New Releases by Anita Silvey

If you are looking for a book to give to a teenage reader, here''s the reference you''ve been waiting for. Until now, there''s been no accepted guide to what''s good, bad, or indifferent in the flood of books coming off the presses in the hot new category of young-adult publishing. If it''s true that you can''t judge a book by its cover, it is especially true for teen books, as publishers take aim at a new class of readers. The books land on shelves without a history, and so there is no standard by which to judge them. Anita Silvey, one of the country''s leading authorities on books for young people, has interviewed teenage readers all over the country and immersed herself in young-adult books, with an emphasis on books published in the last five years. The result is this invaluable and very readable guide for parents, teachers, librarians, booksellers, reading groups, and of course teens themselves. With its extended essays describing 500 selections, parents will quickly see what their teenagers are actually reading -- and will be able to find good books to introduce them to. Teachers can spot excellent additions to summer reading lists. Booksellers can move customers from one favorite to a host of others in the same genre. Librarians can round out collections. Book groups -- for adults, teens, or both -- will have hundreds of new titles to consider. 500 Great Books for Teens is divided into twenty-one sections, including adventure and survival, politics and social history, horror, romance, war and conflict, fantasy, plays, graphic novels, poetry, memoir, and spirituality. Every section offers up classics, but the majority of titles are new. In "Beyond the 500," Silvey compiles a number of useful lists, including books organized by geographic location and historical period, as well as recommended audio books.

This dramatic conclusion to Leakey''s "Trimates" will inspire the next generation of scientists and conservationists as they meet Dian Fossey, who studied and protected her beloved gorillas from poachers and other threats until her murder in 1985.

As a young scientist, Galdikas had a mission: to find and study the elusive orangutans of Borneo''s rain forest to help protect this amazing and elusive species. Award-winning author Silvey explores the life and legacy of this incredible and little-known primatologist. Full color.

Pete Seeger, the iconic folk musician and multiple Grammy winner, discovered early in life that what he wanted to do was make music. His amazing career as singer, songwriter, and banjo player spanned seven decades, and included both low points (being charged with contempt of Congress) and highlights (receiving the Kennedy Center Honor from President Clinton). An activist and protester, Seeger crusaded for the rights of labor, the rights of people of color, and the First Amendment right to let his voice be heard, and launched the successful campaign to clean up the Hudson River. Archival photographs and prints, source notes, bibliography, index.

"This biography for children will trace Goodall''s life, but each chapter will also focus on two or more of the chimpanzees that she observed, with information in sidebars about these particular animals. Along with biographical details, the book will explore the ethical issues that surround Goodall''s work and show what has changed in our understanding of Great Apes. What do we know today about these animals in terms of language, speech, tool use, and DNA? How has sophisticated technology - GPS systems, Satellite imagery, portable digital microphones - been used to gain new information about animal populations."--

An almanac with information about famous events and celebrations for each dayof the year and related children''s book recommendations.

Presents the experiences and contributions of early adventurers, explorers, and scientists responsible for discovering and documenting new types of plants, showing how their often dangerous voyages help establish the field of botany.

Presents a biography of the man in charge of the artillery during the Revolutionary War, who became a trusted advisor to George Washington and the secretary of war in the newly appointed government.

Sarah Emma Edmonds enlisted because she believed in the Union cause; Melverina Peppercorn joined to stay near her twin brother. Although women were not allowed to enlist as soldiers in the Civil War, many disguised themselves as men and fought anyway.

By selecting only 100 "best books" Silvey distinguishes her guide from all the others and makes it possible to give young readers their literary heritage in the childhood years.

The lists and suggestions cover a variety of genres and formats to stimulate a love of reading for reluctant readers as well as gifted readers.

A collection of twelve short stories exploring the world of work, by such authors as Gary Soto, Norma Fox Mazer, and Ray Bradbury.

Unique in its coverage of contemporary American children''s literature, this timely, single-volume reference covers the books our children are--or should be--reading now, from board books to young adult novels. Enriched with dozens of color illustrations and the voices of authors and illustrators themselves, it is a cornucopia of delight. 23 color, 153 b&w illustrations.