New Titles

These titles were added to the WE LEARN database in November, 2003.

Biography & Memoir    Fiction   Health   History   Parenting   Spanish Language

Children's Books & Books for Young Adults   Miscellaneous

Curriculum Resources for Educators

BIOGRAPHY / MEMOIR

Don't Be Afraid, Gringo: A Honduran Woman Speaks from the Heart: The Story of Elvira Alvarado , Medea Benjamin and Elvira Alvarado
Description: Trained by the Catholic Church to organize women's groups to combat malnutrition, Alvarado, a woman with a second-grade education, began to question the wretched conditions she saw around her. She became one of her country's leading political activists. Subjects: Bios/Autobios; Latina
Harper Row, 1989, 0-06-097205-X, Paperback, 208 pgs, 5 1/4 x 8, $12.95.

The Nina Stories

Coming to Live in America / The Hardest Adjustment I Ever Made: Book Three of Nina’s Story, Nina Yates
Description: After marriage Nina moved to America with her husband Jim and her baby daughter. Nina tells of her struggles to adapt to married life in Massachusetts, while speaking little English. Subjects: Memoir; International
Peppercorn Books & Press Inc., 2002, 1-928836-14-3, Staple Bound, 42 pgs, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, $7.50. Level: Intermediate.

Eclipses of My Life: Book Four of Nina’s Story, Nina Yates
Description: Nina tells of her later life, her illness and later Jim's death. Subjects: Memoir; International
Peppercorn Books & Press Inc., 2002, 1-928836-15-1, Staple Bound, 42 pgs, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, $. Level: Intermediate.

Growing Up Dreaming and Never the Same: Book Two of Nina’s Story, Nina Yates
Description: INina tells how she dated and married an American soldier. "I met Jim when he brought me his clothes to sew. He was lonesome because he came from far, far away. I was lonely and looking for someone to lessen the struggles of my life. When we met we instantly liked each other." Subjects: Memoir; International
Peppercorn Books & Press Inc., 2002, 1-928836-13-5, Staple Bound, 42 pgs, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, $7.50. Level: Intermediate.

Why My Heart Aches - Haunting Memories: Book One of Nina’s Story, Nina Yates
Description: In Why My Heart Aches, Nina Yates tells the story of her early life in Korea, of the harsh treatment she received and how she survived a difficult childhood. "No matter how hard I tried to please my father he was never satisfied. It was such a horrible feeling. I felt lonely and rejected and not accepted for what I was. I started to dream that some day I would get married. I would be so good to my children. I would never beat them like my father did to me." An inspiring autobiography written when Nina was a student at Read / Write / Now in Springfield, MA. Illustrated with photos from Nina's early life. Subjects: Memoir; International
Peppercorn Books & Press Inc., 2002, 1-928836-12-7, Staple Bound, 42 pgs, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, $7.50. Level: Intermediate.

Reading Changed My Life: Three True Stories, Beth Johnson (editor)
Description: After a lifetime of abuse, Maria Cárdenas was finally living in peace with her daughter. But soon, that little girl would be able to read better than her mother. What could Maria do? School was a nightmare for Daisy Russell. She couldn’t wait to get away from a place where she felt stupid and worthless. But once she dropped out, she discovered a burning desire to learn to read. Was it too late? As a child, Julia Burney escaped from the poverty and violence of her home into a world of books. As an adult, she saw children growing up without that escape available to them. How could she help? In Reading Changed My Life! Three True Stories, you’ll learn what happened to Maria, Daisy, and Julia. They are three courageous women whose stories will touch and inspire you. Subjects: Memoir; Reading; Learner Writings
Townsend Press, 2003, 1-59194-012-5, Paperback, 94 pgs, 6 x 9, $2.00 ($1.00 if you order from the website). Level: 5+.

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FICTION

Beginning with Me, Karen Bables
Description: Sherry's husband is an alcoholic. His drinking is destroying their family, but he won't get help. That's when Sherry decides it's up to her to make her life better. Subjects: Fiction; Religious: Christian; Drugs/Alcohol
CRC Pub. / Open Door Books, 1998, 1-56212-355-6, Paperback, 91 pgs, 4 x 7, $4.75.

The Builders, Maeve Binchy
Description: From Peppercorn Books.. Nan Ryan is looking forward to the builder who is coming to work on the deserted house next door. She can’t wait to find out why the previous residents vanished. Nan gets friendly with Derek (the builder) but nothing is at is seems. Wit family complications and crooked property developers, things are about to get messy.. The Open Door series are short, highly readable novels written by some of Ireland’s best known authors. Subjects: Fiction.
Peppercorn / Open Door, (Distributed by: Peppercorn Books & Press Inc.) 2002, 1-902602-68-4, Paperback, 71 pgs, 5 x 7 3/4, $8.50. Level: Advanced.

The Garden, Elizabeth Laird
Description: A young girl leaves her violent, dissolute father in the town and goes into the country in search of happiness among the plants and flowers that she loves. ( Educator’s note: Free downloadable worksheets available from www.onestopenglish.com.)
Subjects: Fiction
Macmillan Education, 2002, 0-435-27172-5, Staple Bound, 34 pgs, 5 x 8, $3.95. Level: Beginner.

A Hard Choice, Linda Bosch
Description: When Ewa refuses to join the Communist party, she begins to feel like a stranger in her own country. Is it worth leaving all the people she loves and risking her life to escape from Poland? Subjects: Fiction; Religious: Christian
CRC Pub. / Open Door Books, 1995, 1-56212-219-3, Paperback, 109 pgs, 4 x 7, $4.75.

Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë
Description: A poor, unwanted orphan, Jane Eyre seems destined to live a sad and ordinary life. But chance has brought her to Thornfield, home of Mr. Rochester, and secrets no one will explain. Who is the laughing woman in the third-floor room? What dark memories torment Mr. Rochester? Can a governess help the master of Thornfield Hall overcome the horror of his past? Or will that past haunt them both . . . forever? Subjects: Fiction
Townsend Press, 2003, 1-59194-009-5, 6 x 9, $2.00 ($1.00 if ordered from the Internet). Level: 5+.

Letter from Chicago, Cathy Kelly
Description: From Peppercorn Books.. Elsie and Maisie are sisters. They live on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean. They write letters to each other boasting about their families..but their use of fiction is greater than their use of fact. When Maisie’s granddaughter from Chicago decides to visit the Irish family, Elsie must face the truth at last. The Open Door series are short, highly readable novels written by some of Ireland’s best known authors. Subjects: Fiction
Peppercorn / Open Door, (Distributed by: Peppercorn Books & Press Inc.) 2002, 1-902602-69-2, Paperback, 63 pgs, 5 x 7 3/4, $8.50. Level: Advanced.

Mama’s Decision, Edith Bajema
Description: Eighty-four-year-old Mrs. Abado discovers that someone has been stealing from her. And she realizes that she has to make some difficult decisions. There is a read-along tape available to accompany this book. Subjects: Fiction; Religious: Christian
CRC Pub. / Open Door Books, 1992, 1-56212-014-X, Paperback, 69 pgs, 4 x 7, $4.75.

The Right Type: (WorkTales Series), Tana Reiff
Description: Anita is not chosen for a word processing job. She can’t seem to do anything right. She works too slowly and makes too many mistakes. Subjects: Fiction
Globe Fearon / Pearson Learning Group, 0-8224-7159-0, Paperback, 60 pgs, 4 x 7, $8.95. Level: 8+.

Trouble on the Job, Jessie Schut
Description: When Pam finds out that the job she loves may be taken away, she learns how to rely on God in difficult times. Subjects: Fiction; Religious: Christian
CRC Pub. / Open Door Books, 1996, 1-56212-219-3, Paperback, 64 pgs, 4 x 7, $4.75.

Romance Fiction

Just Like Everyone Else, Eve Bunting
Description: Maeve, the girl from Ireland, is different, odd. Kitty has long blond hair. She can’t understnad why Eric is so interested in Maeve. (Fastback Romance Series) Note: The Fastback series are sold only in sets according to genre. Set of 10 is $44.95 (0-8224-3536-5). Subjects: Romance
Globe Fearon / Pearson Learning Group, 1984, 0-8224-3529-2, Staple Bound, 38 pgs, 4 x 5 1/2, $xxx. Level: 3-5.

Maggie the Freak, Eve Bunting
Description: Maybe Maggie does scare boys away by being too good at things. But suppose she lets that adorable Todd Quinn beat her at shot put! (Fastback Romance Series) Note: The Fastback series are sold only in sets according to genre. Set of 10 is $44.95 (0-8224-3536-5). Subjects: Romance
Globe Fearon / Pearson Learning Group, 1984, 0-8224-3530-6, Staple Bound, 38 pgs, 4 x 5 1/2, $xxx. Level: 3-5.

Nobody Knows But Me, Eve Bunting
Description: Nobody knows that Ellen is in love with Leo, not George. (Fastback Romance Series) Note: The Fastback series are sold only in sets according to genre. Set of 10 is $44.95 (0-8224-3536-5). Subjects: Romance
Globe Fearon / Pearson Learning Group, 1984, 0-8224-3531-4, Staple Bound, 34 pgs, 4 x 5 1/2, $xxx. Level: 3-5.

Till Death Do Us Part, Janet Lorimer
Description: Bonnie doesn’t know much about Ross -- only that he’s the right man for her. But Ross has a past he’s kept secret from Bonnie. when he disappears, Bonnie is hurt, confused and worried..but trying to find him couldget her killed. (Double Fastback Spy Series) Note: The Fastback series are sold only in sets according to genre. Set of 10 is $54.95 (0-8224-2403-7). Subjects: Romance
Globe Fearon / Pearson Learning Group, 1988, 0-8224-2407-X, Paperback, 38 pgs, 4 x 5 1/2, $. Level: 4+.

Two Different Girls, Eve Bunting
Description: Donna doesn’t know how to talk to boys. All she wants to do is run and hide. (Fastback Romance Series) Note: The Fastback series are sold only in sets according to genre. Set of 10 is $44.95 (0-8224-3536-5). Subjects: Romance
Globe Fearon / Pearson Learning Group, 1984, 0-8224-3535-7, Staple Bound, 37 pgs, 4 x 5 1/2, $xxx. Level: 3-5.

Science Fiction

Eden’s Daughters, A.G. Gersdorf
Description: Ann and her friend have figured out how to use the machine and now has a mission to record everything they know about earth. (Fastback Science Fiction Series) Note: The Fastback series are sold only in sets according to genre. Set of 10 is $44.95 (0-8224-6151-X). Subjects: Science Fiction
Globe Fearon / Pearson Learning Group, 1987, 0-8224-6152-8, Staple Bound, 29 pgs, 4 x 5 1/2, $xxx. Level: 3-5.

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HEALTH

Positive Women: Voices of Women Living with AIDS, Andrea Rudd and Darien Taylor, editors.
Description: This book is about women who shatter myths, take control and find their own power in the challenge of living with AIDS. This is an insightful and emotionally moving book which informs and inspires. Subjects: Health; Memoir
Sumach Press, 1992, 0-929005-30-9, Paperback, 267 pgs, 6 x 9, $14.95 (Canadian). Level: 5+.

HISTORY

Forward into Light: The Struggle for Woman’s Suffrage, Madeleine Meyers (editor)
Description: Perspectives on History Series: This collection of journals, newsclips, historic photos, poems, songs, essays, and political cartoons highlights the woman's suffrage movement in the United States. (Educator’s curriculum guide available - contact press) Subjects: History; Women's Issues
Discovery Enterprises, Ltd., 1994, 1-878668-25-0, Paperback, 64 pgs, 5 1/4 x 7 1/2, $6.95. Level: 5+.

The Lowell Mill Girls: Life in the Factory (2nd Edition), JoAnne Weisman Deitch (editor)
Description: This book on the Industrial Revolution and the young women who came to work in the mills includes essays from the Lowell Offering, a journal entry of a mill girl, an illustrated piece of historical fiction, and contemporary essays on the period. The book features several timetables of the Mills, boarding House regulations, and photographs. Songs, notes, glossary. (Educator’s curriculum guide available - contact press) Subjects: History; Work / Labor
Discovery Enterprises, Ltd., 1998, 1-57960-041-7, Paperback, 52 pgs, 5 1/4 x 7 1/2, $6.95. Level: 5+.

Woman’s Suffrage: Researching American History, JoAnne Weisman Deitch (editor)
Description: Researching American History is a series of books introducing various topics in our nation's history through the study of primary source documents. They include an introduction, key vocabulary, a summary and sources all related to the historical document. This collection of documents begins with Colonial women and traces the views of suffragists and their opponents from the Seneca Falls convention through the passing of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The trials and achievements are expressed in the letters, journals, newspaper accounts, poetry, songs, cartoons, and photos of the women involved. Subjects: History; Women's Issues
Discovery Enterprises, Ltd., 2000, 1-57960-066-2, Paperback, 56 pgs, 6 1/2 x 9 1/2, $8.50 (bulk prices available). Level: 5+.

Women in the American Revolution, Jeanne Munn Brackan (editor)
Description: Most women carried on with their daily tasks at home, but many took strong action by boycotting British goods, or following their men into war -- as cooks, nurses, and care-givers. Some, like Deborah Sampson, disguised herself as a man, and joined the battle. Whether famous, like Martha Washington and Molly Pitcher, or less known, like the Hessian Baroness yon Riedesel, the records of these women add insight into the role of the "not so weaker sex" during the Revolution. (Educator’s curriculum guide available - contact press) Subjects: History
Discovery Enterprises, Ltd., 1997, 1-878668-73-0, Paperback, 64 pgs, 5 1/4 x 7 1/2, $6.95. Level: 5+.

Women in the Civil War: Warriors, Patriots, Nurses and Spies, Phyllis Rabin Emert (editor)
Description: The anthology begins with a moving excerpt from Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, and goes on to a series of excerpts from Union and Confederate spies, soldiers, and nurses including such well known figures as Harriet Tubman, Belle Boyd, and Louisa May Alcott, as well as the women working tirelessly on the home front. The roles of "First Ladies," Mary Todd Lincoln and Varina Howell Davis are both noted. (Educator’s curriculum guide available - contact press) Subjects: History
Discovery Enterprises, Ltd., 1998, 1-878668-45-5, Paperback, 68 pgs, 5 1/4 x 7 1/2, $6.95. Level: 5+.

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PARENTING

Baby Basics: Your Month by Month Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, Naomi Rand and Alice Greenwood
Description: The Baby Basics Program combines prenatal health education with culturally appropriate literacy training and support for mothers, fathers, and their prenatal care providers. The book's unique format was created in response to mothers' varied interests and skills. This comprehensive prenatal guide and literacy training tool takes into account the special health, economic, social, and cultural needs of low-income women. Subjects: Pregnancy; Health; Parenting
The What to Expect Foundation, 2003, Spiral Bound, 292 pgs, 9 x 7 1/2, $7.50. Level: 3-5.

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SPANISH LANGUAGE

Aprender a Vivir Sin Violencia: Manual Para Hombres, Daniel Jay Sonkin, Michael Durphy and Translated by Jorge Corsi
Description: Spanish translation of Learing to Live without Violence: A Handbook for Men. Subjects: Spanish Language; Violence; Men's Resources about Women's Issues
Volcano Press, (Distributed by: Direct from Publisher) 1997, 1-884244-, Paperback, 70 pgs, 8 1/2 x 11, $14.95.

Hola Bebé: Su guía de mes a mes para un embarazo saludable, Naomi Rand, Alice Greenwood and Translated by Rosales Communications
Description: Spanish language version of Baby Basics. Subjects: Pregnancy; Health; Parenting; Spanish Language
The What to Expect Foundation, 2003, Spiral Bound, 286 pgs, 9 x 7 1/2, $7.50. Level: 3-5.

Periodo.: Lo que su hija debe saber, Guía de una joven, JoAnn Loulan, Bonnie Worthen and Translated by Alejandra Medrano
Description: Spanish language edition of Period. Subjects: Spanish Language; Health; Parenting
Book Peddlers, (Distributed by: Publishers Group West (800) 788-3123) 2003, 0-916773-99-X, Paperback, 99 pgs, 5 1/4 x 8, $9.99.

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CHILDREN'S BOOKS & Books for Young Adults

Sitti’s Secrets, Naomi Shihab Nye
Description: When Sitti, an American girl, goes to visit her grandmother in her small Middle Eastern village on the other side of the world, they don't need words to understand each other's heart. "A thoughtful, loving affirmation of the bonds that transcend language barriers, time zones, and national borders".--"School Library Journal". NOTE: The title was recommended by a teacher working with immigrant and ESOL learners. Subjects: Children's Book
Aladdin Publishing, 1997, 0-689-81706-1, Paperback, 32 pgs, $6.99.

blue jean: What Young Women Are Thinking, Saying and Doing, Sherry S. Handel (editor)
Description: This anthology of articles and short stories written by older teen and young women from around the world covers a range of materials including body image, activism, ethnicity and race, health, creativity and other issues of interest to teens. This book is targeted for 12-19 year olds but includes some material of interest for young women moving beyond their teens. This anthology, taken from articles published in blue jean magazine, will be of interest to programs serving younger populations between 17-22. Subjects: Young Adult Non-Fiction; Women's Issues
Blue Jean Press, (Distributed by: Biblio Distribution 1-800-462-6420) 2001, 0-9706609-1-X, Paperback, 246 pgs, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, $14.95.

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Miscellaneous

Learning to Live without Violence: A Handbook for Men (Updated 1997), Daniel Jay Sonkin and Michael Durphy
Description: This is a handbook and anger management workbook for men who are batterers. Now, the updated 1997 bestselling manual includes exercises to enhance the curriculum for longer-term counseling and educational programs. Subjects: Violence; Men's Resources about Women's Issues
Volcano Press, (Distributed by: Direct from Publisher) 1997, 1-884244-16-5, Paperback, 129 pgs, 8 1/2 x 11, $15.95. Level: 5+.

Survival News: ..the voices of low-income women
Description: Survival News originated as a project of Advocacy for Resources for Modern Survival (ARMS), a welfare rights organization at the University of Massachusetts. It is published by Survivors, Inc., a non-profit Massachusetts corporation. We are a group of low-income women and their allies who organize around survival issues and provide training in writing, speaking, computer skills and leadership. With these skills, we are able to voice our opinion in Survival News as well as in the community.
Dottie Stevens 95 Standard St. Mattapan, MA 02126 Tel: (617) 298-7311 Email: masswelf@aol.com Subjects: Welfare; Bilingual; Women's Issues; Community Involvement Survival News (617) 298-7311, bi-annual, no isbn, Newspaper, around 28 pgs, $10 for individual subscription, $25 for organizations. Free to low/no income people. Single issues are $1.

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Curriculum Resources for Educators

Cathy’s Cards: Instant Conversation in the Classroom, Cathy Seitchik Diaz
Description: The cue cards are designed to promote natural, spontaneous, and personalized conversation in the classroom. They are ideal for pre-lesson warm-ups, in-between snapper-uppers, and end-of-class cool-downs. (Set of 50 blank cards also available, 1882483-53-7, $8.50) Subjects: ESOL
ALTA Book Center, 1-882483-92-8, Boxed, 270 cards with teacher’s guide pgs, 6 x 9, $30.50. Level: High Beginner - Advanced.

Cathy’s Job Interview Cards: Instant Conversation in the Classroom, Cathy Seitchik Diaz
Description: Though prepared for English language learners, these cards will be useful for any adult educator working with students preparing for work or a job interview. The questions are organized in several thematic categories: personal reflection (How do you solve problems?), education (Describe your educational background), job-specific (Are you free to work a split shift? or Why should we hire you?), location (How far are you willing to commute to work?) and situational (How would you handle an angry customer?). There are also questions to ask the interviewer and some “free cards” for additional prompts. The teacher’s guide includes several suggestions and activities for using the cards both in class or with individuals. It includes pages useable to photocopy including stages of an interview and an interview skills rating sheet. Though not specifically intended for women, these questions also do raise some gender issues (How do you feel working for a woman?). Also, though intended for a job interview, many of the questions may be useful as esteem building or goal setting exercises (What are your srengths? or What motivates you?). *Recommended* Subjects: ESOL; Workplace
ALTA Book Center, 2003, 1-882483-76-6, Boxed, 270 cards with teacher’s guide, 32 pgs, 6 x 9, $30.95. Level: mixed.

Views and Voices: Writers of English Around the World, Valerie Whiteson and Françoise Beniston, editors.
Description: Publisher description: “This collection of fourteen stories is a vibrant testimony to the richness of global literature written by authors whose first language is English, but whose first culture is not. Drawn from various continents, each story in its original English form intellectually and emotionally explores life while simultaneously expanding learners' knowledge of the English language. The units open with pertinent pre-reading questions, unique library/Internet activities, and a short introduction to the author and theme. This is followed by the text of the reading, with difficult vocabulary defined in the margins. Further activities explore each story through Internet sites, journal writing, a focus on different styles and usage of English, discussion questions, and follow-up projects.” The textbook style may not draw learners to it, but this is a useful format for teacher of intermediate level ESL/EFL learners. Most interestingly, though, is that this is fiction by well-known international writers, all but one of whom are women! It also has a wide international range: Korea, The Middle East, Botswanna, Vietnam, Antigua, Sweden and India to name a few. Subjects: International; Fiction: Short Stories
ALTA Book Center, 2003, 1-882483-87-1, Paperback, 189 pgs, 8 1/2 x 11, $16.95. Level: Intermediate.

The Penguin Atlas of Women in the World: Completely Revised and Updated, Joni Seager (editor)
Description: In this revision of her ground-breaking atlas, Joni Seager draws on a vast amount of new global data to explore the key issues facing women today: equality, motherhood, feminism, beauty, culture, women at work, women in the global economy, changing households, domestic violence, time budgets, literacy and education, lesbian rights, women in government, and more. This useful book full of color graphics and charts, may be useable with upper level learners and in GED math courses. Subjects: Women's Issues
Penguin Books (www.penguinputnam.com), 2003, 0-14-200241-0, Paperback, 128 pgs, 7 x 9 1/4, $20.00.

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