1. Lost Causes: Blended Sentencing, Second Chances, and the Texas Youth Commission By Chad R. Trulson, et al.
Presents an in-depth study of determinate (blended) sentencing outcomes in Texas. Delves into the social and delinquent histories, Texas Youth Commission incarceration experiences, and release and recidivism outcomes of close to 3,500 juvenile offenders who received blended sentences between 1987 and 2011. Seeks to understand the impact of this unique sentencing structure, which blends parts of the juvenile and adult justice systems, and gives some of the most violent youthful offenders a second chance to remain in the juvenile justice system instead of transferring to the Texas Prison system.
University of Texas Press, 2016. 204 pages.
364.3609764 T769L 2016
 

 

2. LBJ and Grassroots Federalism: Congressman Bob Poage, Race, and Change in Texas By Robert Harold Duke
Explores the expansion of collaboration between local communities in Texas and the federal government through the careers of President Lyndon B. Johnson and Texas Congressman William R. Poage, of Waco. Examines projects ranging from the New Deal era through the 1960's, including the Waco Dam project, and how the growth of political engagement in minority communities impacted the implementation of federal programs.
Texas A&M University Press, 2014. 248 pages.
320.6 D885L 2014
 

 

 

3. America Ascendant: A Revolutionary Nation's Path to Addressing its Deepest Problems and Leading the 21st Century By Stanley B. Greenberg
Provides a unique and very hopeful look into how America is poised to address all the problems the 21st century has brought – widening inequality, poverty, racism and general dark side of progress. Articulates a vision of how America will come through these crises, as it did at the turn of the 20th century with radical and progressive reforms. Argues that today’s growing anger will reach a tipping point that compels the nation’s leaders to work to address America’s deepest problems.
Thomas Dunne Books, 2015. 406 pages.
320.973 G829A 2015


 

 

4. The Selfie Vote: Where Millennials are Leading America (and How Republicans Can Keep Up) By Kristen Soltis Anderson
Examines how cultural factors are changing the way a new generation of voters considers issues. Analyzes demographic shifts, lifestyle, and consumer choices through the use of data mining and social media to emphasize what is important to youth, women and minorities. Offers insights and advice from a leading Republican pollster about how to best appeal to these voters.
Broadside Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, 2015. 262 pages.
324.973 AN23S 2015

 

 

5. Thirst for Power: Energy, Water and Human Survival By Michael E. Webber
Examines the interrelation between water and energy and their importance to people. Details the critical role that water plays in energy production, highlighting its use in the operation of hydro-electric plants, nuclear reactors, and bio-fuels. Suggests ways energy can alleviate water shortages by fueling desalination plants, long-haul transfers, and drilling deeper wells. Points out the human race's growing need for both precious resources and possible solutions to long-term needs, both in technical and non-technical approaches.
Yale University Press, 2016. 235.
333.7915 W387T 2016
 

 

 

6. Texas Women: Their Histories, Their Lives By Elizabeth Hayes Turner, Stephanie Cole, and Rebecca Sharpless, editors
Presents a collection of biographies and essays of Texas women showing the racial, class, and religious diversity of the Lone Star State, beginning with the Spanish colonial era. Includes fascinating stories of Spanish law and women in colonial Texas, women in slavery, women's higher education in antebellum Texas, women's fight for equal rights, African American and Hispanic women, and ranch women and rodeo performers in post-World War II West Texas. Profiles Oveta Culp Hobby and Barbara Jordan - two prominent women in the history of the Texas Legislature.
The University of Georgia Press, 2015. 526 pages.
305.409764 T852T 2015