1995 Top Titles for Adult New Readers
The Publishers Liaison committee of PLA’s Adult Lifelong Learning Section is proud to present its annual Top Titles for Adult New Readers—a compilation of outstanding books, fiction and nonfiction, that serve the needs of newly literate adults. The booklist is meant to recognize such titles and to encourage the availability of materials for the adult new reader.
Books chosen for the list demonstrate high appeal in terms of content, format, and artwork. Most titles are eighth-grade reading level or below on the Fry Readability Scale and are easily accessible with simple plots, short sentences, and uncomplicated vocabulary. With the exception of the classics, the books have been published in the current calendar year or the last half of the previous calendar year. For more information contact Laura McCaffery at 219-421-1200, ext. 2303, or lmccaffery@acpl.lib.in.us
We encourage you to duplicate, distribute, and share this bibliography.
Distinguished Works
Single Works
Breaking Free from Partner Abuse. By Mary Marerek. Morning
Glory Press, 1993. Fry Reading Level 6, paper, $7.95 (ISBN 0-930934-74-1).
Powerful poetry and excellent illustrations enhance the messages of
support for abused women. The vocabulary makes the book well suited
for new adult learners. Includes firsthand accounts and realistic guidelines
for action and help,
From the Brothers Grimm. By Tom Davenport and Mary
Carden. Highsrnith Press, 1992. Fry Reading Level 3+, paper, $12.95 (ISBN
0-917846-20-6).
Tutors and students alike will enjoy Grimm’s tales with a contemporary
spin. These modern adaptations work well in conjunction with the old
versions. The book is based on the award-winning films and videos of
the same name.
I Wanna Be the Kinda Father My Mother Was. By Omanii
Abdullah. New Readers Press, 1993. Fry Reading Level 4+, paper, $3.95
(ISBN 0-88336-33-00); tape, $12.50 (ISBN 0-88336-623-1).
These powerful poems aimed at the young African-American male will
appeal to many readers with their universal messages. Pride, relationships,
and love are voiced in this reality-based writing. Recommended for readers,
writers, and teachers and for family literacy. Strongly worded statements
are presented in a moving manner.
From the Wooded Hill. By Ruth Yaffe Radin. New Readers
Press, 1993. Fry Reading Level 1-3+, paper, $3 (ISBN 0-88336-039-X). Morning
Streets. By Ruth Yaffe Radin. New Readers Press, 1993. Fry Reading Level
1-3+, paper, $3 (ISBN 0-88336-040-3).
The contrast between the charm and simple beauty of country living
and the early morning noise and stirrings of a big city is delightfully
presented in this easy-to-read and well-illustrated pair of poetry books.
Sky Bridges and Other Poems. By Ruth Yaffe Radin. New Readers
Press, 1993. Fry Reading Level 1-3+, paper, $3.50 (ISBN 0-8836-641 -X).
This collection of universally appealing, lighthearted poems will
delight readers of all ages and stages. The easy-to-read and easy-to-understand
poetry lends itself well to the beginning reader.
Your Home Is a Learning Place. By Pamela Weinberg.
New Readers Press, 1993. Fry Reading Level 3-4, paper, $6.25 (ISBN 0-88336-641
-X).
This is a well-done ’how to’ for parenting young children that teaches
by suggesting activities. Excellent for family literacy. Outlines lots
of activities that parents can do. Not just for new learners, this book
can be recommended to many new parents.
Series/Sets
Bases Loaded. By Mel Cebulash. New Readers Prow,
1993. Fry Reading Level 3-5, paper, $4.25 (ISBN 0-88336-742-4); tape,
$12 (ISBN 0-88336-899-4).
Fast Break.(ISBN 0-88336-744-0); tape, $12 (ISBN 0-88336-928-1).
Lights Out. (ISBN 0-88336-741-6); tape, $12 (ISBN
0-88336-898-6).
3rd and Goal. (ISBN 0-88336-743-2); tape, $12 (ISBN 0-88,336-90()-l).
Crisp, well-written sports books such as these will be welcomed by
all sports fans. Baseball, basketball, boxing, and football are all
well represented by Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, Jack Dempsey, and Joe
Montana. The read-a-long tapes are read word for word by well-known
sports greats turned commentators, including Phil Rizzuto, Dick Vitale,
Sean O’Grady, and Frank Goud.
Hopes and Dreams II. (Series). By Tana Reiff. Fearon/Quercus,
1993. Fry Reading Level 3, paper, $4.80 each. Fair Fields. (ISBN 0-8224-3808-9).
Here and There. (ISBN 0-8224-3807-0).
Making Heaven. (ISBN 0-8224-3801 -1).
Many Miles. (ISBN 0-8224-3804-6).
Never So Good. (ISBN 0-8224-38W-2).
Next Life. (ISBN 0-8224-3802-X).
Sent Away. (ISBN 0-8224-3800-3).
Ties to the Past. (ISBN 0-8224-3803-8).
Two Hearts. (ISBN 0-8224-3805-4).
Who Is My Neighbor? (ISBN 0-8224-3W9-7).
Each book in this series provides a glimpse into the life of people
coming to this country to live from throughout the world. Filipinos,
Puerto Ricans, Poles, Greeks, Salvadorans, Koreans, Arabs, Indians,
Jamaicans, and Japanese are represented in these attractive and easy-to-read
stories.
The Rest of the Best
Single Titles
African Portraits. By Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler.
Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, Images Across the Ages Series, 1993. Fry Reading
Level 7–8, $15.96 (ISBN 0-8114-6378-8).
These portraits of leaders from Africa span the centuries from the
pharaohs to Miriam Makaba.
Animal Rights, Yes or No? By Mama Owen. Lerner Publications,
Pro/Con Series, 1993. Fry Reading Level 8+, $13.13 (ISBN 0-8225-2603-4).
This book gives a balanced presentation of arguments on the various
uses and abuses of animals by humans.
Disaster of the Hindenberg. By Shelly Tanaka. Scholastic,
Time Quest Books, 1993. Fry Reading Level 7+, $16.95 (ISBN 0-590-4,5750-0).
This fascinating docudrama details the horror of the fatal flight.
Dogs: The Wolf Within. By Dorothy Hinshaw Patent. Carolrhoda
Books, Understanding Animals Series, 1993. Fry Reading Level 7,$14.96
(ISBN 0-87614-691-4); paper, $7.95 (ISBN 0-87614- 604-3).
The story of the contrast between dogs and wolves holds appeal for
all ages.
Family Celebrations. By Diane Patrick. Silver Moon,
1993. Fry Reading Level 6, $11.95 (ISBN 1-88188-904-1).
Farnily celebrations, not holidays, are the basis for this book that
ranges from birth to death in scope and encourages respect for all traditions.
Fatal Beauty. By Andre Holder. New Readers Press, New Writers’Voices,
1993. Fry Reading Level 1-5, paper, $3.50 (ISBN 1-56853-OC)3-X).
A French-born detective living in New York assumes the identity of
a playboy to catch a deadly widow.
Hillary Rodham Clinton: A New Kind of First Lady. By Jo
Ann Bren Guernsey. Leamer Publications, Achiever Series, 1993. Fry Reading
Level 8+, $13.13 (ISBN 0-87614-2875-4); paper, $6.95 (ISBN 0-87614-9650-4).
A timely biography of the First Lady that covers her background, views,
and role in the Clinton administration.
Match Wits with Sherlock Holmes, Volume VIII. (Hound of the
Baskervilles.) Carolrhoda Books, 1993. Fry Reading Level 6, $11.21
(ISBN 0-87614-717-1); paper, $4.95 (ISBN 0-87614-556-X).
All the flavor of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Holmes remains in this easy-to-read,
fast-paced adaptation.
Mexican Portraits. By Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler. Raintree/Steck-Vaughn,
Images Across the Ages Series, 1993. Fry Reading Level 7–8, $15.96 (ISBN
0-8114-6376-1).
Vibrant watercolor illustrations enhance the eleven biographies in
this look at Mexico.
Mummies and Their Mysteries. By Charlotte Wilcox.
Carolrhoda Books, Carolrhoda Photo Books Series, 1993. Fry Reading Level
7, Sl 7.21 (ISBN 0-87614-767-8).
This well-illustrated book covers the world of preserved people, including
a doll-like mummy from Greenland.
Of Things Natural and Free: A Story about Aldo Leopold.
By Marybeth Lorbiecki. Carolrhoda Books, Creative Minds Series, 1993.
Fry Reading Level 6, $11.21 (ISBN 0-87614-97-X).
This biography of Aldo Leopold, the pioneer conservationist, can be
used to introduce readers to other books on the environment.
Peace and Bread: The Story of Jane Addams. By Stephanie
Sammartine McPherson. Carolrhoda Books, Trailblazers Series, 1993. Fry
Reading Level 8+, $13.13 (ISBN 0-87614-792-9).
Jane Addams, founder of Hull House in Chicago and a Nobel Prize winner,
is well presented in this biography.
Rainmakers. By E. J. Bird. Carolrhoda Books, Adventures
in Time Series, 1993. Fry Reading Level 6. $14.96 (ISBN 0-87614-748-1).
This fictional recreation of the ancient Anasazi of the Southwest
provides a realistic look at the famiIy life of that time.
Spending Time Together. By various new writers. New Readers
Press, New Writers’ Voices Series, 1993. Fry Reading Level 1-5, paper,
$3.50 (ISBN 1-5685-1-008-0).
Essays on family life are the backbone of this collection written
by mothers, fathers, and children involved in literacy programs across
the country.
Teen Dads: Rights, Responsibilities & Joys. By Jeanne Warren
Lindsay. Morning Glory Press, 1993. Fry Reading Level 6, $15.95 (ISBN
0-930934-77-6); paper, $9.96 (ISBN 0-930934- 78;.4).
Everything you ever wanted to know about being a father while in your
teens is deftly covered here.
Uncle Sam Wants You: Military Men and Women of WWII. By
Sylvia Whitman. Lemer Publications, People’s History, 1993. Fry Reading
Level 8, $13.13 (ISBN 0-8225-1728-0).
Presents an overview our country’s role in World War II.
Series
History of Multicultural America. By William Katz.
Raintree/ Steck-Vaughn, 1993. Fry Reading Level 7–8, $15.96.
The Great Society to the Reagan Era. (ISBN 0-8114-6282-).
Minorities Today. (ISBN 0-8114-6281-1).
Multicultural America over three decades is presented here. Women
are included as a minority.
Pacemaker Classics. Various authors. Fearon/Quercus, 1993.
Fry Reading Level 3-5, paper, pnces vary from $4.95 up (ISBNs vary).
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo
0 Pioneers by Willa Cather
War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells
The easy-to-read, well-adapted adventures contain all the salient points
of the originals.
Sully Gomez Mysteries. By Mel Gebulash. New Readers Press,
1993. Fry Reading Level @,-5, paper, $4.25; read-a-long tape, $10.50.
Dirty Money. (ISBN 1-56420-002-7); tape (ISBN 1-56420-003-5).
Knockout Punch. (ISBN 1-56420-008-6); tape (ISBN 1-56420- 009-4).
Set to Explode. (ISBN 1-56420-OC)4-3); tape (ISBN 1-56420-
005-1).
Sucker for Redheads. (ISBN 1-56420-006-X); tape (ISBN 1-56420-007-8).
Illegal immigrants, fixed spilling events, gangs, and guns all are fare
for this clever California detective.
Timeless Tales. By Tana Reiff. New Readers Press, 1993.
Fry Reading Level 2-3, paper, $4.25.
Adventures. (ISBN 0-88,336-458-1).
Love Stories. (ISBN 0-88336-462-X).
Tales of Wonder. (ISBN 0-883-16-459-). Tall Tales. (ISBN
0-88336-463-8).
“Timeless tales” such as the stories of Gilgamesh, “Beauty
and the Beast,” “Pecos Bill,” and “John Henry”
are included in this series.