Middle Grades Realistic Fiction – Towers Falling

Posted on January 31, 2017 by pslamediaselectionreview

Rhodes, Jewell Parker. Towers Falling. New York: Little Brown and Company, 2016. 978-0-316-26222-4. 228 p. $15.99. Gr. 4-7.

Ten year old Déja Barnes is starting 5th grade in a new school, and she is coming from some difficult circumstances. Her family is living in a homeless shelter; her father is suffering from severe anxiety and a chronic cough; her mom works hard at two jobs but is unable to make ends meet, and Déja needs to step up to take care of her younger siblings. Déja starts the year with some trepidation and a bit of a chip on her shoulder, but she is quickly befriended by two new classmates Sabeen, a Muslim girl, and Ben, a Mexican American boy recently moved to NYC from Arizona. When their teacher begins a new study unit on the 9/11 tragedy, the three classmates learn much about themselves and their community and how the fallout from the historic event affected the lives of so many. The novel does not delve too far into the details of the terrorist attack, but it explores the tragedy in more human terms. The teacher and the author focus on the ideals and values that bring Americans and people together, not what breaks us apart. The novel also addresses some difficult issues such as homelessness, poverty, prejudice, fractured families, and survivor guilt with sensitivity. THOUGHTS: Rhodes’ novel is a thoughtful introduction to the historical events that still resonates over many aspects of American life. This title would make a good choice for a class reading selection to introduce the topic of 9/11 without going into the full horror of the event. Teachers Guide with curriculum connections for history and social studies available on the author’s website at: http://jewellparkerrhodes.com/children/teaching-guide-towers-falling/.

Realistic Fiction Nancy Summers, Abington Senior High School

Series Nonfiction – Finance, Energy, Mythology, US History

Posted on February 1, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Financial Security and Life Success for Teens (series). New York: Rosen, 2015. 80 p. $25.70 ea. Gr. 7-12.

Bickerstaff, Linda. Smart Strategies for Saving and Building Wealth. 978-1-4777-7626-1.

Harmon, Daniel E. Smart Strategies for Buying a Car. 978-1-4777-7622-3.

Landau, Jennifer. Smart Strategies for Sharing, Subletting or Renting an Apartment. 978-1-4777-7630-8.

Peterson, Judy Monroe. Smart Strategies for Investing Wisely and Successfully.978-1-4777-7618-6

Prentzas, G.S. Smart Strategies for Paying for College. 978-1-4777-7614-8.

Swanson, Jennifer. Smart Strategies for Turning an Idea into a Product or Service. 978-1-4777-7634-6.

Dealing with financial-related issues can be intimidating to many of today’s teens. The purpose of Rosen’s Financial Security and Life Success for Teens series is to help students plan and strategize in order to properly manage their personal finances. Each volume of the series addresses a financial-related topic (buying a car, investing, paying for college, etc.) that teens are likely to encounter in high school or shortly thereafter. Each title offers step-by-step advice on how to plan and budget for the scenario under discussion. Common myths about each topic are addressed and disproven. Each volume also includes lists of questions to ask when preparing to make an investment (ie. what to ask the car salesman, what to ask a potential landlord, etc.). Financial-related terms and concepts are defined and explained throughout the text. THOUGHTS: The title reviewed in this series, Smart Strategies for Buying a Car, did a credible job of making a financial-related topic accessible to secondary readers. Each step of the car purchasing process is broken down and clearly explained. Especially useful is the list of questions to ask the salesman prior to making a purchase. Students facing decisions in any of the financial issues under discussion will gain insight from this series.

300s, 600s; Economics, Management Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg HS/MS

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The Economics of Energy (series). New York: Cavendish Square, 2015. 80 p. $24.95 ea. Gr. 7-12.

Bjorklund, Ruth. The Pros and Cons of Hydropower. 978-1-6271-2930-5.

Bjorklund, Ruth. The Pros and Cons of Natural Gas and Fracking. 978-1-6271-2921-3.

Hicks, Terry Allan. The Pros and Cons of Biofuel. 978-1-6271-2933-6.

Hicks, Terry Allan. The Pros and Cons of Oil. 978-1-6271-2927-5.

Stefoff, Rebecca. The Pros and Cons of Coal. 978-1-6271-2918-3.

Sullivan, Laura. The Pros and Cons of Solar Power. 978-1-6271-2924-4.

Pro and con perspectives on various types of energy are the focus of this Cavendish Square series. Each energy topic is introduced via a chapter discussing the history of the energy resource as well as descriptions of how the energy is harvested/created. Further chapters explore the benefits and disadvantages for each type of energy and the future of the each energy in today’s world. Fact boxes highlight topics of special interest or provide definition of key terms. Critical thinking boxes ask questions of the reader in order to stimulate a deeper understanding of the topic (and might also serve as inspiration for research paper topics). THOUGHTS: These accessible volumes provide up to date information on current energy topics and trends. Particularly of note to PA librarians may be the volume reviewed, The Pros and Cons of Natural Gas and Fracking, as fracking has become a large (and often controversial) part of the energy industry within the state. Recommended for purchase in schools where energy-related research occurs.

333; Energy Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg HS/MS

Mythology and Culture Worldwide (series). Farmington Hills, NJ: Lucent, 2015. 104 p. $39.40 ea. Gr. 7-12.

Kallen, Stuart A. African Mythology. 978-1-4205-1145-1.

MacKay, Jennifer. Hindu Mythology. 978-1-4205-1260-1.

Nardo, Don. Aztec Mythology. 978-1-4205-1166-6.

Nardo, Don. Celtic Mythology. 978-1-4205-1107-9.

Lucent Books has added four new titles to their existing Mythology and Culture Worldwide series in 2015. Each title focuses on a popular (and frequently researched) single cultural/national mythology. The origins of the mythology within the culture are presented and explored. Key myths and mythological characters and gods/goddesses are explained and defined. Connections are made between the mythology under discussion and culture that created the mythology. Readers will learn how the mythology was influenced by the culture’s history, religion, social organization and geographical/natural resources. Numerous full-color photos supplement the text, as well as charts that list key mythological characters, including descriptions and pronunciations. THOUGHTS: This series does an excellent job of placing mythology within the overall context of the culture. Readers will not only learn quite a bit about myths, but they will be well-informed on the history of the culture. The text of the volume reviewed (African Mythology) was greatly enhanced by the inclusion of numerous high-quality images, both historical black and white and color photos, of cultural artifacts and scenes.

290s; Mythology Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg HS/MS

In United States History (series). Berkley Heights: Enslow, 2015. 96 p. $20.95 ea. Gr. 6-12.

Fremon, David K. The Great Depression. 978-0-7660-6087-6.

Fremon, David K. The Salem Witchcraft Trials. 978-0-7660-6340-2.

Zeinert, Karen. McCarthyism and the Communist Scare. 978-0-7660-6345-7.

Enslow added to their existing In United States History series with the publication of these three titles. The series spotlights key events in US History and are primarily intended for research projects and reports. Each title explores the background and causes of each event (Great Depression, Salem Witch Trials, McCarthyism), then examines each topic in-depth, identifying and explaining key events as well as profiling figures associated with the event. Each title also includes a limited number of black and white illustrations (photos, diagrams, etc.). THOUGHTS: This series is a solid addition to the shelves for student researchers. The text is written at accessible level appropriate for middle and high school researchers. Large margins and line spacing make the text easy to read. While these titles are likely most appropriate for research purposes, students with an interest in the topic/event may find them enjoyable leisure reading material.

300s; Economics, Law, Politics Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg HS/MS

YA Nonfiction – In Controversy series; Master Martial Arts series; Not Funny Ha-Ha Graphic NF

Posted on January 21, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

In Controversy (series). San Diego: Reference Point, 2015. 96 p. $28.95 ea. Gr. 7-12.

Parks, Peggy J. How Serious a Problem is Synthetic Drug Use? 978-1-60152-884-1.

Wilcox, Christine. How is Online Pornography Affecting Society? 978-1-60152-882-7.

Reference Point expanded their popular In Controversy series with the addition of these two titles in 2015. The goal of the series is to more fully explain controversial topics for the secondary reader. In How Serious a Problem is Synthetic Drug Use?, author Peggy Parks examines the issue of the use of various newer synthetic drugs, best known under their common names: synthetic marijuana, spice, K2, flakka, gravel, and bath salts, to name just a few. How
is Online Pornagrapy Affecting Society? explores the proliferation of pornogaphy on the web (over 2.5 million websites and counting) and the addiction many develop to these sites. Both titles explore the history/background of their respective topics, the addictive nature of each, the relationship teens have to these issues, the legal ramifications of these addictions, and what the law and society can do to combat these problems. THOUGHTS: These two titles are solid additions to the existing In Controversy series. Topics are discussed in a straightforward,
logical, and easy to understand manner. The text is enhanced by the presence of numerous sidebars/fact boxes, quotes, and statistics. Recommended for purchase as a research resource.

300s; Social Issues Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg HS/MS

Mastering Martial Arts (series). Broomall, PA: Mason Crest, 2015. 96 p. $24.95 ea. Gr. 7-12.

Chaline, Eric. Martial Arts for Athletic Conditioning: Winning Ways. 978-1-4222-3241-5.

Chaline, Eric. Martial Arts for Women: Winning Ways. 978-1-4222-3243-9.

Chaline, Eric. Ninjutsu: Winning Ways. 978-1-4222-3244-6.

Chesterman, Barnaby. Judo: Winning Ways. 978-1-4222-3236-1.

Chesterman, Barnaby. Taekwondo: Winning Ways. 978-1-4222-3245-3.

Johnson, Nathan. Jujutsu: Winning Ways. 978-1-4222-3236-1.

Johnson, Nathan. Karate: Winning Ways. 978-1-4222-3238-5.

Johnson, Nathan. Kickboxing and MMA: Winning Ways. 978-1-4222-3239-2.

Johnson, Nathan. Kung Fu: Winning Ways. 978-1-4222-3240-8.

Johnson, Nathan. Martial Arts for Children: Winning Ways. 978-1-4222-3242-2.

The Mastering Martial Arts series aims to inform readers about the major types of martial arts, as well as providing specific titles targeting women, youth, and athletes. Written in consultation with martial arts instructors, each volume features historical background information on the martial art under discussion, as well as explanations of specific martial arts moves. Diagrams illustrate the step-by-step techniques needed to complete each move. Emphasis is also placed on safety when completing moves, and proper warm-up techniques are explained. Martial arts terms are regularly defined within each chapter. The mental/spiritual aspects of martial arts and their benefits, not only in martial arts but in everyday life, are also discussed. THOUGHTS: The title I reviewed in this series (Martial Arts for Athletic Conditioning: Winning Ways) did a commendable job of making the topic of martial arts accessible to secondary readers. The text promoted martial arts as a way to improve both physical fitness and mental well-being. Recommend to those with a passing interest in martial arts as well as more advanced practitioners of the sport.
796.8; Martial Arts Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg HS/MS

Hayes, Leah. Not Funny Ha-Ha: A Handbook for Something Hard. Seattle: Fantagraphics Books, 2015. 978-1-60699-839-7. 148 p. $16.99. Gr. 9 & up.

This graphic novel walks the reader through two types of abortion: medical and surgical. The author states from the beginning that she is not taking a stance about whether abortion is right or wrong. She acknowledges that the decision to have or not have an abortion is complicated, but ultimately it is personal. The purpose of the book is to give an honest picture of what the procedures themselves are like, and the book does a good job with that. The text and drawings are stark, reflecting what can be a scary time for women. It weighs the pros and cons of each procedure, again stressing the decision is personal. The author doesn’t sugarcoat much; she writes that it can be a painful and emotional process. This is a straightforward, non-judgmental resource that some girls need. THOUGHTS: When I first picked this up, I was worried it would open a can of worms about “promoting” abortion, but it’s not that at all. It is simply about the procedures. It does not debate the morals and politics behind abortion, which all of my library’s other books on the topic do. As the author points out in her afterward, so many books on the subject are about the before and after — whether a woman should make the choice to have an abortion, and the emotions she may feel afterward. This book is about the middle part, and it’s honest. Another thing I like is that you can’t tell from the cover that the book is about abortion. It could be a graphic novel about anything, based on the title, so it may take away from stigma of checking it out. I would recommend this book for any high school collection.

Graphic Nonfiction; Abortion Kristen Rowe, Plum Senior High School

YA Nonfiction – Human Rights; Thinking Critically series; Wild at Heart

Posted on January 11, 2016 by pslamediaselectionreview

Russett, Bruce. Human Rights and Protecting Individuals (The United Nations Leadership and Challenges in a Global World series). Philadelphia: Mason Crest, 2016. 978-1-4222-3437-2. $22.99. 89p. Grades 7+.

This Mason Crest series, The United Nations Leadership and Challenges in a Global World Series, is fantastic for teaching research skills, ways to synthesize information, and citation skills. This particular book, Human Rights and Protecting Individuals, in the series looks at the UN’s role in Human Rights and their System, explaining the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as international laws and the United Nations in action on human rights issues. Each table of contents page in the series has “Key Icons To Look For” which provides readers with icons to help with vocabulary, further readings for research, text-dependent questions as well as glossary terms. There is an abundance of photographs and text boxes so students are not overwhelmed by the book and the content. THOUGHTS: Human Rights and Protecting Individuals – The United Nations Leadership and Challenges in a Global World series found the perfect way to take a complex and often difficult to understand topic and made it accessible to middle school students as well as struggling high school students.

341.48 Laura Ward, Fox Chapel Area High School

Thinking Critically series. San Diego: Reference Point Press, 2016. $29.00. 80p. Gr. 9 and up.

Currie, Stephen. Cyberbullying. 978-1-60152-820-9.

Cyberbullying is becoming more and more of an issue at younger ages. The Thinking Critically series takes a look at this sensitive topic and addresses whether it is more harmful than traditional bullying. It also takes on the topics of a school’s involvement when the bullying takes place off campus. This is an easily accessible book complete with source notes, cyberbullying facts, related organizations, websites and ideas for further research on this serious topic.

Nakaya, Andrea. Mass Shootings. 978-1-60152-822-3.

Mass Shootings are a hot-button issue in the world right now. The Thinking Critically series takes a closer look at how serious of an issue this is as well as how strict the government should be in hopes of reducing mass shootings in America. This book also explores violent video games as a cause of mass shootings. As with all of the titles in the Thinking Critically series, this is an easily accessible book complete with source notes, cyberbullying facts, related organizations, websites and ideas for further research on this serious topic.

Dudley, William. Biofuels. 978-1-60152-816-2.

Biofuels is yet another hotly contested topic from the US Government support of ethanol production to how essential are biofuels to national security. As with any environmental topic, this series takes a close look at both sides of how biofuels affect greenhouse gas emissions and if biofuels really threaten global food production. As with all of the titles in the Thinking Critically series, this is an easily accessible book complete with source notes, biofuel facts, related organizations, websites and ideas for further research on this serious topic.

Thoughts: All three new titles in the Thinking Critically series from Reference Point Press are great resources for refining research skills. The text boxes, graphs and illustrations will help students synthesize relevant information for use in their research projects.

302.34; 364.152; 662.88 Laura Ward, Fox Chapel Area High School

Farley, Terry, and Melissa Farlow. Wild at Heart: Mustangs and the Young People Fighting to Save Them. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015. 978-0-544-39294-6. 196 pp. $19.99. Grades 6 and up.

Almost any casual library browser will be drawn to Wild at Heart‘s beautiful cover and the many striking images included inside the book. These photographs alone will entice readers to enter the intriguing world of wild mustangs, and the fascinating story will hold their interest throughout thanks to the way Terry Farley has expertly structured this piece of nonfiction to both entertain and educate. She opens with the story of Velma Johnson, a.k.a. “Wild Horse Annie,” and her heroic early advocacy for wild horses. She then covers how wild horses live, including their family structure and battles for dominance, before moving into the grim situation these iconic animals currently face. Readers will be shocked to learn that when mustang bands outgrow their population limits (as set by the Bureau of Land Management), they are subjected to “gathers” and sold by the pound to slaughterhouses. Though these horrifying scenes are depicted in an age-appropriate manner, the closing chapter on young people fighting to save wild horses is (thankfully) uplifting as well as enlightening. Excerpts of this carefully documented work will be applicable to units on biodiversity, conservation, political advocacy, and youth activism. THOUGHTS:Wild at Heart is a worthy addition to all libraries, middle school on up, and will be a special favorite among animal lovers of all ages.

599.6; Wild Horses Amy V. Pickett, Ridley High School

New Series Nonfiction…Straight Talk About; Ecosystems Inside Out

Posted on November 2, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Bow, James. Binge Drinking (Straight Talk About series). New York: Crabtree, 2015. 978-0778722045. 48p. $30.60. Gr. 7-12.

In the series, Straight Talk About…topics are discussed in detail. A table of contents introduces the sensitive information to readers. Chapters begin with a clear definition of the topic coupled with pictures and individual personal statements relating to situations teens have encountered when facing the specific issue. The author effectively uses the text to talk to readers in an effort to make authentic connections. Photographs are bright, carefully placed, and whenever possible, symbolic in representing text. A feature specifically helpful from a purchasing standpoint is how the book takes into consideration timeless photos, meaning there are few photos of human subjects, focusing on the subject matter. It creates a longevity of the book making it last longer on the library shelves. Subheadings are clear, important words are bold-faced and further defined within text as well as in the glossary. Because the intended audience is students aged 12 and up, there are other resources listed in the back of the book relative to teens in both the United States and Canada as well as frequently asked questions with detailed answers. Informative and straight to the point, these nonfiction resources are perfect for a struggling teen or a student who is researching specific topics.

The series includes Dealing with Loss, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and Digital Dangers. Because the books are only 48 pages, students will easily find what they are looking for in researching them. The table of contents outlines what exactly students are looking for. It cannot be stressed enough how the photographs and images in the book are timeless. Too often libraries have resources that are outdated not only because of content, but even more because of the images that turn away readers. The authors did this series justice in being forward thinking and non-judgmental.

362.2; Social Issues Brooke Gerlach, Manheim Central MS

Cohen, Marina. Deserts Inside Out. New York: Crabtree, 2015. 978-0778706274. 32p. $27.60. Gr. 4-6.

Ecosystems Inside Out is a series filled with short bursts of information about particular biomes throughout the world. Within each double page spread, readers will learn about the animals inhabiting the ecosystem, the keywords hierarchy of its inhabitants, and relationships between the plants and animals that live there and the nonliving resources found there. Text features are obvious and include bright fonts, bold-faced vocabulary, and subheadings. Even more the author gives the reader an activity to extend and enrich. Locator maps help readers visualize the place in the world the biome is found. The text digs deeper with an “Eco Up Close” section providing readers with facts enriching topics discussed. The glossary is thorough and provides definitions students will clearly comprehend. There is a list of additional resources if readers are in need of more information.

Educators will find these resources as a phenomenal extension piece for their science units. Students will be able to learn the basics of the biome, while also enriching their knowledge. The pictures of the biomes and that animals are vibrant and timeless. Taken in the peak seasons for all of these biomes, the photographs and the way they are graphically placed, draws attention to the brilliance in the visuals. Not only will educators embrace the text structure of the books, giving the ability to use each section as one piece to aid in both remediation and enrichment, but also the ability to introduce material initially. Additional titles include: Wetlands, Rain Forests, Grasslands, Oceans, Islands, Tundra, Rivers and Lakes, Mountains, and Forests. This series is a must have resource for any middle school collection.

577.7; Ecosystems Brooke Gerlach, Manheim Central MS

Realistic Fiction – Orbiting Jupiter; A 52-Hertz Whale, and This Raging Light

Posted on June 25, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Schmidt, Gary D. Orbiting Jupiter. New York: Clarion, 2015. 978-0-544-46222-9. 192 p. $17.99. Gr. 7 and up.

Jack is a typical 6th grade boy. He lives on a farm in rural Maine, is responsible for daily chores, and is a good student at his school. One day his world changes when his parents tell him they are taking in a foster child. Jack meets his foster brother, Joseph, a dark, brooding, 8th grader who exhibits signs of abuse and neglect. As the two get to know each other, Joseph reveals a secret that he has been hiding. He has a daughter named Jupiter, and he will stop at nothing to find her in the foster system, even if it means risking his own life in the process.

The author shares a strong connection to the foster system and how family isn’t always made up of blood relatives. He presents a balanced view of the struggles facing social workers as they fight for the rights of the children and families they serve. The author also addresses difficult issues such as child abuse, bullying, and teenage pregnancy, in a way that is honest and fair.

This book is an excellent resource to share with students who may be struggling with some of the same things that Joseph is dealing with, particularly the death of a loved one, abuse, or bullying. It would be a great addition to a “survival” or “overcomer” unit.

Realistic Fiction Corey Hall, Elizabethtown Area School District

Sommer, Bill., & Tilghman, Natalie. A 52-Hertz Whale. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Lab, 2015. 978-1-4677-7917-3. 200p. $18.99. Grades 8 to 12.

You never know where you will find a friend. James is a 14-year old who struggles with social skills and feels like his only friend is a humpback whale named Salt that he follows online. When Salt separates from his pod and is beached, James contacts a very unlikely ally. He emails Darren, a 20-something “wannabe” filmmaker who once volunteered as a tutor in James’s classroom. The two strike an unlikely friendship, and although Darren knows nothing about whales, he provides wacky advice on everything from girls to friends to jobs.

The story is told through a series of emails that pass between not only James and Darren, but also a host of supporting characters that connect and strengthen the story. This book is a unique look at friendship in the technology age, along with love, loss, and yeti suits (yes, yeti suits). Even though much of the interaction is silly and funny, there are some serious interactions that would be excellent for book group or small group discussion. Students who appreciate Eleanor & Park and Winger will enjoy the strange and eccentric world of A 52-Hertz Whale.

Realistic Fiction Corey Hall, Elizabethtown Area MS/HS

Laure, Estelle. This Raging Light. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016. 978054453429-2. 288 p. $17.99. Gr 8 to 12.

Lucille is an ordinary 17-year old girl. She hangs out with her best friend Eden. She has a secret crush on Eden’s brother, Digby. Everything looks normal on the outside, but what Lucille is hiding is that her mother took off, and her father was committed to a psychiatric ward, so Lucille is raising her 10-year old sister, Wren. Alone, scared, and out of money, Lucille has to find a job and childcare in order to keep her little family together. In this sweet story, Lucille learns that she is not alone, that she has a community that surrounds her and watches out for her.

Highly recommended for late middle school or high school students. Themes of family, loss, friendship, and independence permeate the book. This is a great option for discussion starters or book club.

Realistic Fiction Corey Hall, Elizabethtown Area MS/HS

The Underground Girls of Kabul…New in Nonfiction

Posted on January 6, 2015 by pslamediaselectionreview

Nordberg, Jenny. The Underground Girls of Kabul: in Search of a Hidden Resistance in Afghanistan. New York: Crown Publishers, 2014. Print. 978-0307952493. 368 p. $25.00. Gr. 11+.

Jenny Nordberg, an investigative journalist, has written an engaging and extremely timely account of the lives of women in Afghanistan and the practice of transforming young girls into bacha posh. This phenomenon, found in some misogynistic cultures in which women are entirely controlled by men, involves dressing up young girls as boys in order to grant honor and prestige to a family that does not have any male children, or to allow the “male” child to escort the mother or daughters when in public. This illusion allows a family to save face in the community, and for the girl to be able to go out in society and complete activities normally open only to young boys. Nordberg discusses a few different instances in which this occurs but focuses much of her story on the life of female parliamentarian Azita and her young daughter turned bacha posh, Mehran. Azita is a strong and intelligent female, but she is hindered by her illiterate husband, his other wife (polygamy is common in Afghanistan), and her status as the mother of only young girls. Though Azita has her flaws, the reader wants her to be able to rise above her current situation. Nordberg must use her skills as a journalist to locate and interview many bacha posh, because though the lifestyle is common it has not been formally documented. By sharing their stories, Nordberg comments on and questions the treatment of women in a male-dominated society. She also highlights how the bacha posh struggle to define their own identities when they must revert back to being women. Nordberg provides enough history of the wars in Afghanistan to give the reader an understanding of the women’s lives but does not bog down her story with facts and figures. She lets the interviews with the various bacha posh drive her narrative. The sheltered lives that women lead in Afghanistan will astound most modern young women in the western world and hopefully lead to discussion and action towards assisting women in this country.

305.309 Gender Identity; Afghanistan Lindsey Myers, Peters Township High School

This is one of the best non-fiction books that I have read in quite awhile. Not only does it discuss the daily lives of women in Afghanistan, but it also highlights a unique part of their culture that had never been brought to my attention before. Though I had a general understanding of the plight of women in Afghanistan and other Middle Eastern nations, the firsthand accounts were much more powerful than just hearing general reports on the nightly news. This book would be an excellent addition to a social studies unit discussing Afghanistan or women’s issues in the Middle East. This would also be an interesting pairing with the fiction book that I am currently reading, The Pearl that Broke its Shell by Nadia Hashimi. There are some difficult themes and scenes in this book (especially with regards to physical abuse of women), but since the characters are young women and Azita herself is only 28, teens can relate to them and understand their hopes and dreams of better lives for themselves and for the other young girls in Afghanistan.