PSLA YA Top Forty (or so) Reference & Professional

PSLA TITLES FOR 2010

REFERENCE/PROFESSIONAL

African American Almanac.11th Ed. Christopher A. Brooks, ed. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, 2011. 978-1-4144-4547-2. 1601p. $297.00. Gr. 9+.

This fat, comprehensive volume has been around since I first became a librarian and it remains an important, go-to work. Written by subject experts and academics, the volume is packed with: a detailed chronology (from 1492 through 2009); a chapter on African American Firsts (from 1619 to 2010); nearly 100 pages of Significant Documents in African American History; a fifty-page list of African American Landmarks arranged geographically; and a chapter on Africa and the African Diaspora, offering both a history/overview and country-by-country specifics. The bulk of the volume attractively and engagingly covers African American contributions to all areas of American life, for instance: politics; religion; art, popular and classical music, and blues and jazz; the military; law; sports; literature; media; education; film and television. This one belongs in every high school collection. Buy if you don’t have or if it’s time for an update. Also available as an ebook.

Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School African American Eras: Segregation to Civil Rights Times. 1-4144-3596-7. 960p.

African American Eras: Contemporary Times. Detroit: Gale Cengage Learning (UXL), 2010/2011. 1-4144-3596-7. $278.00 each set. Gr. 7+.

Volume 1: Activism and Reform, The Arts, Business and Industry Volume 2: Communication and Media, Demographics, Education Volume 3: Government and Politics, Health and Medicine, Law and Justice Volume 4: Military, Popular Culture, Religion, Science and Technology Each set provides a broad overview of African American history and culture—one from 1865 to 1965, and the other from 1965 through 2010. Chapters address broad subject areas and begin with chronologies, era overview essays, biographies of prominent African Americans, topical entries relating to major events, primary sources, research and activity ideas that will be extremely popular with classroom teachers and librarians. Unfamiliar terms are conveniently explained in sidebar glossaries. These two sets are exceptionally well organized and provide fascinating material not available in other sources. Content, images, and primary sources have been carefully selected for their curricular relevance. These sets would be a wise purchase for nearly every middle school and high school reference collection!

Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School Alabaster, Carol. Developing an Outstanding Core Collection: A Guide for Libraries, 2nd ed. Chicago: American Library Association, 2010. 978-0-8389-1040-5. 200 p. $59.96.

Though certainly intended as a guide for public libraries, the advice and suggested selection policies could easily be applied to a high school library. Beginning with the philosophy of a core collection, Alabaster addresses the key elements of developing a balanced and quality library collection. In addition to the helpful tips on selecting titles, there is a useful chapter on how to write a core collection policy statement. A great reference for both new and seasoned librarians!

Mary Schwander - New Hope-Solebury High School Bonhomme. Brian, ed. Milestone Documents in World History: Exploring the Primary Sources That Shaped the World. Dallas, TX: Schlager Group, 2010. 978-0-9797758-6-4. 4vols. 1900p. $395.00. Gr. 9+.

This four volume set is modeled after the Schlager group’s award winning Milestone Documents in American History series. It provides key documents from ancient civilization to today featuring all world cultures, including ancient Near East, ancient Egypt, Greek and Roman empires, medieval Islam, Renaissance Europe, and modern Africa and Asia. The documents feature speeches, letters, constitutions, acts, treaties, and legal cases. This set is very useful for teachers and gives lots of resources to extend lessons, such as questions for further study, essential quotes, further reading, document texts, many pictures and teacher activity guides that are aligned with the national history standards. Each set purchased also gives a free, unlimited subscription to the online Salem History database. Very useful for AP World History students.

Melissa Daugherty – Sharon Middle High School Balliett, James Fargo. Environmental Issues: Global Perspectives. Global Perspectives Series. Armonk, NY: Sharpe Reference, 2010. 5 vols. 0-7656-8097-1. $249.00. Gr. 8+.

This valuable reference set consists of five volumes: Forests, Freshwater, Mountains, Oceans, and Wetlands, and offers a muchneeded international perspective. The goal is to share how human population growth and behavior have changed the world’s natural areas, especially in negative ways, and how modern society has responded to the challenges the changes present. Each title is divided into three parts: an introduction to the ecosystem, in-depth case studies of seven geographically diverse locations, and the impact of cumulative levels of pollution and aggressive resource consumption on each biome on a global scale. Though each volume covers a different system, it is clear that they face common human-induced pressures. Each attractive and clearly written volume contains selected websites, a glossary, suggestions for further reading, charts, maps, and black and white illustrations. This set makes a perfect addition to the high school collection and will be welcomed by science and social studies teachers. The case studies are perfect fodder for classroom reading and discussion.

Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School Booms and Busts: An Encyclopedia of Economic History from Tulipmania of the 1630s to the Global Financial Crisis of the 21st Century. Ciment, James, ed. Armonk, NY: Sharpe, 2010. 3 vols. 978-0765682246. $339.00 Gr. 9+ This set provides rich accessable informationabout economic history and the importance and relevance of economics now and in the past. It also examines the various world economies and provides brief historical information. Material is presented in an organized, 1

PSLA TITLES FOR 2010

REFERENCE/PROFESSIONAL

understandable fashion for students who want to learn about the background of historical economic experiences and events and the current state of economic affairs around the world. An valuable resource for all students trying to better understand our economy ErikaThickman Miller- Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Braun, Linda W., Hillias J. Martin & Connie Urquhart. Risky Business: Taking and Managing Risks in Library Services for Teens. Chicago: American Library Association, 2010. 978-0-8389-3596-5. 151p. $55.00. Professional.

Encouraging librarians to take risks in providing outstanding services to teens is the theme of this excellent professional title. It covers areas such as building, programming, and technology (including social media), and developing a mature, appealing, high-interest YA collection (despite the inherent problems in dealing with including explicit content). While geared towards public librarians, this is a useful volume for all librarians working with today’s youth.

Pat Naismith, Springfield HS (Delco) Canterbury Tales. Jack Lynch, ed. Pasedena, CA: Salem Press, 2010/2011. 978-1-58765-723-8. 469p. $85.00. Gr. 9-12.

Critical Insights delves into the life of Geoffrey Chaucer and his Canterbury Tales both in print and online. There are many scholarly overviews of Chaucer, his work, and his career. Two new articles, Figmenta vs. Veritas and A Feminist Perspective on The Canterbury Tales, details the depiction of women and how much material the Tales offer for feminist readings. Resources include a Chronology of Geoffrey Chaucer’s Life, Works by Geoffrey Chaucer, and an Index. BJ Neary – Abington Senior High Chatton, Barbara. Using Poetry Across the Curriculum: Learning to Love Language. Libraries Unlimited, 2010. 978-1-59158697-5. 241 p. $40.00. Professional.

This volume presents ideas and resource lists for integrating poetry into all areas of the curriculum, which makes it a welcome addition to a professional library in this age of standardized testing, requiring students to be proficient writers. Each subject area is explored and suggestions are given on incorporating both the reading and writing of poetry. The volume features a comprehensive list of poetry anthologies, poetic picture books, and poetic prose works, grouped by subject, as well as an extensive index.

Pat Naismith, Springfield HS (Delco) Chemical Elements. 2nd Edition. David E. Newton and Kathleen J. Edgar, eds. Gale Detroit: Gale Cengage Learning (UXL), 2010. 978-1-4144-7608-7. 3 vols. $214.00. Gr. 6+.

In our library, the first edition of this set is in continual use for science assignments. This second updated edition is equally attractive and readable and offers everything a high school or middle school student wants to know about any element—overview, discovery and naming, physical properties, chemical properties, occurrence in nature, isotopes, extraction, uses, compounds, health effects—in a format he or she can actually understand. The new set includes newly discovered elements 113 through 116 and 118. The volumes are illustrated and include a timeline and glossary, charts, elements grouped by family and atomic number, a comprehensive index, as well as convenient leads for learning more with URLs. Sidebars often feature trivia, vocabulary, or products composed of the element. Also available as an e-book, this is a must-purchase for science reference collections.

Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School Coombs, Karen A. & Hollister, Amanda J. Open Source Web Applications for Libraries. Medford, NJ: Information Today, 2010. 978-1573874007. 268p. $39.50. Professional.

For geeks only! This helpful, information-packed handbook is for librarians who are comfortable managing a web server, doing some coding, customizing CSS, and installing PHP and MySQL. If you have no idea what in the world the alphabet soup in that sentence means, you’ll be lost by the second chapter. If however you are an adventurous wiki author and blogger who’s always looking for the next neat widget, if you love saving money on software purchases by utilizing open source applications, and if you’re not intimidated by launching new apps in a test environment and possibly maintaining your new creations yourself, you’ll find this an essential instruction manual. Written by two very knowledgeable librarian/web coders, this handbook contains specific software tool installation and maintenance how-to’s, an index and glossary.

Kathie Jackson – Arcadia University Library Student Critical Insights. Massachusetts: Salem Press, 2010.

Crane, Stephen. The Red Badge of Courage. 978-1-58765707-8. 324p. $85.00.

Hemingway, Ernest. The Sun Also Rises. 978-1-58765-9. 374p. $85.00.

Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. 978-1-5-8765-7. 322p. $85.00.

These books from Salem Press are an asset to every high school library. They are appropriate for both English Honors and Regular English classes. They are packed with information in traditional, printed form and also online. The online activation is very easy and provides even more information. Each book contains a biography of the author along with a “diverse selection of criticism.” The formatting of the books is great.

Jill Toye – Jenkintown Middle/High School Critical Insights: Authors Series. Pasadena, CA: Salem Press, 2010. $170.00. Gr. 8-12.

Dickstein, Morris James Baldwin. 978-1-58765-701. 455p.

Gooheart, Eugene, ed.Ernest Hemingway. 978-1-58765-630-9. 320p.

Frye, Steven, ed.The Tales of Edgar Allan Poe. 978-1-58765-6163. 300p.

Lynch, Jack, ed. Jane Austen. 978-1587656385. 349p.

MickleI, Mildred R.,ed. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. 978-1587656248. 320p.

2

PSLA TITLES FOR 2010

REFERENCE/PROFESSIONAL

Murphy, Brenda, ed. Tennessee Williams. 978-1-58765-687-3. 382p.

Noble, Don, ed.To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee. 978-1-58765-6187. 338p.

This set will be a very useful addition for high schools, as the books provide biographical information about the authors, context for understanding their works, and a review of the best relevant literary analysis over time, highlighting the value and unique qualities of the works covered. In addition students will be able to further explore the writers and their works using chapter notes to guide them to additional resources. ErikaThickmanMiller Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Curtis, Edward E. Encyclopedia of Muslim-American History. New York: Facts on File, 2010. 978-0-8160-7575-1. 628p. 2vol. $195.00. Gr. 8-12.

A wonderful addition to your library’s offerings on Islam and Muslims—an area that may need expansion in many collections. In two volumes containing over 300 articles, this encyclopedia covers topics both secular and religious. It includes profiles of individuals and institutions from Dave Chapelle to Ahmed Hasan Zewail (a chemist and Nobel Laureate), and from the American-Arab AntiDiscrimination Committee to the World Community of al-Islam in the West. Articles also cover cultural and social aspects of Islam, with entries on prayer, women, and calligraphy, for example. Each entry ends with recommended resources for students who want to go further with their research. Additional content includes a 14-page chronology of Muslim-American history, a bibliography and extensive index, as well as articles, poems, and speeches, including President Obama’s 2009 speech in Cairo, Egypt.

Mary Fran Torpey—Friends’ Central School Defining Moments Series. Detroit: Omnigraphics, 2010. 236p. $55.00. Gr. 9-12.

Hillstrom, Kevin. Workers Unite! The American Labor Movement. 978-0-7808-1130-0.

In addition to providing a Narrative Overview, Biographies and Primary Sources, each volume in this series includes the helpful section How to Use This Book as well as a list of Research Topics for students to consider pertaining to the subject. In this particular volume, the narrative thoroughly covers the labor movement from the period of indentured servitude in Colonial America to 21st century unions of today. Black and white photographs and illustrations are included as well as many sidebars on important people or issues pertaining to the chapter.

Mary Schwander - New Hope-Solebury High School Defining Moments. Detroit, Michigan: Omnigraphics, 2010. 248p. $55.00. Gr. 8-12.

Hillstrom, Laurie Collier. The Muckrakers and the Progressive Era. 978-0-7808-1093-8.

Hillstrom, Kevin. Workers Unite! The American Labor Movement. 978-0-7808-1130-0 This reference collection defines a moment when the American people, culture, and institutions transformed how our nation works.

Throughout history we have challenged and exposed political and social issues and united labor workers together. This reference series defines each of those historical events in a well-organized fashion. In each book the text is broken off into three sections; a narrative overview, biographies, and primary sources. For example, The Muckrakers and the Progressive Era, is packed with essential information about the journalistic movement during the first decade of the twentieth century. Research topics, photos, political cartoons, and quotes enrich the research experience. The book’s back matter include; an index, a chronology, sources for further study, and important people, places, and terms.

Jennifer Stern – Library University Library Student Diseases, Disorders and Injuries. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2010. 978-0-7614-7935-2. 320p. $85.64. Gr. 6-12.

This single volume covers over 200 entries, listed alphabetically. Most are one full page, and include a definition of the disease, disorder or injury, along with the symptoms and treatment. Each entry also includes a “Q & A” box which answers children’s questions, and a “see also” cross reference. Many color photos and diagrams compliment the text. Our seventh grade science classes will use this volume for their genetics research. An index is included.

Michelle Stone - Sandy Run Middle School Dutch, Steven I., ed. Encyclopedia of Global Warming. Hackensack, NJ: Salem Press, 2010. 978-1-58765- 563-0. 3vol. $395.00. Gr. 9+.

Volume 1: Abrupt Climate Change-Energy Policy Act of 1992, Volume 2: Energy Resources- Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Volume 3: Oxygen, Atmospheric of -Younger Dryas.

This encyclopedia set focuses on the complete scope of issues dealing with global warming, from the science of it, to the political issues, current debates, social concepts, developments in other countries, different organizations involved, and current laws. Contains over 540 essays ranging from 400-2,000 words and separated in six different categories: term, overview, organization, biographical, Top-Twenty Emitter, and law and treaty. This encyclopedia set holds anything a student would want to know about global warming and is quite readable. Each book has a table of contents, sidebars, tables, maps and an index can be found in volume 3. The company gives a very nice bonus by providing a free subscription to their Salem Science database, which contains information on a wide variety of science and math related content.

Melissa Daugherty – Sharon Middle High School The Early Republic and Antebellum America: An Encyclopedia of Social, Political, Cultural, and Economic History. Bates, Christopher.Armonk, NY: Sharpe, 2010. 978-0-7656-98126-3. 4 vol. $720.00. Gr. 9+.

This set provides a rich and accessible means of understanding the history of the United States. Topics range from broad overviews of political issues to foreign affairs to more specific coverage of individual artists, writers, politicians, and events. There are pictures to add interest and keep the reader engaged. This set will be extremely helpful to high school students as it is easy to use, understand and 3

PSLA TITLES FOR 2010

REFERENCE/PROFESSIONAL

covers a wide range of topics that are certain to attract the attention interest of students. Each entry provides recommendations for further reading.

Erika Thickman Miller - Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Emily Dickinson. J. Brooks Bouson, ed. Pasedena, CA: Salem Press, 2010/2011. 978-1-58765-695-8. $85.00. 412p. Gr. 9-12.

Critical Insights delves into the life, works, and the enduring mystery that is Emily Dickinson in this comprehensive print and online resource. Scholarly articles and both old and new essays have been included on Dickinson’s life, her writings and her poetry that continues to invite the reader to “dwell in Possibility.” Resources include a Chronology of Emily Dickinson’s Life, Works by Emily Dickinson, and an Index.

BJ Neary – Abington Senior High Encyclopedia of American Immigration. Carl L. Blankston III, ed. Pasedena, CA: Salem Press, 2010. 978-158765-599-9. 1232p. 3 vols. $395.00. Gr. 9-12.

In essays that cover people, places and events, this three volume set covers the wide expanse of American immigration history. Just as exciting is the online access offered along with this print resource. Topics such as U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. immigration policy is addressed from different viewpoints. Volume 3 contains five indexes; Categorized List of Articles, Court Case Index, Law and Treaty Index, Personage Index and Subject Index. This set is a valuable resource for student research projects and will provide good basic information that is written for high school students.

BJ Neary – Abington Senior High Encyclopedia of Global Resources. California: Salem Press, 2010. 978-1-5876-5644-6. 1504p. $395.00. Gr.9+.

Encyclopedia of Global Resources is chock full of graphs, charts and black and white pictures. A helpful preview usually comes at the beginning of every article. Websites, along with suggested readings are included for extra support after reading an article. This set is a needed addition for every high school library with environmental science in the curriculum. Purchasers also receive access to the online version.

Jill Toye – Jenkintown Middle/High School Encyclopedia of Religion in America. Charles H. Lippy and Peter W. Williams, eds. Washington, DC: CQ Press, 2010.

978-0-8728-9580-5. 4 vols. $600.00. Gr. 10+.

The editors, two former presidents of the American Society of Church History, gather a wealth of multidisciplinary, scholarly, signed entries covering religion, religious history and culture in the United States, as well as inCanada and Mexico. While it offers no biographical entries, the scope is vast and inclusive and the articles offer depth. Under Religious Thought, for instance, separate entries are devoted to: African American, Gay Theology, Latino/a, Womanist, Lesbian Theology, Feminist Theology, Jewish, and much more. The set covers every denomination—with multiple subentries, as well as a vast array of themes. Each volume openswith both a traditional and thematic table of contents and offers a thorough index. This impressive and authoritative work belongs in large high school collections, especially in schools with religious focus. It will be useful for academic research.

Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School Encyclopedia of Small Business. 4th Edition. Detroit: Gale Cengage Learning, 2010. 978-1-4144-2028-8. 2vols. $475.00.

Gr. 9+.

Explaining that small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, these two volumes, reflect changes relating to the global economy, the disruptions caused by recession, and the overhaul of our healthcare system. Organized alphabetically—from Absenteeism to Zoning Ordinances, the set is intended as a reference tool for the small business owner, entrepreneurs, and students of business. It contains 605 entries, 40 with completely new content on such topics as Social Media, Crowdsourcing, and Sustainable Business Practice. Entries are signed, offer lists of sources, and generally range in length, from one to five pages. Offering just the right depth to answer serious questions and launch the researcher, this set is a solid choice for high schools with strong business departments.

Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School Encyclopedia of U.S. Political History. Andrew W. Robertson, ed. Washington, DC: CQ Press/SAGE, 2010. 978-0-8728-93207. 7 vols. $1200.00. Gr. 9+.

The seven alphabetically arranged volumes each cover an era from the 1500s through 2009, and trace the evolution of politics in our country—the people, events, policies, movements, institutions that shaped each period. Written by scholars,the signed and sourced entries run from one to four pages and include black and white illustrations, prints, photos, political cartoons, and more. Each volume opens with a lengthy overview essay and shares a themed Reader’s Guide(which organizes entries into 21 subject areas), a preface, and a cumulative index. Themes include: the African American Experience; Civil Rights and Liberties; Congress and Legislation; Corruption and Scandal; Domestic Policy and Policy Issues; Economy, Business, and Trade; Elections and Electoral Policy; Frontier and Western Expansion; Immigration and Ethnic Groups; Political Movements, Parties, and Groups, Wars and Foreign Policy. AP US History and Government teachers and their students will welcome this set to your collection.For larger, academic high school collections.

Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School The Encyclopedia of Weather and Climate – A Complete Visual Guide. Dr. Juliane L. Fry ed., etal. Los Angelos, CA: University of California Press, 2010. 978-0-5202-6101-3. 512p. $39.95. Gr. 7+.

The Encyclopedia of Weather and Climate Change offers a well-rounded exploration into the natural and human forces that shape the world. In fewer than 500 pages, aspects of climatology, geography, and meteorology are all combined to develop a better understanding of Earth’s weather. The encyclopedia effectively incorporates the information necessary to understand 4

PSLA TITLES FOR 2010

REFERENCE/PROFESSIONAL

the simple and intricate aspects of weather, while still grasping the reader’s interest with weather extremes and the effect humans have on the weather. Vivid and captivating pictures are shown on every page allowing the reader to feel a part of the amazing phenomenon of weather. One might ask: “What’s the climate difference between the Northeast and Southeast United States?” The Encyclopedia of Weather and Climate Change, answers this question by showing how landmasses, bodies of water, and winds have an effect on the climate and weather of these two distinct areas. Charts, maps, and a helpful fact file are also used to describe the differences in climates in the United States and around the world. Truly, The Encyclopedia of Weather and Climate Change grasps the complex study of weather in ways easy for the reader to understand and enjoy.

Max V. Springfield Township High School Epics for Students. 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale Cengage, 2010/2011. 2 vols. 978-1-4144-7624-7. $278.00. Gr. 9+.

Designed to meet the curricular needs of high school and undergraduate students and their teachers, this two-volume set covers the most studied works of epic literature. In typical, excellent, accessible for Students format, each entry presents a brief overview, author biography, plot summary, character discussion, themes, style, historical context, critical overview, an original critical essay and excerpts from previously published criticism, sources, further reading, suggested search terms, media adaptations, topics for further study, compare and contrast of culture and historical differences of the piece, and What Do I Read Next? Volume One opens with a Literary Chronology. Volume Two concludes with a Glossary of Literary Terms. This new edition includes the 27 entries from Epics for Students volumes 1 and 2, updated with new research, criticism, and images. Buy for academic high school collections especially if you do not own the 1997 first edition. Also available as an e-book. Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School The Forties in America. California: Salem Press, 2010. 978-1-5876-5659-0. 1282p. $364.00. Gr. 9+.

This three volume set is an overview of the 1940’s, spanning topics from Abbott and Costello to Konrad Zuse. A handy timeline is included in the back of the third volume. This set is packed with essential information. Further reading suggestions are included after each article. Included with the purchase of this set is online access that contains the printed information from the set.

Jill Toye – Jenkintown Middle/High School.

F. Scott Fitzgerald. Don Noble, ed. Pasedena, CA: Salem Press, 2010/2011. 978-1-58765-693-4. $85.00. 376p. Gr. 9-12.

Critical Insights delves into the life, works, and legend that is F. Scott Fitzgerald in this comprehensive print and online resource.

Both old and new essays have been included to detail Fitzgerald’s life, his influence and the American Dream and critical insights on his many works of literature. Resources include a Chronology of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Life, Works by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and an Index.

BJ Neary – Abington Senior High Fry, Juliane, et al. The Encyclopedia of Weather and Climate Change. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2010.

978-0-520-26101-3. 512p. $39.95 . Grades 7-Adult.

This encyclopedia has six chapters (Engine, Action, Extremes, Watching, Climate, and Change) that discuss a variety of topics related to weather and climate: processes and mechanics of weather and climate, atmosphere and global systems, extreme weather events, the history and science of meteorology, continental climate zones, and the evidence for and likely outcomes of climate change. The authors have included the results of recent scientific research from the molecular to planetary levels on each of the topics. Each chapter has a brief introduction to the topic and is supplemented by numerous features: maps, charts, graphs, diagrams, visual models, timelines, and “Fact Files.” The highly readable text is supplemented with 3,000 photographs, an extensive glossary, and a thorough index that gives easy access to not only scientific data but also relevant information about countries and cities. While there is no bibliography, five of the six authors are affiliated with well-known academic institutions and one is a meteorologist. With its comprehensive historical and international coverage, this work will be useful for the study of natural disasters, regional and country studies, and current global issues as well as science classes. Atmospheric Science Librarians International (ASLI) gave this book its 2010 Choice Award, Popular Category for its illustrations and authoritative and succinct introduction to meteorology and climate.

Highly recommended for all libraries.

Eleanor Howe, Pine-Richland HS, retired Gale Encyclopedia of American Law. 3rd Ed. Detroit: Gale Cengage, 2011. 141443684X. 14 vols. $1604.00. Gr. 9+ This new, comprehensive set replaces West's Encyclopedia of American Law, and includes up-to-date content on 5,000 legal topics, with 60 new entries and 2,000 revised articles. Entries include biographies of notables who have been influential in creating and shaping law, legal terms, important issues, full text of documents and legal forms. The set includes a variety of visual aides: timelines relevant to many of the entries, maps, document facsimiles, sample forms, and both color and black and white photos. High school teachers will appreciate the In Focus Essays accompanying articles that offer details and arguments surrounding controversial issues.

The writing is highly accessible and appropriate for laymen (and high school students!). Volumes 11 and 12 present Milestone Cases in the Law, discussing landmark cases the reasoning of the judges, and arguments of the attorneys in substantial detail. The ten cases include the heavily studied Gideon v. Wainwright, Roe v. Wade, and Brown v. the Board of Education (Topeka). Volume 13 is packed with critical primary sources. Our history teachers were impressed with the variety of this volume, in fact, they loved the whole set. Volume 14 includes a comprehensive Dictionary of Legal Terms, and thorough Case and General Indexes. This is an expensive purchase, but it truly functions as more than one reference. It is a kind of Swiss army knife for American law. Buy for high school collections if you can.

Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School

5

PSLA TITLES FOR 2010

REFERENCE/PROFESSIONAL rd

Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer: A Guide to Cancer and its Treatments. 3 ed. Jacqueline L. Longe, ed. Laurie J., Ed. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, 2010. 978-1-4144-7602-5. 2 vols. $434.00. Gr. 9+.

This reference set, containing more than 450 entries that range from 500 to 4000 words, has become standard reference for cancers, diagnostic procedures, traditional and alternative treatments, side effects, and cancer drugs. Useful for both for class projects and personal medical information, the two carefully researched volumes are accessible for the layman. Key terms are defined in boxes.

Articles follow a clearly defined structure and include information for caregivers and questions to ask the doctor. The appendix shares information on cancer centers, support groups, government agencies and research groups. Full color photographs demonstrate symptoms and conditions. Excellent diagrams illustrate procedures, body systems, and stages of diseases. This high quality set belongs in large high school collections. Buy, especially if you don’t an earlier edition. Update if possible. Also available as an ebook.

Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School Gale Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders.3rd ed. Laurie J. Fundukian, ed. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, 2010. 978-1-4144-7602-5.

2 vols. $408.00. Gr. 9+.

This inclusive set focuses on an extensive list of medical ailments associated with genetics. Entries are alphabetized, with a list of all included illnesses at the beginning of each volume for easy navigation. Each entry contains a detailed description, signs, and worldwide distribution of the disorder, as well as suggestions for management and treatment. A brief list of additional resources follows each entry. Entries are appealingly written, well organized, and include charts, photos, and definitions to supplement written information. This meticulously researched tool is an excellent starting point for students investigating both rare and common genetic malfunctions, for health, science, and social studies classes. Also available as an ebook.

Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School The Gallup’s Guide to Modern Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Lifestyle Series. Broomall, PA: Mason Crest Publishers, 2010.

64p. $22.95. Gr. 9-12.

Seba, Jaime. Being Gay, Staying Healthy. 978-1-42221-744-3.

Seba, Jaime. Coming Out: Telling Family and Friends. 978-1-42221-745-0.

Seba, Jaime. Feeling Wrong in Your Own Body: Understanding What it Means to be Transgender. 978-1-42221-746-7.

Seba, Jaime. Gay and Lesbian Role Models. 978-1-42221-747-4.

Sanna, Emily. Gay Believers: Homosexuality and Religion. 978-1-42221-749-8.

Seba, Jaime. Gay Characters in Theater, Movies, and Television: New Roles, New Attitudes. 978-1-42222-012-2.

Seba, Jaime. Gay Issues and Politics: Marriage, the Military, & Work place Discrimination. 978-1-42221-750-4.

Seba, Jaime. Gay People of Color: Facing Prejudices, Forging Identities. 978-1-42221-748-1.

Seba, Jaime. Gays and Mental Health: Fighting Depression, Saying No to Suicide. 978-1-42221-751-1.

Palmer, Bill. Homophobia: From Social Stigma to Hate Crimes. 978-1-42221-752-8.

Seba, Jaime. Homosexuality Around the World: Safe Havens, Cultural Challenges. 978-1-42221-753-5.

Palmer, Bill. A new generation of homosexuality: Modern Trends in Gay and Lesbian Communities. 978-1-42221-754-2.

Seba, Jaime. Smashing the Stereotypes: What Does it Mean to be Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender? 978-142221-755-9.

Chastain, Zachary. Statistical Timeline and Overview of Gay Life. 978-1-42221-756-6.

Palmer, Bill. What Causes Sexual Orientation?: Genetics, Biology, Psychology. 978-1-42221-757-3.

While populated with sparse coverage and disturbingly large text, the titles within these series cover very real, very timely topics related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues. The presentation is nice with text boxes with vocabulary, images, etc. This important purchase is significantly cheaper in paperback format.

Karen Hornberger – Palisades High School Gilje, Paul A. Encyclopedia of Revolutionary America. New York: Facts on File, 2010. 978-0-8160-6505-9. 1126p. 3vols. $250.00 Gr. 7-12.

This three-volume encyclopedia—worth the investment with inevitable research units focusing on the Revolutionary era—invites students to go beyond battles and weapons (and other aspects of the Revolutionary War) and explore various other aspects of that time. Topics related to the war are covered in depth, but so are the Illuminati, architecture, environment, and many other topics from everyday life to intellectual pursuits of the time. Biographies of important figures from the time range from Abigail Adams to Yusuf Qaramanli. Extensive back matter includes an in-depth bibliographical guide on several topics, 39 primary source documents, and 35 maps.

Mary Fran Torpey—Friends’ Central School Gale Contextual Encyclopedia of World Literature. Hacht, Anne Marie, and Dwayne d. Hayes, eds. New York: Gale, 2009.

978-1-4144-3135-2. 4 vols. $900.00. Gr. 9-12.

A companion piece to Gale’s Contextual Encyclopedia of American Literature, teachers and students alike will benefit from these volumes. For the student the encyclopedia provides concise introductions to authors and their work. Each entry is divided into biographical and historical, literary, and critical context, giving students the breadth of an author’s work during a particular era in society. For teachers, each entry ends with five prompts for student response and discussion, and a bibliography for further resources.

There are four volumes in all, each containing 500 authors.

Lisa Morein - Charter High School for Architecture + Design

6

PSLA TITLES FOR 2010

REFERENCE/PROFESSIONAL

Gorman, Robert. Magill’s Choice The Cold War. Hackensack, NJ: Salem Press, 2010/2011. 58765-730-6. 1158p. $225.00. Gr. 10-12. 978-1This three volume set of books comes with rave reviews from Library Journal. There is a comprehensive collection of articles on events and developments starting with the 1945 Yalta Conference to the 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union. An introduction by Professor Robert F. Gorman examines the entire history of the Cold War, which unify the articles within allowing the reader to make the necessary connections. Images and graphics are included, but overall the presentation of this set is more appealing to a serious researcher versus a struggling student assigned to research the topic.

Karen Hornberger – Palisades High School Great Lives from History: The Incredibly Wealthy. Hackensack, NJ: Salem Press, 2010. 978-1-58765-664-4. 1168p. $394.96.

Gr. 8-12.

This set includes essays on 446 people in all areas of achievement (with wealth being a common denominator) throughout the world’s history. There is specific focus to how each used their wealth and the legacy that they left on society. Black and white images are included yet somewhat sparse and sidebars include additional information. Unique coverage that may provide a focus which is difficult to find readily, yet expensive.

Karen Hornberger – Palisades High School Hamilton, Neil A. Scientific Exploration and Expeditions: From the Age of Discovery to the Twenty –First Century. Armonk, NY: Sharpe Reference, 2010. 978-0-7656-8076-1. 361p. $164.96. Gr. 8-12.

This set includes 80 A-Z on important people, societies, geographic regions, etc. in relation to exploration and expeditions throughout the world’s history. Articles are appropriately populated with information (manned and unmanned space exploration both receive approx. 14-16 pages each while some others receive less.) Black and white images, maps, sidebars, a list of sidebars, and a topic finder are included along with suggestions for further reading. Useful if exploration is in your curriculum.

Karen Hornberger – Palisades High School Hammond, Paula. The Atlas of the World’s Endangered Animals: Wildlife under Threat around the World. New York: Marshall Cavendish Reference, p2010, c2006. 978-0-7614-7872-0. 224p. $79.94. Gr. 5-Adult.

The Atlas of the World’s Most Dangerous Animals: Mapping Nature’s Born Killers. New York: Marshall Cavendish Reference, p2010, c2004. 978-0-7614-7870-6. 224p. $69.95. Gr. 5-Adult.

Atlas of the World’s Strangest Animals. New York: Marshall Cavendish Reference, 2010. 978-0-7614-7940-6. 224p. $69.95. Gr. 5-Adult.

Each volume in this beautifully illustrated collection presents a four-page profile of fifty different animals. Organized geographically, each profile contains key facts, comparisons to similar species, a habitat map and full-color artwork and photographs. An index is also included. Libraries that choose to acquire these books will want to display them prominently, as they have value for quick research, interesting reading or leisurely browsing.

Patricia Fischer, Edward Hand Middle School, Lancaster Hand, Dorcas ed. , Independent School Libraries: Perspectives on Excellence. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. 978-159158-803-0. 370p. $45.00.

Full of essays from independent school librarians, this book covers topics relevant to everyone, but told from the independent school perspective. The essay on disaster planning was especially informative, as well as scary. The libraries at Sidwell Friends lost a large portion of their collection during a move. Are you ready for a disaster like that? Other topics covered include: staffing, collaborating, advocacy, information commons, technology and more. A good purchase for independent school librarians, as it is always good to find someone in a similar situation. Professional.

Toni Vahlsing- Abington Friends School Hasler, Nikol. Sex: A Book for Teens: An Uncensored Guide to Your Body, Sex, and Safety. San Franciso, CA: Zest Books, 2010.

978-0981973326. 192p. $12.99. Gr. 10+.

This book provides excellent information about a very important topic and promotes open, honest communication with potential partners, doctors, and parents. Emphasis is placed on learning to enjoy sex safely and avoiding sexually transmitted diseases. The humor (the stupid questions) will keep readers entertained as they consider the rest of the important information included in the book.

ErikaThickman Miller Plymouth - Whitemarsh High School.

Hobbs, Renee. Copyright Clarity: How Fair Use Supports Digital Learning. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin, 2010. 978-1-41298159-0. 128p. $26.95.

A fabulous book about copyright that will dispel your confusion about copyright and inspire you to break free from the chains of restrictive “guidelines” referencing particular numbers of pages or percentages of a work. Hobbs clearly explains what copyright law actually says, and surprise, it’s not what you might think! Using The Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Media Literacy Education, Hobbs advocates an approach to using copyrighted materials that places responsibility on educators to make fair use determinations.

Of course we also must teach students to go through fair use analysis as well, and this book provides examples and strategies for doing just that. It is so liberating to realize that we have the right to use copyrighted materials in education, even though some experts and interest groups would have us think otherwise. Back matter includes an outline for leading a staff development workshop on fair use and copyright, excerpts from copyright law, and endnotes. More resources, including educational videos and a fair use reasoning tool, can be accessed on http://copyrightconfusion.wikispaces.com/ Mary Fran Torpey—Friends’ Central School

7

PSLA TITLES FOR 2010

REFERENCE/PROFESSIONAL

Illustrated Dictionary of the Muslim World. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2010/2011. 978-0-7614-7929-1. 192p. $59.95.

Gr. 7+.

This useful but sparsely illustrated reference source opens with an extensive glossary of terms and concepts important in the Muslim culture. A detailed timeline traces the history of Islam from 570 to 2010. Dictionaries of persons and places include substantial entries that will give students a solid start to research. A fact file giving statistical details about nations with large Muslim populations and sources for additional research complete this volume which is a must for any school libraries where information about the Muslim world is needed.

Ro Becker - Springfield Township Middle School Islamic Beliefs, Practices, and Cultures. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2010/2011. 978-0-7614-7926-0. 352 p. $79.95. Gr. 8+.

With emphasis on the global nature of the Muslim world, this well-organized and visually appealing volume offers a comprehensive study of a “dynamic and multidimensional” religious/cultural group.

The book traces the history, religious beliefs and practices of Muslims and gives an overview of holy days, festivals, and holy places.

Over a third of this book covers Muslim contributions to visual arts, architecture, literature, media, philosophy, and science. A glossary and list of book sources are included; noticeably absent is a list of related web links. Nonetheless, for developing a greater understanding of the Muslim world, this book is outstanding.

Ro Becker – Springfield Township Middle School Knights in History and Legend. Buffalo, NY: Firefly, 2010. 978-1-55407-755-7. 304 p. $29.95. Gr. 7+.

This magnificent volume beautifully portrays the rich history and cultural legacy of medieval knights. Almost every page includes high quality art reproductions featuring every aspect of knights’ lives and creating a rich tapestry for study. The reference section offers a timeline, a list of monarchs, an extensive bibliography of book sources by topic, a glossary, and a detailed index. A must purchase to support medieval units.

Ro Becker – Springfield Township Middle School Kurian, George Thomas, ed. The Encyclopedia of Political Science / 5 Volume Set. Washington: CQ Press, 2010. 978-1-93311644-0. 373p. $799.96. Gr. 10+.

With the support of The American Political Science Association, this set of encyclopedias is compromised of over 1500 entries. Nearly 40 different countries are represented throughout the articles, which range in length from one paragraph to several pages and are signed at the end. Described as “an ambitious survey of the world of politics,” this set allows students to research critical notions in political science, focusing on the early twenty-first century. Each book contains a table of contents, outlining individual volumes, an alphabetical and thematic table of contents, a list of authors and a cumulative index. The entries are typed in bold with additional subheadings set off in smaller print as well as black and white photographs, maps and diagrams. At the conclusion of each entry is listed a see also and bibliography directing the researcher to other related information.

Christine Massey – JW Parker Middle School Kurian, George Thomas, ed. The Encyclopedia of Political Science / 5 Volume Set. Washington: CQ Press, 2010. 978-1-93311644-0. 373p. $799.96. Gr. 10+.

For high school student studying critical issues in both domestic and global relations, the set offers essential background and context for instance, explanations and examples of political theories and models; background on the politics of all the regions of the world, biographies of important players. The lengthy essays are especially strong in their discussion of political science’s enduring question.

Social studies teachers will appreciate this set in their planning, and use it for introducing major units.

Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School Lesesne, Teri S. Reading Ladders: Leading Students from Where They Are to Where We’d Like Them to Be. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 2010. 978-0325017266. 128p. $18.75.

I expected to browse this teaching how-to handbook but it wound up being a real page-turner for me. Lesesne is a veteran middle school teacher, school librarian and now an ALAN award-winning Professor of Library Science at Sam Houston State University. She details step-by-step techniques for helping develop secondary school readers including the reluctant reader, starting with books they’re interested in, and helping them climb the ladder toward greater comprehension and insight. Her methods utilize the best sellers in YA literature and Lesesne names tons of titles of best sellers in YA literature and how they link together. This one’s a keeper. Includes themes for writing ladders, lessons and an index. Professional Reference. Kathie Jackson – Arcadia University Library Student Lifelines in World History. Armonk, NY: Sharpe Reference, 2009. 978-0-7656-8125-6. 4-vol. $299.00. Gr. 7-12.

The four volumes in this attractive set, The Ancient World, The Medieval World, The Early Modern World, and The Modern World, present biographical sketches of influential individuals by historical time period. While each volume includes only seventeen to twenty-one 5-8 page biographies (e.g. Modern World includes Fidel Castro, Winston Churchill, Marie Curie, Albert Einstein, Mohandas Ghandi, Abraham Lincoln, and Golda Meir), the “Culture Connection” and “Words from Their Time,” sections add interesting and unique information to each article. The set’s emphasis on the “interplay between individuals and political, economic, and social circumstances” will lead readers to consider the complex forces that have created history.

Ro Becker

8

PSLA TITLES FOR 2010

REFERENCE/PROFESSIONAL

Ling, Huping, and Austin, Allan, eds. Asian American History and Culture: An Encyclopedia. Armonk, NY: Sharpe Reference, 2010. 978-0-7656-8077-8. 2 vols. $229. Gr. 9-12.

Organized by Asian nationalities, this thorough encyclopedia set examines the cultural and historical aspects of over twenty Asian origins. The depth of each group’s coverage depends much on their size and history. The chapter on Chinese Americans, for example, includes a lengthy narrative history as well as over fifty topical entries and thematic essays. A smaller group, such as Bangladeshi Americans, is covered with simply a one-and-a-half page essay about its history and culture. This is a wonderful resource for students who are studying the culture and history of Asian ethnic groups of America. Mary Schwander - New Hope-Solebury High School Lukenbill, W. Bernard and Barbara Froling Immroth. Health Information in a Changing World: Practical Approaches for Teachers, Schools, and School Librarians. Santa Barbara: Libraries Unlimited, 2010. 978-1-59884-398-9. 244p. $45.00.

A rich compendium of current health information that ties in all aspects of the curriculum, engages teachers, schools, and librarians in collaboration, and provides the latest information on the subject of health literacy, including skills based education. The latest information on standards, outcome measures and assessments in health information literacy is explored, as well as the multidisciplinary connections for students, teachers, librarians, school districts, and the community. Explored in detail is globalization as a key teachable subject to the youth of today through relationships, themes, providing examples (learning outcomes, questions and activities) for younger students and older students. Highly recommended for all areas of the curriculum, includes many resources, and an Apppendix and Index. Prof.

BJ Neary-Abington Senior High MacKellar, Pamela H. Winning Grants: A How-to-do-it Manual for Librarians with Multimedia Tutorials and Grant Development Tools. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2010. 978-1-5557-0700-2. 242 p. $107.95.

With budgets stretched, grants can fill the gaps necessary to offer an effective and meaningful library program. The authors of Winning Grants walk novice grant writers through the planning and writing process of successful grants. The How-to-DoIt manual is organized through chapters, covering such topics as “The Grant Process Cycle”, “Library Grant Success Stories,” and “Winning Grants Multimedia Toolkit and DVD.” The book includes a DVD which makes the resource very accessible, especially for beginning grant writers. There is much to offer experienced grant writers as well, particularly in the “Top 10 Tips” section and through the multi-media toolkit. Recommended. Professional.

Dawn M.-Abington Senior High School Mammals of the Northern Hemisphere. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2010/2011. 978-0-7614-7936-9. 208p. $59.95. Gr. 6-8.

Mammals of the Southern Hemisphere. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2010/2011. 978-0-7614-7937-6. 206p. $59.95. Gr. 5-8.

Each of these books presents thirteen different mammals using clearly written text, well-organized fact boxes and diagrams, attractive photographs and illustrations. The information on each mammal is extensive and includes key facts presented in sections: profile, anatomy, habitat, behavior, and survival. Eye-catching layout will entice researchers as well as animal-loving browsers.

Ro Becker Ro Becker – Springfield Township High School Markham, Jerry W. Financial History of the United States: From Enron-Era Scandals to the Subprime Crisis (2004-2006).

Financial History of the United States: From the Subprime Crisis to the Great Recession (2006-2009). Armonk, NY: Sharpe, 2010/11. 9780765624314. 2 vols. $250.00. Gr. 10+.

We live in extraordinary financial times and nothing in my collection, on- or offline, covers this period like these two volumes. The 5th and 6th volumes in this fine series can easily stand alone. They begin with the Enron scandals and culminate with the subprime crisis, government intervention, and proposals for reform. Each volume offers a list of abbreviations, notes, a selected bibliography, and thorough index. Markham’s writing is sophisticated, yet clear, engaging, and readable. He makes the complicated understandable and offers critical insight and context necessary for understanding current events. Buy these high-quality volumes if you offer high school economics or business classes or if you have student or faculty interest. They belong in the academic high school collection.

Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School Masterplots. Laurence W. Mazzeno, ed. Pasedena, CA: Salem Press, 2010. 12 vols. 978-1-58765-568-5. $1,200.00. 6,144pgs.

Gr. 9-12.

The Fourth Edition has 438 newly written essays that extend to the year 2007. Contemporary literature has infused the original essays with cultural perspectives, women’s works, and new titles written in a language other than English. A definite plus is the easy, online access that is now provided with each Salem Press title. Additional new features include the Genre Index, and the Themes & Issues Index located in Volume 12 with the other comprehensive indexes. This latest edition is a very valuable resource and must have for students and teachers in their literary research projects.

BJ Neary – Abington Senior High Mayer, Brian & Christopher Harris. Libraries Got Game: Aligned Learning through Modern Board Games. Chicago: American Library Association, 2010. 978-0-8389-1009-2. 134 p. $45.00. Professional.

Interested in adding games to your library, but don’t know how to start? This volume explores standards-based and curriculum-related games that can be a useful addition to any collection. The authors use their own school district as a model, explaining how to begin providing games and the requisite professional development for teachers and librarians. Included also in the volume are recommended games for elementary, middle, and high school, with a description of the games. An extensive index, lists of games and their publishers complete this must-have volume for anyone considering gaming in the library.

Pat Naismith, Springfield HS (Delco) 9

PSLA TITLES FOR 2010

REFERENCE/PROFESSIONAL

Mazer, Anne and Potter, Ellen. Spilling Ink: a Young Writer’s Handbook.New York:Flash Point, 2010. 978-1596435148. 288 p. $17.99. Gr. 5 + This collaborative creation provides fun, guidance and encouragement to would-be fiction writers. The authors present a variety of issues, from fear of writer’s block to techniques to use when thinking about writing style. Their focus is mostly on helping the reader create a good story. They don’t push technique but rather challenge the reader to make each character come alive by daring the reader to try a variety of fun exercises. A great book for would-be writers and creative writing teachers. ErikaThickman Miller Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Milestone Documents in African American History: Exploring the Essential Primary Sources. Paul Finkelman, ed. Dallas: Schlager, 2010. 978-1-9353-0605-4. 4 vols. $395.00. Gr. 8+.

I love the Milestone Documents series! This four-volume set, focusing on the African American experience, offers 125 chronologically organized speeches, letters, personal narratives, proclamations, legal cases, petitions, and more, covering 400 years.

Each teacher/student-friendly entry presents an overview, context, timeline, author information, analysis, audience information, impact, questions for further study, further reading suggestions, essential quotes, text of the documents, and a glossary. Coverage begins with Rolfe's 1619 correspondence regarding “20 and odd Negroes” delivered off a Dutch ship and ends with President Obama's speech to the 2009 NAACP Centennial Convention. For my AP history students, this set greatly enhances the primary source coverage offered by Annals of America. For my history teachers, this is a critical resource for lesson planning. Seriously consider this excellent resource for anyhigh school collection. (Also consider: Milestone Documents in American History,Milestone Documents of American Leaders,Milestone Documents in World History.) Available as an e-book.

Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School Milestone Documents in World History: Exploring the Primary Sources That Shaped the World. Bonhomme, Brian, ed. And Boivin, Cathleen consulting ed. Dallas, TX: Schlager Group, 2010. 978-1935306092. 4 vol. $400.00. Gr 10+.

This rich set of primary sources will allow your students and faculty to explore important world events. Each primary source entry is framed by an overview of the time, place, and context, timeline, along with an explanation and analysis. There are images that bring life to the history and recommendations for further reading, including books, articles, and websites. This set is avaluableresource for high school students and their teachers.

ErikaThickman Miller - Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Mulford, Sam McBane and Ned A. Himmel. How Green is My Library? Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited. 978-1-59158780-4. 178p. $40.00.

If you are interested in making your library more sustainable, this is a great resource. Even the definitions in the first chapter taught me something. Do you know the difference between “green”, “sustainable”, and “regenerative”? Topics include how to evaluate your library now, how to plan for the future, and practical steps you can take personally (like moving closer to work), and professionally.

There is also information on LEED certification, including checklists in order to reach this high standard in green buildings. This is a book worth reading. Professional.

Toni Vahlsing- Abington Friends School New Cultural Atlases. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2010. 192p. $69.95. Gr. 6+.

The New Cultural Atlas of Egypt. 978-0-7614-7877-5.

The New Cultural Atlas of the Islamic World. 978-0-7614-7879-9.

The New Cultural Atlas of the Greek World. 978-0-7614-7878-2.

These broad overviews present a wealth of cultural information organized geographically and historically. The books are visually appealing with one- and two-page color photos and numerous maps. The bulk of the Atlas of Egypt is covered in the chapter Journey on the Nile giving a perspective to the book. Chapters in the Greek World are organized by historical age. The Islamic World volume begins with a timeline, an introduction, and a table of rulers of the Islamic world. A brief chapter traces Western attitudes toward Islam since the Middle Ages. Excellent coverage of Muslim history, religious practices, and religious influence on the arts make up the bulk of the book but it is the coverage of Muslims worldwide, particularly in regions such as Southeast and Central Asia, Africa, and China, that add value to this work. Each of the three volumes includes a glossary, a list of sources for further reading, and a detailed index. A noticeable omission—web sources. Nonetheless, these reference books are highly recommended.

Ro Becker – Springfield Township High School Nutrition and Fitness. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2010/2011. 978-0-7614-7939-0. 208p. $59.95. Gr. 6-8.

This appealing reference book presents 125 articles on topics ranging from acupuncture, to yoga, to sport injuries. It contains helpful diagrams, illustrations, and sidebars with questions and answers on specific topics. The book was edited by a biomedical writer and editor. The articles provide a starting point for students who are conducting research on a nutrition or fitness topic. I recommend it highly.

Wendy Hopf, Springfield Township Middle School Pearl, Nancy and Sarah Statz Cords. Now Read This III: A Guide to Mainstream Fiction. Libraries Unlimited, 2010. 978-159158-570-1. 405 p. $60.00.

Third installment in this guide, this volume concentrates on books published since 2000. Books are grouped by four categories: Setting, Story, Character and Language. Each title features a comprehensive annotation, listing of related subjects, and a “Now Try” section that suggests additional titles and authors for readers who enjoyed that particular title. An extensive index, and instructions on 10

PSLA TITLES FOR 2010

REFERENCE/PROFESSIONAL

how to use the title supplement the body of information. Most of the titles are adult literature, although many are appropriate for young adults. A grade level notation in the annotation would have been helpful. A useful volume for all libraries. Professional.

Pat Naismith, Springfield HS (Delco) Pons, Silvio and Robert Service, eds. A Dictionary of 20th-Century Communism. Princeton, NJ: Princeton Press, 2010. 978-0691-13585-4. 944p. $99.50. Gr. 10+.

This dictionary provides a comprehensive history on communism and its impact on the world through the 20th century. It contains over 400 articles discussing key figures, events, concepts, organizations, movements, and related topics. The essays are very readable and provide other recommended articles on the topics to help in the research process. Not only covers the Soviet Union and People’s Republic of China, but also different communist parties in Europe, the U.S, and other various countries. Over 160 scholars from around the globe contributed information. A list of acronyms/abbreviations and an index are provided.

Melissa Daugherty – Sharon Middle High School Powell, John ed. Weapons & Warfare (Rev. Ed.). Pasadena, CA: Salem Press, 2010. 978-1-58765-594-4. 1260p., 3v. $395.00.

Gr. 9-Adult.

An extensive revision of the 2002 edition, with 56 new essays, and an additional volume, this work presents much needed information about weapons and warfare from early times to the present. Volume 1, Ancient & Medieval, covers warfare from prehistoric times to approximately 1500; Volume 2, Modern, covers 1500 to the present. The newly added Volume 3, Culture and Concepts, covers the social aspects of war, technological achievements used in warfare, and morality of behavior during war. Extensive appendices and a comprehensive index complete this valuable volume for anyone studying weapons and warcraft.

Pat Naismith, Springfield HS (Delco) Sauers, Michael P. Blogging and RSS: A Librarian’s Guide. Medford, NJ: Information Today, 2010. 978-1573873994. 322p. $35.00.

Easy to read reference for the wired or wannabe wired librarian! Sauers starts off giving you page after page of blogs you should check out, then step by step instructions for setting up your own blog. He follows with clear directions for using feeds, aggregators and RSS to stay on top of news and do research. Feel free to jump around in this book; there’s no need to read it in any particular order. Includes recommended reading, feed code appendix, glossary and index. Professional Reference Kathie Jackson – Arcadia University Library Student Savage, David G. CQ Press Guide to the U.S. Supreme Court. 5th ed. Washington, DC: CQ Press, 2010. 978-0-8728-9432-5.

1544 p. $420.00. Gr. 7-Adult.

This latest edition of the CQ Press Guide to the U.S.Supreme Court tells the reader everything they need to know about the Supreme Court, it’s landmark cases, and the justices. Including the origins of the court, its place in the federal system, and the changes that have occurred through the 2008-2009 session, this should be the first resource researchers consult for reports on related topics.

Sandra Krieg – The Haverford School Smithsonian Institution Explorers: Great Tales of Adventure and Endurance. New York, NY: DK Publishing, 2010. 978-0-75666737-5. 360p. $40.00. Gr. 9-12.

Chapters: Early Explorers, Trade & Discovery, Conquest & Colonization, Filling in the Gaps, Reaching for Extremes. Table of Contents and Index included for easy reference. Timelines, pictures, maps and photographs all help make this release from DK a stunner! Packed full of information from the earliest explorers until today. And recommend for grades 9-12, but many children will get enjoyment from this book. Absolutely beautiful; a must-have for high school libraries!

Kathryn Gilbride-North Pocono High School Teen Health Series. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics, 2010. $62.00. Gr. 9-12 Bellenir, Karen. Tobacco Information for Teens. 440p. 978-0-7808-1153.

Bellenir, Karen. Mental Health Information for Teens. 443p. 978-0-7808-1087-7.

Magill, Elizabeth. DrugInformation for Teens. 490p. 978-0-7808-1154-6.

Outstanding information on various teen health issues; presented in an easy to read manner for high school students. Upon visiting omnigraphics.com, I discovered there were many more volumes to this set. Complete with a table of contents, and an index in each volume, there is a comprehensive amount of information very relative for today’s teen. An excellent source for any health curriculum; this series is well done and truly high school level reference.

Kathryn Gilbride-North Pocono High School Weigel, Marlene. UXL Encyclopedia of Biomes. 3 vols. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, 2010. 978-1-4144-5516-7. 3 vols. $214.00.

Gr. 6+.

Each volume of this three-volume set begins with ‘Words to Know’ section, which benefits researchers by defining fundamental terms and providing essential context. This easy-to-navigate resource focuses on twelve of the Earth’s major biomes, their associated ecosystems, and how each biome impacts the environment as a whole. In addition to exploring biomes such as the ocean, grasslands, and coniferous forests, coverage includes an in-depth exploration of plant, animal, and human life for each, an explanation of climate patterns, and a comprehensive look at formation, among other things. Eye-catching color pictures provide visual context, and a 11

PSLA TITLES FOR 2010

REFERENCE/PROFESSIONAL

lengthy list of additional research sources and organizations for further information is included.A welcome addition to science reference, especially for the middle school and lower high school grades.

Lisa Morein - Charter School for Architecture and Design and Joyce Valenza – Springfield Township High School World at Risk: A Global Issues Sourcebook. 2nd ed. Washington, D.C.: CQ Press, 2010. 978-0- 872899193. 759p. $160.00. Gr. 11+.

As peoples and nations become increasingly interconnected, the international community must evolve to address the new and more complex social, political, and economic challenges it faces. World at Risk: A Global Issues Sourcebook, explores these challenges in 32 essays organized under the larger themes of “Demographics and Settlement;” “Economics;” “Environment;” “Education, Health, and Welfare;” “Politics and Governance;” and “Security.” Each essay addresses a relevant issue by providing comprehensive yet concise background knowledge, updating the current status of the issue and existing policy, summarizing the issue regionally by examining detailed maps and data charts, and illustrating a pertinent case study. Each essay concludes with a comprehensive resource list that includes a directory of organizations, books, articles and reports, and websites for further inquiry. This is a valuable reference source for students, teachers, and adults eager to learn more about current global events; such as food security, human trafficking, transnational governance, and world trade. Teachers may use this as a launching point for student discussion and inquiry.

Ashley Fusarelli – STHS Social Studies

Committee Members: Ro Becker - Springfield Township Middle School Jeannie Bellavance Sarah Braxton - Juniata Valley Elementary School Robin Burns – Whitehall High School Nancy Chrismer - Juniata High School Melissa Daugherty -Sharon-Middle High School Tricia Fischer -Edward Hand Middle School Kathryn Gilbride – North Pocono High School Karen Hornberger - Palisades High School Eleanor Howe, Pine-Richland High School Kathie Jackson – Arcadia University Library Student Sandra Krieg - The Haverford School Christine Massey - J.W. Parker Middle School Sheila May-Stein - Karen Rachel Hurwitz Library Community Day School Erika Miller- Plymouth Whitemarsh High School Lisa Morein – Charter School for Architecture and Design Pat Naismith -Springfield High School (Del Co) BJ Neary - Abington High School Nora Neumann - Outstanding Library Student Mary Schwander - New Hope-Solebury High School Jenni Stern – Arcadia University Library Student Michelle Stone - Sandy Run Middle School Mary Fran Torpey – Friends Central School’ Jill Toye - Jenkintown Middle/High School Toni Vahlsing- Abington Friends School Joyce Valenza - Springfield Township High School

12