THE GREENWOOD ENCYCLOPEDIA OF WORLD POPULAR CULTURE

This six-volume reference set from general editor Hoppenstand (American studies, Michigan State U.) and colleagues provides a student or general audience with an introduction to popular culture around the world. Titlepeek 

THE BETTER ANGELS OF OUR NATURE: WHY VIOLENCE HAS DECLINED

By Pinker, Steven 

This groundbreaking book continues Pinker's exploration of the essence of human nature, mixing psychology and history to provide a remarkable picture of an increasingly nonviolent world. The key, he explains, is to understand our intrinsic motives- the inner demons that incline us toward violence and the better angels that steer us away-and how changing circumstances have allowed our better angels to prevail. Titlepeek 

MESOAMERICAN MYTH: A TREASURY OF LEGENDS, ART, AND HISTORY

By Ganeri, Anita

Retelling of Aztec myths. Titlepeek

CHINESE MYTH: A TREASURY OF LEGENDS, ART, AND HISTORY

By Wilkinson, Phil

Presents some of the ancient mythology of China and explains its influence on art and religion. Titlepeek

MYTHOLOGY

By Wright, Anne Ma

Mythology introduces major gods and goddesses and relates stories of the Trojan War, Odysseus, Heracles, and great quests. Titlepeek

THEMATIC GUIDE TO WOLD MYTHOLOGY

By Stookey, Lorena

This book examines 30 common motifs that thread their way through mythological tales across history and around the globe. The themes are presented in alphabetical order, moving from The Afterlife and Animals in Myth to The Underworld, World Tree, and Ymir Motif. Each thematic section defines and discusses a single recognizable motif, compares a number of different mythological traditions, and traces the repeated occurrences of one of these patterns through several different categories of narratives. Titlepeek 

NEW RELIGIONS

By Matthews, Carol

Focuses on some of the more traditional new religions, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and one of the fastest growing forms of Christianity, Pentecostalism. Titlepeek 

THE THRONE OF FIRE

By: Riordan, Rick

 In this exciting second installment of the three-book series, Carter and Sadie, offspring of the brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane, embark on a worldwide search for the Book of Ra, but the House of Life and the gods of chaos are determined to stop them. TitlePeek

ARISTOTLE: PHILOSOPHER, TEACHER, AND SCIENTIST

By Cooper, Sharon

Biography of Aristotle, the Greek philosopher who studied with Plato and whose lectures and books are considered part of the foundation of philosophy and science. Titlepeek  

THE STORY OF WAL-MART

By: Gilbert, Sara

A look at the origins, leaders, growth, and operations of Wal-Mart, the discount retailing company whose first store opened in 1962 and which today is one of the largest corporations in the world. TitlePeek

THE STORY OF EBAY

By: Gilbert, Sara

A look at the origins, leaders, growth, and holdings of eBay, the online auction and shopping company that was founded in 1995 and today sells a multitude of collectibles and other consumer products. TitlePeek

THE STORY OF APPLE

By: Gilbert, Sara

A look at the origins, leaders, growth, and products of Apple, the consumer electronics company that was founded in 1976 and today manufactures some of the world's most popular computer products. TitlePeek

RISE OF THE BLOGOSPHERE

by Barlow, Aaron

In 1985 The WELL, a dial-up discussion board, began with the phrase: You own your own words. Though almost everything else about online discussion has changed in the two decades since, those words still describe its central premise, and this basic idea underlies both the power and the popularity of blogging today. Appropriately enough, it also describes American journalism as it existed a century and a half before The WELL was organized, before the concept of popular involvement in the press was nearly swept away on the rising tide of commercial and professional journalism. In this book, which is the first to provide readers with a cultural/historical account of the blog, as well as the first to analyze the different aspects of this growing phenomenon in terms of its past, Aaron Barlow provides lay readers with a thorough history and analysis of a truly democratic technology that is becoming more important to our lives every day. Titlepeek

SHOULD JUNK FOOD BE SOLD IN SCHOOLS?

By: Piehl, Norah

Several articles discuss the issues surrounding junk food in schools. TitlePeek

SEXTING

By: Kiesbye, Stefan

A compendium of opinion on the topic of sexting, the practice of sharing sexually explicit photos, videos, and text by cell phone or online. TitlePeek

THE SCORPIO RACES

By: Stiefvater, Maggie

 It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die. At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them. Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn't given her much of a choice. So she enters the competition - the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen. TitlePeek

THE SACRED ACRE: THE ED THOMAS STORY

By: Tab, Mark

On May 2008, an F-5 tornado struck the town of Parkersburg, Iowa, killing eight people and destroying 250 homes and businesses within seconds. The next day, the beloved football coach, Ed Thomas, made a stunning prediction: 'God willing, we will play our first home game here on this field this season.' One hundred days later, the home team scored a victory on the field they dubbed 'The Sacred Acre,' serving as a galvanizing point for the town to band together and rebuild.But just as Parkersburg was recovering, another tragedy struck. One of Ed's former students walked in and gunned him down point blank. TitlePeek

ROBOPOCALYPSE

By: Wilson, Daniel H.

In the near future, at a moment no one will notice, all the dazzling technology that runs our world will unite and turn against us. Taking on the persona of a shy human boy, a childlike but massively powerful artificial intelligence known as Archos comes online and assumes control over the global network of machines that regulate everything from transportation to utilities, defense and communication. When the Robot War ignites -- at a moment known later as Zero Hour -- humankind will be both decimated and, possibly, for the first time in history, united. TitlePeek

RAIN

By:  Andrews, V.C

Growing up in the ghettos, the cards are stacked against a hardworking dreamer like Rain Arnold. Rain studies hard and gets good grades; she helps her mother. And unlike her defiant younger sister, she avoids the dangers of the city as if her life depends on it...and it does. But Rain can't suppress the feeling that she has never truly fit in. Then one night, Rain overhears something she shouldn't: a heartbreaking revelation from the past, a long-buried secret that is about to change her life. In the blink of an eye-- the family she has loved and the familiar place called home is left behind, and Rain is sent to live with total strangers, the wealthy Hudson family. TitlePeek

RACIAL PROFILING

By: Hahn, Kathy

The At Issue series includes a wide range of opinion on a single controversial subject. Each volume includes primary and secondary sources from a variety of perspectives -- eyewitnesses, scientific journals, government officials and many others. Extensive bibliographies and annotated lists of relevant organizations to contact offer a gateway to future research. TitlePeek

QUATRAIN

By: Shinn, Sharon

Sharon Shinn's Twelve Houses books have fascinated readers and critics alike with their irresistible blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure. Now in Quatrain , she weaves compelling stories in four of the worlds that readers love in Fight, Blood, Gold, and Flame. TitlePeek

WONDERSTRUCK: A NOVEL IN WORDS AND PICTURES


By Selznick, Brian

Ben's story takes place in 1977 and is told in words. Rose's story in 1927 is told entirely in pictures. Ever since his mother died, Ben feels lost. At home with her father, Rose feels alone. When Ben finds a mysterious clue hidden in his mother's room, and when a tempting opportunity presents itself to Rose, both children risk everything to find what's missing. Rich, complex, affecting and beautiful, WONDERSTRUCK is a staggering achievement from a uniquely gifted artist. Titlepeek

THE MERCHANT OF DEATH

By: MacHale, D.J

Bobby Pendragon is a seemingly normal fourteen-year-old boy. He has a family, a home, and even Marley, his beloved dog. But there is something very special about Bobby. He is going to save the world. And not just Earth as we know it. Bobby is slowly starting to realize that life in the cosmos isn't quite what he thought it was. And before he can object, he is swept off to an alternate dimension known as Denduron, a territory inhabited by strange beings, ruled by a magical tyrant, and plagued by dangerous revolution. If Bobby wants to see his family again, he's going to have to accept his role as savior. TitlePeek

THE LOST GATE: A NOVEL OF MITHER MAGES

By: Card, Orson Scott

Danny North knew from early childhood that his family was different, and that he was different from them. While his cousins were learning how to create the things that commoners called fairies, ghosts, golems, trolls, werewolves, and other such miracles that were the heritage of the North family, Danny worried that he would never show a talent, never form an outself. While Danny's cousins are free to create magic whenever they like, they must never do it where outsiders might see. Unfortunately, there are some secrets kept from Danny as well. And that will lead to disaster for the North family. TitlePeek

 

WAVE AND TIDAL POWER


Edited by Louise I. Gerdes

Several articles discuss the issues and concerns surrounding wave and tidal power generation. Titlepeek 

IS OFFSHORE OIL DRILLING WORTH THE RISK?

By: A Namless Homo sapien

These titles open with a current event-the disappearance of an Alaskan Inupiat village due to melting ice and the Deepwater Horizon disaster-that grabs readers' attention and serves to introduce the volume's subject. Common chapter subjects are economic benefits or impacts as well as environmental costs and political implications. Both sides of the issue and contrasting opinions are presented. TitlePeek

THE WALKING DEAD CHRONICLES: THE OFFICIAL COMPANION BOOK

By Ruditis, Paul

The Walking Dead Chronicles: The Official Companion Book is the only authorized, behind-the-scenes guide to Season One of the white-hot new AMC television series, The Walking Dead , which tells the story of a sheriff's deputy leading a band of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by the undead. Titlepeek

I BEAT THE ODDS: FROM HOMELESSNESS, TO BLIND SIDE AND BEYOND

By: Oher Micheal

The football star made famous in the hit film The Blind Side reflects on how far he has come from the circumstances of his youth. Michael Oher is the young man at the center of the true story depicted in The Blind Side movie (and book) that swept up awards and accolades. Though the odds were heavily stacked against him, Michael had a burning desire deep within his soul to break out of the Memphis inner-city ghetto and into a world of opportunity. This is the first time he shares his account of his story in his own words, revealing his thoughts and feelings with details that only he knows, and offering his point of view on how anyone can achieve a better life. TitlePeek

HITLER VS STALIN: THE GREATEST CONFLICT OF THE SECOND WAR WORLD

By: Erikson, John

For  millions of readers, World War II never loses its terrible fascination. This definitive account of Hitler's assault on Russia-the biggest and most destructive military campaign in history-will be published on the 70th anniversary of the start of that invasion. John Erickson, the world's leading authority on the subject, began the book, which has now been completed by his wife Ljubica, whose fluency in Russian was invaluable in its creation. TitlePeek

THE WALKING DEAD CHRONICLES: THE OFFICIAL COMPANION BOOK





By Ruditis, Paul 

The Walking Dead Chronicles: The Official Companion Book is the only authorized, behind-the-scenes guide to Season One of the white-hot new AMC television series, The Walking Dead , which tells the story of a sheriff's deputy leading a band of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by the undead. Focusing on the making of the first season of the Golden Globe-nominated TV show, as well as the creation of the New York Times bestselling comic book on which the series is based, The Walking Dead Chronicles is lav­ishly illustrated with never-before-seen unit photography, storyboards, set designs, makeup and visual effects shots, and page-to-screen comparisons of the comic and TV show.                           
                                         Titlepeek

GLOW

By: Ryan Amy Kathleen

The Empyrean is the only home 15-year-old Waverly has ever known. Part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space, she and her boyfriend Kieran will be pioneers of New Earth. Waverly knows she must marry young in order to have children who can carry on the mission, and Kieran, the handsome captain-to-be, has everything Waverly could want in a husband. Still, there's a part of Waverly that wants more from lifethan marriage, and she is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth. Suddenly, Waverly's dreams are interrupted by the inconceivable - a violent betrayal by the Empyrean's sister ship, the New Horizon. The New Horizon's leaders are desperate to populate the new planet first, and will do anything to get what they need: young girls. TitlePeek

FORTUNE AND FATE

By: Shinn, Sharon


Plagued by guilt for failing to protect her king, Rider Wren has fled the city of Gilengaria and given herself the penance of a life of wandering, helping strangers in need. But when chance brings her to the great estate known as Fortune, Wren will find her fate, and finally confront the ghosts of her past. TitlePeek

THE FIRE

By: Patterson, James

Whit and Wisty Allgood have sacrificed everything to lead the resistance against the merciless totalitarian regime that governs their world. Its supreme leader, The One Who Is The One, has banned everything they hold dear: books, music, art, and imagination.  Wisty knows that the time has finally come for her to face The One. How can she and Whit possibly prepare for their imminent showdown with the ruthless villain that devastated their world-before he can truly become all-powerful? TitlePeek

THE EXILED QUEEN

By: Cinda, Chima William


Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden's Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn't mean that danger isn't far behind, in this second novel of the Seven Realms trilogy. TitlePeek

DO CHILDREN HAVE RIGHTS?

By: Watkins, Christine ; Haugen, David M.


Examines different points of view in the debate over the rights of minors, covering issues such as forced child labor, abortion, the staus of students, online privacy, and First Amendment protection. TitlePeek

CHILD LABOR AND SWEATSHOPS

By: Watkins, Christine


Features primary and secondary sources from a variety of perspectives on the topic of child labor and sweatshops. TitlePeek

CELLPHONES AND DRIVING

By: Kiesbye, Stefan


The At Issue series includes a wide range of opinion on a single controversial subject. Each volume includes primary and secondary sources from a variety of perspectives -- eyewitnesses, scientific journals, government officials and many others. Extensive bibliographies and annotated lists of relevant organizations to contact offer a gateway to future research. TitlePeek

ARE NEWSPAPERS BECOMING EXTINCT?

By: Dorman, Jennifer


Explores the changing role of newspapers. TitlePeek

MOVIE MENACE

By: Dixon, Franklin W.


Frank and Joe Hardy are assigned to pose as extras on the set of the upcoming teen movie Deathstalker . The star, an ingenue named Anya, believes that someone is out to get her--and she’s got proof. Someone tried to burn down her trailer! Can the Undercover Brothers get to the bottom of the arson--and other mayhem surrounding the filming of the hit comic book? Or will this movie wrap before filming begins? Don’t miss this first book of an exciting trilogy. TitlePeek

MONEYBALL: THE ART OF WINNING AN UNFAIR GAME

By: Lewis Michael (Michael M.)

Billy Beane, the Oakland A's general manager, is leading a revolution. Reinventing his team on a budget, he needs to outsmart the richer teams. He signs undervalued players whom the scouts consider flawed but who have a knack for getting on base, scoring runs, and winning games. Moneyball is a quest for the secret of success in baseball and a tale of the search for new baseball knowledge-insights that will give the little guy who is willing to discard old wisdom the edge over big money. TitlePeek

LOVE, INC

By: Collins, Yvonne

Zahra, Kali, and Syd would never have met if their parents' marriages hadn't fallen apart. But when the three girls collide in group counseling, they discover they have something else in common: they've each been triple-timed by the same nefarious charmer, Eric, aka Rico, aka Rick...Project Payback is such a success, the girls soon have clients lining up for their services. Is your boyfriend acting shady? Dying to know if your crush is into you? Need match-making expertise? Look no further than Love, Inc. TitlePeek

JANE AUSTEN: A LIFE REVEALED

By: Reef, Catherine

And despite the resonance her work continues to have for teens, there has never been a young adult trade biography on Austen. Catherine Reef changes that with this highly readable account. She takes an intimate peek at Austen's life and innermost feelings, interweaving her narrative with well-crafted digests of each of Austen's published novels. TitlePeek

THE IRON KING

By: Kagawa, Julie

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.But she could never have guessed the truth-- that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about and find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart. TitlePeek

WAKING STORMS


By:  Porter, Sarah

A Twist on the Classic TaleAfter parting ways with her troubled mermaid tribe, Luce receives news that the tribes queen wants her dead. Dorian, the boy Luce broke mermaid law to save, is determined to make her pay for the murder of his family. TitlePeek 

UNEXPLAINED MYSTERIES OF WORLD WAR II

By Breuer, William B.

"As combat veterans and high commanders know, logic is often a stranger in wartime." --William B. Breuer, in The annals of World War II are mined with captivating cases of strange coincidences, ominous premonitions, and baffling mysteries. Now, William Breuer's painstaking research has yielded over 100 fascinating historical accounts, including: The mysterious fire on the Normandie . . . Who really was behind the eerily efficient destruction of the famed ocean liner? The ominous "Deadly Double" advertisement in The New Yorker . . . Was it a coded leak to Japanese and German spies announcing the upcoming bombing of Pearl Harbor? The botched Nazi kidnapping of the Duke of Windsor . . . How did a serendipitous series of events save the duke from Hitler's grasp (and the Allied forces from a crippling strategic setback)? The curious sinking of the Tang . . . How did this deadliest of U.S. submarines come to meet such an unexpected and mysterious end? "Anyone interested in twists of fate should find this book fascinating." Titlepeek

UNBELIEVABLE: A PRETTY LIARS NOVEL

By Shepard, Sara

Four pretty little liars' charmed lives have turned into living nightmares. Emily's been shipped off to Iowa to live with her überconservative cousins. Aria's boyfriend is behind bars-because of her. Spencer's afraid she was involved in Ali's murder. But Hanna's fate is far worse: She's clinging to life in the hospital because she knew too much. If these girls don't start listening to me, Hanna's going to look like the lucky one. Titlepeek

TIGER'S VOYAGE

By Houck, Colleen

With the against the villainous Lokesh behind her, Kelsey confronts a new heartbreak: in the wake of his traumatic experience, her beloved Ren no longer remembers who she is. As the trio continues their quest by challenging five cunning and duplicitous dragons, Ren and Kishan once more vie for her affections-leaving Kelsey more confused than ever. Fraught with danger, filled with magic, and packed with romance, Tiger's Voyage brings Kelsey and her two tiger princes a step closer to breaking the curse . Titlepeek

TIGER'S QUEST

By Houck, Colleen

Back in Oregon, Kelsey tries to pick up the pieces of her life and push aside her feelings for Ren. But danger lurks around the corner, forcing her to return to India where she embarks on a second quest-this time with Ren's dark, bad-boy brother Kishan, who has also fallen prey to the Tiger's Curse. Fraught with danger, spellbinding dreams, and choices of the heart, TIGER'S QUEST brings the trio one step closer to breaking the spell that binds them. Titlepeek

TIGER'S CURSE

By Houck, Colleen

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?   The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she'd be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that's exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever. Packed with magic, action-adventure, and romance, the epic Tiger's Curse series will keep you breathless and yearning for more. Titlepeek

THE TALK-FUNNY GIRL

By Merullo, Roland

By turns darkly menacing and bright with love and resilience, The Talk-Funny Girl is the story of one young woman's remarkable courage, a kind of road map for the healing of early abuse, and a testament to the power of kindness and love. Titlepeek