1. Desire to Serve: The Autobiography of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
By Eddie Bernice Johnson and Cheryl Brown Wattley
Traces the personal and political memoir of former U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson from her youth in segregated Waco to her service as congresswoman from 1993 to 2023. Includes her career as a nurse; her introduction to politics; her work in the Texas House of Representatives from 1973 to 1977; her appointment as the regional director for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; and her time in the Texas Senate from 1987 to 1993. Details the origin of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and her rise to chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Highlights Johnson's impact on the field and advancement of science and her quest to eliminate discrimination. Contains quotes and details of former members of the Texas Legislature and other public officials including Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock, Texas Speaker Bill Clayton, U.S. Representative Ralph Hall, U.S. Representative Mickey Leland, Attorney General James 'Jim' Mattox, State Representative Jesse Oliver, and U.S. Representative Lamar Smith.
University of North Texas, 2024, 414 pages
973.92 J66D 2024

 

2. Six Constitutions Over Texas: Texas' Political Identity, 1830-1900
By William J. Chriss
Presents a historical analysis of the Texas state constitution as a guiding legal document and details its evolution from 1836 to 1876. Examines the social, political, military, and other considerations at play during different stages of Texas’ development and how that is reflected in the six Constitutions of Texas. Provides historical context to the events surrounding the constitutional conventions and discusses how the political identity of Texans influenced the different versions. Concludes with an examination of the birth of conservative modern Texas. The six Constitutions of Texas: Constitution of the Republic of Texas, 1836; Constitution of 1845; Constitution of 1861; Constitution of 1866; Constitution of 1869; and the Constitution of 1876, which is still in force but has been amended hundreds of times.
Texas A&M University Press, 2024, 312 pages
342.764009 C554 2024

 

3. William Hanson and the Texas-Mexico Border: Violence, Corruption, and the Making of the Gatekeeper State
By John Weber
Examines how William Hanson, a Texas Ranger and Immigration Service official of South Texas, shaped U.S. immigration policy in the 1920s. Details his career to illustrate the intersections of corruption, state-building, and racial violence in Texas. Reveals how Hanson used his positions to disparage the Texas-Mexico border region as dangerous and influence U.S. policymakers’ understanding of the area and its residents. Argues that the current nativist politics that are seeking to malign the border population can be traced back to Hanson’s era. Mentions Governor Greg Abbott and his immigration policies.
University of Texas Press, 2024, 230 pages
972 W373W 2024

 

4. Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation
By Pete Hegseth
Criticizes the influence of Progressives and the left in America’s public schools, from the educational transformation of the early 20th century to controlling the “supply lines” of future citizens and an emphasis on racial and gender identity. Offers a “field guide” for remaking school in the U.S. in the mold of classical Christian education, including a philosophy of education grounded in virtue and excellence.
Broadside Books, 2022, 269 pages
370.11 H464B 2022

 

5. A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door: The Dismantling of Public Education and the Future of School
By Jack Schneider and Jennifer Berkshire
Highlights ongoing attempts by a conservative movement to dismantle public education in the U.S. Details the ideological origin of the movement and the core policies of their agenda. Discusses current public education policies focusing on performance standards, accountability, and school choice and outlines the factors and history contributing to the recent crisis public schools are facing. Examines topics such as deregulation, teacher unions, private school vouchers, market-based school choice, tax credit scholarships, virtual school programs, and more.
The New Press, 2020, 264 pages
370.973 SCH358 2020

 

6. American Heroines: The Spirited Women Who Shaped Our Country
By Kay Bailey Hutchison
Profiles historical and contemporary female pioneers and leaders in various fields including art, education, government, and healthcare. Written by former Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison, who weaves her own background and career as the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate from the State of Texas through the inspiring stories of these incredible women. Highlights influential Texas women including former House parliamentarian Oveta Culp Hobby; Mary Austin Holley, cousin of Stephen F. Austin; Adina Emilia De Zavala; Clara Driscoll; and Selena Quintanilla Perez.
William Morrow, 2004, 384 pages
920.72 H973A 2004