Teen Reads: November Non-Fiction

with No Comments

 

Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists: A Graphic History of Women’s Fight for Their Rights by Mikki Kendall/Anna D’Amico (Illustrations)

44071928A bold and gripping graphic history of the fight for women’s rights. The ongoing struggle for women’s rights has spanned human history, touched nearly every culture on Earth, and encompassed a wide range of issues, such as the right to vote, work, get an education, own property, exercise bodily autonomy, and beyond. Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists is a fun and fascinating graphic novel-style primer that covers the key figures and events that have advanced women’s rights from antiquity to the modern era. In addition, this compelling book illuminates the stories of notable women throughout history–from queens and freedom fighters to warriors and spies–and the progressive movements led by women that have shaped history, including abolition, suffrage, labor, civil rights, LGBTQ liberation, reproductive rights, and more. Examining where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going, Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists is an indispensable resource for people of all genders interested in the fight for a more liberated future.

 

Animals Reviewed: Starred Ratings of Our Feathered, Finned, and Furry Friends by American Zoo Association

43212853. sx318 Turtle, 4 stars: Came with super cute case, not the fastest but outlasts every comparable unit. Dropped into a pond and still works perfectly. Otter, 4 stars: Sturdy built, totally winter-read and waterproof. Only comes in brown. Launched by the Oregon Zoo and picked up by zoos and aquariums around the world, #rateaspecies is a viral hit, giving zookeepers a chance to honestly and hilariously review the animals in their keep. In Animals Reviewed, the American Zoo Association has crowd-sourced 150 of the best entries, the majority of which are new to the book. Packed with adorable photos of every animal and laced with wit and humor, Animals Reviewed is the perfect gift for every animal lover.

 

Games of Deception: The True Story of the First U.S. Olympic Basketball Team at the 1936 Olympics in Hitler’s Germany by  Andrew Maraniss 

44139379The true story of the birth of Olympic basketball at the 1936 Summer Games in Hitler’s Germany.  On a scorching hot day in July 1936, thousands of people cheered as the U.S. Olympic teams boarded the S.S. Manhattan, bound for Berlin. Among the athletes were the 14 players representing the first-ever U.S. Olympic basketball team. As thousands of supporters waved American flags on the docks, it was easy to miss the one courageous man holding a BOYCOTT NAZI GERMANY sign. But it was too late for a boycott now; the ship had already left the harbor.

1936 was a turbulent time in world history. Adolf Hitler had gained power in Germany three years earlier. Jewish people and political opponents of the Nazis were the targets of vicious mistreatment, yet were unaware of the horrors that awaited them in the coming years. But the Olympians on board the S.S. Manhattan and other international visitors wouldn’t see any signs of trouble in Berlin. Streets were swept, storefronts were painted, and every German citizen greeted them with a smile. Like a movie set, it was all just a facade, meant to distract from the terrible things happening behind the scenes.

 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: The Journey: Behind the Scenes of the Award-Winning Stage Production  by Harry Potter Theatrical Productions,Jody Revenson

44095591. sx318 The official behind-the-scenes book of the record-breaking, award-winning play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is one of the most celebrated stage productions of the past decade. Opening in London’s West End in 2016, on Broadway in 2018, in Melbourne in 2019 — and with more productions worldwide still to come (including San Francisco later this year) — the play has smashed records, collected countless rave reviews and awards, and captivated audiences night after night. Now readers are invited behind the scenes to experience the show’s journey to the stage — from the earliest phases of development with producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender, to the crafting of the eighth Harry Potter story with J.K. Rowling, director John Tiffany, and playwright Jack Thorne, to the gathering of an extraordinary team of artists and actors together to bring this new part of Harry Potter’s story to life.

With stunning photography, insightful interviews, and never-before-seen sketches, notes, candid backstage photos, and more, this full-color deluxe edition offers readers unparalleled access to this unique production, and is a beautiful gift for Harry Potter fans and theater lovers alike.

 

Life in the Sloth Lane: Slow Down and Smell the Hibiscus by Lucy Cooke

35489144. sx318 WHY ARE SLOTHS ALWAYS SMILING?  Perhaps it’s because they’ve mastered the art of taking it slow in a world whose frenzied pace is driving the rest of us crazy. Here, in a mindfulness book like no other, heart-tuggingly cute photographs of these always-chill creatures are paired with words of wisdom, all to inspire us to slow down, stop to enjoy the little things, and come up relaxed, centered, and smiling.

 

Myths, Legends, and Sacred Stories: A Visual Encyclopedia by DK Publishing

44578705. sx318 From lightning-wielding Zeus, the supreme Greek god, to protective Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of love – heroes, gods, and monsters are brought to life in these retellings of myths from around the world.

Myths, Legends, and Sacred Stories is a children’s book that invites you to explore all the well-known stories from Greek and Norse mythology, and a range of other cultures across more than 100 tales.  As well as offering the retellings themselves, Myths, Legends, and Sacred Stories: a visual encyclopedia investigates the meanings of these primal stories, examining why these tales have stood the test of time over thousands of years. Themed features draw together elements that are common to myths from all over the world, such as shapeshifters, mythical beasts, and magical weapons. Panels on modern retellings, such as Percy Jackson and The Little Mermaid, help to show why these myths are still relevant to our lives today.

 

National Geographic Photo Basics: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Great Photography by Joel Sartore

39196058For digital camera and smartphone users, this easy how-to guide, written by an experienced National Geographic photographer, imparts the essentials of taking great pictures.

This entertaining book from beloved National Geographic photographer and Photo Ark founder Joel Sartore shows aspiring photographers how to take great pictures, from framing and F-stops to editing and archiving. Whether you’re using your phone or a DSLR camera, you’ll learn the fundamentals of photography–and how to put them to work every day.

In a series of short lessons, Sartore explains the basics, from choosing a camera and gear to understanding focus, exposure, composition, and lighting. Using examples from his own work, he applies the basic rules of photography to family, pet, travel, nature, and street photos, and how to get a great shot with the camera on your smartphone.

 

Poems to Live Your Life By by Chris Riddell

43909025. sx318 A gorgeously illustrated collection of poems for every walk of life. Curated by artist and writer Chris Riddell, Poems to Live Your Life By is a beautifully illustrated collection of poems for readers young and old to carry with them as they grow. The book includes favorites, both old and new—from selections of Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets to original poems by Neil Gaiman to lyrics to an indie rock song by Phoebe Bridgers. It is divided into different subjects and includes poems about youth, love, imaginings, and endings. Brought to life by Chris Riddell’s striking artwork, Poems to Live Your Life By is the kind of book that readers can return to again and again at different moments in their life.

 

An Unofficial Harry Potter Fan’s Cookbook: Spellbinding Recipes for Famished Witches and Wizards by Aurelia Beaupommier /Aline Shaw (Photographs)

46858988. sx318 Cast a spell on your taste buds with these delicious recipes! From cauldron cakes and chocolate frogs to everyday meals in the Weasley household, one of the most spectacular aspects of Harry Potter is the food. Now with this fantastical cookbook, you can create breakfast, entrees, desserts, and drinks inspired by some of your favorite aspects of the Harry Potter universe!

Included are dozens of recipes such as:  Dudley’s Hamburger Special,Trelawney’s Divination Tea,Canary Cremes, Deathday R.I.P. Cookies, Hogwarts House Cups, Aging Potion, Kidney and Beef Pies…and many, many more!

Whether you like sweet or savory, hot or cold, this variety of recipes from across the Wizarding World are sure to impress your friends and family. Easy, step-by-step recipes will bring out your inner witch or wizard and have you prepping feasts worthy of the Hogwarts Great Hall. So whip out your wands and your aprons and get cooking with An Unofficial Harry Potter Fan’s Cookbook!