1. Criminal Justice in Divided America: Police, Punishment, and the Future of Our Democracy
By David A. Sklansky
Investigates failures in America’s criminal justice system, including harsh sentencing; prosecutorial abuses; and neglect of the jury system, which not only harm individual persons but erode belief in democratic institutions. Discusses community policing, the role of mental health in police interactions, and the effects of jury duty on civic engagement. Proposes multiple steps toward reforming the way the criminal justice system impacts American political and social landscapes.
Harvard University Press, 2025, 243 pages
364.973 SK628 2025

 

2. In Defense of Partisanship
By Julian E. Zelizer
Examines the conventional wisdom that intense partisan loyalty within the electorate is the source of political division, distrust, dysfunction, and disinformation. Traces the history of the American debate over partisanship and factionalism along with different theories about how to deal with these forces. Offers a reimagining of what responsible partisanship could look like in the future and how political parties could reform to respect one another’s differences while still working for the American people.
Columbia Global Reports, 2025, 207 pages
306.20 Z49 2025

 

3. Social Media and Youth Mental Health
By Vicki Harrison, M.S.W.; Anne Collier, M.A.; and Steven Adelsheim, M.D.; editors
Presents a series of essays on how social media influences youth mental health at the societal level. Delves into a variety of social media topics, including its impact on brain development; sexuality; online bullying; and privacy. Includes contributions from academic experts in clinical settings while incorporating the voices and perspectives of young people. Seeks to inspire policy and societal change to create healthy and beneficial digital spaces.
American Psychiatric Publishing, 2025, 273 pages
616.8900835 H318 2025

 

4. Breaking Points: Youth Mental Health Crises and How We All Can Help
By Neely Laurenzo Myers
Analyzes the stories of young adults experiencing mental health crises and the treatment decisions they and their families make after psychiatric hospitalization. Addresses barriers and young peoples’ avoidance to mental health services. Explores factors leading to youth mental health crises and argues that health care providers must also address the patient’s “moral agency” along with the medical and material dimensions of care. Proposes solutions for clinicians, families, and policymakers. A free ebook version of this title is available through Luminos, University of California Press’s Open Access publishing program.
University of California Press, 2024, 255 pages
616.8900835 M996 2024

 

5. She Changed the Nation: Barbara Jordan's Life and Legacy in Black Politics
By Mary Ellen Curtin
Chronicles the personal and political journey of former U.S. Representative Barbara Jordan. Explores her political career as the first Black woman to be elected in the Texas Senate in 1966 to becoming the first Black Texan to be elected to the U.S. Congress. Details Jordan's experiences through childhood, relationships, sexuality, disability, and gender and race discrimination. Highlights her impact related to racism, feminism, voting rights, and the Democratic Party. Mentions Justice Oscar Mauzy and former State Senator A.R. "Babe" Schwartz.
University of Pennsylvania Press, 2024, 466
328.73 C978 2024

 

6. Immigration and Crime: Taking Stock
By Charis Elizabeth Kubrin
Discusses the relationship between immigration and crime in the United States, including a range of theories on the immigration-crime link; the predictors and nature of immigration crime; and the impact of immigration policy. Examines the available data sources, key concepts, and the growing research literature at the macro and micro levels on immigration and crime.
Springer, 2023, 98 pages
364.973 K95 2023

 

7. Monument to a Black Man
By Daniel James Kubiak, Illustrations by Neil Caldwell
Profiles William Goyens, a businessman and early settler of Nacogdoches, Texas, who lived from 1794­-1856. Chronicles his early life in North Carolina as a free Black man, his decision to move to Texas in 1820, and his success in various businesses and as a major landowner. Examines Goyens’ political life, including his role in assisting Governor Sam Houston, a personal friend, with treaty negotiations during the Texas Revolution when Houston served as a Major General in the Texas army. Written and researched by former State Representative Dan Kubiak and illustrated by former State Representative Neil Caldwell.
Naylor Co., 1972, 91 pages
976.403 G749K 1972