Informational

Elizebeth Smith’s introduction to codes and ciphers came while working for wealthy eccentric George Fabyan on a project involving a Shakespeare folio.

“No matter how you describe it—smelly, foul, fetid, rank, putrid, bad, or reeking—in the summer of 1858, London’s River Thames STANK.” So begins a hilariously straightforward account of a grim subject: the pollution of the River Thames—and thus, Londoners’ drinking water—with sewage, and the eventual creation of a hygienic sewer system.

This riveting account of the murder of Chinese American Vincent Chin in Detroit in 1982 and the ripple effects of its impact provides an in-depth look at events surrounding the brutal attack on Chin and the subsequent response of police, the justice system, and, above all, members of the Chinese American and larger Asian American community in Detroit.

“Once upon a time near Tulsa, Oklahoma…” There is promise in the opening pages of this picture-book history as the Black community in the booming city of Tulsa prospers in the early 20th century.

A gripping, well-researched account delves into the trifecta of catastrophes that occurred in Japan in March 2011: the magnitude-9 earthquake off the coast of the island of Honshu, the resulting tsunami, and the eventual meltdown of several reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

“My sister and I came from Honduras.” “Our grandfather saw the gang kill our neighbor. They threatened to kill him so we all had to leave.” There is not even enough room for the baby to crawl.” “I have been here without bathing for twenty-one days.” 

The rescue of 12 young Thai soccer players and their assistant coach, trapped in Tham Luang Nang cave for more than two weeks in 2018, was an effort of compassion, courage, and international cooperation.

This necessary book for our time is labeled a “remix” of Kendi’s 2016 National Book Award winner published for adults, Stamped from the Beginning.