The Circuit, Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child  •  Francisco Jimenez LITERATURE •  1997 •  PAPER  • 134 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS Jiminez retells, in simple, child's-eye prose, his experiences as an illegal Mexican migrant worker in the fields of California in the mid-20th century. It's a quiet, episodic book, simultaneously moving and matter-of-fact. (CAL197, $11.95)
Esperenza Rising  •  Pam Munoz Ryan LITERATURE •  2002 •  PAPER  • 272 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS An engaging coming-of-age tale infused with history. When her father dies, 14-year-old Esperanza must abandon her privileged life on a Mexican ranch for the grim reality of 1930s agricultural labor camps in California. Set during the Great Depression, the book weaves together Mexican culture and immigrant life. Munoz loosely based her story on the experiences of her grandmother. (USW426, $6.99)
The Higher Power of Lucky  •  Susan Patron LITERATURE •  2006 •  PAPER  • 144 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) The orphaned 10-year-old Lucky and her dog, HMS Beagle, make their way in Hard Pan, California (population 43) in this 2007 Newbery Medal-winning novel for ages 9-12. Among the pleasures of this intricate novel (with winning small town characters) is the desert southwest setting. (FRN737, $16.95)
Ishi, Last of his Tribe  •  Theodora Kroeber BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  1973 •  PAPER  • 208 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS Kids in California inevitably read this book in school, and for good reason. As an elegy for a lost way of life and a lesson in Native American history, it's extremely appealing. Theodora Kroeber relates the life story of Ishi, the last Yahi Indian to survive the arrival of white settlers in California, who was reputedly starving when a white family discovered him hiding in their slaughterhouse in 1911. He was subsequently "adopted" by the anthropology department of the University of California, where Kroeber debriefed him. For this children's book, she embroidered the story a bit, fleshing out Ishi's youth and putting thoughts in his head, but it still qualifies as a classic true story. Ages 12 and up. (CAL100, $6.50)
Island of the Blue Dolphins  •  Scott O'Dell LITERATURE •  1971 •  PAPER  • 192 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS Winner of the 1961 Newbery Medal, this is the gripping story of a courageous American Indian girl left abandoned by her tribe on an island off the California coast. Recommended for children ages 12 and up, Karana's struggle to survive is riveting. (PAC78, $6.99)
The Race to Save the Lord God Bird  •  Phillip Hoose NATURAL HISTORY •  2004 •  HARD COVER  • 208 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) An engaging and well-researched history of the ivory-billed woodpecker, and the struggles surrounding its survival. It's a suspenseful and entertaining book about modern conservation and environmental issues for middle-school readers, featuring John James Audubon and others. The bird, only recently rediscovered, once ranged across the southeastern United States. With black-and-white photographs throughout. (BRD30, $21.00)
What Makes the Grand Canyon Grand? The World's Most Awe-Inspiring Natural Wonders  •  Spencer Christian  •  Antonia Felix NATURAL HISTORY •  1998 •  PAPER  • 116 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) An entertaining grand tour of seven natural wonders of the world, for young scientists ages 9-12. Popular weather forecaster Spencer Christian explains the scientific principles behind the famous Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, Victoria Falls, Carlsbad Caverns, Giant Redwoods, Paricutin Volcano and the Nile River. With maps, illustrations and hands-on activities. Parents, get ready to be peppered with fascinating facts. (SWU05, $12.95)