Recommended Reads

Big Potential: How Transforming the Pursuit of Success Raises Our Achievement, Happiness and Well-Being

Shawn Achor

237 Pages

Call no: BF637.S8 Ach

In his highly-anticipated follow-up to The Happiness Advantage, Achor proclaims that success and happiness are not competitive sports, but are dependent on our connections and relationships with one another. Interdependence is key, he claims, citing fascinating research from psychology and science journals. He prompts the reader to question valuing independence among adolescents when their success in adulthood is almost entirely interconnected with that of others. Achor's first of five strategies (SEEDS) for Big Potential is to surround yourself with positive influencers. Check out his book to learn more perks of camaraderie!

Fairytales for Feisty Girls

Susannah McFarlane

118 pages

Call no: PZ8 Mcfs

McFarlane retells the familiar tales of Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Thumbelina with empowering twists - all protagonists are independent child prodigies! No princes or knights in shining armour save them from their troubles here, nor does marriage lead to living "happily ever after". The young girls, each adept in specific skills such as botany, veterinary care, inventing and telling jokes, are more than equipped to save themselves and pursue their passions. Read Fairytales for Fiesty Girls to find out which skill belongs to whom!

To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee (adapted and illustrated by Fred Fordham)

272 pages

Call no: PZ7.7 ForF

Fordham gives Harper Lee’s classic a refreshing new look with his graphic novel adaptation. He sticks closely to the original script, albeit skipping longer passages of description and commentary to effectively recreate the story in art and dialogue. Almost 60 years after its initial publication, To Kill a Mockingbird, with its representation of race and class in the Deep South of the 1930s, still remains a must-read. This animated adaption is a lovely addition, not replacement, of the award-winning original.

#Mar2019