Photography
‘The Fifty-Year Texas Road Trip’
By Randy MalloryIn 1972, Mallory got a job as a field editor for Texas Co-Op Power magazine, going around Texas writing articles, photographing things of interest to Texans. He later photographed for other Texas publications and the Texas Historical Commission. This book captures the Texas scene and his career as a photographer of Texas in 228 color and six black and white photographs. It puts a six-decade career as a travel writer into a single colorful volume. A visual delight that captures the Texas spirit.
Nonfiction
‘American Canopy: Trees, Forests, and the Making of a Nation’
By Eric RutkowWith a scope of 400 years, this is a unique read in that it satisfies history buffs while at the same time appealing to individuals to naturalists. Rutkow takes readers on a historical walk in the woods, starting with the discovery of this country through the American Revolution and ending with a focus on environmentalism.
How much do you know about the history of aviation? Here’s a crash course (no pun intended) on a most fascinating history. From the start of aviation with the Wright Brothers to the world’s fastest jets to the high-flying space shuttles, this book has it all. Not only is ‘Flight’ chock full of valuable and fun information, but as with any Smithsonian book, it has great photos and graphics. A wonderful addition to any library and perfect for flight enthusiasts or children interested in planes.
Historical Fiction
‘Faithful Shep: The Story of a Hero Dog and the Nine Texas Rangers Who Saved Him’
By Don DeNeviIn 1880, two Coloradans returning home with their dog, Shep, have their horses stolen by Mescalero Native Americans while deep in Big Bend country. Forced to walk to safety, they must leave Shep behind. Once safe, they return for Shep with Ranger Capt. George Baylor, eight other Texas Rangers, and an Indian scout. The party sets off in search of Shep–into a confrontation with Apache Chief Victorio. An exciting and satisfying short novel, it is an excellent tale of the meaning of fidelity.
Written in 1921, this forerunner of dystopian novels is told by narrator D-503, a mathematician living in a totalitarian society headed and monitored by “the Benefactor.” Like the others in his glass-encased city, D-503 lives without passion until love awakens his heart. Suppressed by the Soviets for more than 60 years, “We” anticipated Stalin’s murderous dictatorship, inspired Orwell’s “1984,” and remains a classic story of the struggle between the individual and an all-powerful state.
This beautifully illustrated picture book is told in the first person by a hummingbird who grows up in captivity, along with his sister, under the watch of a careful person until they are old enough to be set free. Educational and inspiring, this lovely read exposes in detail the life of a hummingbird and suits the summer season perfectly.
