The Art of Mechanical Drawing

Title
The Art of Mechanical Drawing

Library Link
Popular mechanics. The art of mechanical drawing : a practical course for drafting and design / William F. Willard Willard, William Franklin, 1879-

10 Second Review
From the library summary:
"Before our modern age of computer-aided design, apprentice draftsmen perfected their art by hand. Manual drafting was once a lovingly nurtured and prized skill. Now, the editors ofPopular Mechanicshave revived their classic handbook in a compact and beautifully produced new edition."

Basically, this book is a reprint from 1912 that teaches mechanical drawing.
While some of the info is dated (ie mechanical drawing skills are profitable) , the drawing exercises are excellent.
This book will show you how to use all those weird drawing tools and teach you to produce virtually any 3-D shape you can imagine.
Great for the artist looking to add precise detail to their work.

Notes
A drafting table would be helpful when using this book

Learning Curve
Moderate: Some math skills are needed

The complete idiot's guide to street magic

Title
Street Magic

Library Link
The complete idiot's guide to street magic / Tom Ogden ; [edited by] Randy Ladenheim-Gil, Lynn Northrup, Megan Douglass Ogden, Tom.

10 Second Review

From the libraries summary:

“People starting out in magic today want something edgier, grittier, quick, visual, and maybe a little dangerous. This guide will teach you how to do it! It includes: 75 to 100 tricks 200 illustrations, from how-to shots to photos of street magicians at work”

Ok, this is a pretty cool book. Ever wonder how David Blaine manages to levitate?
This book will tell you. Lots of cool tricks and techniques you can learn.

Notes
Good for low budget crowd

Learning Curve
Moderate: Some tricks might be too much for younger teens.

DO NOT OPEN

Title

DO NOT OPEN: An encyclopedia of the world’s best kept secrets

Library Link
Do not open / John Farndon. Farndon, John. London : Dorling Kindersley, 2010.
10 Second Review
This is a fun book that explores many strange events and theories.

Presented with lots of illustrations, this book explores topics from time travel, famous criminals, Atlantis, World War II secrets, magic and mummies.

A very large variety of topics which should appeal to a wide audience.

Notes
Oh, and body language, camouflage, safe-cracking and aliens!

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Interpreting Your Dreams

Title

Interpreting Your Dreams

Library Link
The complete idiot's guide to interpreting your dreams / by Marci Pliskin and Shari L. Just. Pliskin, Marci.
New York, NY : Alpha Books, c1999.
10 Second Review
From the libraries summary:
“…two dream experts start readers on their quests for knowledge about their dreams, with engaging theories as to why we dream, what the main symbols signify, and how we can utilize dreams to help face everyday realities.”

Some dream books are like dictionaries where the reader simply looks up the subject of their dream.
This book takes a deeper look and encourages the reader to take a more subjective view of the experience.

Notes
Includes techniques for remembering dreams.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers but may be too dense for younger teens.

Reading Order
n/a

Ninja: The Shadow Warrior

Title

Ninja: The Shadow Warrior

Library Link
Ninja : the shadow warrior / Joel Levy Levy, Joel.

10 Second Review
From the libraries summary:
“For centuries, the ninja has occupied a unique place in Japanese culture, straddling the border between fact and folklore. Through classical art, traditional proverbs, and superb research, this exquisitely designed volume takes a look back into the origins and history of these notorious shadow warriors.”

This is a fun book filled with drawings, facts and fables about the ninja.
Should be accessible for a wide range of readers.

Notes
Learn how ninja’s can stay underwater for hours

Learning Curve
Low

Reading Order
n/a

The Manga Cookbook

Title

The Manga Cookbook

Library Link
The manga cookbook / presented by the Manga University Culinary Institute [with recipes by Yoko Ishihara] ; illustrations by Chihiro Hattori Ishihara, Yoko.

10 Second Review
So, you want to learn to cook but hate those stuffy ‘Martha’ books?
Maybe you want to eat what your manga heroes eat?
Well, this book might fit the bill.

The Manga Cookbook includes recipes for Udun, Dango, Gyudon and even Japanese pizza!
Everything is presented in a manga style that is easy to read and easy to follow.

Notes
Learn to use chop sticks!
Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
n/a

Beat Stress: The Exam Handbook

Title

Beat Stress: The Exam Handbook

Library Link
Beat stress! : the exam handbook / [author, Anita Naik] Naik, Anita.

10 Second Review
Do test stress you out? 
Have trouble managing all your homework and papers?
Do you study and study and still fail?
This book may offer some help.

It covers study tips and how to deal with stress.
Presented in a teen friendly fashion, this book is easy and fun to read.

Notes
The art of 'cramming' is addressed.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readres

Reading Order
n/a

Injeanious

Title
Injeanious

Library Link
InJEANious : 52 ways to DIY your denim / Lauren A. Greene ; photography by Sonya Farrell ; illustration by Kathleen Jacques Greene, Lauren A.

10 Second Review
You spent last weekend making stuff out of duct tape and now you want to move to something more complex.
This book can help you turn old jeans into something new and divides the projects into skills levels.

Some examples include:
Applying stencils, paint, beads
Turning jeans pants into a jean skirt
Making tote bags and bracelets

Notes
Might be too much for younger teens

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Stick It

Title
Stick It

Library Link
Stick it! 99 D.I.Y. duct tape projects / by T. L. Bonaddio ; illustrated by Andrew Tomlinson Bonaddio, T. L.

10 Second Review
So…you’re sitting around bored and wondering what you can do.
All you have is a couple of rolls of duct tape.

This book offers 99 cool things you can make out of the magical adhesive.
Many items are just a variation on a theme but there are plenty of projects to help knock out a slow afternoon.

Instructions include bracelets, flip-flops, wallets, purses, pillows, etc. etc.

Notes
Having a variety of colored tape will help.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
n/a

Lifelike Drawing with Lee Hammond

Title
Lifelike Drawing with Lee Hammond

Library Link

Lifelike
drawing with Lee Hammond / Lee Hammond
Hammond,
Lee, 1957-

10 Second Review
This book takes the reader step by step through the drawing process. Topics include techniques, round objects, square objects, fabric and natural subjects.

This is one of the better drawing books I have seen.

The book focuses on basics that give the reader the tools to master more complex projects.
This book is especially useful for learning shading or value variation.

Notes
If you want to learn how to draw, this book will provide some surprising results.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Might be too much for younger teens.

Reading Order
N/a

Repeat Until Rich

Title
Repeat Until Rich

Library Link

Repeat
until rich : a professional card counter's chronicle of the blackjack wars /
Josh Axelrad
Axelrad,
Josh.

10 Second Review
Josh Axelrad tells his story of going from a boring corporate life to living on the edge as a professional gambler.

This is a surprisingly easy and fun read.

The author successfully captures the excitement and fear of trying to beat the casinos at their own game.

You will see Axelrad go from broke, to rich to Gamblers Anonymous.

Notes
Learn to count cards!

Learning Curve
Moderate: Might overwhelm younger readers

Reading Order
N/a

Superheroes and Beyond

Title
Superheroes and Beyond

Library Link

Superheroes
and beyond : how to draw the leading and supporting characters of today's comics / Christopher Hart
Hart,
Christopher.

10 Second Review
Tired of reading comics and want to create your own?
This book might be for you. Includes drawing faces, figures, expressions and action poises.

A fairly standard 'How-to-Draw' book that is a bit light on instruction but includes lots of examples.
A good choice for a more advanced artist looking to fine-tune their skills.

Notes
Christopher Hart has many, many drawing books.

Learning Curve
Moderate to High: Might be too much for beginning artist

Reading Order
N/a

Art for Kids: Drawing

Title
Art for Kids: Drawing

Library Link

Drawing
: the only drawing book you'll ever need to be the artist you've always wanted
to be / Kathryn Temple
Temple,
Kathryn, 1972-

10 Second Review
This book takes the budding art student through a step-by-step procedure to learn various art techniques.

This is a better then average art book that covers many of the foundational aspects of drawing. However, younger kids will likely be intimidated by the complexity of some of the artist's drawings.

Notes
A good choice for older teens and adults.

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Lessons range from easy to challenging.

Reading Order
N/a

Cutting myself in half

Title
Cutting myself in half

Library Link

Cutting
myself in half : 150 pounds lost, one byte at a time / Taylor LeBaron and
Jack and Mary Branson LeBaron,
Taylor.

10 Second Review
Library summary "At age fourteen, Taylor LeBaron was nearly 300 pounds. He had difficulty just getting to the mailbox without becoming short of breath. But a membership to the Y, a keen imagination, and an indomitable spirit changed all that."

While most 'diet' books are quick fixes and fluff, this one offers a plan of action with practical advice like counting calories and exercise.

While a bit dense it is an easy and encouraging read.

Notes
Great for teens and adults

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

GLBTQ

Title
GLBTQ

Library Link

GLBTQ
: the survival guide for queer & questioning teens / Kelly Huegel
Huegel,
Kelly, 1974-

10 Second Review
From the library summary "The teen years are full of challenges. For gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning teens, these challenges can include prejudice, discrimination, rejection, reprisals, insensitive remarks (even among friends and families) and, sometimes, violence. But being a GLBTQ teen can also be fun and enlightening-when you are comfortable with who you are."

This book has a great deal of information but it is organized in a teen friendly fashion.
A wide range of topics are covered from coming out, to safe sex to questions about religion. Should appeal to both teens and parents.

Notes
Includes support group links.

Learning Curve
Low: Might overwhelm younger readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Unsolved Crimes

Title
Unsolved Crimes

Library Link

Unsolved
crimes / Michael Newton ; consulting editor, John L. French
Newton,
Michael, 1951-

10 Second Review
From Jack the Ripper to modern day art thefts, this book highlights some of the more intriguing unsolved cases in the Western world.

While fairly light reading, it does provide some insights into lesser known cases and should appeal to those interested in forensics.

Notes
Includes information about the Vidocq Society

Learning Curve
Low: Crimes might be too much for younger readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Now what?

Title
Now what?

Library Link

Now
what? : the young person's guide to choosing the perfect career / Nicholas
Lore with Anthony Spadafore
Lore,
Nicholas.

10 Second Review
This book provides a guide to choosing a satisfying career by utilizing personality test and practical advice. The author makes a good point in stating that many students will spend a great deal of time and money getting a degree they can't or won't use.

While this book does provide some excellent information it is probably too dense to hold a teens attention for very long.
It is essentially a textbook with a hip cover.

Notes
Might be a good choice for parents or teachers looking to help a student.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Might be too much for younger readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Never Mind Success Go for Greatness!

Title
Never Mind Success Go for Greatness!

Library Link

Never
mind success -- go for greatness! : the best advice I've ever received /
Tavis Smiley
Smiley,
Tavis, 1964-

10 Second Review
Talk show host Tavis Smiley provides some of the advice his many guests have offered.

An easy read that can provide teens with some food for thought.

Examples:

Levar Burton "Don't take yourself so seriously."

Drew Carey "Find out whatever it is really, really good at and do it anyway, whether you make a living at it or not."

T-Boz "Respect yourself."

Danny Elfman "Never take anybody's advice."

Notes
Tavis Smiley has talk shows of both PBS and public radio.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

We Beat the Street

Title
We Beat the Street

Library Link

We
beat the street : how a friendship pact led to success / by The Three
Doctors (Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt) ; with Sharon M. Draper
Davis,
Sampson.

10 Second Review
From the library summary:
" Sampson, George, and Rameck came from the tough neighborhoods of Newark, New Jersey, where survival, not schoolwork, was the priority. They made a friendship pact, deciding together to take on the biggest challenges of their lives: going to college, then medical school. Along the way they made mistakes, faced disappointments, and nearly failed, but by working hard, finding positive role models, resisting negative influences, and supporting each other at every turn, they achieved their goals."

A good, easy read which offers practical advice without sounding preachy.
This is a good choice for teens that need some encouragement.

Notes
New York Times Best Seller

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Heroes! Draw your own superheroes, gadget geeks & other do-gooders.

Title
Heroes! Draw your own superheroes, gadget geeks & other do-gooders.

Library Link

Heroes!
: draw your own superheroes, gadget geeks & other do-gooders / Jay
Stephens
Stephens,
Jay, 1971-

10 Second Review
So, you want to make your own superhero comics?
But…your art skills aren't quite up to professional standards?
Maybe you're more of a 'cartoon' artist then a 'comic' artist?
This book might be for you.

This book takes you step-by-step using simplified shapes and lines to create your own superheroes.
A good choice for intermediate artists or those looking for a more 'cartoon' style

Notes
Jay Stephens may be best known for creating Tutenstein

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a