Education
‘The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids’ Learning—And How to Help Them Thrive Again’
By Jared Cooney HorvathThis trumpet blast from a neurologist and teacher urges a return to real learning in American schools by reducing or discarding the use of screens in classrooms and bringing back books and pencil-and-paper learning. Horvath, who is not anti-tech but pro-learning, examines the damage done by deploying computers as teaching tools, rendering students weaker in their academics and ability to focus. Given the current debate over our failing schools, this book is a must-read for parents and educators.
Space
‘The Islands and the Stars: A History of Japan’s Space Programs’
By Subodhana WijeyeratneJapan, with its space organization JAXA, has one of the world’s largest national space organizations. In the 1970s and 1980s, it was the third largest, behind only the United States and the Soviet Union. Yet it faltered in the 1990s, causing a reorganization of its multiple space agencies into JAXA in 2003. This book, a history of Japan’s rocketry from the 1920s through 2003, is the most comprehensive English-language account of Japan’s space industry available. It traces its successes and failures.
Government
‘Politics Without Politicians: The Case for Citizen Rule’
By Hélène LandemoreAmericans consistently complain about politicians and their many shortcomings. Indeed, such complaints are hardly an American phenomenon. Hélène Landemore, a Yale political science professor, makes a very interesting case that perhaps the future is politics without politicians. As her subtitle suggests, hers is a “case for citizen rule.” A thought-provoking idea, the author makes a convincing case. Admittedly theoretical, she does provide recent and successful examples of citizen rule.
Science Fiction
‘The Redline Heist’
By Michael MersaultWhen gentleman thief Warren Springer Stowe and partner Cherry Aisha get caught trying to “obtain” an authentic, 20th-century automobile from an antiquities museum, they cut a deal with Sami Maktoum, a junior partner in the family-owned, multi-stellar Maktoum Corporation. They turn an ancient alien base in the asteroid belt into a demolition-derby racing arena for very rich tourists. Then, Sami’s older brother, Maktoum’s managing director, shows up and takes things in a new and deadly direction. Heist meets space travel!
Classics
‘Goodbye, Mr. Chips & To You, Mr. Chips’
By James HiltonThis 1934 novella is one of the most tender of tales. Arthur Chipping, or Mr. Chips as the boys dub him, spends most of his adult life teaching at the fictional Brookfield School in England, where, over the years, he becomes a legend among the students. He progresses from stern instructor to a wiser, kinder man, gentled by experience and by his wife, who dies in childbirth. It’s an idealized portrait but also inspiring. Readers may remember a Mr. Chips in their own lives, or wish they had one.
For Kids
‘Lentil’
By Robert McCloskeyLentil can’t sing, can’t whistle, and can’t afford lessons, but he can play the harmonica. When the town’s welcome for its returning hero is nearly ruined by a grumpy old man, Lentil saves the day with his music. McCloskey’s traditional illustrations bring to life this warm, funny, all-American story about finding and using your own gifts.
