We're back! And with pictures...

It has been too long since I've taken the time to update you on the selection of books the media center has, and BOY do we have quite a new selection. We are starting off the year's first book blog post with......

photojournalism!

Photojournalism is a form of nonfiction that aims to teach the reader about a subject through the use of pictures - usually very powerful and insightful pictures.

First up, Abandoned Arkansas: An Echo from the Past by Schwarz et al. (a fancy way of saying "there's a lot of authors listed.)

I'm incredibly excited about this new book because it not only is it about our very dear home state, but it is perfect for this spooky time of year -OooOOooOo (ghost sound).

There are pictures of abandoned hospitals, hotels, and even a once thriving theme park! It is a fascinating look at how some of the most popular and bustling locations in Arkansas have now dwindled to decaying and forgotten places. Check it out to see how times have changed!

This book was specifically requested by a teacher - shout out to Ms. Spears! - and I'm very glad that it is now a part of our collection. Material World: A Global Family Portrait, by Peter Menzel, is a fascinating look at how different cultures live.

Peter traveled the world - literally - asking families to lay out every single item they owned. He then took a picture of the family with their possessions.

You can see just from the cover of the book that there are huge discrepancies in materialism in our world. The possessions of the top family cover an entire cul-de-sac, while the bottom family's belongings can fit on a couple of tables. It is an eye-opening experience to read this book.

Peter Menzel's photography is the subject of our third book as well. What the World Eats follows a similar concept as to Material World; however, it focuses on the eating habits of different cultures.

Peter traveled the world - again, literally - photographing families with the food they consumed in a single week. Not only do we get to see what different cultures eat on a regular basis (because yummmm), but we also see the differences in the QUANTITY that is consumed as well. If you're interested in other cultures from around the world, this book is for you!

We're switching gears here and taking a look at a photojournalism piece that is more historical than our other books. Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam covers exactly what the title describes. Author Elizabeth Partridge has combed through historical photographs of the Vietnam War and collected the ones she feels represent the true experience of the war.

The personal stories of six American soldiers, one American military nurse, and one Vietnamese refugee bring the pictures and text to life.

Need a cheap date night idea or are you just interested in the night sky?? This book is for you! 101 Objects to See in the Night Sky will give you endless hours of entertainment.

We're talking more than just a measly little dipper. Constellations, planets, eclipses, galaxies, and space stations are among the 101 things this books explains how to see.

There is so much our night sky has to offer, and this book gives you the opportunity to explore many of them. Don't forget a blanket!

All of these books are in the media center and ready to be checked out by YOU!