Six Picks... The Gift of Non-Fiction for Young Adults

When the presents are opened, the wrapping paper shreds crunched up and carted off, and the frenetic din of Christmas morning has settled into a lazy afternoon, what better treat than to search out your new book (bookS if you were especially good) from under the tree, and curl up by the smoldering fire? 

Our ideas of perfect YA NON-FICTION gifts for 2009:

All of these titles are available though our Amazon store. Click the titles to purchase! hohoho...

1.

CHARLES & EMMA: THE DARWINS' LEAP OF FAITH

by Deborah Heiligman (grade 8 and up)

Beginning with Darwin's notorious chart listing reasons to wed and not to wed, Heiligman has created a meticulously researched picture of the controversial scientist and the effect of his marriage on his life and work.
2.

CLAUDETTE COLVIN: TWICE TOWARD JUSTICE

by Phillip Hoose (grade 6 and up)

While all students know Rosa Parks's story, this well-written and engaging book will introduce kids to a teen who also fought for racial justice. This presents a significant perspective on a significant era.
3.  

AMBASSADORS FROM EARTH: PIONEERING EXPLORATION WITH UNMANNED SPACECRAFT

by Jay Gallantine (grade 7 and up)

This book is the latest in a fascinating series on the US and Russian space program called "Outward Odyssey."
4.

THE DUST BOWL THROUGH THE LENS

by Martin Sandler (ages 10-14)

The main message in this book is that "pictures shocked the government and then inspired it to take action."
5.  

WE ARE THE SHIP: THE STORY OF NEGRO LEAGUE BASEBALL

by Kadir Nelson (grade 4 and up)

A lost piece of American history comes to life in Nelson's elegant and eloquent history of the Negro league and its gifted baseball players.
6.


WAR IS... SOLDIERS, SURVIVORS AND STORYTELLERS TALK ABOUT WAR

by Marc Aronson and Patty Campbell ( grade 9 and up)

Many YA books about war make it seem glamorous, exciting, and noble. This powerful collection shows its inglorious, perhaps more realistic side.