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1996 Top Titles for Adult New Readers

The Publishers Liaison Committee of the Public Library Association’s Adult Lifelong Learning Section is proud to introduce 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 Lorraine Jackson at (908) 329-4000, ext. 282. We encourage you to duplicate, distribute, and share this bibliography.

Recommended Single Titles

Beginning Soccer. By Julie Jensen. Beginning Sports Series. Minneapolis: Lerner, 1995. $19.95 (ISBN 0-8225-3501-7). Fry Reading Level 3–4.
Clear, understandable, and readable how-to book of the most widely played game outside the United States. Adapted from Lori Coleman’s Fundamental Soccer.

Behind the Mask: A Book about Prepositions. By Ruth Heller. New York: Grosser & Dunlap, 1995. $16.95 (ISBN 0-448-41123-7). Fry Reading Level 3–4.
Although aimed at the juvenile market, this poetic and colorful presentation of prepositions disguises language learning in a fun and meaningful manner. It could be read independently or shared in group settings; also has ESL appeal.

Beyond Dreams. By Marilyn Reynolds. True-to-Life Series. Buena Park, Calif.: Morning Glory Pr., 1995. paper, $8.95 (ISBN 1-885356-00-5). Fry Reading Level 7–8.
Well-written short stories that speak to both genders, for young adults, reluctant readers, or adult new readers. Topics include abuse, school failure, racism, accidents.

Black Eagles: African-Americans in Aviation. By Jim Haskins. New York: Scholastic, 1995. $14.95 (ISBN 0-590-45912-0). Fry Reading Level 6–7.
True stories of African-American aviation pioneers and astronauts who faced and overcame many obstacles to achieve their dreams and goals. Chronology, historical photos.

A Career in Professional Sports. By Jeff Savage. Getting Ready for Series. Minneapolis: Capstone Pr., 1996. $13.25 (ISBN 1-56065-293-4). Fry Reading Level 3–4.
Overview of the many jobs that make up the infrastructure of the sports industry. Packed with good basic occupational options and information, includes glossary, index, references.

Celebrate Writing 1995: A Collection of Narratives, Poems, and Essays. Celebrate Writing Series. Eau Claire, Wisc., Chippewa Valley Publishing, 1995. paper, $7 (ISBN 1-885474-18- 0). Fry Reading Level multi-level 3–8.
Includes poems, essays, and other works from adult new writers. Good readability, nice format and layout. Includes short biographies on writers and their tutors.

Drumbeat** *Heartbeat: A Celebration of the Powwow. By Susan Braine. We Are Still Here Series. Minneapolis: Lerner, 1995. (ISBN 0-8225-2656-5). Fry Reading Level 5–6.
A celebration of Native American culture in words and colorful pictures placed in the context of the 1990s. Although written for youth, this subject is ageless and the book is informative enough to whet the appetite of readers interested in Native American culture or cultural diversity.

Earth Under Sky-Bear’s Feet. By Joseph Bruchac. New York: Philomel, 1995. $15.95 (ISBN 399-22713). Fry Reading Level 5+.
A beautifully illustrated book containing twelve stories from twelve tribes of Native Americans. Each story relates to the Ursa Major constellation.

Ezra Jack Keats. By Dean Engel & Florence Freedman. New York: Silver Moon Pr., 1995. $19.95 (ISBN 1-8 818 89-65-3). Fry Reading Level 4.
This captivating biography of noted children’s author Ezra Jack Keats will appeal to the adult new reader who is the parent of young children.

Flush! Treating Wastewater. By Karen Mueller Coombs. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Bks., 1995. $16.13 (ISBN 0-87614-879-8). Fry Reading Level 6.
A fascinating look at new findings in wastewater, its history and treatment, enhanced by excellent photos.

Genetic Engineering: Redrawing the Blueprint of Life. By Daniel Darting. Beyond 2000 series. Parsippany, N.J.: Dillon, 1995. $14.95 (ISBN 0-87518-614-9). Fry Reading Level 5.
Explores recent developments in genetic engineering, describing the workings of the cell and DNA, gene therapy and genetic counseling, and the ethical questions surrounding them.

Going Home to Nicodemus. By Daniel Chu Bill Shaw. Morristown, N.J.: Silver Burdett, 1995. $14.95; paper, $5.95 (ISBN 0-671- 88722-0 or 0-671-88723-8). Fry Reading Level 5+.
This true story of African-American homesteaders in the frontier town of Nicodemus, Kansas is one that few Americans know. Fascinating story with nice historic photos.

The Great Fire. By Jim Murphy. New York: Scholastic, 1995. $16.95 (ISBN 0-590-47267-4). Fry Reading Level 5+.
An exciting narrative of the great Chicago fire of 1871 that includes first-hand accounts of survivors. Photographs, maps, bibliography, and index.

The Health Revolution: Surgery and Medicine in the Twenty-First Century. By David Darling. Beyond 2000 series. Parsippany, N.J.: Dillon Pr., 1995. $14.95; paper, $7.95 (ISBN 0-382-39170-5 or 0-87518-616-5). Fry Reading Level 5.
An overview of the direction surgery is taking from X-rays to MRIs and CAT scans to lasers. Good bibliography, glossary, and index.

Her Stories: African-American Folktales. By Virginia Hamilton. New York: Scholastic, 1995. $19.95 (ISBN 0-590-47370-0). Fry Reading Level 5.
Outstanding collection of nineteen folktales (three of which are true autobiographical stories) recounting events in African-American history, from slave times to the present, wonderfully illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon.

The Human Body. An Illustrated Guide to Its Structure, Function, and Disorders. By Charles B. Clayman. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1995. $29.95 (ISBN 1-56458-992-7). Fry Reading Level 8.
A complete guide to the human body which can be used as a reference book for adult new readers.

It’s Kwanzaa Time! By Linda & Clay Goss. New York: G.P. Putnam, 1995. $19.95 (ISBN 0-399-22505). Fry Reading Level 4.
The Gosses bring together the sights, sounds, smells, flavors, and feelings of Kwanzaa in this collection. Lovely illustrations enhance this treasure.

Kwanzaa Karamu: Cooking and Crafts for a Kwanzaa Feast. By April A. Brady. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda, 1995. $14.96; paper $6.95 (ISBN 087614-842-9 or 0-87614-633-7). Fry Reading Level 3.
Following an introduction to this African-American celebration, mouth-watering recipes and craft activities are presented.

Mark Twain: America’s Humorist, Dreamer, Prophet, a Biography. By Clinton Cox. New York: Scholastic, 1995. $14.95 (ISBN 0-590-45642-3). Fry Reading Level 5.
Easy-to-read biography of famous author.

The Modern Ark: Saving Endangered Species. By Daniel Cohen. New York: G.P. Putnam, 1995. $15.95 (ISBN 394-22442). Fry Reading Level 7.
About the struggle to save endangered species including the giant panda, the California condor, and others.

One Night: A Story from the Desert. By Christina Kessler. New York: Philomel, 1995. $15.95 (ISBN 0-399-22726-1). Fry Reading Level 3.
In this beautifully illustrated book, young Muhamed comes of age after sending a night alone in the desert.

Ordinary Genius: The Story of Albert Einstein. By Stephanie Sammartino McPherson. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Bks., 1995. $17.50 (ISBN 0-87614-788-0). Fry Reading Level 5.
Covers Einstein’s work in physics and mathematics and portrays him as a passionate, compelling man.

Othello: A Novel. By Julius Lester. New York: Scholastic, 1995. $12.95 (ISBN 0590-41967-6). Fry Reading Level 5.
Read the introduction first! Lester has done Shakespeare with a twist in this beautifully written classic tale.

Our House: The Stories of Levittown. by Pam Conrad. New York: Scholastic, 1995. $14.95 (ISBN 0590-47370-0). Fry Reading Level 4.
A grand evocation of walls talking from the mid 1940s to the present. This is the tale of the first of three Levittowns and its effect on our ideas of family living.

Richard Orr’s Nature Cross-Sections. By Pam Conrad. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1995. $14.95 (ISBN 0-7894-0147-9). Fry Reading Level 5.
An interesting, beautifully illustrated look at nature that adults can use to learn new vocabulary. Illustrations depict scenes above and below ground.

Somebody, Somewhere Knows My Name. By Linda Lowery. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Bks., 1995. $14.21 (ISBN 0-87614-946-8) Fry Reading Level 7.
A poignant story of abandoned children and the loving, caring social worker who helps them come to terms with their lives.

The Story of Ruby Bridges. By Robert Coles. New York: Scholastic, 1995. $13.95 (ISBN 0-590-43967-7). Fry Reading Level 4.
Excellent color (painted) illustrations enhance this story of parental involvement in public schools and the forbearance of their six-year-old daughter who integrates—by herself in all ways—New Orleans public schools.

U.S. Navy Seals. By Tom Streissgath. Minneapolis: Capstone press, 1995. $13.35 (ISBN 1-56065-282-9). Fry Reading Level 3.
Color photos illustrate this overview of the Navy’s Special Forces unit, including a brief chapter on how to enlist and where to write for more information.

Voices from Vietnam. By Barry Denenberg. New York: Scholastic, 1995. $16.95 (ISBN 0590-44267-5). Fry Reading Level 6.
Chronologically arranged, first-person accounts of the war in Vietnam. Detailed chronology, index, and lengthy bibliography.

What’s Worrying Gus? By Henry Beard and John Boswell. New York: Dillard, 1995. $12 (ISBN 0-679-44950-7). Fry Reading Level 4.
A pictorial romp, featuring Gus the polar bear as he visits various venues in New York City.

Will I Get Breast Cancer? By Carol G. Vogel. Columbus, Ohio: Julian Messner, 1995. $14.95; paper $7.95 (ISBN 0-671-88049-2 or 0-671-88047-0). Fry Reading Level 7.
A comprehensive look at breast health and breast cancer, it includes a special section on coping with this disease in a loved one.

The World of Music. By Nicola Barber and Mary Mure. Morristown, N.J.: Silver Burdett, 1995. $15.95; paper $8.95 (ISBN 0-382-39116-0 or 0382-39117-9). Fry Reading Level 5.
Wonderfully illustrated book on instruments, composers, and much more.

Recommended Series

Contemporary Americans. Series. Austin, Tex.: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 1996. $15.98 each. Fry Reading Level 4–5.
Colin Powell. By Dianne Patrick-Wexler. (ISBN 0-8172-3977-4).
Raul Julia. By Frank Perez and Ann Weil. (ISBN 0-8172-3984-7).
Cameos of contemporary African-Americans or Hispanic Americans. A great addition to culturally diverse collections because of its appeal to young, reluctant, and adult new readers. Includes short bibliography, glossary, important dates.

Introducing. Series. By Roland Vernon. Parsippany, N.J.: Silver Burdett, 1996. $13.95 each, paper $6.95 each. Fry Reading Level 6–7.
Introducing Bach (ISBN 0-382-39157-8).
Introducing Beethoven (ISBN 0-382-39154-3).
Easy-to-read biographies of great musicians are enriched with historical and cultural information. These well-written books include time charts, glossaries, and indexes.

Great American Short Stories III. Ten-title series. Chicago: Lake Education, 1996. paper, $45 basic set(ISBN 1-56103-062-7). Fry Reading Level 3.
In this series of short-story collections by noted authors, there are works by Alice Dunbar-Nelson, Edna ferber, Henry James, Irvin S. Cobb, Mary Wilkins Freeman, and others. Each book contains a brief biography of the author.

History Eyewitness Series. Austin, Tex.: Raintree Steck-Vaughn, 1995. $15.98 each. Fry Reading Level 6.
Julius Caesar in Gaul and Britain by Stephen Ridd (ISBN 0-8114-8283-9).
Charles Ball and American Slavery by Jane Shutter (ISBN 0-8114-8281-2).
Each book relates what life was like at this time, in words written by men and women who were there. The carefully researched illustrations were either painted at the time or survived to be photographed today.

Out to Win. Four-title series. Glendale, Calif.: Crestwood House, 1995. $15.95 each. Fry Reading Level 5.
Bonneville (ISBN 0-89686-817-6)
Daytona (ISBN 0-89686-818-4)
Indy (ISBN 0-89686-819-2)
LeMans (ISBN 0-89686-820-6).
This series contains information about four distinctly different types of automobile racing, race cars, and drivers.

People in Focus. Morristown, N.J.: Silver Burdett, 1995. $14.95; paper, $7.95 each. Fry Reading Level 4.
Dr. Samuel A. Mudd by John E. McHale (ISBN 0-382-24963-1)
Elizabeth Van Lew by Karen Zeinert (ISBN 0-87518-608-4)
Mr. Darwin’s Voyage by Linda J. Altman (ISBN 0-87518-609-2)
Ralph Abernathy by Catherine M. Reef (ISBN 0-87518-653-X)
Vaclev Havel by Jeffrey Smynkywicz (ISBN 0-875118-607-6).
Each biography gives a balanced account of its subject with good illustrations, glossary, and chapter notes.

Places in American History. Parsippany, N.J.: Dillon Pr., 1995. $14.95; paper $7.95 each. Fry Reading Level 4–6.
Plymouth Plantation by Terry Dunnahoo (ISBN 0-87518-6627-0)
Salem, Massachusetts by Deborah Kent (ISBN 0-87518-648-3)
The White House by Paula Guzzetti (ISBN 0-87518-650-5).
Great travel guides to historic places, includes background information, color illustrations, index, and visitor information.

Star Families. Glendale, Calif.: Crestwood House, 1995. By Skip Pr. $15.95; paper $4.95 each. Fry Reading Level 4–6.
Ken Griffey Jr. and Ken Griffey Sr. (ISBN 0-89686-881-8);
Melissa & Joan Rivers (ISBN 0-89686-883-4);
Charlie Sheen, Emilio Estevez & Martin Sheen (ISBN 0-89686-884-2); and
Tori and Aaron Spelling (ISBN 0-89686-885-0).
Stories of the stars and their familial relationships. Pictures, glossary, and index enhance each volume.

Topics in the News. Austin, Tex.: Raintree Steck-Vaughm, 1995. $14.98 each. Fry Reading Level 6.
Bosnia by David Flint (ISBN 0-8172-4176-0)
South Africa by Peter Lowis (ISBN 0-8114-4175-2).
This series, complete with photos, headlines, and brief articles, helps explain complex issues such as the conflict in Bosnia and racial strife in South Africa.

Women Inventors, Volumes 1–4. By Jean F. Blashfield. Minneapolis: Capstone, 1995. $13.35 each. Fry Reading Level 3–4.
Vol. 1 (ISBN 1-56065-274-8)
Vol. 2 (ISBN 1-56065-275-6)
Vol. 3 (ISBN 1-56065-276-4)
Vol. 4 (ISBN 1-56065-277-2).
Fascinating look at creative women and their amazing inventions. Each book contains a glossary, index, fact summary, and a list of addresses for further information.