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)
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)
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)