Helen Plum Library

Presents a history of the Cold War, highlighting notable spies of the era and the tools they used

"In the face of rapidly declining bird populations, read about the vast impacts birds have on ecosystems, food systems, and our mental health and what we can do to protect them"-- Birds are nature's essential workers, crucial members of ecosystems around the world. And they are disappearing. Since 1970, nearly 30 percent of all birds in the United States and Canada have vanished, due to city lights and tall glass skyscrapers; domesticated cats prowling...

"In Ashkenazi Jewish folklore, a golem is a humanoid being created out of mud or clay and animated through secret prayers. Its sole purpose is to defend the Jewish people against the immediate threat of violence. It is always a rabbi who makes a golem, and always in a time of crisis. But Len Bronstein is no rabbi--he's a Brooklyn art teacher who steals a large quantity of clay from his school, gets extremely stoned, and manages to bring his creation...

A sexual, scatological, international sensation: “A cri de coeur against the oppression of a waxed, shaved, douched and otherwise sanitized women’s world” (Nicholas Kulish, The New York Times).
 
In the tradition of The Sexual Life of Catherine M. and Melissa P.’s 100 Strokes of the Brush Before Bed, Charlotte Roche’s debut novel—which sold more than...

"Iran has ancient roots, and readers are guided through its past and present in this comprehensive guide to Iranian life. Focused chapters present the nation's history, economy, natural environment, government, religious groups, arts, and more. As readers explore the pillars of Persian culture, they also encounter full-color photographs of Iran's landmarks and people. Detailed sidebars, maps, recipes, and fact boxes enhance this learning experience,...

"Ireland is a nation known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and unique culture. Readers explore these and many other aspects of life on the Emerald Isle in this meticulously researched and updated guide to Irish culture. Focused chapters highlight the tumultuous history of this nation, its natural resources, its arts scene, and much more. Readers even get a taste of Irish cuisine and are invited to try their hand at preparing it with the...

"Many people are familiar with ancient Egypt, but what about what happened after ancient times? What is Egypt like today? Readers discover the answer in this detailed guide to the world's most populous Arab nation. Chapters focused on history, geography, government, and language supplement common curriculum topics, and others focused on leisure activities, arts, festivals, and food give readers a closer look at what everyday life is like Egypt. Captivating...

"From the bustling energy of Toronto to the rugged landscape of the Rockies and from the natural beauty of Niagara Falls to the artistic hub of Vancouver, Canada is a nation of contrasts. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, and it's filled with diverse biomes, ethnic groups, and ways of life. Canadian culture is presented to readers through text that reflects current events as well as historical milestones. Vibrant photographs...

"Mercury--rocky and hot. Developing readers learn about our solar system's smallest planet and its key features in this low-level search-and-find beginning reader. Orbiting closest to our sun, Mercury is about the size of Earth's moon. Its gray, wrinkly surface is covered in craters and cliffs. Early readers discover new vocabulary about Mercury's geography, place in the solar system, and latest spacecraft to visit it. A search-and-find feature reinforces...

"Uranus--cold and icy. Developing readers learn about the ice giant's key features in this low-level search-and-find. Uranus is one cool planet. Seventh from the sun, Uranus orbits on its side. Its blueish-green color comes from its clouds, and when it storms, diamonds rain down! Early readers discover new vocabulary about this planet in our solar system, including facts about its weather, faint rings, and the only spacecraft to fly by it. A search-and-find...