1. The New Politics of the Old South: An Introduction to Southern Politics
By Charles S. Bullock III and Mark J. Rozell, editors
Collects a series of essays on Southern politics through time, up to date through the 2020 elections. Profiles twelve states and classifies them as either "Stagnant" or "Growth" states. Includes Texas in the latter group because of its rapid economic and population development, and predicts potential changes in partisanship and public policy. Focuses on voting patterns and demographic shifts since the 1970s in the Texas chapter, with emphasis on the state's history of redistricting.
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2022, 341 pages
320.975 B938N 2022

 

2. The President and the Freedom Fighter: Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Their Battle to Save America's Soul
By Brian Kilmeade
Tells the story of the relationship between two men striving to save the United States during the Civil War. Follows President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass as their paths converge while working towards the abolition of slavery. Describes the influence of Douglass' writings on Lincoln's beliefs and how Douglass was the only Black man allowed within Lincoln's inner chamber in the White House.
Sentinel, 2021, 292 pages
973.7092 K48P 2021

 

3. Presumed Guilty: How the Supreme Court Empowered the Police and Subverted Civil Rights
By Erwin Chemerinsky
Demonstrates how the U.S. Supreme Court, through its decisions over the last half-century, has helped create an unjust criminal justice system that undermines the civil rights of criminal suspects and defendants — especially for people of color. Argues that the Court has not only failed to limit police misconduct and racism in law enforcement but has also weakened remedies for people who are victims of police wrongdoing. Details alternate avenues for police reform and how state and local governments can be involved.
Liveright Publishing Corporation, 2021, 362 pages
344.73052 C517P 2021

 

4. Texas Charter Schools Turn 25
By House Research Organization
Addresses the 25 year history of the charter school system in Texas since it was established in 1995 by SB 1, 74th Legislature, R.S. Details policy proposals related to charter schools' growth and operations as well as the authorization process, municipal ordinances, and funding. Includes an in-depth legislative history.
House Research Organization, 2021, 12 pages
L1801.9 ST94 87-4

 

5. The Turnout Myth: Voting Rates and Partisan Outcomes in American National Elections
By Daron R. Shaw and John R. Petrocik
Examines over 50 years of presidential, gubernatorial, senatorial, and house election data to explore the partisan effect associated with voter turnout in national elections. Challenges the widely held belief that high voter participation benefits Democrats while low participation helps Republicans. Discusses the shifting Republican terrain in Texas.
Oxford University Press, 2020, 200 pages
324.60973 SH534T 2020

 

6. The Wineslinger Chronicles: Texas on the Vine
By Russell D. Kane
Chronicles Texas' emergence as a wine-producing region. Includes stories of winemakers who overcame barriers presented by state alcoholic beverage production and distribution laws. Describes how creation of the Winegrowers List mobilized winegrowers and winemakers to bring about the reform of Texas winery laws, including an amendment to the Texas Constitution.
Texas Tech University Press, 2012, 205 pages
641.2 K16W 2012