Whether exploring favorite authors, lesser-known works, or book history topics, several new titles provide breadth and depth to the study of literature, literary collections, speeches, and history.
Index, A History of the
Dennis Duncan, 2022, W.W. Norton & Company Themes: Book History, Social History, Books
Book history fans will be enthralled by this fascinating history of the index. Duncan traces the little-known highlights of its design, use, and changes over time.
Take-aways: Students will related to how the index has evolved from print media into digital searches.
Everyday Emerson: A Year of Wisdom
Ralph Waldo Emerson, 2022, St. Martin’s Essentials, Macmillan Themes: Literary Collections
These daily quotes are intended to connect with everyday life and share the universal appeal of his writings.
Take-aways: English teachers will find these quotes to be excellent discussion starters. Ask students to consider whether they agree with the quote and how it applies to life in today’s world.
Walt Whitman’s New Orleans: Sidewalk Sketches and Newspaper Rambles
Stefan Scholberlein (Editor), 2022, LSU Press Themes: Literary Collections
After an introduction and excerpts from A Traveller’s Note Book, readers explore 50 short prose “sketches” and insightful information and resources about Whitman and his works.
Take-aways: Use this fascinating book to help students better understand Whitman and his use of sketches to share his insights into daily life. Ask students to create their own sketches based on their observations.
Undelivered: The Never-Heard Speeches that Would have Rewritten History
Jeff Nussbaum, 2023, Flatiron Books, an imprint of Macmillan Themes: Literary Collections, Speeches
Sharing notable speeches that were never delivered, Nussbaum explores the historical contexts along with the content of dozens of speeches by well-known individuals. From change and crisis to apology and loss, each of the five parts examples a different theme that impacted the speech’s outcome.
Take-aways: Students are familiar with the famous speeches, but will find these less-known, never-heard speeches to be engaging and thought-provoking.
All the Knowledge in the World: The Extraordinary History of the Encyclopedia
Simon Garfield, 2023, William Morrow, HarperCollins Themes: Book History, Language Arts
Garfield’s conversational style turns what could be a dry history of the encyclopedia into an engaging exploration of this fascinating reference source. Through short, interesting chapters, readers learn about the authors and publishers along with the content and formats of the beloved encyclopedia.
Take-aways: Share examples from Garfield’s book, then ask students to adopt their favorite reference book category. From field guides to atlases, involve students in writing their own reference history.
Storyland: A New Mythology of Britain
Amy Jeffs, 2023, Andrew McMeel Publishing Themes: History, Social Science, Literature, Mythology
While tracing the history and interconnected mythology, Jeffs retells both well-known and lesser known tales. Along the way, readers explore key landscapes and legends. The linocuts are of particular note.
Take-aways: Written for a modern audience, young adults will enjoy the retellings. Involve teams of students in examining the early, prehistory, antiquity, or the Middle Ages and mythological themes.
The Wonderful World of James Herriot: A Charming Collection of Classic Stories
James Herriot, 2023, St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of Macmillan Themes: Essays & Narratives
This illustrated version of Herriot’s popular narratives bring these classic stories alive for a new audience.
Take-aways: Inspire teen writers to use observation and humor in their own nonfiction narratives.
The Hobbit Encyclopedia
Damien Bondi & Vivien Stocker, 2023, Frances Lincoln, Quarto Group Themes: Literary Criticism
This illustrated guide to Tolkien’s universe features hundreds of entries related to characters, places, and plot elements.
Take-aways: Suggest this reference companion for fans of The Hobbit. Ask students to create their own “encyclopedia”.
Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb
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