Theme information

This theme was adapted from several theme created for Let's Talk About It programs, including: "Women's Autobiography," developed by the American Library Association;

Books in this series include:

Maya Angelou I Know Why a Caged Bird Sings
Benjamin Franklin Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

In the 21st century, we are challenged by momentous environmental issues. Serious interest not only in the natural environment, but also in our proper relationship to it, has long antedated our present anxiety over greenhouse gas emissions, the hole in the ozone layer, and global warming. We may find ourselves dismayed as much as we are enlightened by what we read here.

Food is one of human beings’ favorite obsessions. Most people spend a great deal of time physically and mentally preoccupied with food: we organize and prepare meals, we daydream about what’s for lunch or dinner; we eat. Beyond simply an enjoyable, necessary human pastime, though, eating has important implications for how we think of ourselves, and how we relate to the larger culture.

To comply with the Collaborative Summer Library Program (http://www.cslpreads.org/) guidelines, the 2008 Summer Reading e-Branch in a Box Themes (Metamorphosis @ Your Library and Catch the Reading Bug) have been removed from all the e-Branch participating sites. If you had any pages that tapped into the theme switching capabilities, I have switched them out to your default theme.

The contemporary western writers featured in this theme have a variety of perspectives on rural life in the modern West. Ranging in location across the northern rural West from Washington, to various regions of Idaho (the largest cluster), to Montana, their books present a realistic portrait of the West, admitting to difficulties and divisions and misery, both personal and familial.

"Western Experience" examines life in the West from various viewpoints, looks at myths and stereotypes of the West, and explores how various groups have adapted to unique physical and cultural environments in the West.

Books for this series include:

"Working" looks at how the jobs we perform shape our identities. Whether in the quest for the "American Dream" or just making ends meet, work also may provide a more intangible reward--self esteem.

Across Cultures and Continents Further Reading