Books for Back to School

Posted on September 9, 2019September 9, 2019 by Ashley Barnes

School is back in session! Check out these new books that can inspire kids about the first week of school and prepare them to get back in the classroom.

The King of Kindergarten
By Derrick Barnes

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone—and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm.

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Lola Goes to School
By Anna McQuinn

Spunky Lola is ready to embark on a new adventure—the first day of school! Don’t miss this comforting, cheerful read that demystifies the school day for preschoolers and kindergartners.

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The Pigeon HAS to Go to School
By Mo Willems

Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn’t like it? What if the teacher doesn’t like him? Find out what’s in store for Pigeon in this irresistible comedy.

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Get ready for the classroom with these picks.

***Math Learn and Explore: 1st Grade***
**By Linda Ruggieri**
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*The New Children’s Encyclopedia*
By DK Publishing
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Hot Topics & Politics

Posted on September 3, 2019August 23, 2019 by Ashley Barnes

Don’t miss out of these nonfiction books on hot button topics including politics, race, and identity. Check them out!

How to Be Antiracist
By Ibram X. Kendi

The Stamped from the Beginning author weaves an electrifying combination of ethics, history, law, and science with his own personal story of awakening to antiracism. This is an essential work for anyone who wants to go beyond the awareness of racism to the next step: contributing to the formation of a just and equitable society.

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I Love You, But I Hate Your Politics
By Jeanne Safer, Ph.D

In today’s political climate, disagreements have been ravaging our personal relationships like never before. From friends to relatives to lovers, no relationship is immune to this crisis. This practical guide draws from fifty interviews with every type of politically-mixed couple.

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UnFreedom of the Press
By Mark Levin

With historical research for which his books are renowned, Mark Levin makes a case of how those entrusted with news reporting today are destroying freedom of the press from within.

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You also might be interested in…

***Prepared Not Scared: Your Go-To Guide for Staying Safe in an Unsafe World***
**By Bill Stanton**
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***Signature Wounds: The Untold Story of the Military’s Mental Health Crisis***
**By David Kieran**
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***This Land is Our Land: An Immigrant’s Manifesto***
**By Suketu Mehta**
Read the book

***White Identity Politics***
**By Ashley Jardina**
Read the book

What’s New for Young Adults

Posted on August 29, 2019August 23, 2019 by Ashley Barnes

Where did the summer go? With other a few more weeks left of summer vacation, relax with one of the new Young Adult novels available at the Pratt.

*American Road Trip*
By Patrick Flores-Scott
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*Darius the Great Is Not Okay*
By Adib Khorram
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***Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life & Work***
**By Victoria Ortiz**
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***Field Notes On Love***
**By Jennifer E. Smith**
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*Mariam Sharma Hits the Road*
By Sheba Karim
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***Stepsister***
**By Jennifer Donnelly**
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*Technically, You Started It*
By Lana Wood Johnson
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**The Downstairs Girl**
**By Stacey Lee**
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*The Merciful Crow*
By Margaret Owen
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*The Rest of the Story*
By Sarah Dessen
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***War in the Ring: Joe Louis, Max Schmeling, and the Fight between American and Hitler***
**By John Florio and Ouisie Shapiro**
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Focus on Fashion

Posted on August 27, 2019August 23, 2019 by Ashley Barnes

Are you a lover of fashion? If so, good news! We have a few books hitting the Pratt’s shelves that are sure to inspire your upcoming looks. Pick up one of these books to learn from a fashion legend and everyday style mavens.

Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem
By Daniel R. Day

Before Dapper Dan reinvented haute couture, he was a hungry boy with holes in his shoes, a teen who daringly gambled drug dealers out of their money, and a young man in a prison cell who found nourishment in books. In this remarkable memoir, the fashion icon tells his full story for the first time.

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The Conscious Closet: The Revolutionary Guide to Looking Good While Doing Good
By Elizabeth L. Cline

Whether your goal is to build an effortless capsule wardrobe, keep up with trends without harming the environment, seek out ethical brands, or all of the above, this book has all the vital tools you need. Cline delves into research on fashion’s impacts and shows how we can leverage our everyday fashion choices to change the world through style.

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The Anthropology of Dress and Fashion: A Reader
By Brent Luvaas and Joanne B. Eicher

From classic ethnographies of dress to cutting-edge contemporary research tracing the global circulation of clothing today, this comprehensive volume maps out this vibrant field of study’s shifting preoccupations, theoretical innovations, and traditional and experimental methodologies.

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Other Lifestyle Picks:

*The DIY Style Finder*
By Kari Anne Wood
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*Play, Make, Create, A Process Art Handbook*
By Meri Cherry
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What to Watch this August

Posted on August 23, 2019August 23, 2019 by Ashley Barnes

Here’s a quick look at a few of the recent additions to the DVD collection at the Pratt. From charming romantic comedies to hard-hitting documentaries, we hope there’s something for all viewers to enjoy.

The Sun is Also a Star
Young Adult fans will enjoy the adaption of bestselling novel by Nicola Yoon. Grown-ish actress Yara Shahidi stars as Natasha who meets college-bound Daniel one day in New York City. With just hours before her family’s deportation, Natasha is fighting against it and her growing feelings for Daniel.

Check out the DVD

The Last Black Man in San Francisco
Jimmie dreams of reclaiming the Victorian home his grandfather built in the heart of San Francisco. Joined on his quest by his best friend Mont, Jimmie searches for belonging in a rapidly changing city that seems to have left them behind. This award-winning film stars an ensemble cast featuring Jimmie Falls, Jonathan Majors, Danny Glover and Tichina Arnold.

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Mister Rogers: It’s You I Like
In this warm tribute to the beloved Fred Rogers and his landmark children’s television program on PBS. The 60-minute special is hosted by award-winning actor Michael Keaton and contains memorable segments including visits with Koko the Gorilla and the iconic trip to the Crayola crayon factory.

Check out the DVD

Also new this month: