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1998 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 Titles

Getting to Know Computers. By Mary Beth Lundgren. Cleveland, OH; Project Learn, 1997. Writers Group Books Series. Fry Reading Level 3. $8.50.
Excellent book that is available in both a controlled vocabulary version for new readers and a generic version for those who are computer illiterate. A keyboard insert makes understanding easier. Clear explanations of computer terms told in a nonthreatening manner. Excellent for ESL.

Heartwood. By Nikky Finney. Lexington, KY; University Press of Kentucky, 1997. New Books for New Readers Series, Kentucky Humanities Council. Fry Reading Level 5+. $4.50 (ISBN 0-8131-09108).
Hurtful and racial words somehow help two small town Kentucky women—one black and one white—discover their fears and prejudices and become friends. Story told from several perspectives with characters that are real and likable.

Recommended Single Titles

Africatrek. By Dan Buetner. Minneapolis, MN; Lerner, 1997. Fry Reading Level 8+. $17.95 (ISBN 0-8225-2951-3).
Eye-catching, colorful oversize book with map, glossary, and pronounciation guide follows a bicycle trek 11,855 miles across Africa. A modern true-life adventure. Useful for ESL.

Andre Agassi: Reaching the Top Again. By Jeff Savage. Minneapolis, MN; Lerner, 1997. Sports Achiever Series. Fry Reading Level 8+. hardcover $14.95 (ISBN 0-8225-2894-0); paper $5.95 (ISBN 0-8225-9750-0).
Biography of the tennis star who was on top once and is working hard to reclaim that status. Showcases determination.

Anfernee Hardaway: Basketball’s Lucky Penny. By Brad Townsend. Minneapolis, MN; Lerner, 1997. Sports Achievers Series. Fry Reading Level 8+. hardcover $14.95 (ISBN 0-8225-3652-8); paper $5.95 (ISBN 0-8225-9766-7).
Hardaway overcame poor grades, suspect friends, and a gunshot wound, to become one of the most charismatic basketball players of this era. His strict grandmother provided the basis for his character and determination.

A Bosnian Family. By Robin Landeau Silverman. Minneapolis, MN; Lerner, 1997. Journey Between Two Worlds Series. Fry Reading Level 7. hardcover $16.95 (ISBN 0-8225-3404-5).
A real life story of a Bosnian family relocated into the heartland of America. Poignanat and forceful look at the differences in cultures as well as the similarities. Describes the Muslim life. Pronounciation guide, maps. Recommended for ESL use.

Carmine’s Story. By Arlene Schulman. Minneapolis, MN; Lerner, 1997. Fry Reading Level 5. hardcover $15.95 (ISBN 0-8225-2582-8).
Extremely moving account of a ten-year-old AIDS patient. Told in first person. Bibliography, resource listings, excellent glossary. The boy died shortly before the book was completed.

Denzel Washington. By Alex Simmons. Austin, TX; Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1997. Contemporary African Americans Series. Fry Reading Level 4–6. hardcover $24.26 (ISBN 0-8172-3986-3).
A biography of a role model for all, not just African Americans. Actor, humanitarian, family man. Easy to read with excellent illustrations and good size print. Glossary and color illustrations.

East African Folktales. By Vincent Muliwa Kituku. Little Rock, AR; August House, 1997. World Storytelling Series. Fry Reading Level 8+. trade paper $9.95 (ISBN 0-8748-3489-9).
Collection of short, simple East African morality tales that can be read aloud or told. Tales are told in both English and Kamba. Good for family literacy and ESL.

Edward James Olmos. By Louis Carrillo. Austin, TX; Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1997. Contemporary Hispanic Americans Series. Fry Reading Level 4–6. hardcover $24.26 (ISBN 0-8172-39899-8).
Olmos, an icon and role model for many Mexican Americans, is portrayed in this biography. Covers his charitable and theatrical work. Color illustrations as well as easy-to-read print.

Ferrets. By Sylvia A. Johnson. Minneapolis, MN; Carolrhoda Books, 1997. Fry Reading Level 5–7. hardcover $14.95 (ISBN 0-57505-014-5)
Easy-to-read book contains color and black-and-white illustrations about ferrets, an animal many families are keeping as pets.

A Friend In Need. By Sonja Massie. Syracuse, NY; Signal Hill Publications, 1997. Janet Dailey’s Love Scenes Series. Fry Reading Level 3–5. paper $3.50 (ISBN 1-55853-028-5).
Adult interest romance with a very low reading level. A lonely man and an independent but needy lady can only spell romance. Love, hope, and a happy ending.

Heaven Sent. By Nina K. Bette. Syracuse, NY; Signal Hill Publications, 1997. Janet Dailey’s Love Scenes Series. Fry Reading Level 3–5. paper $3.50 (ISBN 1-56853-030-7).
Adult interest romance guaranteed to appeal to the female adult new reader, particularly those who like stories that include the ever-popular angels. Easy-to-read story about an angel who wins her stripes by helping a young woman find love.

If Sarah Will Take Me. By Dane Bauchard. Custer, WA; Orca Books, 1997. Fry Reading Level 6. hardcover $16.95 (ISBN 1-55143-081-9).
This well-made book with lovely illustrations will touch the hearts of readers. Moving words and concepts tell of a young male paraplegic whose nurse becomes his wife. Family Literacy and ESL.

LaDonna Harris. By Michael Schwartz. Austin, TX; Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1997. Contemporary Native Americans Series. Fry Reading Level 4–6. hardcover $24.26 (ISBN 0-8172-3995-2).
Well written with excellent photos. Biography of a Comance-Irish woman, ex-wife of an United States senator, working for the rights of Native Americans and women. Multicultural use.

The Lady and the Cowboy. By Christine Anne Wenger. Syracuse, NY; Signal Hill Publications. Janet Dailey’s Love Scenes Series. Fry Reading Level 3–5. paper $3.50 (ISBN 1-56853-029-3).
In this high interest/low reading level romance novel set in the 1880s, a young woman returns to her home in Wyoming to discover that her father has died and left the homestead to a handsome neighbor. Mass market format makes these romances attractive for adult new readers.

Lyn St. James: Driven to Be First. By Russ Olney. Minneapolis, MN; Lerner, 1997. The Achievers Series. Fry Reading Level 7+. hardcover $14.95 (ISBN 0-8225-3890-8); paper $5.95 (ISBN 0-8225-9749-7).
Taught by her mother to drive, and helped with mechanics by her metal worker father, this racing champion and mold breaker was a rookie of the year at the world famous Indianapolis 500 auto race. Excellent photographs. For all race fans.

The Magic of Love. By Alyssa Logan. Syracuse, NY; Signal Hill Publications, 1997. Janet Dailey’s Love Scenes Series. Fry Reading Level 3–5. paper $3.50 (ISBN 1-56853-031-5).
Mass-market size plus high interest/low reading level make this light romance attractive to adult new readers. The clown and the single mom/businessperson find love and happiness. Clowning around has a happy ending for young—and old.

Marilyn Monroe: Norma Jeane’s Dream. By Katherine E. Krohn. Minneapolis, MN; Lerner, 1997. Newsmaker Biography Series. Fry Reading Level 7. hardcover $16.95 (ISBN 0-8225-4930-1).
Index includes films; bibliography includes books, magazines, and newspaper articles. A short, nonspeculative biography of the tragic Hollywood icon, Marilyn Monroe.

Maya Lin. by Bettina Ling. Austin, TX; Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1997. contemporary Asian Americans Series. Fry Reading Level 4–6. hardcover $19.95 (ISBN 0-8172-3992-8).
Well written and easy-to-read biography of a Japanese-American citizen who designed the “Vietnam Wall” as well as other memorials. The Ohio-born artist is a role model for perseverance against prejudice of all types. Useful for ESL.

Nely Galan. By Janet Rodriguez. Austin, TX; Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1997. Contemporary Hispanic Americans Series. Fry Reading Level 4–6. hardcover $24.26 (ISBN 0-8172-3991-X).
Very readable and well illustrated. ESL tutors as well as mainstream literacy programs will find uses for this biography which highlights the life and success of a talented young woman of Cuban ancestry who used television to learn English, and became an entrepreneur in television and the show business world.

On the Way to Over the Hill. By Grace Lee. Seattle, WA; EduCare Press, 1997. Fry Reading Level 8+. paper $12.95 (ISBN 0-944638-11-2).
Essays and separate collected pieces of the newspaper columns of the refreshingly candid Lee who doesn’t seem over the hill at age 72. Feisty and without guile, this work will appeal to the older new reader who is willing to stretch her reading prowess. Can be read in bits and pieces. Vocabulary and reading level on the high end but well worth the effort.

Orphan Trains to Missouri. By Michael D. Patrick and Evelyn Goodrich Trickel. Columbia, MO; University of Missouri Press, 1997. Missouri Heritage Series. Fry Reading Level 6+. paper $9.95 (ISBN 0-8262-1121-6).
High-end level for adult new readers, of particular interest to New York and Midwestern readers. Tales of children who were taken willingly and unwillingly from the eastern cities and relocated with families out west. Some were welcomed as family members; others, as cheap labor.

Paper Airplanes to Build and Fly. By Emery Kelly. Minneapolis, MN; Lerner, 1997. Fry Reading 8+. (ISBN 0-8225-2401-5).
Another high-end reading level book for the hobbyist and those who have kids at home or who are still kids at heart themselves. Great for do-it-together family literacy. Patterns for 12 planes that really fly included. Fun way to learn about aerodynamics.

People of China and Their Food. By Ann L. Burckhardt. Mankato, MN; Capstone, 1996. Multicultural Cookbook Series. Fry Reading Level 3–4. hardcover $14.25 (ISBN 1-56065-3).
Color-filled. Kitchen safety section included. Recipes use commonly available food. Explains a bit about the customs and holidays of the country. Useful for ESL as well as family literacy and for culturally-diverse settings.

People of Mexico and Their Food. By Ann L. Burckhardt. Mankato, MN; Capstone, 1997. Multicultural Cookbook Series. Fry Reading Level 3–4. hardcover $14.25 (ISBN 1-56065-432-5).
A wonderful introduction to Mexico, this cookbook gives detailed recipes for popular Mexican cuisine. Easy to find ingredients. Mouthwatering color pictures. ESL and family literacy uses.

People of Russia and Their Food. By Ann L. Burckhardt. Mankato, MN; Capstone, 1996. Multicultural Cookbook Series. Fry Reading Level 3–4. hardcover $14.25 (ISBN 1-56065-435-X).
Color filled; metric measures included. Notes the demise of the Soviet Union. Available ingredients used. Good recipes to make with the entire family. Excellent way to learn about other cultures. ESL and family literacy uses.

Revolutionary Poet: The Story of Phillis Wheatley. By Maryann Weidt. Minneapolis, MN; Carolrhoda Books, 1997. Creative Minds Series. Fry Reading Level 6+. hardcover $14.95 (ISBN 1-57505-087-4); paper $5.95 (ISBN 1-57505-059-5).
Tells of a very gifted woman, a free negro in colonial America, whose life in Boston provided fodder for her poetry that lives today. Gives a look at slavery in early America. Bibliography, well-indexed. Black-and-white drawings enhance the story.

Scottie Pippen: Reluctant Superstar. By Robert Schnakenberg. Minneapolis, MN; Lerner, 1997. Sports Achievers Series. Fry Reading Level 7+. hardcover $14.95 (ISBN 0-8225-3653-6); paper $5.95 (ISBN 0-8225-9767-5).
Current to end of 1996 year. Career highlights included. Color photographs. Brief but telling look at the personal and professional life of a basketball star. Covers Pippen’s exploits in college, the Olympics, and the pros.

Seiji Ozawa. By Sheri Tan. Austin, TX; Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1997. Contemporary Asian Americans Series. Fry Reading Level 4–6. hardcover $19.95 (ISBN 8172-3993-6).
Famed conductor of the Boston Symphony. Born to Japanese parents, lived in China, went to Japan when he was nine, and became an American citizen in 1966. Tells of his life in China, Japan, and the United States. Truly multicultural. Excellent for ESL.

Teddy Bears. By Arlene Ehrbach. Minneapolis, MN; Carolrhoda Books. Household History Series. Fry Reading Level 7+. hardcover $16.95 (ISBN 1-5705-019-6); paper $7.95 (ISBN 1-5705-222-9).
For arctophiles (bear lovers) of all ages. History and background of the teddy bear in America and the world. Glossary, bibliography, and lots of illustrations in both color and black and white.

Toni Morrison. By Diane Patrick-Wexler. Austin, TX; Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1997. Contemporary African Americans Series. Fry Reading Level 4–6. hardcover $16.95 (ISBN 0-8172-398-3).
Life of the talented African-American writer whose work has been awarded the Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes.

Wynton Marsalis. By Veronica Freeman. Austin, TX; Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1997. Contemporary African Americans Series. Fry Reading Level 4–6. hardcover $24.26 (ISBN 0-8172-3988-X).
An inspiring biography of a highly successful black musician. Stresses family ties. Covers personal as well as professional life. Color illustration, bibliography, and glossary.

Distinguished Series

FYI. Syracuse, NY; Signal Hill, 1997. For Your Information Series. Fry Reading Level 3–5. paper $8.95 each.
Control Your Money. (ISBN 1-56953-033-1).
Get That Job. (ISBN 1-56853-035-8).
Having A Baby. (ISBN 1-56853-032-3).
Women’s Health (ISBN 1-56853-034-X).
These books are chock-full of easy to read information that was written expressly for adult new readers. Financial planning and management made understandable; a step-by-step guide to job hunting; a guide to a healthy pregnancy for the baby, the mother, and the rest of the family; a concise, informative, and nonjudgemental look at the physical, mental, and sexual health of women.

Who’s That in the White House. By Rose Blue and Corinne J. Nader. Austin, TX; Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1998. Fry Reading Level 6+. hardcover $27.83 each.
The Expansion Years: Buchanan to McKinley. (ISBN 0-8172-4302-X).
The Formative Years: Jackson to Pierce. (ISBN 0-8172-4301-1).
The Founding Years: Washington to J. Q. Adams. (ISBN 0-8172-4300-3).
The Modern Years: Nixon to Clinton. (ISBN 0-8172-4305-4).
The Progressive Years: T. Roosevelt to Hoover. (ISBN 0-8172-4303-8).
The Turbulent Years: F. Roosevelt to Johnson. (ISBN 0-8172-4304-6).
Covers each administration from George Washington to Bill Clinton. Includes lively writing and something positive to report about each president. Excellent maps, glossaries, and indexes. Contains physical descriptions of the presidents, political history, and includes other important historical figures. Well illustrated. Recomended for ESL.

Recommended Series

Atlas of . . . Series. Austin, TX; Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1997. Fry Reading Level 6+. hardcover $32.83 each.
Atlas of the Rain Forests. By Anna Lewington. (ISBN 0-8172-4756-4).
Atlas of Threatened Cultures. By Paul Mason. (ISBN 0-8172-4755-6).
Oversize format with lots of color illustrations including maps. Excellent bibliographies for all age groups. Shows how rain forests are vital to the survival of the earth as we know it. The atlas for threatened cultures has a people page and a continent page to better present information about the state of people all over the world. For family literacy and ESL.

Capstone Short Biography Series. Mankato, MN; Capstone, 1997. Fry Reading Level 3–4. $14.25 each.
Women Explorers in Africa. By Margo McLoone. (ISBN 1-56065-505-4).
Women Explorers in Asia. By Margo McLoone. (ISBN 1-56065-506-2).
Women Explorers in North and South America. By Margo McLoone. (ISBN 1-56065-507-1).
Women Explorers in the Polar Regions. By Margo McLoone. (ISBN 1-56065-508-9).
Brief biographical sketches of 19th- and 20th-centruy women who were adventurous and independent. Photo illustrated. Good to use for building self-esteem. Chapters can be read individually.

Shared Umbrella Series. by Jan Goethel. Eau Claire, WI; Chippewa Valley Publishing, 1997. Fry Reading Level 1+. paper $16.00 per set.
Carmen’s Day.
Go To Work, Fred!
A Holiday for Me.
Picture Dictionary and Guide for Tutors.
Low-level reading/high interest stories of work and family especially for the adult new reader and those new to America. Amusing and complimentary cartoon-like drawings. Recommended for ESL.

Treasure Hunters Series. Austin, TX; Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1998. Fry Reading Level 4+. hardcover $24.97 each.
The Search for Gold. By Nicola Barber. (ISBN 0-8172-4837-4).
The Search for Lost Cities. By Nicola Barber. (ISBN 0-8172-4840-4).
The Search for Sunken Treasure. By Nicola Barber and Anita Ganeri. (ISBN 0-8172-4838-8).
The Search for Tombs. By Anita Ganeri. (ISBN 0-8172-4839-0).
Attractive and colorful format with a good mix of illustrations and photographs. The armchair adventurer can look for the Titanic, lost cities on five continents, and gold the world over. Explore graves and tombs and see if there are really cursed ones. Books can be read piecemeal. For family literacy and ESL.

The Untamed World Series. Austin, TX; Raintree/Steck-Vaughn, 1998. Fry Reading Level 6–8. $26.24 each.
Alligators/Crocodiles. By Karen Dudley. (ISBN 0-8172-4573-1).
Bald Eagles. By Karen Dudley. (ISBN 0-8172-4571-5).
Black Rhinos. By E. Melanie Watt. (ISBN 0-8172-4572-3).
Blue Whales. By Patricia Miller Schroeder. (ISBN 0-8172-4570-7).
Elephants. By Karen Dudley. (ISBN 0-8172-4565-0).
Giant Pandas. By Karen Dudley. (ISBN 0-8172-4566-9).
Gorillas. By Patricia Miller Schroeder. (ISBN 0-8172-4562-6).
Great White Sharks. By Marie Levine. (ISBN 0-8172-4560-3).
Grizzly Bears. By Janice Packer. (ISBN 0-8172-4563-4).
Jaguars. By E. Melanie Watt. (ISBN 0-8172-4568-5).
Whooping Cranes. By Karen Dudley. (ISBN 0-8172-4564-2).
Wolves. by Karen Dudley. (ISBN 0-8172-4561-8).
Unique combination of science and biology, legends and literary allusions, environment, conservation, and history. Each book has sections for twenty interesting facts, a good mix of illustrations and photos, and is well indexed. Every work in the series contains maps, and provides different points of view as well as good addresses for more information. Excellent treatment of the material.

World in the Time of . . . Series. By Fiona Macdonald. Parsippany, NJ; Silver Burdett Press, 1997. Fry Reading Level 4+. harcover $19.95 each; paper $9.95 each.
World in the Time of Abraham Lincoln. (ISBN 0-382-39745-2); paper (ISBN 0-382-39744-4).
World in the Time of Alexander the Great. (ISBN 0-382-39743-6); paper (ISBN 0-382-39742-7).
World in the Time of Marco Polo. (ISBN 0-382-39749-5); paper (ISBN 0-382-39748-7).
World in the Time of Tutankhamen. (ISBN 0-382-39747-9); paper (ISBN 0-382-39476-0).
Beautiful illustrations enhance these borderline reference books that give a world view of history during a particular era. Excellent timelines. Pertinent maps and charts plus good glossaries.