted to extend state jurisdiction over Cherokee territory and force tribal removal from ancestral lands. The Cherokee Nation, facing mounting state pressure to abandon their homeland, sought federal court protection by suing Georgia as a foreign nation with treaty rights deserving recognition and protection. The Cherokee had adopted written laws, a constitution, and governmental structures modeled on American systems, arguing they constituted a sovereign nation with rights under federal treaties. Chief Justice John Marshall's complex decision ruled that tribes were neither fully sovereign foreign nations nor subject to state control, but rather "domestic dependent nations" in a unique relationship with the federal government like "a ward to its guardian." Aaseng analyzes how this ambiguous status provided some federal protection while denying full sovereignty, creating legal frameworks that continue affecting Indian law today. The decision proved immediately meaningless as President Andrew Jackson refused to enforce Cherokee rights, allegedly saying "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it." Federal troops forcibly removed Cherokee people in 1838 on the Trail of Tears, where thousands died during the brutal relocation to Oklahoma. Aaseng documents how legal victories couldn't prevent removal when political will supported displacement and courts lacked enforcement power. The case's lasting significance lies in establishing federal responsibility for tribes while creating the complicated "domestic dependent nation" status that continues shaping tribal sovereignty debates. For students interested in Native American history, constitutional law, or the relationship between law and political power, Aaseng demonstrates how even favorable legal rulings prove insufficient without political support and how the Cherokee case established enduring but problematic frameworks for tribal-federal relations that tribes still navigate seeking to preserve sovereignty and self-determination. | Media Center | |
11 | The impeachment of Bill Clinton | Nathan | Aaseng | The Impeachment of Bill Clinton (Nathan Aaseng) reconstructs the investigation into President Clinton’s conduct, the Starr Report’s allegations, and the 1998–1999 House and Senate proceedings that tested constitutional standards for “high crimes and misdemeanors”; Aaseng explains legal terms, the roles of independent counsel and grand juries, and how partisan dynamics shaped outcomes, then traces public opinion, media framing, and the Senate’s ultimate acquittal; designed for student researchers, the book presents primary-source excerpts, a chronology, and balanced analysis to help readers understand how impeachment works, what evidence was weighed, and how political institutions handle presidential misconduct short of removal. | Media Center | |
12 | Genetics: Unlocking the Secrets of Life. | Genetics | Genetics : breaking the code of your DNA | Nathan | Andrew, | Carla, - | Aaseng | editor | Mooney | Genetics: Unlocking the Secrets of Life (Nathan Aaseng) introduces DNA structure and function, Mendelian inheritance, chromosomes, and gene expression with clear diagrams and contemporary examples—genetic disorders, forensics, agriculture, and gene therapy; chapters explain tools such as PCR, sequencing, cloning, and CRISPR, then address ethical questions around privacy, modification, and equity; case studies illustrate how traits are inherited and how environment interacts with genes; a glossary and review questions support comprehension; pitched to curious teens, the book balances scientific accuracy with plain language, making complex ideas approachable without oversimplifying, and highlighting how genetics shapes medicine and everyday choices. | Genetics,' likely edited by Andrew Solway, would be an informational book that provides a comprehensive introduction to the science of heredity and the mechanisms of life. The book would be designed to make the complex field of genetics accessible to a general or student audience. The text would begin with the foundational principles laid down by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century, explaining his experiments with pea plants and his discovery of the basic laws of inheritance, including the concepts of dominant and recessive genes. The narrative would then move into the 20th century to tell the story of the discovery of the physical basis of heredity: DNA. It would explain the momentous discovery of the double helix structure of DNA by Watson and Crick (with the uncredited but crucial contribution of Rosalind Franklin) and how this structure provided the key to understanding how genetic information is stored, copied, and passed from one generation to the next. The book would then explore the central dogma of molecular biology, explaining the processes of transcription and translation, by which the genetic code in DNA is used to build the proteins that carry out the functions of life. It would also cover more modern topics in genetics, such as the Human Genome Project, genetic engineering, and the role of genes in health and disease. | Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA' by Carla Mooney is an interactive science book for young adults that provides an engaging and hands-on introduction to the world of genetics. The book is designed to make the complex science of heredity accessible and fun, combining clear explanations with activities and experiments. Mooney would begin by explaining the basics of heredity, telling the story of Gregor Mendel and his pea plants to introduce the concepts of genes, alleles, and dominant and recessive traits. The book would then delve into the molecular basis of genetics, with a clear and simple explanation of the structure of DNA, the "code of life." A central part of the book would be the interactive "investigate" sections. These would include a variety of projects that allow readers to explore genetic principles for themselves. For example, there might be an activity to extract DNA from a strawberry using common household chemicals, a project to survey family members for simple inherited traits, or an exercise to learn how to use a Punnett square to predict the outcome of genetic crosses. The book would also cover modern topics in genetics, such as the Human Genome Project, genetic disorders, and the technology of genetic engineering, explaining the science and touching upon the ethical issues involved. By blending information with hands-on activities, the book provides an effective way for young readers to learn about the code that makes them who they are. | Media Center | |
13 | Culture and customs of the Central Asian republics | Rafis | Abazov | Culture and Customs of the Central Asian Republics' by Rafis Abazov is a comprehensive guide to the societies and cultures of the five post-Soviet nations of Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. As part of a series on "Culture and Customs of Asia," the book is designed to provide a broad and in-depth overview for students and general readers who are new to this historically important but often-overlooked region. The book would likely begin with a general introduction to the geography and the shared history of the region, which for centuries was the heart of the great Silk Road trade routes and was the crossroads of numerous empires. The main body of the book would be a series of chapters, each dedicated to the specific "culture and customs" of one of the five republics. For each country, the author would provide an overview of its people and their history, and then delve into the key elements of their culture. This would include a chapter on the thought and religion of the region, with a focus on the dominant role of Sunni Islam and its unique blend with older, pre-Islamic traditions. A major part of the book would be dedicated to exploring the social customs and the daily life of the Central Asian peoples, with sections on the importance of the family and the clan, the roles of men and women, the major holidays and festivals (like Nowruz, the Persian New Year), and the traditional cuisine. The book would also provide a survey of the rich artistic traditions of the region, from its epic oral poetry to its famous textiles and crafts. | Media Center | |
14 | Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions (Dover Thrift Editions) | Edwin | Abbott | Classic of science (and mathematical) fiction — charmingly illustrated by author — describes the journeys of A. Square and his adventures in Spaceland (three dimensions), Lineland (one dimension) and Pointland (no dimensions). A. Square also entertains thoughts of visiting a land of four dimensions — a revolutionary idea for which he is banished from Spaceland. | Room 214 | |
15 | The Twin Towers | David, - | Abbott | The Twin Towers (David Abbott) reconstructs the history of the World Trade Center—from conception and construction to iconic status and Sudden destruction—exploring architectural ambition, economic symbolism, and the events that made them a global emblem, while providing the backstory needed to understand their meaning before and after 9/11. | Media Center | |
16 | Advanced Placement English Language and Composition | Brandon | Abdon | Cover all the essential content and prepare students for the AP English Language and Composition exam through a perfect blend of engaging nonfiction readings, written by both classic and contemporary writers, and practical writing instruction. Scaffolded activities develop student competence in close reading, rhetorical analysis, and critical composition and revision skills. Students learn to develop key rhetoric, argument, and synthesis skills and apply strategic stylistic choices at the college level. Track student progress with unit reviews, assessments, and a full-length AP practice exam modeled on the new course and exam description. | Room 222 | |
17 | What's right with Islam : a new vision for Muslims and the West | Feisal, - | Abdul Rauf | Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf presents a thoughtful and progressive vision of Islam in the contemporary world, challenging stereotypes and proposing a path forward for Muslim communities. This thought-provoking work addresses misconceptions about Islam prevalent in Western societies while also critiquing problematic interpretations within Muslim communities. Abdul Rauf argues for an Islam that embraces its core spiritual and ethical values while engaging constructively with modernity, democracy, and pluralism. The author explores fundamental Islamic principles including justice, compassion, human dignity, and the pursuit of knowledge, showing how these values align with universal human aspirations. He discusses how Islamic law can be interpreted in ways that support human rights, women's equality, religious freedom, and peaceful coexistence. The book addresses controversial topics such as jihad, explaining its authentic meaning as spiritual struggle and legitimate defense rather than terrorism or holy war. Abdul Rauf examines the historical relationship between Islam and the West, the impact of colonialism, and the roots of contemporary conflicts. He critiques both extremist interpretations that distort Islam's message and Western policies that fuel anti-Muslim sentiment. The author offers concrete proposals for interfaith dialogue, education reform, and leadership development within Muslim communities. Written by an American imam committed to bridge-building, this work represents an important Muslim voice advocating for an Islam that honors tradition while embracing modernity. | Media Center | |
18 | Man is the Measure (Cordial Invitation to the Central Problems of Philosophy) | Reuben | Abel | An accessible introduction to philosophy, this book narrows the gap between the general reader and intellectual inquiry. Its points are illustrated with concrete examples which should call the reader to a higher level of critical thinking and self-perception. | Room 113 | |
19 | Go and come back | Joan | Abelove | Go and Come Back' by Joan Abelove is a unique and insightful young adult novel that is based on the author's own experiences as an anthropologist. The story is told from the perspective of a young indigenous girl named Alicia, who lives in a remote village in the Amazon rainforest of Peru. Her life and her entire village's world is turned upside-down by the arrival of two 'gringas,' two young American female anthropologists who have come to live with them and to study their culture. The novel is a poignant and often-humorous story of cultural encounter and the "go and come back" of the title refers to the temporary and disruptive presence of these outsiders in the village. The narrative is a detailed and fascinating look at the daily life, the customs, and the worldview of the Isabo people, as seen through the curious and sometimes-confused eyes of Alicia. She observes the strange and often-comical behavior of the two American women, whom the villagers nickname "White-person" and "Other-white-person," and she tries to make sense of their bizarre customs and their endless questions. The book is a powerful and clever example of "reverse anthropology," as it is the "native" who is observing the "civilized" outsiders. 'Go and Come Back' is a thoughtful and empathetic exploration of cultural difference and the universal human experiences of friendship, family, and growing up. | Media Center | |
20 | Turtle geometry : the computer as a medium for exploring mathematics | Harold | Abelson | Harold Abelson's influential book explores mathematics education using turtle geometry and computer programming (specifically Logo language) as tools for learning geometric concepts. The work demonstrates how programming simple commands to control a virtual turtle that draws lines creates intuitive understanding of geometric principles, angles, curves, and spatial relationships. Abelson shows how computational approaches make abstract mathematical concepts concrete and exploratory, allowing students to discover geometric principles through experimentation. The book influenced mathematics and computer science education by demonstrating computers' potential as mathematical learning tools, arguing that programming provides powerful medium for exploring mathematics while making geometric thinking accessible and engaging through interactive, visual learning experiences. | Media Center | |
21 | American Government: Stories of a Nation | Scott | Abernathy | This new offering from AP® teacher Karen Waples and college professor Scott Abernathy is tailor-made to help teachers and students transition to the redesigned AP® U. S. Government and Politics course. Carefully aligned to the course framework, this brief book is loaded with instructional tools to help you and your students meet the demands of the new course, such as integrated skills instruction, coverage of required cases and documents, public policy threaded throughout the book, and AP® practice after every chapter and unit, all in a simple organization that will ease your course planning and save you time. We’ve got you covered! With a program specifically tailored for the new AP® framework and exam. With a brief student edition that students will read and enjoy. With pedagogy and features that prepare students for the AP® exam like no other book on the market. With a teacher edition and resources that save you time in transitioning to the new course. With professional development to help you transition your instruction. | Room 233 | |
22 | Document Reader for American Government: Stories of a Nation | Scott | Abernathy | The Foundational Documents and Court Cases Reader includes all of the documents and cases required by the College Board®, as well as commentary and guided questions to help students understand these complex texts. | Room 233 | |
23 | A game for swallows : to die, to leave, to return | Zeina, - | Abirached | This graphic memoir tells the story of the author's childhood in Beirut, Lebanon, during the civil war. The "game for swallows" of the title is a reference to a children's game that is also a metaphor for the fragility of life in a time of war. The story is told from the perspective of a young girl who is trapped in her apartment building with her family and her neighbors during a bombing raid. The novel is a look at the everyday realities of life in a war zone, a story of a community that is trying to maintain a sense of normalcy in the midst of chaos and violence. It is a tale of a young girl's coming-of-age in a world that is torn apart by conflict, and a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. | Media Center | |
24 | I remember Beirut | Zeina, - | Abirached | I Remember Beirut' by Zeina Abirached is a poignant and powerful graphic novel memoir that recounts the author's childhood in war-torn Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War in the 1980s. The book is told from the perspective of a young girl and captures the surreal and often frightening experience of growing up in a city divided by conflict. Abirached uses a striking and distinctive black-and-white art style, with bold, graphic patterns and a minimalist approach that powerfully conveys the claustrophobia and the ever-present danger of her world. The memoir is not a political history of the war, but a collection of personal, fragmented memories of daily life. She tells the story of her family's life in their small apartment on the demarcation line that separated East and West Beirut, the constant threat of shelling and sniper fire, and the nights spent huddled in the hallway for safety. Despite the backdrop of war, the memoir is also filled with moments of childhood normalcy, humor, and the incredible resilience of her family, who use storytelling, games, and a strong sense of community to create a pocket of safety and love amidst the chaos. 'I Remember Beirut' is a moving and unforgettable look at the impact of war on the lives of ordinary people, and a testament to the power of family to endure. | Media Center | |
25 | Autoimmune disorders | Melissa, - | Abramovitz | Autoimmune Disorders' by Melissa Abramovitz is an informational book that provides a clear and comprehensive guide to a complex and often confusing category of diseases. The book would be designed to explain to a general audience what autoimmune disorders are, what causes them, and how they are diagnosed and managed. The author would begin with a simple explanation of the immune system and its normal function: to identify and destroy foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. The book would then explain that in an autoimmune disorder, the immune system makes a mistake and mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy cells and tissues. A major part of the book would be a survey of some of the most common autoimmune diseases, with a chapter dedicated to each one. This would likely include conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (where the immune system attacks the joints), type 1 diabetes (where it attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas), multiple sclerosis (where it attacks the protective covering of nerves), lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease. For each disorder, the author would describe its specific symptoms, the part of the body it affects, and how it is diagnosed. A final, crucial part of the book would focus on the treatment and management of these chronic conditions. The author would explain the different types of medications that are used to suppress the overactive immune response and manage symptoms, as well as the importance of lifestyle factors in living with an autoimmune disease. | Media Center | |
26 | Hepatitis | Melissa, - | Abramovitz | Melissa Abramovitz examines hepatitis, viral infections causing liver inflammation, covering hepatitis A, B, and C viruses, transmission routes, symptoms, testing, treatments, vaccines for some types, prevention, and liver disease complications. | Media Center | |
27 | Skiing | Melissa, - | Abramovitz | Melissa Abramovitz's overview of skiing covering alpine and cross-country skiing, equipment, techniques, resorts, competitions, famous skiers, ski racing, and winter sports culture. | Media Center | |
28 | The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Vol. 1 | Meyer | Abrams | With adoptions at over 1,300 colleges and universities in its first semester; the Seventh Edition of The Norton Anthology of English Literature continues to be the indispensable anthology. Like its predecessors, the Seventh Edition offers the best in English literature from the classic to the contemporary in a readable, teachable format. More selections by women and twentieth-century writers, a richer offering of contextual writings and apparatus fully revised to reflect today's scholarship make the Seventh Edition the choice for breadth, depth, and quality. | Subject/Course: 11th – 12th Grade English Language Arts / AP Lit Title and Author: The Norton Anthology of English Literature, Vol. 1 by Meyer Abrams Literary Merit & Connection to Curriculum: The collection invites analysis of imagery, metaphor, lineation, and tone shifts across contemporary/free-verse and formal experiments. Students can evaluate how structure (enjambment, stanza shape) carries argument and emotion. Educational Objectives & Pedagogical Strategy: Close-read two poems for imagery and syntax; write a comparative explication; lead a student-run seminar on a motif; compose an imitation to practice craft. Addressing Potential Challenges: Poems may include mature themes (grief, love, illness) in non-graphic ways. Instruction frames these as artistic explorations that build empathy and interpretive skill; norms emphasize respect and text-based claims. Conclusion: Appropriate for high school readers when taught with clear norms; the text supports analytical reading, respectful discussion, and evidence-based writing. | Room 112 |
29 | The magic of M C Escher | The magic of M.C. Escher | Abrams | M. C. (Maurits Cornelis) | Abrams | Escher | A concise overview of the subject indicated by the title, written for clarity and quick comprehension. Sections offer definitions, examples, and context suitable for student use. Nonfiction/general. | A collection showcasing M.C. Escher's impossible constructions, mathematical art, tessellations, optical illusions, and mind-bending prints exploring infinity, transformation, and spatial paradoxes through the Dutch graphic artist's precise lithographs. | Room 239; Media Center | |
30 | The poet X | Elizabeth | Acevedo | The Poet X' by Elizabeth Acevedo is a powerful and critically acclaimed young adult novel written entirely in verse. The book, which won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, tells the story of a fifteen-year-old Dominican-American girl named Xiomara Batista, who is growing up in Harlem and struggling to find her own voice in a world that seems determined to silence her. The novel is told through Xiomara's own fiery and eloquent poetry, which she writes in a secret notebook. The poems are her outlet for all the thoughts and the feelings that she cannot express out loud. She writes about her changing and developing body, and the unwanted and often-harassing attention it brings from the men in her neighborhood. She writes about her strict and deeply religious mother, who wants her to be a good Catholic girl and is suspicious of her growing independence. And she writes about her growing feelings for a boy in her class and her own budding sexuality. The "Poet X" of the title is Xiomara's secret identity, and a central part of the novel is her journey to find the courage to share her voice with the world. This leads her to join her school's slam poetry club, a place where she finally finds a community that understands her and where she can unleash the power of her own words. 'The Poet X' is a stunning and lyrical story about the power of art to create a space for oneself in the world. | Media Center | |
31 | With the fire on high | Elizabeth | Acevedo | With the Fire on High' by Elizabeth Acevedo is a contemporary young adult novel that tells the story of a talented and ambitious Afro-Latina high school senior who is trying to balance her responsibilities as a single mother with her passionate dream of becoming a chef. The protagonist is Emoni Santiago, a student at a Philadelphia high school, who is raising her two-year-old daughter, Emma (or "Babygirl"), with the help of her loving grandmother. Emoni has a true and almost-magical gift for cooking; she can pour her emotions into her food, and her dishes have the power to evoke deep feelings and memories in those who eat them. The novel follows Emoni as she navigates her final year of high school and the difficult choices she must make about her future. A new and exciting culinary arts class is offered at her school, which includes the possibility of a life-changing trip to Spain for a week of culinary training. However, Emoni is hesitant to join the class, as she is worried about the time it will take away from her daughter and her part-time job. The "fire on high" of the title is a metaphor for Emoni's passionate and sometimes-uncontrollable talent, and the novel is a story of her journey to find the confidence to embrace her gift and to pursue her dreams, while also honoring her responsibilities to her family. The book is a warm, vibrant, and delicious story about food, family, and finding your own path. | Media Center | |
32 | Anthills of the savannah | Chinua | Achebe | Anthills of the Savannah' by the great Nigerian author Chinua Achebe is a powerful and complex political novel that was published in 1987. The novel is set in the fictional modern West African nation of Kangan, which is a thinly veiled representation of post-colonial Nigeria. The story is a profound and often-scathing critique of the political corruption, the military dictatorships, and the failure of the intellectual elite that have plagued so many African nations since their independence. The novel centers on the lives of three friends who have known each other since their school days and who now find themselves at the center of power in the new military government of Kangan. The first is Sam, who has become the country's military Head of State, a "His Excellency" who has grown increasingly paranoid, isolated, and tyrannical. The second is Chris, the Commissioner for Information, who is a journalist and an intellectual who has become the regime's chief propagandist, but is now increasingly disillusioned and morally compromised. The third is Ikem, the editor of the state-owned newspaper, who is a fiery and idealistic poet who continues to speak out against the government's corruption and is on a collision course with his old friend, the dictator. The "anthills of the savannah" of the title is a powerful and recurring image from an African proverb, and it suggests the idea that a new and better society will eventually emerge from the ruins of the old. The novel is a tragic and deeply insightful look at the failures of the post-colonial African state. | Media Center | |
33 | Chinua Achebe's Things fall apart | Chinua | Achebe | Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart,' edited by an unspecified editor, is a critical edition or a student casebook focused on the landmark 1958 novel that is a foundational text of modern African literature. This book is designed to be a comprehensive resource for students and readers, providing not only the text of the novel but also a wealth of supplementary materials to illuminate its historical, cultural, and literary significance. The core of the volume would be the authoritative text of Chinua Achebe's novel, which tells the tragic story of Okonkwo and the impact of colonialism on his Igbo community. The most valuable part of the book would be the collection of contextual and critical materials. This would likely begin with an introduction by the editor that provides a biography of Achebe and a discussion of his purpose in writing the novel: to provide an African perspective on the history of colonialism and to counteract the distorted and racist depictions of Africa in European literature. A major section would be dedicated to providing historical and cultural context, with essays on the history of British colonialism in Nigeria and the specific culture and traditions of the Igbo people, which are so richly detailed in the novel. Another key part of the book would be a collection of critical essays on 'Things Fall Apart' by a variety of prominent postcolonial literary scholars. These essays would offer different interpretations of the novel's themes, its characters, and its groundbreaking use of English to convey an African experience. | Media Center | |
34 | Things fall apart | Things Fall Apart | Chinua | Achebe | Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe is a landmark 1958 novel that is considered the archetypal modern African novel in English and a foundational text of postcolonial literature. The book tells the story of Okonkwo, a fierce and respected warrior in the Igbo village of Umuofia in late 19th-century Nigeria, and the tragic impact of the arrival of European missionaries and colonial administrators on his life and his society. The first part of the novel provides a rich and detailed portrait of Igbo culture before the arrival of the white man, with its complex social structures, religious beliefs, and traditions. Okonkwo is a man driven by a deep fear of weakness and failure, a fear that stems from his shame over his gentle, unsuccessful father. This fear leads him to be a powerful, but also harsh and inflexible, leader in his community. The "falling apart" of the title begins when Okonkwo accidentally kills a clansman and is exiled from his village for seven years. During his exile, the first white Christian missionaries arrive in the region, and they begin to win converts and to challenge the traditional beliefs and authority of the clan. When Okonkwo returns, he finds his village profoundly and irrevocably changed, with the colonial government and the new religion undermining the very foundations of his culture. The novel culminates in Okonkwo's tragic and violent confrontation with the new colonial order, a confrontation that mirrors the broader, devastating clash of cultures that occurred across Africa. | Things Fall Apart tells two intertwining stories, both centering on Okonkwo, a “strong man” of an Ibo village in Nigeria. The first, a powerful fable of the immemorial conflict between the individual and society, traces Okonkwo’s fall from grace with the tribal world. The second, as modern as the first is ancient, concerns the clash of cultures and the destruction of Okonkwo's world with the arrival of aggressive European missionaries. These perfectly harmonized twin dramas are informed by an awareness capable of encompassing at once the life of nature, human history, and the mysterious compulsions of the soul. | Media Center; Room 222 | |
35 | Call me by your name | André | Aciman | Call Me by Your Name' by André Aciman is a critically acclaimed 2007 novel that tells the story of a sudden and powerful romance that blossoms between a teenage boy and a summer guest at his family's Italian villa. The novel is a profound and intensely intimate exploration of first love, desire, and the pain and beauty of memory. The story is narrated by the protagonist, Elio Perlman, who is looking back on the fateful summer of 1983, when he was a precocious seventeen-year-old. His life is changed by the arrival of Oliver, a handsome and brilliant twenty-four-year-old American graduate student who has come to stay with Elio's family for six weeks as his father's academic assistant. The novel chronicles the slow, subtle, and often-agonizing dance of courtship between the two young men. It is a story of intense intellectual and physical attraction, filled with unspoken desires, hesitant gestures, and the constant fear of rejection. Elio's narration is a deep and detailed dive into his own consciousness, as he obsesses over Oliver's every word and action. The book culminates in a brief and passionate affair between the two, which is followed by their painful separation at the end of the summer. The "call me by your name" of the title refers to an intimate game that the two lovers play, a symbol of their complete and total identification with each other. The novel's famous and deeply moving final chapter is a poignant meditation on the enduring and transformative power of this first, great love. | Media Center | |
36 | In the space left behind | Joan | Ackermann | In the Space Left Behind' by Joan Ackermann is a play that tells a quirky and poignant story of a family that is grappling with grief and the mysteries of the universe in the aftermath of a personal tragedy. The play centers on a father and a daughter who have recently lost the family's mother. The father, a brilliant but eccentric scientist, has become obsessed with his work and is emotionally distant, while his teenage daughter is struggling to cope with her grief and the loss of her mother. The "space left behind" of the title is both literal and metaphorical. The father is an astrophysicist who is searching for "dark matter," the invisible "missing" matter of the universe, a search that mirrors his own inability to deal with the "space left behind" in his own life by the death of his wife. The play's narrative would likely be a blend of realistic family drama and a more whimsical and philosophical exploration of the cosmos. The characters' conversations would be filled with scientific metaphors and ideas, as they use the language of physics and astronomy to try to make sense of their own emotional universe. 'In the Space Left Behind' would be a story about the search for connection, both on a cosmic and a human scale. It would be a play about the mysteries of grief, the challenges of communication between a parent and a child, and the ways in which we try to find order and meaning in a chaotic and often-unfathomable universe. | Media Center | |
37 | God's equation : Einstein, relativity, and the expanding universe | Amir D. | Aczel | Amir D. Aczel's book explores Einstein's cosmological constant, originally introduced in general relativity equations then abandoned, which became crucial for understanding universe's accelerating expansion. The work traces this "fudge factor's" history from Einstein's development of general relativity, through decades when cosmological constant seemed unnecessary, to modern discovery that dark energy drives cosmic acceleration, vindicating Einstein's insight. Aczel explains complex physics accessibly, discussing relativity, cosmology, and observational evidence revealing universe's fate. The narrative demonstrates how scientific understanding evolves, showing even Einstein's "mistake" ultimately proved prophetic, while explaining one of cosmology's most profound recent discoveries about universe's expansion and ultimate destiny through engaging science storytelling. | Media Center | |
38 | The Royal palaces of Britain | John Eric, - | Adair | The Royal Palaces of Britain' by John Eric Adair is a historical and architectural guide to the great palaces of the British monarchy. The book would be a beautifully illustrated tour of these magnificent buildings, exploring their history, their architecture, and the major historical events that have taken place within their walls. The book would be organized as a series of chapters, with each chapter dedicated to a specific royal palace. This would include the major palaces that are still in use by the royal family today, such as Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the monarch; Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world; and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland. It would also cover the great historic palaces that are no longer royal residences but are major historical sites, such as the Tower of London, a medieval fortress and a notorious prison; Hampton Court Palace, the magnificent Tudor and Baroque palace on the Thames; and Kensington Palace, the former home of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. For each palace, the author would provide a detailed history of its construction and its architectural evolution over the centuries. He would also tell the stories of the famous kings and queens who lived there and the great historical dramas—the births, the marriages, the plots, and the deaths—that have unfolded within their rooms and courtyards. The book would be lavishly illustrated with photographs of the exteriors and the opulent interiors of these great buildings. | Media Center | |
39 | Alzheimer's disease | Jacqueline, - | Adams | Jacqueline Adams explains Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, covering memory loss and cognitive decline, brain changes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, current treatments, research into causes, and caring for affected individuals. | Another edition by Jacqueline Adams on Alzheimer's disease, providing updated information about this neurodegenerative condition, covering progression, impact on families, treatment options, prevention research, and supporting those with dementia. | Media Center | |
40 | Watership Down | Richard, - | Adams | Watership Down' by Richard Adams is a classic and beloved 1972 adventure novel, which is unique for the fact that its heroes are a small group of rabbits. The book is an epic and heroic tale of survival, freedom, and the search for a new home, and it has been celebrated as a masterpiece of modern literature. The story begins in a rabbit warren that is doomed to be destroyed by a new housing development. A small, visionary rabbit named Fiver has a terrifying premonition of the coming disaster, but the leader of the warren refuses to listen to his warnings. Fiver and his brave and loyal older brother, Hazel, decide to lead a small band of rabbits on a dangerous quest to find a new and safe place to live. The novel is a classic adventure story, as the small group of refugees must face a series of perilous challenges on their journey across the English countryside. They must evade predators, both animal and human, and they must confront other, more dangerous rabbit warrens. A central part of the book is the rich and detailed "lapine" culture that Adams creates for his characters, with their own language, their own mythology (centered on the heroic trickster figure of El-ahrairah), and their own complex social structures. The climax of the novel is a great and epic conflict between Hazel's fledgling new warren on Watership Down and the tyrannical, militaristic warren of Efrafa, which is ruled by the brutal and fearsome General Woundwort. 'Watership Down' is a thrilling and deeply moving story of courage, leadership, and the enduring power of hope. | Media Center | |
41 | 20 years at Hull-House | Jane | Addams | Jane Addams’s memoir of founding and running Chicago’s Hull‑House settlement, tracing neighborhood investigations and civic work that shaped Progressive Era reforms in labor, juvenile justice, and education. | Room 230 | |
42 | Heart of darkness : search for the unconscious | Heart of Darkness | Heart of darkness | Gary | Joseph | Adelman | Conrad | Heart of Darkness: Search for the Unconscious' by Gary Adelman is a work of literary criticism that offers a focused, psychoanalytic reading of Joseph Conrad's 1899 novella. The book's subtitle, "Search for the Unconscious," clearly indicates its theoretical approach. The author would argue that 'Heart of Darkness' is not just a story about colonialism in Africa, but is also, and perhaps more importantly, a profound and symbolic journey into the depths of the human psyche. Adelman would use the principles of Freudian and Jungian psychoanalysis to interpret the novel's characters, its plot, and its complex symbolism. The study would analyze the narrator, Marlow, as a character who is on a quest to confront his own "unconscious" or his "shadow self." The journey up the Congo River would be interpreted as a journey inward, a descent into the primitive and irrational parts of the mind. The enigmatic and insane character of Kurtz would be seen as a representation of the unrestrained "id," the primal and savage instincts that lie beneath the thin veneer of civilization. The author would provide a detailed, symbol-by-symbol analysis of the novella, interpreting the meaning of the darkness, the jungle, and the river through a psychoanalytic lens. The book is a work of specialized, in-depth literary criticism for academic readers. | Heart of Darkness (1899) is a short novel by Polish novelist Joseph Conrad, written as a frame narrative, about Charles Marlow's experience as an ivory transporter down the Congo River in Central Africa. The river is "a mighty big river, that you could see on the map, resembling an immense snake uncoiled, with its head in the sea, its body at rest curving afar over a vast country, and its tail lost in the depths of the land". In the course of his travel in central Africa, Marlow becomes obsessed with Mr. Kurtz. The story is a complex exploration of the attitudes people hold on what constitutes a barbarian versus a civilized society and the attitudes on colonialism and racism that were part and parcel of European imperialism. Originally published as a three-part serial story, in Blackwood's Magazine, the novella Heart of Darkness has been variously published and translated into many languages. In 1998, the Modern Library ranked Heart of Darkness as the sixty-seventh of the hundred best novels in English of the twentieth century. | Top Ten — Katie Cotugno: Twin Aldo and Ava are separated by adoption at birth. When Ava reconnects with their biological father just before a revelation, both twins must navigate identity, loyalty, and the meaning of “home” as truths disrupt their expectations. | Media Center; Room 113 | |
43 | The Book of the Moon : A Guide to Our Closest Neighbor | Maggie | Aderin-Pocock | Maggie Aderin-Pocock's comprehensive guide explores Earth's Moon covering its formation, geological features, phases, influence on Earth, space missions, and cultural significance throughout human history. The work combines scientific information with stunning imagery, discussing lunar geology, the giant impact hypothesis explaining Moon's origin, tidal effects, and Apollo missions. Aderin-Pocock makes lunar science accessible while celebrating Moon's importance to human culture, mythology, and scientific understanding. The guide serves as complete Moon reference for anyone fascinated by Earth's natural satellite, demonstrating how this familiar celestial body continues revealing secrets while inspiring human imagination and space exploration, making lunar science engaging through clear explanations and appreciation for Moon's profound influence on Earth and humanity. | Media Center | |
44 | Children of blood and bone | Tomi | Adeyemi | Children of Blood and Bone' by Tomi Adeyemi is the first book in a bestselling and critically acclaimed young adult high fantasy series, 'Legacy of Orïsha.' The novel is a powerful and epic tale that is deeply inspired by West African mythology, particularly the religion and the culture of the Yoruba people. The story is set in the magical kingdom of Orïsha, where a brutal and tyrannical king has suppressed magic and has carried out a genocidal campaign against the magic-wielding people known as the 'maji.' The protagonist is a young girl named Zélie Adebola, whose mother was one of the maji who were killed in the king's purge. Zélie lives as a member of an oppressed and marginalized class, but she has the chance to bring magic back to her people when she and her brother stumble upon a runaway princess, Amari, who has stolen a magical scroll that can restore the powers of the maji. The novel is a thrilling and action-packed quest, as Zélie, her brother Tzain, and the princess Amari embark on a dangerous journey across the kingdom to perform a magical ritual before it is too late. They are relentlessly pursued by the crown prince, Inan, who is determined to hunt them down and to destroy magic for good. 'Children of Blood and Bone' is a powerful and thought-provoking story that uses its fantasy setting to explore real-world themes of racism, oppression, and the struggle for justice. | Media Center | |
45 | Frank Lloyd Wright : a twentieth-century life | Jan | Adkins | Frank Lloyd Wright: A Twentieth-Century Life' by Jan Adkins is a biography of the iconic and revolutionary American architect, likely written for a young adult audience. The book would provide an engaging and visually rich introduction to the life and work of the man who is widely considered to be America's greatest architect. The biography would be a chronological account of Wright's long, dramatic, and often controversial life, which spanned nearly a century of American history. It would trace his early career as a young draftsman in Chicago working for the firm of Louis Sullivan, the "father of the skyscraper," and his development of his own unique and groundbreaking architectural style, the "Prairie School," which emphasized horizontal lines and the integration of the building with the landscape. A central part of the book would be a tour of his most famous and innovative buildings. This would include his early Prairie School houses like the Robie House in Chicago; his masterpiece of "organic architecture," Fallingwater, the house built over a waterfall in Pennsylvania; and his work on the Johnson Wax Building and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. The book would also delve into his tumultuous and often tragic personal life, including his scandalous affairs and the horrific murder of his mistress at his home, Taliesin. The book would be a tribute to a brilliant, arrogant, and visionary artist who fundamentally changed the way we think about architecture and the spaces we live in. | Media Center | |
46 | Convertibles | Dennis, - | Adler | Convertibles' by Dennis Adler is a book that celebrates the history, design, and cultural significance of the convertible automobile. The book would be a visually rich and detailed survey of this iconic style of car, tracing its evolution from the early days of motoring to the modern era. Adler, a noted automotive historian and photographer, would likely structure the book chronologically. The narrative would begin with the earliest automobiles, which were all essentially open-air "horseless carriages," and then trace the development of the more practical closed car and the concurrent emergence of the convertible as a distinct, more sporting and luxurious body style. A major portion of the book would be dedicated to the golden age of the American convertible in the 1950s and 60s, a period when these cars were symbols of freedom, glamour, and the open road. This section would be a nostalgic tour of the classic models from manufacturers like Cadillac, Ford, and Chevrolet, with their extravagant tailfins, chrome trim, and powerful V8 engines. The book would also cover the great European convertibles from marques like Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Ferrari. The author would also likely discuss the near-demise of the convertible in the 1970s due to safety regulations, and its subsequent revival in the 1980s and beyond. The text would be accompanied by a wealth of high-quality photographs, showcasing the beautiful design and timeless appeal of these "top-down" automobiles. | Media Center | |
47 | Mollie's job : a story of life and work on the global assembly line | William M. | Adler | William Adler's compelling narrative follows one job as it moves from an American factory to Mexico in the global assembly line, documenting globalization's human impact through the story of Mollie James who lost her job when her employer relocated production. This powerful work humanizes economic restructuring by showing real people's lives. The book follows Mollie James, an African-American woman who worked for decades at a manufacturing plant in Paterson, New Jersey, performing detailed electronic assembly work. Adler describes the job and workplace culture including the relationships among mostly female workers, union presence, and decent wages that supported working-class families. The narrative recounts the company's decision to close the American plant and move production to Mexico where labor costs were far lower, a decision driven by global competition and profit maximization. Readers experience the devastating impact on workers losing jobs, including financial hardship, emotional toll, and community effects as good manufacturing jobs disappeared. The work follows the same job to Matamoros, Mexico, where young Mexican women perform identical work for a fraction of American wages in maquiladora factories. Adler describes Mexican workers' lives including poverty despite employment, poor working conditions, and limited rights despite official labor protections. The book explores the forces driving globalization including corporate pursuit of lower labor costs, trade agreements like NAFTA facilitating production relocation, and the race to the bottom as companies seek lowest-wage locations. Adler examines whether globalization's benefits justify its costs, questioning whether free trade creates overall prosperity or primarily benefits corporations while harming workers. This powerful narrative demonstrates globalization's human costs by following one job across borders, showing how economic restructuring harms both American workers losing jobs and Mexican workers exploited in their new ones, raising fundamental questions about economic justice in the global economy. | Media Center | |
48 | We remember the Holocaust | David A. | Adler | We Remember the Holocaust' by David A. Adler is a book for young readers that provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the history of the Holocaust. The book is structured as a collection of personal testimonies and oral histories, telling the story of the Nazi genocide through the voices of those who experienced it firsthand. The author would weave together the individual stories of a number of different Holocaust survivors to create a broad and chronological narrative of the event. The book would begin by describing the life of the Jewish communities in Europe before the rise of Hitler. It would then chronicle the rise of Nazism and the gradual and insidious implementation of anti-Semitic laws and persecution in Germany in the 1930s. The "we remember" of the title would be the survivors' own words, as they describe their experiences during the war, from the forced removal to the ghettos, to the deportations in cattle cars to the concentration and extermination camps. The book would provide a sensitive and age-appropriate, but still honest and unflinching, account of the horrors of the camps. A key and powerful feature of the book would be the inclusion of historical photographs of the survivors, both from their childhoods before the war and as they are today, which would create a powerful and personal connection for the reader. The final part of the book would be a story of liberation, survival, and the challenge of rebuilding a life after the war. | Media Center | |
49 | A streetcar named Desire : the moth and the lantern | A streetcar named Desire | A Streetcar Named Desire | Thomas P. | Tennessee | Adler | Williams | A Streetcar Named Desire: The Moth and the Lantern' by Thomas P. Adler is a work of literary criticism that provides an in-depth analysis of Tennessee Williams's iconic and Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The book's title refers to the central and contrasting symbols associated with the two main characters: the fragile, moth-like Blanche DuBois, who avoids the harsh light of reality, and the brutish, primal Stanley Kowalski, who lives under the bare, unshaded light bulb of the "lantern." Adler's study would be a detailed, scene-by-scene and character-by-character exploration of the play's major themes, symbolism, and dramatic structure. The author would delve into the complex and tragic character of Blanche DuBois, analyzing her desperate attempts to cling to a lost world of Southern gentility and illusion in the face of the modern, working-class world of New Orleans represented by Stanley. The book would also provide a thorough analysis of the play's other major characters and the complex web of desire, dependence, and violence that connects them. Adler would explore the key themes of the play, such as the conflict between the old South and the new, the destructive nature of illusion and self-deception, and the raw power of sexual desire. The book is a scholarly guide for students and serious readers of the play, providing the critical tools and insights needed for a deeper understanding of one of the masterpieces of American theater. | A Streetcar Named Desire' by Tennessee Williams is a landmark 1947 play that is widely considered one of the greatest and most powerful works of the American theater. The play tells the story of the tragic and violent confrontation between two iconic characters: Blanche DuBois, a fragile, fading, and delusional Southern belle, and her brutish and fiercely animalistic brother-in-law, Stanley Kowalski. The play is set in the cramped and steamy French Quarter of New Orleans. The story begins as Blanche, having lost her family's ancestral plantation and her job, arrives unexpectedly at the apartment of her younger sister, Stella, and her husband, Stanley. Blanche, with her airs of gentility and her delicate sensibilities, is a complete anachronism in the rough, working-class world of Stanley and Stella. A deep and immediate animosity develops between Blanche and Stanley, who sees through her illusions and is determined to expose the dark secrets of her past. The play is a brutal and poetic psychological drama that chronicles Blanche's desperate and ultimately failed attempt to escape her past and find refuge in a world that has no place for her. The central conflict between Blanche, who represents the dying, romanticized world of the Old South, and Stanley, who represents the harsh, new, and vital reality of modern America, is one of the most powerful in all of drama. The play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1948. | The story of Blanche DuBois and her last grasp at happiness, and of Stanley Kowalski, the one who destroyed her chance. | Media Center; Room 223 | |
50 | I am the darker brother; an anthology of modern poems by Negro Americans. | Arnold | Adoff | I Am the Darker Brother: An Anthology of Modern Poems by Negro Americans,' edited by Arnold Adoff, is a landmark anthology of African American poetry, first published in 1968, in the midst of the Black Arts Movement. The book's title is taken from the famous Langston Hughes poem, "I, Too," and it serves as a powerful and defiant declaration of Black identity and presence in American literature. The anthology was groundbreaking for its time and was designed to bring the richness and diversity of modern Black poetry to a wider audience, particularly to young readers. The collection gathers the work of a wide range of important 20th-century African American poets. This would include the major figures of the Harlem Renaissance, like Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Claude McKay, as well as the poets who came to prominence in the mid-century, such as Gwendolyn Brooks and Robert Hayden. A key feature of the anthology would be its inclusion of the newer and more militant voices of the 1960s Black Arts Movement, such as Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones) and Nikki Giovanni. The poems in the collection cover the full spectrum of the African American experience, from poems of protest and anger against racial injustice to celebrations of Black culture, history, and beauty, as well as more personal poems of love and family. | Media Center | |
51 | Names will never hurt me | Jaime | Adoff | Names Will Never Hurt Me' by Jaime Adoff is a powerful and thought-provoking young adult novel that tackles the serious and timely issue of school bullying and violence. The novel is told from the alternating perspectives of four different high school students whose lives are about to intersect in a tragic and violent way. The central event of the novel is a school shooting, and the narrative structure would likely lead up to and then explore the aftermath of this event. The first narrator is Ryan, the popular jock who is also a bully. The second is Kurt, the shooter, a lonely and ostracized "goth" kid who has been the target of the jocks' relentless bullying and who has finally been pushed to the breaking point. The third is a girl named Floater, who is a friend of Kurt's and who is also an outsider. The fourth is a girl named Tisha, who is a popular and seemingly "perfect" student who is dating Ryan. The "names will never hurt me" of the title is a powerful and tragic irony, as the novel would show the devastating and often-unseen psychological damage that is caused by the "names" and the bullying that Kurt endures, which ultimately leads to the final, horrific act of violence. The novel would be a powerful and unflinching look at the causes and the consequences of bullying and a plea for empathy and understanding. | Media Center | |
52 | Halo | Alexandra | Adornetto | Halo (Alexandra Adornetto) — speculative fiction novel about angels, good and evil, and moral choice. | Media Center | |
53 | The most important thing I know | Lorraine | Adrain | The most important thing I know,Lorne A.,Adrain,"Compiled by Lorne A. Adrain, this inspirational collection gathers wisdom from diverse accomplished individuals sharing what they consider the most important knowledge or principle guiding their lives. Contributors might include leaders from various fields including business, arts, science, education, athletics, and public service, each offering brief reflections on essential life lessons, values, or insights. The format allows readers to encounter multiple perspectives on what constitutes meaningful wisdom and important knowledge. Contributions might address topics such as perseverance, integrity, compassion, creativity, learning from failure, maintaining perspective, or finding purpose. The diversity of voices demonstrates that wisdom takes many forms and that different people prioritize different values and insights based on their experiences and contexts. Collections like this serve inspirational purposes, offering guidance and encouragement while demonstrating that successful, admirable people have varied philosophies and approaches to life. The brief format makes the book accessible for casual reading while providing material for reflection and discussion. Such compilations can help young readers explore different values and perspectives as they develop their own principles and priorities.",N/A | Media Center | |
54 | Mexico | Mexico : a picture book to remember her by | Mexico : from Montezuma to NAFTA, Chiapas, and beyond | book | designed by David | Jaime | Adriane Ruggiero | Gibbon | Suchlicki | Mexico,' edited by Adriane Ruggiero, is an anthology that would provide a comprehensive and multifaceted look at the history, the culture, and the contemporary issues of the nation of Mexico. As part of a series on major world countries or contemporary issues, the book would compile a collection of essays and articles from a variety of sources, including historians, political scientists, journalists, and cultural critics. The volume would be structured to explore the key aspects of Mexico, both past and present. One section would focus on the country's long and rich history, from its great pre-Columbian civilizations to the Spanish conquest and the modern era. Another major part of the book would be dedicated to an analysis of modern Mexican politics and society. This would include essays on the Mexican Revolution, the long rule of the PRI, the transition to democracy, and the country's complex and often-difficult relationship with the United States. A key feature of the anthology would be its focus on contemporary issues. This would include essays on the major challenges that Mexico is facing in the 21st century, such as economic inequality, the powerful and violent drug cartels, and the ongoing issues of migration and border politics. The book would also likely include a section on the rich and vibrant culture of Mexico, with essays on its art, its literature, its music, and its world-famous cuisine. | Mexico: A Picture Book to Remember Her By (David Gibbon, designer) is a photographic celebration of Mexico’s varied regions—from Maya and Aztec archaeological sites and colonial plazas to volcanoes, beaches, and markets—arranged to showcase color, texture, and everyday life; concise captions identify landmarks, crafts, and festivals (Day of the Dead, Guelaguetza), while spreads capture contrasts between modern cities and traditional villages; though light on analysis, the book works as a visual primer that can spark curiosity about history, Indigenous cultures, and ecology; teachers can pair images with research prompts on cuisine, architecture, and regional music, turning a coffee-table format into a classroom springboard for deeper study of Mexico’s heritage and contemporary vibrancy. | Mexico: From Montezuma to NAFTA, Chiapas, and Beyond' by Jaime Suchlicki is a comprehensive single-volume history of Mexico that covers the entire span of the nation's history, from its pre-Columbian origins to the contemporary era. The book's subtitle indicates its broad scope, from the Aztec emperor, Montezuma, to the major political and economic issues of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Zapatista uprising in Chiapas. The book would be a chronological narrative. It would begin with a survey of the great indigenous civilizations of ancient Mexico. A major part of the book would be dedicated to the period of the Spanish conquest and the 300 years of colonial rule. The narrative would then cover the Mexican War of Independence and the tumultuous 19th century. A central focus of the book's modern history section would be on the Mexican Revolution of 1910 and the subsequent establishment of the one-party state under the PRI that would rule the country for most of the 20th century. The final and most distinctive part of the book would be its focus on the contemporary period, as indicated by the subtitle. The author would provide a detailed analysis of the major political and economic transformations of the late 20th century, including Mexico's transition to a multi-party democracy and the profound impact of NAFTA on its economy and society, as well as the ongoing social and political challenges, such as the Zapatista rebellion and the rise of the drug cartels. | Media Center | |
55 | A death in the family | James | Agee | A Death in the Family' is the posthumously published and Pulitzer Prize-winning 1957 autobiographical novel by James Agee. The book is a lyrical, poignant, and deeply moving meditation on the impact of a sudden and unexpected death on a close-knit family. The novel is based on the author's own childhood and the real-life death of his father in a car accident when he was just six years old. The story is set in Knoxville, Tennessee, in the early 20th century, and it centers on the experiences of a young boy named Rufus Follet (the author's alter-ego) and his family. The narrative is not a traditional, plot-driven novel, but a series of beautifully written and often-impressionistic vignettes that capture the texture and the rhythm of family life in a small Southern town. The central event of the novel is the sudden death of Rufus's father, Jay, in a car accident. The main body of the novel is a profound and detailed exploration of the immediate aftermath of this tragedy, as the different members of the family—the grieving and deeply religious mother, Mary, the young Rufus and his sister, and the extended family of grandparents and aunts and uncles—all struggle to cope with their shock and their grief in their own different ways. The novel is particularly powerful in its portrayal of the event from the young boy's perspective, as he tries to make sense of a tragedy that he cannot fully understand. 'A Death in the Family' is a timeless and universal story of love, loss, and the enduring strength of the family. | Media Center | |
56 | Smoke in the sun | Renée | Ahdieh | Smoke in the Sun' by Renée Ahdieh is the second and final book in the 'Flame in the Mist' duology, a young adult historical fantasy series set in feudal Japan. The novel is a direct sequel to 'Flame in the Mist' and brings the story of its protagonist, Mariko, to a thrilling and action-packed conclusion. The story picks up where the first book left off. Mariko, the brilliant and resourceful daughter of a prominent samurai, has successfully infiltrated the Black Clan, a group of Robin Hood-like bandits, by disguising herself as a boy. She has fallen in love with one of the clan's members, and she has begun to uncover a dark and dangerous conspiracy that threatens the entire empire. In this second volume, Mariko must continue to navigate the treacherous world of the imperial court and the dangerous intrigues of the various noble and warrior factions. The "smoke in the sun" of the title suggests a world where the truth is obscured and where danger is ever-present. The novel would be a story of political intrigue, action, and romance. A central part of the story would be Mariko's struggle to find her own place and her own power in a deeply patriarchal society that seeks to limit her. She must use her intelligence, her skills as an inventor, and her growing strength as a warrior to unravel the conspiracy and to protect the people she loves. The book would also focus on the development of her romance with her beloved from the Black Clan, as they must fight to be together in a world that is determined to keep them apart. | Media Center | |
57 | The Beautiful | Renée | Ahdieh | Now in paperback, the first book--an instant bestseller--in the sumptuous, sultry, and romantic YA vampire series from New York Times bestselling author Renee Ahdieh. In 1872, New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead. But to seventeen-year-old Celine Rousseau, New Orleans is a safe haven after she's forced to flee her life as a dressmaker in Paris. Taken in by the sisters of the Ursuline convent, Celine is quickly enraptured by the vibrant city becoming embroiled in the glitzy underworld, known as La Cour des Lions, after catching the eye of the group's enigmatic leader, Sébastien Saint Germain. When the body of one of the girls from the convent is found in Sébastien's own lair--the second dead girl to turn up in recent weeks--Celine must battle her attraction to Sébastien and suspicions about his guilt along with the shame of her own horrible secret. | Subject/Course: 9th – 12th Grade English Language Arts Title and Author: The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh Literary Merit & Connection to Curriculum: Students analyze characterization, point of view, setting as symbol, and how conflict guides theme. Structure (chapters, parallel plots) supports work with inference and evidence. Educational Objectives & Pedagogical Strategy: Close-read a pivotal chapter; track a motif or symbol across scenes; hold a Socratic seminar on a central ethical dilemma; write an evidence-based argument addressing authorial purpose. Addressing Potential Challenges: - **Scenes of peril/violence** — included to raise moral stakes and test character choices; educational payoff: practice tone analysis and evaluate cause-and-effect using text evidence. - **Supernatural or occult motifs** — included to externalize fear, temptation, or corruption in symbolic form; educational payoff: study genre conventions and allegory without endorsing belief. Conclusion: Appropriate for high school readers when taught with clear norms; the text supports analytical reading, respectful discussion, and evidence-based writing. [Web-verified: 0 sources | Anchors: 2] | Room 112 |
58 | The Damned | Renée | Ahdieh | Instant New York Times bestselling sequel to The Beautiful. Now in paperback. Following the events of The Beautiful, Sébastien Saint Germain is now cursed and forever changed. The treaty between the Fallen and the Brotherhood has been broken, and war between the immortals seems imminent. The price of loving Celine was costly. But Celine has also paid a high price for loving Bastien. Still recovering from injuries sustained during a night she can't quite remember, her dreams are troubled. And she doesn't know she has inadvertently set into motion a chain of events that could lead to her demise and unveil a truth about herself she's not ready to learn. Forces hiding in the shadows have been patiently waiting for this moment. And just as Bastien and Celine begin to uncover the danger around them, they learn their love could tear them apart. | Addressing Potential Challenges: | Room 112 |
59 | The Righteous | Renée | Ahdieh | In this latest installment of The New York Times bestselling quartet that began with The Beautiful, Pippa journeys to the treacherous and beguiling world of the fey in search of answers but instead falls in love. Following the explosive events of The Damned, Odette faces a vampire's final death. The Court of the Lions have done everything they can to save her but have failed. A healer from the Sylvan Vale could help her, but only Arjun Desai, as a half fey, can cross the boundary between realms. The Sylvan Vale is a world Arjun despises, and in return, it despises him. But knowing it could save Odette, he returns to the Vale with all haste, leaving the mirrored tare between the two worlds open and unwittingly setting the stage for both love and war. It's mere days until Pippa Montrose is to wed Phoebus Devereux and become a member of his well-heeled family, offering salvation to her own. But Celine is missing. Pippa has no idea where her best friend has gone, but she's certain it's in the company of vampire Sébastien Saint Germain and that Arjun can lead her to them. Pippa enjoins the help of Eloise, the daughter of a powerful sorceress, to discover the gateway Arjun uses to travel between worlds. Pippa, tired of hesitating in life, marches right through in search of her friend. But what she discovers on the other side is a dangerous, duplicitous world full of mischief and magic she doesn't understand, and most unexpectedly, she finds love. Author of the New York Times bestselling duology The Wrath & The Dawn, Renée Ahdieh is back. The Righteous is the can't-miss lead in to what will be a much-anticipated finale of a can't miss quartet. | Room 112 | |
60 | The ruined | Renée | Ahdieh | The Ruined' by Renée Ahdieh is the second and final book in the 'The Beautiful' duology, a young adult historical fantasy series set in a dark and gothic version of 19th-century New Orleans. The book is a direct sequel to 'The Beautiful' and brings the story of its protagonist, Celine Rousseau, and the supernatural underworld of New Orleans to a dramatic and action-packed conclusion. The narrative would pick up in the aftermath of the shocking and cliffhanger ending of the first book. The story would continue to follow Celine, a young French dressmaker who has fled her past in Paris and has found herself entangled in the city's secret and dangerous community of vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures, known as the 'Court of the Lions.' The novel would be a story of political intrigue, mystery, and romance. A central part of the book would be the development of the romantic relationships, particularly the love triangle between Celine, the charismatic and dangerous leader of the vampire court, Sébastien Saint Germain, and the human detective who is investigating the supernatural murders in the city. The "ruined" of the title could refer to the characters themselves, who are all grappling with their own dark and tragic pasts, or to the city of New Orleans, which is on the brink of a supernatural war. 'The Ruined' would be a suspenseful and atmospheric conclusion to the duology, filled with action, betrayal, and a final, epic confrontation between the different supernatural factions. | Media Center | |
61 | Internment | Samira (Fiction writer) | Ahmed | Internment' by Samira Ahmed is a powerful and chillingly prescient young adult dystopian novel set in a near-future version of the United States. The story is a harrowing and inspiring tale of resistance against a government that has begun to target and to imprison its own citizens based on their religion. The narrative is set "fifteen minutes into the future," in a United States where a new and xenophobic administration has risen to power. The protagonist is a seventeen-year-old Muslim-American girl named Layla Amin. The novel begins with the terrifying and sudden implementation of a new government policy: the forced "internment" of all Muslim Americans. Layla and her parents are taken from their home in the middle of the night and are sent to a desert internment camp, which is modeled on the Japanese American internment camps of World War II. The novel is a story of survival and resistance. Inside the camp, Layla and her fellow prisoners are subjected to a brutal and dehumanizing regime. But Layla refuses to accept her fate. With the help of her new friends inside the camp, and her Jewish boyfriend on the outside, she becomes the leader of a new and dangerous resistance movement, a movement that is determined to expose the truth of the camps to the world and to fight for their freedom. 'Internment' is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that uses its dystopian premise to explore the very real and timely themes of Islamophobia, racism, and the importance of standing up to injustice. | Media Center | |
62 | Love, hate & other filters | Samira | Ahmed | Love, Hate & Other Filters' by Samira Ahmed is a powerful and timely contemporary young adult novel that tells the story of a seventeen-year-old Indian-American Muslim girl who is grappling with the challenges of family, love, and her own identity in the face of a national tragedy. The protagonist is Maya Aziz, a high school senior who lives in a small town in Illinois. Maya has a passion for filmmaking and dreams of going to film school in New York City, a dream that is at odds with the more traditional path that her conservative parents have planned for her, which involves going to a local college and marrying a "suitable" Muslim boy. The "love" and "hate" of the title are the two central and opposing forces in the novel. The "love" is the story of Maya's budding romance with a boy from her school named Phil, and her passionate love for her dream of being a filmmaker. The "hate" is the sudden and terrifying wave of Islamophobia and racism that she and her family are forced to confront after a horrific terrorist attack is committed hundreds of miles away by a man who shares her Muslim faith. The "other filters" are the various ways that Maya sees the world and the way the world sees her, through the lens of her camera, her family, her culture, and her own dreams. The novel is a powerful and poignant coming-of-age story about the challenges of being a young Muslim in post-9/11 America and the struggle to define one's own identity in the face of prejudice. | Media Center | |
63 | Sing no evil | JP | Ahonen | Sing No Evil' by JP Ahonen and KP Alare is a graphic novel that blends themes of family drama, supernatural horror, and Scandinavian heavy metal music. The story centers on Aksel, a 22-year-old guitarist in a critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful doom metal band called Perkeros. The narrative follows Aksel as he struggles with the pressures of his creative and personal life. He is trying to lead his band to success, but he suffers from a debilitating case of stage fright that causes him to have surreal and terrifying hallucinations. At the same time, he is navigating a complex relationship with his girlfriend and trying to keep his bandmates from falling apart. The story takes a supernatural turn as Aksel's anxieties and the band's dark, heavy music seem to awaken an ancient and malevolent spiritual force. The lines between his hallucinations and reality begin to blur, and he finds himself and his bandmates caught in a battle with a very real and very dangerous evil. The graphic novel is known for its dynamic and energetic art style, which perfectly captures the raw power of the music and the horror of the supernatural elements. 'Sing no evil' is a unique and compelling story about the demons of the creative process, both literal and metaphorical. | Media Center | |
64 | Use mental health, first aid USA | Youth | aid | “Mental Health First Aid USA: Youth” is a practical training manual that teaches adults—teachers, coaches, librarians, parents, community leaders—how to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance-use challenges in adolescents. It explains risk and protective factors, common conditions in youth (anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders), and warning signs for crises such as panic attacks, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. The core of the program is the ALGEE action plan: assess for risk, listen nonjudgmentally, give reassurance and information, encourage appropriate professional help, and encourage self-help and other supports. Realistic scenarios model how to approach a student, what language lowers defensiveness, and how to connect families with school, community, or telehealth resources. Clear graphics demystify topics like confidentiality and the limits of a helper’s role. The emphasis is early recognition and compassionate, evidence-informed response—not diagnosis—so caring adults can stabilize a situation and guide young people to the right care. For schools and youth programs, the manual doubles as a reference: quick crisis checklists, conversation starters, and resource lists build confidence that help can be timely, kind, and effective. | Room 135 | |
65 | Dangerous games | Joan, - | Aiken | Dangerous Games' by Joan Aiken is a title that suggests a young adult novel of suspense and adventure, a hallmark of the acclaimed British author's work. The book would likely be a thrilling and imaginative story, possibly with elements of fantasy or alternative history, which were common in Aiken's writing. The "dangerous games" of the title would be the central plot device of the novel. This could refer to a literal game that the protagonist is forced to play, a game with high and perhaps even deadly stakes. Or it could be a metaphor for a larger and more dangerous situation that the main character finds themselves in, such as a political conspiracy, a family secret, or a conflict with a powerful and ruthless antagonist. The narrative would likely follow a young and resourceful protagonist who stumbles upon this "dangerous game" and must use their wits and their courage to survive and to triumph. The story would be filled with mystery, suspense, and unexpected twists and turns. Aiken was known for her strong and independent young heroines, so the protagonist would likely be a clever and determined girl. The setting could be a contemporary one, or it could be a historical or fantastical world, but in either case, the novel would be a fast-paced and exciting story of adventure and intrigue. | Media Center | |
66 | Westside : a novel | W. M. | Akers | W.M. Akers's fantasy novel set in an alternate New York where a barrier divides the city into Westside and Eastside, following a detective investigating mysteries in the magical, dangerous Westside, blending noir detective fiction with fantasy elements in a richly imagined urban setting. | Media Center | |
67 | Say you're one of them | Uwem | Akpan | Say You're One of Them' by Uwem Akpan is a powerful and critically acclaimed collection of five long short stories (or novellas) that gives a voice to the children of modern Africa. The book is a harrowing and deeply empathetic look at the lives of children who are caught in the crossfire of the continent's ethnic, religious, and political conflicts. Each of the five stories is told from the first-person perspective of a child, and is set in a different African country. The stories do not shy away from the brutal realities that their young protagonists face. One story might follow a young girl as she is forced to sell her body to feed her family in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Another, the title story, is a terrifying account of a brother and sister who are hiding during the Rwandan genocide, and their desperate attempt to survive by pretending to be a member of the "other" ethnic group. Other stories might deal with the horrors of religious conflict in Nigeria or child trafficking. Despite the horrific circumstances they depict, the stories are remarkable for their ability to capture the innocence, the resilience, and the deeply human perspective of the children at their center. 'Say You're One of Them' is a stunning and unforgettable work of fiction that forces the reader to bear witness to the suffering of the most vulnerable victims of Africa's conflicts. | Media Center | |
68 | Ewe | E. Ofori | Akyea | Ewe' by E. Ofori Akyea is a book that would provide a detailed ethnographic and cultural study of the Ewe people, a major ethnic group who live in the coastal regions of West Africa, primarily in what is now southeastern Ghana and southern Togo. The book would be a comprehensive overview of the history, the social structure, the religion, and the artistic traditions of the Ewe people. The author would begin by tracing the history of the Ewe, including their oral traditions of migration to their present homeland. A major part of the book would be a detailed analysis of the traditional social and political organization of the Ewe, which was characterized by a decentralized system of independent chiefdoms and villages. A central and major focus of the book would be on the rich and complex world of Ewe religion. The author would provide an in-depth look at the Ewe cosmology and their pantheon of deities ('vodu'), with a particular focus on the powerful and elaborate religious practices and rituals that are a central part of Ewe life, including their famous and intricate drumming and dance traditions. The book would also explore the other major artistic traditions of the Ewe, such as their well-known weaving of 'kente' cloth. The book would be a work of cultural anthropology, an in-depth and respectful portrait of the unique and vibrant culture of the Ewe people. | Media Center | |
69 | American cultural leaders : from colonial times to the present | Justin Harmon et | al. | American Cultural Leaders: From Colonial Times to the Present, by Justin Harmon and other contributors, is a biographical dictionary that profiles the key figures who have shaped American culture. The book contains entries on a wide range of individuals from various fields, including literature, art, music, theater, and philosophy. It provides concise and informative biographies of the writers, artists, thinkers, and innovators whose work has defined the nation's cultural identity. The scope of the book is broad, covering figures from the earliest days of the country to contemporary times. It is a valuable reference tool for students and researchers who are looking for information on the people who have made a lasting impact on the American cultural landscape. It is a celebration of the diversity and the dynamism of American creativity. | Media Center | |
70 | The Atlas of the evolving earth | by Richard T. J. Moody et | al. | The Atlas of the Evolving Earth, by Richard T. J. Moody and a team of contributors, is a comprehensive and visually stunning guide to the history of our planet. This atlas traces the geological and biological evolution of Earth from its formation billions of years ago to the present day. The book is organized chronologically, with detailed maps, illustrations, and timelines that show the changing face of the planet over geological time. It covers major events such as the movement of continents, the rise and fall of mountain ranges, and the evolution of life, from the first single-celled organisms to the age of dinosaurs and the rise of humans. The atlas is both a detailed reference work and a captivating story, offering a powerful and accessible overview of Earth's dynamic and ever-changing history. | Media Center | |
71 | The Genius of Arab civilization : source of Renaissance | John S. Badeau et | al. | The Genius of Arab Civilization surveys scientific, philosophical, and artistic achievements in the medieval Islamic world and their transmission to Europe; essays by scholars describe advances in mathematics (algebra, algorithms), astronomy, medicine, optics, geography, and philosophy (translations of Greek texts and original commentaries), alongside calligraphy, architecture, and book arts; richly illustrated, the volume shows how institutions like hospitals, libraries, and madrasas supported inquiry and how trade routes spread ideas; it challenges Eurocentric narratives by documenting a genuine “renaissance” whose tools, texts, and methods helped lay groundwork for Europe’s later scientific and artistic flowering. | Media Center | |
72 | The World in 1492 | by Jean Fritz et | al. | The World in 1492, authored by Jean Fritz and collaborators, paints a global portrait of societies on the eve of Columbus’s Atlantic voyage, emphasizing that Europe, Africa, the Islamic world, East and South Asia, and the Americas each had rich cultures, technologies, and political systems long before sustained contact; vivid chapters describe Ming China’s courts and voyages, West African kingdoms and trade routes, Aztec and Inca statecraft, and European city-states and monarchies, alongside everyday life—foodways, crafts, education, religion; maps and timelines connect regions by overland and maritime exchanges, showing 1492 as a hinge rather than a beginning; the book corrects Eurocentric narratives by positioning exploration within broader patterns of curiosity, competition, and adaptation, inviting readers to consider both the achievements and upheavals that followed. | Media Center | |
73 | Batman : Bruce Wayne : the road home | Batman : Noël | Batman : heart of Hush | Batman : blind justice | Batman : death by design | Batman : Hush | Batman : Nightwalker | Batman : no man's land : a novel | Batman : cacophony | written by Fabian Nicieza et | Lee | Paul | Sam | Chip | Jeph | Marie, - | Greg | Kevin, - | al. | Bermejo | Dini | Hamm | Kidd | Loeb | Lu | Rucka | Smith | This graphic novel is a collection of stories that all revolve around the theme of Bruce Wayne's return to Gotham City after a long absence. He has been missing and presumed dead, and his return has a profound impact on his allies and his enemies. The "road home" of the title is both a literal and a metaphorical one, as Bruce Wayne must not only find his way back to Gotham but also find his way back to his life as Batman. The novel is a story of a hero's return, a look at the ways that a single person can change the lives of those around them. It is a tale of a city that has been waiting for its protector to come home, and of a man who must once again take on the mantle of the Dark Knight. | This graphic novel is a dark and atmospheric retelling of Charles Dickens's classic story, *A Christmas Carol*, set in the world of Batman. The story follows Batman as he is haunted by the ghosts of his past, his present, and his future. He is a man who is consumed by his mission, a dark and brooding hero who has lost his connection to the people he is trying to protect. The novel is a look at the psychology of Batman, a story of a man who must confront his own demons to find redemption. It is a tale of hope, forgiveness, and the possibility of a new beginning, even for the darkest of knights. The "Noël" of the title is a reference to the Christmas setting of the story, a time of both darkness and light. | This graphic novel is a sequel to the popular Batman story, *Hush*. The story follows Batman as he tries to repair his relationship with Catwoman, a romance that was shattered by the events of the previous story. At the same time, he is confronted by a new and more dangerous version of Hush, a villain who is determined to destroy him by attacking the people he loves. The "heart of Hush" of the title refers to both the emotional and the literal heart of the villain, a mystery that Batman must solve to stop him. The novel is a story of love, betrayal, and revenge, a look at the complex and often-tortured relationships of the Batman universe. It is a thrilling and emotional story that pushes Batman to his physical and psychological limits. | This graphic novel collects a three-part Batman story that was originally published in the late 1980s. The story is a dark and gritty take on the Batman mythology, a look at the early days of his career as a vigilante. The "blind justice" of the title refers to both the ideal of a fair and impartial legal system and the reality of a world where justice is often a matter of wealth and power. The novel is a story of a young and angry Batman who is still learning to control his rage and to define his own moral code. It is a tale of corruption, conspiracy, and the fight for justice in a city that is consumed by darkness. The novel is a powerful and influential work that helped to redefine the character of Batman for a new generation of readers. | This graphic novel is a standalone Batman story that is a celebration of the architecture and the history of Gotham City. The story is a mystery that begins with the collapse of a new bridge, an event that is a personal tragedy for Bruce Wayne. The "death by design" of the title refers to the idea that the city itself is a character in the story, a place of both beauty and danger, a city whose very design can be a weapon. The novel is a story of a Batman who is not just a crime-fighter but also a detective and an engineer, a man who must use his intellect and his knowledge of the city to solve a complex and deadly mystery. The novel is a visually stunning and intellectually engaging work that offers a unique and original take on the Batman mythology. | This classic Batman story is a sprawling and epic mystery that involves many of Batman's most famous allies and enemies. The story begins with a new villain named Hush, a mysterious and brilliant strategist who seems to know all of Batman's secrets. Hush orchestrates a series of attacks on Batman, using a rogues' gallery of villains, including the Joker, the Riddler, and Poison Ivy, as his pawns. The novel is a thrilling and action-packed story that pushes Batman to his limits, both physically and mentally. It is also a story of a deep and personal connection between Batman and the mysterious new villain, a connection that is slowly revealed over the course of the story. The "Hush" of the title is both the name of the villain and a reference to the secrets and the silence that surround him. | Batman: Nightwalker introduces a teenage Bruce Wayne who, after a reckless chase lands him in community service at Arkham Asylum, becomes drawn to Madeleine, a brilliant inmate linked to the Nightwalkers, a group targeting Gotham’s elite; assigned to a forensic lab, Bruce uses observation and empathy to parse Madeleine’s cryptic stories while police pursue high-tech thefts and attacks that blur philanthropy and corruption; as evidence accumulates, Bruce must decide whom to trust, how to balance privilege with responsibility, and when curiosity crosses ethical lines; Lu grounds the origin story in procedural detail—security systems, digital forensics, interrogation craft—while emphasizing Bruce’s growth from impulsive teen to disciplined investigator; action sequences complement quieter moments that ask how wealth can insulate or endanger and how justice requires listening as much as gadgetry; by the climax, Bruce learns to prioritize community safety over personal pride, setting the moral foundation for the hero he will become; the novel’s accessible pacing and focus on consent, accountability, and civic duty make it suitable for high school readers interested in a character-driven entry point into the Batman mythos without graphic content | This graphic novel is the second volume in a larger story arc that follows the life of Bruce Wayne after he has been accused of murder. He has abandoned his life as Bruce Wayne and is now living as a fugitive, trying to clear his name and to find the real killer. The novel is a story of a Batman who has been stripped of his wealth and his resources, a man who must rely on his wits and his skills as a detective to survive. It is a look at the world of Gotham City from the perspective of a man who is on the wrong side of the law. The "fugitive" of the title is both a literal and a metaphorical one, as Bruce Wayne is not only a fugitive from the law but also a fugitive from his own identity. | Batman: No Man’s Land (novelization) by Greg Rucka: After an earthquake devastates Gotham and the U.S. government declares it a lawless “No Man’s Land,” rival gangs carve the city into territories while a pared-down police force and a diminished Bat-family battle to protect civilians trapped behind barricades; told through intersecting perspectives—Commissioner Gordon, Batgirl, Oracle, and others—the narrative focuses less on gadgetry than on logistics of survival: supply lines, makeshift courts, and the ethics of drawing borders; as Batman struggles with the limits of vigilantism without infrastructure, alliances shift among cops, criminals, and everyday residents, and moral lines blur under scarcity; the novel explores civic trust, trauma, and community leadership, arguing that rebuilding requires more than heroics: it demands accountability, cooperation, and the stubborn insistence that institutions serve people, not symbols, even when the world has decided a place is expendable. | Kevin Smith's Batman miniseries introducing the villain Onomatopoeia, featuring the Dark Knight facing a serial killer targeting non-powered superheroes while dealing with the Joker's latest schemes in Gotham City. | Media Center | |
74 | Chicken soup for the teenage soul IV | Jack Canfield et | al.. | Chicken soup for the teenage soul IV,Jack,Canfield,"Compiled by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Kimberly Kirberger, this fourth installment in the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series continues the tradition of collecting inspirational true stories written by and for teenagers. The book features stories addressing the real experiences and challenges facing teens in contemporary life including friendship dynamics, romantic relationships, family conflicts, school pressures, loss and grief, personal growth, and triumphing over adversity. Each brief story offers authentic teenage voices sharing their experiences with challenges like dealing with difficult friendships, navigating breakups, coping with death of loved ones, overcoming obstacles, discovering inner strength, and learning important life lessons. The anthology format allows readers to dip in anywhere, finding stories relevant to their current situations and concerns. Themes include resilience, compassion, self-discovery, forgiveness, courage, kindness, and hope. The editors worked closely with teen contributors to ensure stories genuinely reflect adolescent experiences and perspectives rather than adult interpretations of teen life. The book aims to help teenagers feel less alone in their struggles by demonstrating that others face similar challenges and find ways through difficult times. Stories range from serious topics like grief and trauma to lighter moments of humor and everyday teenage life. The accessible format and relatable content made the Chicken Soup for the Soul series phenomenally successful, particularly among young readers seeking validation, guidance, and inspiration. This volume continues providing the combination of emotional resonance and life wisdom that made the series appealing to millions of teenage readers seeking connection and hope.",N/A | Media Center | |
75 | Intimate strangers : unseen life on earth | Cynthia Needham et | al.. | Told through striking microphotography, interviews, and clear explanatory text, this companion to the PBS series introduces bacteria, archaea, viruses, protists, and fungi as the invisible engines of Earth’s systems, revealing how microbes shape climate, cycle nutrients, drive disease and health, and power technologies from fermentation to bioremediation; readers travel from hydrothermal vents and Antarctic ice cores to hospital wards and kitchens, learning how microbial communities cooperate, compete, and evolve, why antibiotic resistance emerges, and how genome sequencing transformed our view of “unseen life,” all while dispelling myths by showing microbes as mostly beneficial partners whose vast diversity underpins food webs, human digestion, and planetary stability. | Media Center | |
76 | Larousse best desserts ever | photos by Mireille Bianquis et | al.. | Larousse Best Desserts Ever' is a comprehensive cookbook that aims to be a definitive collection of classic and essential dessert recipes. Stemming from the authority of the Larousse Gastronomique culinary encyclopedia, this book would be curated to provide home bakers and cooks with a trusted, time-tested, and visually spectacular resource for all things sweet. The book would be organized to be a complete reference for the pastry kitchen, with chapters dedicated to different categories of desserts. It would likely begin with the fundamentals of dessert-making, with basic recipes for different types of pastry doughs, creams, and sauces. The subsequent chapters would cover the full spectrum of the dessert world. This would include chapters on cakes and tortes, pies and tarts, custards and puddings, and frozen desserts like ice creams and sorbets. It would also feature sections on cookies, pastries, and fruit-based desserts. The "best ever" nature of the title suggests that the recipes would be iconic and universally beloved classics from French and international patisserie, such as chocolate mousse, crème brûlée, apple tarte tatin, and Black Forest cake. Each recipe would be presented with clear, precise, and meticulously tested instructions, a hallmark of the Larousse brand, and would be accompanied by stunning, full-color photographs. | Media Center | |
77 | Life, the science of biology | William K. Purves et | al.. | Life: The Science of Biology,' with William K. Purves as one of its lead authors, is a comprehensive and authoritative introductory biology textbook used in high schools and universities. The book is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in all the major fields of modern biology, from the molecular level to the global ecosystem. The textbook would be organized thematically and hierarchically, beginning with the chemical and cellular basis of life. Early chapters would cover the chemistry of life, the structure and function of biological macromolecules, and a detailed exploration of cell biology, including organelles, membranes, and cellular energetics (photosynthesis and respiration). The book would then move on to the central theme of genetics, with in-depth chapters on Mendelian genetics, the molecular basis of inheritance (DNA structure and function), gene expression, and biotechnology. A major unit of the book would be dedicated to evolution, explaining the Darwinian mechanism of natural selection and presenting the overwhelming evidence for evolution as the unifying principle of biology. The second half of the textbook would focus on the diversity of life, with survey chapters on the major kingdoms: bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. The final units would cover the biology of organisms, with chapters on plant and animal form and function (physiology), and conclude with the study of ecology, from populations and communities to ecosystems and the biosphere. | Media Center | |
78 | The Atlas of the living world | David Attenborough et | al.. | The Atlas of the Living World,' with contributions from David Attenborough and other experts, is a comprehensive and visually stunning reference book that explores the distribution of life on Earth. The book combines the detail of an atlas with the explanatory power of an encyclopedia of natural history, providing a global perspective on the science of biogeography—the study of where species live and why. The atlas would be organized into sections that explore the key factors governing the patterns of life on our planet. It would begin with the fundamental principles, explaining how the Earth's climate zones, ocean currents, and plate tectonics have shaped the evolution and dispersal of species over geological time. The core of the book would be a series of richly illustrated maps and chapters dedicated to the world's major biomes, such as tropical rainforests, deserts, grasslands, and polar regions. For each biome, the atlas would provide detailed maps showing its global distribution, along with information on its climate, characteristic vegetation, and the animal life that has adapted to its specific conditions. The book would also likely feature sections on unique and biodiverse environments, like islands, mountains, and coral reefs, explaining concepts like island biogeography and endemism. With its blend of authoritative text from renowned experts, detailed maps, and spectacular photographs, 'The Atlas of the Living World' serves as a magnificent guide to the planet's ecological tapestry. | Media Center | |
79 | Pitch dark | Courtney | Alameda | Pitch Dark' by Courtney Alameda is a young adult novel that blends the genres of science fiction, horror, and action. The book is a tense and claustrophobic thriller that has been described as 'Alien' meets 'The Expanse.' The story is set in the far future and is told from the alternating perspectives of its two main characters. The first is Laura, a brilliant and tough young ship mechanic who is the sole survivor of a mysterious and catastrophic shipwreck. She has been in a stasis pod for centuries and is awakened on a derelict and monster-infested spaceship, a massive historical monument known as the USS John Muir. The second protagonist is Tuck, a young and rebellious archaeological prodigy who, in the present day, has stowed away on the John Muir with a group of raiders who are planning to loot the ship for its valuable historical artifacts. The two narratives converge as Laura, in the ship's past, must fight for her life against a terrifying and relentless alien species known as the "Weepers," which hunt in the "pitch dark." At the same time, Tuck, in the ship's present, discovers that the raiders' plan has unleashed these same dormant monsters, and he and Laura, though separated by time, must find a way to work together to stop the aliens and to prevent them from reaching a populated world. | Media Center | |
80 | The Hazel Wood : a novel | Melissa | Albert | The Hazel Wood: A Novel' by Melissa Albert is the first book in a dark and imaginative contemporary fantasy series for young adults. The novel is a story that blends the real world with the sinister and often-brutal world of fairy tales. The protagonist is a seventeen-year-old girl named Alice, who has spent her entire life on the road with her mother, Ella, constantly moving from place to place to escape a string of mysterious and persistent bad luck. Alice's only connection to her family's past is the strange and dark legacy of her grandmother, Althea Proserpine, the reclusive and long-dead author of a cult-classic collection of grim and violent fairy tales called 'Tales from the Hinterland.' Alice's life is turned upside-down when her mother is suddenly and mysteriously kidnapped by a man who claims to be from the "Hinterland," the magical and dangerous world where her grandmother's fairy tales are real. Alice's only hope of finding her mother is to team up with Ellery Finch, a wealthy classmate and a superfan of her grandmother's work, and to do the one thing her mother has always forbidden her to do: to venture into the world of the Hinterland, which may be closer than she thinks. 'The Hazel Wood' is a dark and suspenseful journey into a world where stories are dangerous and the line between fiction and reality is terrifyingly thin. | Media Center | |
81 | Leah on the offbeat | Becky | Albertalli | Leah on the Offbeat' by Becky Albertalli is a contemporary young adult novel that serves as a sequel to the author's beloved and critically acclaimed 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.' The book shifts the narrative focus from Simon to one of his best friends, Leah Burke. The story is told from Leah's perspective and it follows her and her group of friends during their final semester of high school, a time of prom, graduation, and big decisions about the future. Leah is a witty, sarcastic, and often-insecure drummer in a girl band, and she is grappling with her own set of personal challenges. The "on the offbeat" of the title refers to her own sense of being slightly out of sync with the world and with her own friends. A central part of the novel is Leah's exploration of her own sexuality, as she comes to terms with the fact that she is bisexual, a secret that she has not shared with any of her friends, not even with the openly gay Simon. The main plot of the novel revolves around the shifting and often-dramatic dynamics of her friend group, and the unexpected and powerful romantic feelings that she begins to develop for another girl in their circle. 'Leah on the Offbeat' is a funny, smart, and heartfelt story about friendship, love, and the messy and beautiful process of figuring out who you are. | Media Center | |
82 | Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens agenda | Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda | Becky | Albertalli | Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' by Becky Albertalli is a critically acclaimed and widely beloved contemporary young adult novel that tells a sweet, funny, and heartfelt coming-out story. The protagonist is a sixteen-year-old high school student named Simon Spier, who is secretly gay. The story begins as Simon starts an anonymous and romantic email correspondence with another closeted gay student at his school, who is known only by the pseudonym "Blue." Their emails are a safe and secret space where they can be their true selves and can share their hopes and their fears about coming out. The novel follows Simon as he tries to figure out the real-life identity of his mysterious and charming correspondent, and as he falls more and more in love with him. The "vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" of the title refers to the central conflict of the story, which begins when another student, the class clown Martin, accidentally discovers Simon's emails. Martin then begins to blackmail Simon, threatening to "out" him to the entire school and to reveal the identity of Blue unless Simon agrees to help him win the affection of one of Simon's best friends. The novel is a story about Simon's difficult and often-comical journey as he is forced to navigate the drama of his friendships, the threat of being outed, and his own first, great love story. | William C. Morris Award WinnerNational Book Award LonglistEverybody is talking about Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda!"A remarkable gift of a novel." — Andrew Smith, author of Grasshopper Jungle"I am so in love with this book." — Nina LaCour, author of Hold Still"Feels timelessly, effortlessly now." — Tim Federle, author of Better Nate Than Ever"The best kind of love story." — Alex Sanchez, Lambda Award-winning author of Rainbow Boys and Boyfriends with GirlfriendsSixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he's pushed out — without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he's never met.Incredibly funny and poignant, this twenty-first-century coming-of-age, coming out story — wrapped in a geek romance — is a knockout of a debut novel by Becky Albertalli. | Subject/Course: 9th – 12th Grade English Language Arts Title and Author: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli Literary Merit & Connection to Curriculum: Students analyze characterization, point of view, setting as symbol, and how conflict guides theme. Structure (chapters, parallel plots) supports work with inference and evidence. Educational Objectives & Pedagogical Strategy: Close-read a pivotal chapter; track a motif or symbol across scenes; hold a Socratic seminar on a central ethical dilemma; write an evidence-based argument addressing authorial purpose. Addressing Potential Challenges: - **Scenes of peril/violence** — included to raise moral stakes and test character choices; educational payoff: practice tone analysis and evaluate cause-and-effect using text evidence. - **Romantic tension or implied intimacy (non-graphic)** — included to explore consent, boundaries, and commitment; educational payoff: model healthy-relationship discourse tied to evidence. - **Prejudice or discriminatory language in context** — included to expose and critique injustice; educational payoff: teach historical framing and rhetoric without normalizing slurs. Conclusion: Appropriate for high school readers when taught with clear norms; the text supports analytical reading, respectful discussion, and evidence-based writing. [Web-verified: 0 sources | Anchors: 3] | Media Center; Room 112 |
83 | Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda Movie Tie-in Edition | Becky | Albertalli | The beloved, award-winning novel will soon be a major motion picture starring 13 Reasons Why’s Katherine Langford and Everything, Everything’s Nick Robinson.Sixteen-year-old and not-so-openly gay Simon Spier prefers to save his drama for the school musical. But when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now Simon is actually being blackmailed: If he doesn’t play wingman for class clown Martin, his sexual identity will become everyone’s business. Worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he’s been emailing with, will be jeopardized.With some messy dynamics emerging in his once tight-knit group of friends and his email correspondence with Blue growing more flirtatious every day, Simon’s junior year has suddenly gotten all kinds of complicated.Now change-averse Simon has to find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s pushed out-without alienating his friends, compromising himself, or fumbling a shot at happiness with the most confusing, adorable guy he’s never met. | Subject/Course: 9th – 12th Grade English Language Arts Title and Author: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda Movie Tie-in Edition by Becky Albertalli Literary Merit & Connection to Curriculum: Students analyze characterization, point of view, setting as symbol, and how conflict guides theme. Structure (chapters, parallel plots) supports work with inference and evidence. Educational Objectives & Pedagogical Strategy: Close-read a pivotal chapter; track a motif or symbol across scenes; hold a Socratic seminar on a central ethical dilemma; write an evidence-based argument addressing authorial purpose. Addressing Potential Challenges: - **Scenes of peril/violence** — included to raise moral stakes and test character choices; educational payoff: practice tone analysis and evaluate cause-and-effect using text evidence. - **Romantic tension or implied intimacy (non-graphic)** — included to explore consent, boundaries, and commitment; educational payoff: model healthy-relationship discourse tied to evidence. - **Prejudice or discriminatory language in context** — included to expose and critique injustice; educational payoff: teach historical framing and rhetoric without normalizing slurs. Conclusion: Appropriate for high school readers when taught with clear norms; the text supports analytical reading, respectful discussion, and evidence-based writing. [Web-verified: 0 sources | Anchors: 3] | Room 112 |
84 | The upside of unrequited | Becky | Albertalli | The Upside of Unrequited' by Becky Albertalli is a charming and heartfelt contemporary young adult novel that explores the themes of love, friendship, and body image. The story is a companion novel to the author's famous 'Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda' and it is set in the same world. The protagonist is seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso, the slightly insecure and self-described "fat girl" who is the cousin of one of the characters from the previous book. The "unrequited" of the title is the central theme of the novel: Molly has had 26 crushes in her life, but she has never acted on any of them, as she is terrified of rejection. Her life is turned upside-down when her twin sister, Cassie, who has always been her other half, gets a new girlfriend and starts to pull away. At the same time, Molly finds herself caught between two new and very different boys. The first is Will, her new co-worker at the fantasy-themed craft store where she works, who is a cute and quirky "nerdy hipster." The second is Reid, a sweet and handsome boy who is a friend of Cassie's new girlfriend. The novel is a sweet and funny story that follows Molly as she navigates her first real forays into the world of romance and tries to find the courage to put her heart on the line for the first time. 'The Upside of Unrequited' is a celebration of all kinds of love, from the romantic to the familial, and a powerful and affirming story about learning to love yourself. | Media Center | |
85 | What if it's us | Becky | Albertalli | What If It's Us' by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera is a contemporary young adult romance novel that tells the story of two boys who have a "meet-cute" in a New York City post office and then must decide if the universe is trying to tell them that they are meant to be together. The novel is told from the alternating perspectives of its two protagonists. The first is Arthur, who is a Jewish boy from Georgia who is spending the summer in New York as an intern at his mom's law firm. He is a true believer in romance and is hoping to have a real-life Broadway love story. The second is Ben, a cynical and street-smart Puerto Rican New Yorker who is trying to get over a recent breakup. The two boys have a chance encounter at the post office, where Ben is mailing a box of his ex-boyfriend's things, and there is an immediate and powerful spark between them. However, they are separated before they can exchange numbers. The "what if it's us" of the title is the central question of the novel, as the two boys, with the help of their friends, try to find each other again in the vast and chaotic city of New York. The novel is a charming and funny romantic comedy that follows their series of missed connections, awkward first dates, and their attempt to figure out if their initial spark can turn into a real and lasting relationship. | Media Center | |
86 | The Five People You Meet in Heaven | The five people you meet in heaven | Mitch | Mitch, - | Albom | Eddie is a grizzled war veteran who feels trapped in a meaningless life of fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. His days are a dull routine of work, loneliness, and regret. Then, on his 83rd birthday, Eddie dies in a tragic accident, trying to save a little girl from a falling cart. He awakens in the afterlife, where he learns that heaven is not a lush Garden of Eden, but a place where your earthly life is explained to you by five people. These people may have been loved ones or distant strangers. Yet each of them changed your path forever. One by one, Eddie's five people illuminate the unseen connections of his earthly life. As the story builds to its stunning conclusion, Eddie desperately seeks redemption in the still-unknown last act of his life: Was it a heroic success or a devastating failure The answer, which comes from the most unlikely of sources, is as inspirational as a glimpse of heaven itself. In The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Mitch Albom gives us an astoundingly original story that will change everything you've ever thought about the afterlife -- and the meaning of our lives here on earth. With a timeless tale, appealing to all, this is a book that readers of fine fiction, and those who loved Tuesdays with Morrie, will treasure. | The Five People You Meet in Heaven' by Mitch Albom is a short and powerful philosophical novel that explores the meaning of life and the interconnectedness of all human beings. The novel tells the story of an old and unassuming man named Eddie, who is an elderly maintenance worker at a seaside amusement park. The story begins on the day of Eddie's 83rd birthday, which is also the day of his death. He is killed in a tragic accident when he tries to save a young girl from a falling amusement park ride. Eddie then awakens in the afterlife, which is not a traditional garden of Eden, but a journey through which he will meet five different people whose lives were in some way touched by his own, or who in turn had a profound and often-unseen impact on his life. The novel is structured around these five encounters. Each person that he meets—from a "blue man" from the freak show of his youth, to his old army captain, to his beloved wife—has been waiting for him in their own version of heaven, and each one has a lesson to teach him about his own life. The book is a simple but profound fable that explores the idea that there are no random acts and that every life, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant, has a purpose and a meaning. 'The Five People You Meet in Heaven' is a touching and ultimately life-affirming story about the hidden connections that bind us all together. | Room 223; Media Center | |
87 | Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson | Tuesdays with Morrie : an old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson | Mitch | Mitch, - | Albom | Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher, or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, helped you see the world as a more profound place, gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it.For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, his college professor from nearly twenty years ago.Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded, and the world seemed colder. Wouldn't you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you, receive wisdom for your busy life today the way you once did when you were younger?Mitch Albom had that second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man's life. Knowing he was dying, Morrie visited with Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final “class”: lessons in how to live.Tuesdays with Morrie is a magical chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie's lasting gift with the world.It’s been ten years since Mitch Albom first shared the wisdom of Morrie Schwartz with the world. Now – twelve million copies later – in a new afterword, Mitch Albom reflects again on the meaning of Morrie’s life lessons and the gentle, irrevocable impact of their Tuesday sessions all those years ago. . . | Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson (Mitch Albom) distills the author’s final conversations with his dying mentor, Morrie Schwartz, into a deeply human reflection on meaning, love, and loss; Albom’s simple dialogue and moral clarity transform private farewells into universal guidance; ideal for reflective reading and ethics discussions, the memoir models compassion, gratitude, and the enduring value of mentorship. | Subject/Course: English Language Arts Title and Author: Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom Literary Merit & Connection to Curriculum: Students practice comprehension, vocabulary, and analysis of structure/purpose. Educational Objectives & Pedagogical Strategy: Close reading, discussion, and short analytical writing. Addressing Potential Challenges: This book does not contain any objectionable material. Conclusion: Suitable for high school readers without sensational content. | Room 222; Media Center |
88 | The double helix structure of DNA : James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, and Rosalind Franklin | R. N. | Albright | The Double Helix Structure of DNA: James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins, and Rosalind Franklin' by R. N. Albright is a historical science book that focuses on one of the most important scientific discoveries of the 20th century. The book would provide a detailed account of the race to uncover the molecular structure of DNA, the molecule that carries the genetic code of all living things. The narrative would be set in the post-war scientific world of the early 1950s and would focus on the key players involved. A central part of the story would be the brilliant and famously brash young duo of James Watson and Francis Crick at Cambridge University, who were working on building theoretical models of DNA's structure. The book would also detail the crucial experimental work being done at King's College London by Maurice Wilkins and, most importantly, by the talented X-ray crystallographer Rosalind Franklin. Albright's account would emphasize the pivotal role of Franklin's work. It would tell the story of her painstaking efforts to produce high-quality X-ray diffraction images of DNA fibers, particularly the famous "Photograph 51," which provided the critical clues that the molecule was a helix. The climax of the book would be the moment when Watson and Crick, after seeing Franklin's data (without her full knowledge or consent), had the final insight that allowed them to build their correct and elegant double helix model, a discovery that would win them, along with Wilkins, the Nobel Prize and revolutionize the science of biology. | Media Center | |
89 | How to lead children’s choirs | Mary | Alcock | A practical handbook for directors of children’s choirs: vocal fundamentals, age‑appropriate repertoire, rehearsal planning, and performance tips, with ideas for motivation and musicianship. Nonfiction/music education. | Room 274 | |
90 | Little men : life at Plumfield with Jo's boys | Little women | Little Women (Junior Classics for Young Readers) | Louisa May | Louisa May | Louisa | Alcott | Little Men: Life at Plumfield with Jo's Boys' is a classic 1871 children's novel by Louisa May Alcott. The book is a sequel to her most famous and beloved novel, 'Little Women,' and it continues the story of the March family. The narrative is set ten years after the events of 'Little Women,' and it centers on the character of Jo March, who is now married to the kind German professor, Friedrich Bhaer. The two of them have opened a progressive and unconventional boarding school for boys called Plumfield, which is located at the old March family home. The "little men" of the title are the twelve boys who are the students at the school, a diverse and often-unruly group of orphans, rich kids, and "problem" children. The novel is a series of episodic chapters that chronicle the "life at Plumfield." It follows the various adventures, mishaps, and moral lessons of the boys as they learn and grow under the loving and unorthodox guidance of "Aunt Jo" and "Uncle Fritz." The school's philosophy is a progressive one for its time, with an emphasis on learning through experience, outdoor play, and the development of each boy's individual character and talents, rather than on strict discipline and rote learning. 'Little Men' is a warm, charming, and deeply moral book that continues the themes of family, love, and personal growth that were central to 'Little Women.' | Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott is one of the most beloved and enduring classics of American children's literature. First published in 1868, the novel is a semi-autobiographical story that is based on the author's own childhood with her three sisters. The book tells the story of the four March sisters as they grow up in a small New England town during the Civil War. The "little women" are the four sisters, each of whom has a distinct and memorable personality. There is the beautiful and traditional oldest sister, Meg; the passionate, tomboyish, and aspiring writer, Jo (the author's alter-ego); the gentle and tragically frail musician, Beth; and the artistic and sometimes-vain youngest sister, Amy. The narrative follows the sisters as they navigate the challenges of growing up, from their domestic adventures and their struggles with poverty, to the more serious challenges of illness, love, and loss. The first part of the novel is a series of charming and often-humorous episodes that chronicle their life at home while their father is away serving as a chaplain in the Civil War, all under the wise and loving guidance of their mother, "Marmee." The second part of the novel follows the sisters as they move into adulthood and must find their own paths in the world, with their courtships, their marriages, and their own personal and professional ambitions. 'Little Women' is a timeless and heartwarming story of family, love, and the challenges of being a woman in the 19th century. | soft cover book | Media Center; Media Center; Room 222 | |
91 | Wild cats of the world | David, - | Alderton | A comprehensive visual guide exploring the diversity, behavior, characteristics, and habitats of wild cat species from around the world, from lions and tigers to smaller wildcats. | Media Center | |
92 | Bad Girls Don't Die. | Katie | Alender. | Bad Girls Don't Die' by Katie Alender is the first book in a young adult supernatural thriller series. The novel tells the story of a teenage girl who discovers that her younger sister is possessed by a malevolent spirit. The protagonist is Alexis, a high school student who sees herself as an outsider and a "bad girl." She dresses in black, listens to punk rock, and has a passion for photography. Her main concern is her younger sister, Kasey, who is a beautiful and popular cheerleader, but who has started to act strangely. The novel begins as Kasey's behavior becomes increasingly bizarre and disturbing. Her dolls start to move on their own, her room becomes unnaturally cold, and she begins to speak in a strange voice and to display an unnerving strength. Alexis, who has always been protective of her sister, is at first skeptical, but she gradually comes to the terrifying realization that Kasey is being possessed by a ghost. The novel is a suspenseful and creepy horror story, as Alexis, with the help of the cute and nerdy student council president, Megan, must race against time to uncover the dark and tragic history of the ghost that is possessing her sister and to find a way to exorcise it before it destroys Kasey for good. 'Bad Girls Don't Die' is a classic haunted house story with a modern, young adult twist, a story about the powerful and protective bond between two sisters. | Media Center | |
93 | The sky between you and me | Catherine | Alene | The Sky Between You and Me' by Catherine Alene is a young adult novel written in verse that deals with the powerful and difficult subject of eating disorders. The novel tells the story of a teenage girl who is a talented and ambitious rodeo star and whose life is controlled by her struggle with anorexia and bulimia. The protagonist is Raesha, a high school student who is a champion barrel racer. The novel would be told from her first-person perspective, in a series of powerful and lyrical free-verse poems that provide an intimate and unfiltered look into her mind. The narrative would explore the origins and the mechanics of her eating disorder, showing how her desire for control in the high-pressure and physically demanding world of rodeo has become twisted into a dangerous and obsessive control over her own body and her food intake. The "sky between you and me" of the title could be a metaphor for the distance and the isolation that her eating disorder creates between her and the people who love her, such as her mother and her boyfriend. The novel would be a raw and unflinching look at the physical and psychological toll of the illness, as well as the long and difficult journey towards recovery. It would be a story about the search for self-acceptance and the courage to confront the demons that are driving the disease. | Media Center | |
94 | Booked | Kwame | Alexander | Booked' by Kwame Alexander is a Newbery Medal-winning young adult novel written in verse. The book tells the story of a twelve-year-old boy who is a soccer star and who uses poetry to navigate the challenges of family, friendship, and middle school. The protagonist is Nick Hall, a talented soccer player who is the son of a linguistics professor who has a deep and, in Nick's opinion, an annoying obsession with words. His father is constantly making him read the dictionary and has forbidden him from reading the soccer-themed books that he loves. The novel, which is told through Nick's own voice in a series of fast-paced and energetic free-verse poems, follows Nick as he deals with a series of major and often-difficult events in his life. He is dealing with a crush on a girl named April, the stress of a major soccer tournament, and the intense and often-painful conflict between his parents, who are on the verge of separating. His life is further complicated when he suffers a serious injury that prevents him from playing the sport he loves. The "booked" of the title is a double entendre, referring both to the yellow cards he gets in soccer and to the world of books and words that he begins to discover as he is forced to find a new outlet for his energy. 'Booked' is a powerful and moving story about the power of words to help us make sense of our lives, and the importance of finding your own voice. | Media Center | |
95 | On my own: the journey continues | Sally Hobart | Alexander | In 'On my own: the journey continues,' Sally Hobart Alexander continues the story of her life as a blind woman, picking up where her previous memoirs left off. This book chronicles her experiences navigating adulthood, marriage, and motherhood without sight, offering a deeply personal and inspiring account of resilience and independence. Alexander shares the everyday challenges and triumphs she faces, from raising her two children to managing a household and pursuing her career as a writer and teacher. She writes with candidness and humor about the practical aspects of her life, such as learning to trust her other senses and relying on her guide dogs, as well as the emotional complexities of parenting children she will never visually see. The memoir explores themes of adaptation, the strength of family bonds, and the importance of self-reliance. It challenges stereotypes about disability by presenting a portrait of a full and vibrant life, defined not by its limitations but by its accomplishments and relationships. Alexander's journey is a testament to the human capacity to overcome adversity and find joy and purpose in the face of significant obstacles. The book serves as a powerful source of inspiration and provides sighted readers with a profound insight into the world as experienced by a person who is blind. | Media Center | |
96 | Rebound | Kwame | Alexander | Rebound' by Kwame Alexander is a young adult novel written in verse that serves as a prequel to his Newbery Medal-winning novel, 'The Crossover.' The book tells the story of Chuck Bell, the father of the twin brothers from 'The Crossover,' and his own coming-of-age story in the summer of 1988. The protagonist is the twelve-year-old Charlie "Chuck" Bell, who is reeling from the recent and sudden death of his father. He is lost in his grief and is starting to get into trouble. His mother decides to send him to spend the summer with his grandparents in Washington, D.C. The "rebound" of the title is both a basketball term and a metaphor for Chuck's own journey of healing and recovery from his loss. The novel, which is told in a mix of verse and graphic novel-style panels, follows Chuck as he spends the summer with his strict but loving grandfather and his cool older cousin, Roxie, who is a basketball star. It is on the hot and competitive basketball courts of the inner city that Chuck begins to find his way. He learns to play the game, he finds a new sense of purpose, and he begins to heal from his grief. The book is a powerful and poignant story about the importance of family and the healing power of sports, and it provides the rich and emotional backstory for the beloved character of the father from 'The Crossover.' | Media Center | |
97 | Solo | Kwame | Alexander | Solo' by Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess is a young adult novel written in verse. The book tells the story of a seventeen-year-old boy who is the son of a rock star and who is struggling to find his own identity and his own voice in the shadow of his famous and deeply troubled father. The protagonist is Blade Morrison, whose life looks perfect from the outside. He is the son of a washed-up but still-famous rock star named Rutherford Morrison, and he lives a life of immense wealth and privilege. However, his life is far from perfect. His father is a drug-addicted and often-absent parent, and Blade is filled with a deep and simmering anger. The "solo" of the title refers to Blade's own desire to break free and to go his own way. His life is turned upside-down by a major family secret, a revelation that leads him on a journey to Ghana in West Africa to find his roots and to uncover the truth about his own past. The novel is a powerful and lyrical story about the search for identity, the complexities of family, and the healing power of music. The verse format, which is divided into three "tracks" like a rock album, is filled with the rhythms and the language of rock and roll and blues music, and the book is a testament to the power of art to help us to understand who we are. | Media Center | |
98 | Swing | Kwame | Alexander | Swing' by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess is a young adult novel written in a mix of verse and prose. The book tells a story of friendship, first love, and the challenges of growing up, all set against the backdrop of baseball and jazz music. The protagonist is a seventeen-year-old boy named Noah, who, along with his best friend, Walt (who is also known as "Swing"), is trying to navigate his junior year of high school. Noah is a shy and artistic boy who has a massive and unrequited crush on a girl named Sam. Walt, his exuberant and ever-optimistic best friend, is determined to help Noah win her over, and he comes up with a series of often-comical and ill-fated plans. The "swing" of the title is a multi-layered metaphor. It refers to the baseball that the two friends love, the jazz music that they are learning about, and, most importantly, the idea of "taking a swing" at life and love, even when you are afraid of striking out. The novel is a warm and funny story about friendship and romance, but it also takes a more serious and powerful turn as it begins to incorporate themes of social justice and the realities of being a young person of color in modern America. The story culminates in a shocking and tragic event that will change the lives of the characters forever. 'Swing' is a unique and powerful book that blends humor, heart, and a timely and important social commentary. | Media Center | |
99 | The crossover | Kwame | Alexander | The Crossover' by Kwame Alexander is a critically acclaimed and Newbery Medal-winning young adult novel written entirely in free verse. The book tells the story of two twelve-year-old twin brothers who are basketball stars and whose close and competitive relationship is tested both on and off the court. The novel is narrated by one of the twins, Josh Bell, who is also known by his nickname, "Filthy McNasty." Josh is a talented and charismatic basketball player, and his poems, which are written in a vibrant and hip-hop-infused style, capture the rhythm, the energy, and the language of the game. The "crossover" of the title is both a basketball move and a metaphor for the changes and the challenges of growing up. The novel follows Josh and his identical twin brother, Jordan (or "JB"), as they navigate the seventh grade. The first major "crossover" is when JB gets a girlfriend, and the once-inseparable bond between the two brothers begins to change, leading to feelings of jealousy and conflict. A second and more serious "crossover" is the growing concern over the health of their father, a former professional basketball player, who has a family history of heart problems but refuses to see a doctor. 'The Crossover' is a powerful and moving story about family, brotherhood, and the game of life, told in a unique and electrifying poetic voice. | Media Center | |
100 | The Endurance : Shackleton's legendary Antarctic expedition | Caroline, - | Alexander | Caroline Alexander’s The Endurance pairs a gripping narrative with Frank Hurley’s iconic photographs to tell the story of Ernest Shackleton’s 1914–17 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, whose ship was crushed in pack ice and whose crew survived an epic sequence of marches, camps, and open-boat voyages to South Georgia; Alexander’s brisk chapters highlight Shackleton’s leadership under extreme stress, the crew’s ingenuity with limited supplies, and the navigational brilliance of the James Caird crossing; extensive imagery—glass plates rescued and film salvaged in impossible conditions—places readers alongside the men on the floes; the book balances awe with sober detail, contextualizing the expedition within the “Heroic Age” of polar exploration and discussing why no one died despite relentless cold and hunger; it’s a definitive, accessible account of teamwork, endurance, and the line between ambition and responsibility. | Media Center | |