New Books - September 2008

RC591 .M6713 2007
I Have Asthma
Moore-Mallinos, Jennifer

Booklist Review:

In a simple narrative, a boy tells about his first asthma attack. Panicky when he can't catch his breath at soccer practice, he tries to calm down as his parents drive him to the hospital. The doctor gives him medicine in an inhaler and explains how asthma affects the lungs. After leaving the hospital, to the boy's surprise, the family returns to the soccer field. At first he is reluctant to get out of the car, but he is reassured by his teammates' cheers and hugs. Another boy confides that he has had asthma for years. The presentation concludes with 10 precautionary measures for children with asthma, a couple of projects, and a double-page spread of information for parents. The story's matter-of-fact tone is just right, acknowledging the boy's fears and offering practical advice on dealing with asthma. The engaging line drawings, brightened with colorful washes, add to the appeal of this relatively sturdy, large-format paperback. A Spanish-language version of the book, entitled Tengo asma (0-7641-3786-7), is also available. Phelan, Carolyn. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

New Books - September 2008

PN1995.9 .P6 A48 2002
American Film and Politics from Reagan to Bush Jr
Davies, Philip, 1948-

Summary:

Focusing on the two decades leading to the beginning of the 21st century, this collection examines central issues in American politics and society through the films of the period. Using everything from Oliver Stone to Disney, Clint Eastwood to John Sayles, "Jurassic Park" to "Dumb and Dumber," the international array of authors explore a number of themes. These include: the cinematic views of political institutions; of politically significant places; of the projection of major issues such as gender, family, and race; and the cultural politics of the film makers themselves in America at the start of a new century. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

New Books - September 2008

QH31 .C33 L98 2007
The Gentle Subversive : Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, and the Rise of the Environmental Movement
Lytle, Mark H.

Publishers Weekly Review:

Biologist Rachel Carson (1907-1964), an outspoken forerunner of the environmental movement and author of the National Book Award-winning The Sea Around Us (1951), is best known for her groundbreaking, highly controversial tome Silent Spring (1962), a scathing exposé of the effects of DDT and other pesticides. In this brief, fascinating ecological biography by historian and fellow environmentalist Lytle, Carson's life is separated into four chapters?Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter-each focusing on the genesis, gestation and publication of Carson's four books. Lytle takes care in balancing his account, devoting equal attention to Carson's family life (for decades, Carson took care of her ailing mother, sister and nieces) as well as the arduous path of her career. Although she ultimately achieved wide recognition both as a writer and an ecologist, clearing the way for landmark environmental policy change, Carson endured staggering setbacks, including years of overcoming gender prejudice in a male-dominated field, her costly familial burden and several battles with recurring breast cancer?a fight she would ultimately lose at age 56. Lytle's spirited, thoroughly documented re-telling sheds ample light on the implications of this remarkable scientist's commitment to "protect the living things she loved so dearly." Photos. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New Books - September 2008

F1234 .B83 1971
The Wind That Swept Mexico: The History of the Mexican Revolution, 1910-1942
Brenner, Anita, 1905-

Synopsis

The Mexican Revolution began in 1910 with the overthrow of dictator Porfirio Diaz. The Wind That Swept Mexico, originally published in 1943, was the first book to present a broad account of that revolution in its several different phases. In concise but moving words and in memorable photographs, this classic sweeps the reader along from the false peace and plenty of the Diaz era through the doomed administration of Madero, the chaotic years of Villa and Zapata, Carranza and Obregon, to the peaceful social revolution of Cardenas and Mexico's entry into World War II.

New Books - September 2008

TD224 .C3 W348 2004

Thirst for Independence : The San Diego Water Story
Walker, Daniel, 1922-

Summary

Aimed at concerned citizens, this text explains some of the current issues and controversies surrounding San Diego's water supplies and systems. Walker provides historical background information and explains how politics determine who gets how much water in California. He also describes current plans for dealing with the effects of potential natural emergencies on this vital resource. Walker is a former Governor of Illinois, lawyer, and historian as well as the author of six books. Annotation #169;2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

New Books - September 2008

F802 .G7 R87 2002

Songs of the Fluteplayer : Seasons of Life in the Southwest
Russell, Sharman Apt

Summary

In "Songs of the Fluteplayer," the charm and challenge of the spectacularly beautiful American Southwest are irresistibly captured by a woman who risked much to discover a new life and greater meaning there. Sharman Apt Russell and her husband moved to the Mimbres Valley in southwestern New Mexico in order to lead a simpler yet more substantial life. Their efforts to be self-sufficient-building an adobe house, giving birth at home, growing their own food-shattered many ideals and forced compromises but also renewed their ties to each other and kindled their respect for the land and its people. The American Southwest that Russell fell in love with comes to life vividly in her writing. From Navajo weavers to illegal Mexican workers, trading posts to prehistoric pottery, water rights disputes to the omnipresent fluteplayer Kokopelli-the energy and wonder of the Southwest is celebrated in this enchanting book. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

New Books - September 2008

PN1998 .C44 2006

Chambers Film Factfinder

Publisher: Chambers

CHOICE Review:

This new addition to the Chambers "Factfinder" collection is a quick guide to a wide assortment of movie industry facts. The guide is presented in five major sections: "People in Film," "Film Categories and Genres," "Film-Producing Countries," "100 Notable Films," and "Film Reference." "Index of Film Titles" is included in the back. Actor and director biographies are short, with the editors providing the individuals' career highs and lows. "Film-Producing Countries" offers a brief history along with the current status of the industry in the country being cited. Key actors, directors, and movies are included. The section on 100 notable films gives a brief description of each movie with an explanation of why the film is noteworthy. Also worthwhile is the section that breaks down films by category and genre. Although much of this information is available from the Internet or from more extensive encyclopedias and guides, Chambers provides another at-a-glance guide to brief snippets on some of the industry's most important film stars and directors. Not considered a comprehensive work, this guide proves to be both entertaining and informative. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-/upper-level undergraduates, general readers. General Readers; Lower-division Undergraduates; Upper-division Undergraduates; Professionals/Practitioners. Reviewed by M. W. Wildman. From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

New Books - September 2008

QC981.8 .G56 G56 2006
Global warming [videorecording] : the rising storm
Whitford, Bradley

Editorial Reviews:

Our planet is warming. It is significantly warmer in the 21st century than it was in the last third of the 20th century. Indeed, four of the warmest years on record have occurred in this century. This global warming is being forced by the unabated burning of fossil fuels pouring CO2 into the atmosphere.... And this warming appears to be forcing dramatic regional and worldwide climate shifts.

This 2-disc series examines the science of global warming and presents viable solutions to the problem. Understanding the scientific facts and implementing the necessary solutions may be our last, best chance to save our planet.