1. The Framers' Coup: The Making of the United States Constitution
By Michael J. Klarman
Presents a comprehensive accounting of the founding of the U.S. Constitution from the precursor Articles of Confederation to the enactment of the Bill of Rights. Suggests the framers were practicing ordinary interest group politics and reviews primary sources to show their reasoning, prejudices, and moral blind spots. Concludes the Constitution was a coup for expanded powers of the federal government and a significant departure from the more democratic state constitutions of the time.
Oxford University Press, 2016. 865 pages.
342.7302 K665F 2016


 

2. From the War on Poverty to the War on Crime: The Making of Mass Incarceration in America
By Elizabeth Hinton
Argues that America's mass incarceration rates originate not with the Reagan administration's War on Drugs, as popularly perceived, but with the Johnson administration's Great Society social welfare programs. Traces the trajectory of Johnson's War on Poverty and War on Crime policies, illustrating how Nixon and later presidents pulled away from welfare efforts and devoted increasing resources to anticrime programs that ultimately criminalized poverty. Demonstrates how flawed statistical data overstated the problem of crime in African American communities and produced a distorted view of American crime as a whole.
Harvard University Press, 2016. 449 pages.
364.973 H596F 2016


 

3. We Wanted Workers: Unraveling the Immigration Narrative
By George J. Borjas
Analyzes the impact that immigration has on the United States economy. Questions whether the analytical models used by both proponents and detractors of unrestricted immigration policies are flawed based on their assumptions and data. Concludes that many of the arguments for and against certain immigration policies, supported by statistical evidence, have been corrupted to support a particular stance on immigration.
W. W. Norton & Company, 2016. 238 pages.
331.10973 B644W 2016


 

4. Moderates: The Vital Center of American Politics, from the Founding to Today
By David S. Brown
Charts the progress of centrism in American politics, emphasizing the critical role that moderate politicians, ideas, and collaborations have played since the United States was established. Examines the contributions of pragmatic, centrist leaders within their historical contexts, including John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, the Bushes, and Bill Clinton.
University of North Carolina Press, 2016. 335 pages.
306.20973 B812M 2016


 

5. Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
By J.D. Vance
Examines the family, economic, and social challenges of America's poor, white working class in Kentucky's Appalachian region and small-town Ohio. Addresses policy issues of child abuse, alcoholism, poverty, welfare, and family trauma through a gripping and poignant memoir.
Harper, 2016. 264 pages.
305.5 V277H 2016


 

6. Shaming the Constitution: The Detrimental Results of Sexual Violent Predator Legislation
By Michael L. Perlin and Heather Ellis Cucolo
Presents a comprehensive overview of sex offenders and current sexual predator legislation in America. Analyzes in depth not only the laws, but also the social attitudes that have effectively blocked many constitutional protections that these offenders should have available to them. Argues public policy often has been the result of knee-jerk legislation and posits that as a result, society has neglected issues that matter - risk prediction, effective treatment, and curbing media misrepresentation.
Temple University Press, 2017. 309 pages.
345.73 P421S 2017


 

1. A Tongue in the Mouth of the Dying By Laurie Ann Guerrero
Laurie Ann Guerrero, the 2016 Texas Poet Laureate, is also the 2014 San Antonio Poet Laureate. Her poetry has been described as startling and visceral - full of imagination and empathy but also sharp as knives. Among her numerous awards are the 2012 Andres Montoya Poetry Prize and the Helen C. Smith Award from the Texas Institute of Letters. A Tongue in the Mouth of the Dying has been identified as a must-read work of Chicano literature. It explores the histories of South Texas, its people, and their ability to speak out.
University of Notre Dame Press, 2013. 66 pages.
811.6 G937T 2013


 

2. Sonnets and Salsa By Carmen Tafolla
Dr. Carmen Tafolla, the 2015 Texas Poet Laureate, is a writer, a performance artist, and a professor of Bicultural Bilingual Studies at the University of Texas - San Antonio. She has authored several books of poetry along with short stories, historical nonfiction, and children's books. She is recognized as one of the madrinas of contemporary Chicana literature and a master at code-switching. Her works have appeared in textbooks, newspapers, journals, and magazines. She has been honored with several awards including being named the 2012 San Antonio Poet Laureate. Sonnets and Salsa is a collection of poems/sonnets in English and in Spanish that capture the joys and struggles of Latina women.
Wings Press, 2001. 107 pages.
811.54 T125S 2001


 

3. Shock by Shock By Dean Young
Dean Young, the 2014 Texas Poet Laureate and a Pulitzer Prize finalist, has been a prolific author of poetry for the past thirty-years. He has received awards and support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Guggenheim Memorial Foundation and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 2011 he underwent a heart transplant after living with congestive heart failure for a decade. Hints of his condition can be found throughout his poetry. He is currently the William Livingston Chair of Poetry with the James A. Michener Center for Writers and a professor with the University of Texas Department of English in Austin. Shock By Shock, his first collection of poems since his brush with death, celebrates his joy for life with a mixture of surrealism and humor.
Copper Canyon Press, 2015. 81 pages.
811.54 Y84S 2015


 

4. Again for the First Time By Rosemary Catacalos
Rosemary Catacalos, the 2013 Texas Poet Laureate, is of Greek and Mexican heritage and a San Antonio native. Her work is deeply rooted in the classical myths, folklore, and history of both cultures. She has been a tireless advocate for literacy, creative education, and underheard voices. Again for the First Time, which was awarded the Texas Institute of Letters Poetry Prize, blends Greek mythological characters with contemporary settings and addresses a variety of issues, including San Antonio street life and racism.
Wings Press, 2013. 79 pages.
811.54 C28A 2013


 

5. Jan Seale: New and Selected Poems By Jan Seale
Jan Seale, the 2012 Texas Poet Laureate, began writing poetry at the age of six. She is an award winning author of poetry, short stories, nonfiction and children’s books. The former teacher’s works often reflects on nature, aging, spirituality, and the lives of women. Jan Seale: New and Selected Poems, the eighth volume of the Texas Poets Laureate series, is a collection of some of her best poetry published between 1974-2012.
TCU Press, 2012. 88 pages.
811 T312PL 12


 

6. David M. Parsons: New and Selected Poems By David M. Parsons
Dave Parsons, the 2011 Texas Poet Laureate, is a man of many contrasts - from serving in the U.S. Marine Corps to owning a haberdashery, from coaching sports to teaching creative writing at Lone Star College. He began writing poetry in college and has been published in several journals and anthologies. He is the recipient of numerous awards and was inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters in 2009. David M. Parsons: New and Selected Poems, the seventh installment of the TCU Texas Poets Laureate Series, is a collection of some of his most celebrated works, including poems inspired by the city of Austin.
TCU Press, 2012. 86 pages.
811 T312PL 11


 

7. Redefining Beauty By Karla K. Morton
Karla K. Morton, the 2010 Texas Poet Laureate, is a celebrated poet who has authored numerous books of poetry that span many subjects and forms. In her role as Texas Poet Laureate, she established the Little Town, Texas Tour to bring poetry to young people across Texas, focusing on small towns underserved by the arts. Redefining Beauty is a collection of powerful poems that chronicle her journey through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery - offering hope but also unfiltered honesty - on the brutality of cancer.
Dos Gatos Press, 2009. 63 pages.
811.6 M846R 2009


 

8. Paul Ruffin: New and Selected Poems By Paul Ruffin
Paul Ruffin, the 2009 Texas Poet Laureate, was an award winning writer who passed away in 2016. He was a Texas State University System Regents' Professor and a Distinguished Professor of English at Sam Houston State University. He was also the founder of the Texas Review and of Texas Review Press. He published over 1500 poems along with a multitude of stories and essays. Paul Ruffin: New and Selected Poems, the fifth installment of the TCU Texas Poets Laureate Series, highlights some of his finest poetry and extraordinary storytelling.
TCU Press, 2010. 85 pages.
811.54 R838N 2010


 

1. Black Texas Women: 150 Years of Trial and Triumph By Ruthe Winegarten
Examines the lives of black Texas women, going as far back as the Spanish colonial period, when women of color were not only free, but owned land and worked in Texas under the anti-slavery Mexican laws. Describes the pro-slavery Republic of Texas era in which white society took everything from black citizens – not only their freedom and land, but their civil rights, dignity, and self-respect. Paints a vivid picture of the lives of these inspiring women through their stories and photographs.
University of Texas Press, 1995. 427.
325.26 W725


 

2. Las Tejanas: 300 Years of History By Teresa Palomo Acosta and Ruthe Winegarten
Celebrates the contributions made by women of Spanish/Mexican origin to Texas from the 1700s to 2000. Provides a historical account of Tejanas in all aspects of life, focusing on their struggles and triumphs in politics, education, the arts, and business. Profiles notable Tejanas including former and current members of the Texas Legislature. Supplements this history of achievements with a selection of photographs and artwork.
University of Texas Press, 2003. 436 pages.
301.45 AC72T 2003


 

3. The Latina Advantage: Gender, Race, and Political Success By Christina E. Bejarano
Examines empirical evidence and statistics in Texas and California to argue that Latina women could hold a strategic advantage in the "intersectionality of gender and ethnicity." Argues that racial/ethnic minority women make up a greater percentage of other minority representatives than "white" women do among "white" elected officials. Investigates the history of the Texas Legislature and how Latina candidates are appealing to a wider, more diverse population based on qualities and political/community experience.
University of Texas Press, 2013. 183 pages.
305.868 B397L 2013


 

4. "Let Me Tell You What I've Learned": Texas Wisewomen Speak By PJ Pierce
Presents a collection of interviews of twenty-five women who have led extraordinary lives and shaped Texas in significant ways. Shares the wisdom and life lessons of women who have broken barriers and challenged stereotypes. Features risk-takers from a variety of backgrounds, including former and current lawmakers, who offer insights into topics such as career challenges, being a minority, families, faith, adversity, perseverance, and success.
University of Texas Press, 2002. 302 pages.
920.7209764 P611L 2002


 

5. A Love Letter to Texas Women By Sarah Bird
Describes key traits of many Texas women, including friendliness, sense of humor, and fearlessness, in this short, humorous tribute. Highlights Lady Bird Johnson, Laura Bush, Molly Ivins, Ann Richards, and Barbara Jordan as examples of inspirational women.
University of Texas Press, 2016. 72 pages.
813.54 B532L 2016


 

6. Citizens at Last: The Woman Suffrage Movement in Texas By A. Elizabeth Taylor
Highlights the role of Texas women in the suffrage movement, particularly Minnie Fisher Cunningham in her leadership role as president of the Texas Equal Suffrage Association, and Jane Y. McCallum, a public relations dynamo at keeping this topic in the public spotlight. Includes the groundbreaking 1951 article by Dr. A. Elizabeth Taylor, “The Woman Suffrage Movement in Texas.” Presents a variety of documents, including Texas legislative materials, beginning with the 1868-1869 Reconstruction Convention consideration of woman’s suffrage to the 1919 ratification of the 19th Amendment.
Ellen C. Temple, 1987. 242 pages.
324 T213


 

7. Texas Dames: Sassy and Savvy Women Throughout Lone Star History By Carmen Goldthwaite
Highlights the stories of fifty-three Texas women and their accomplishments from early Tejas to the mid-twentieth century. Details how these courageous "Dames" broke both gender and racial barriers in education, ministry, business, entertainment, athletics, medicine, and politics. Profiles women who achieved "firsts" as doctors, scientists, bankers, attorneys, religious leaders, and state lawmakers.
The History Press, 2012. 157 pages.
976.4 G58T 2012


 

8. Women in Civil War Texas: Diversity and Dissidence in the Trans-Mississippi By Deborah M. Liles and Angela Boswell, editors.
Documents the experiences of Texas women during the Civil War through essays that establish the historical context and complexity of the war and its effects. Delves into issues related to secession, slavery, and ethnicity as African Americans, Germans, and Tejanos diversified the state's population. [Winner of the Liz Carpenter Award for Research in the History of Women, Texas State Historical Association, 2016]
University of North Texas Press, 2016. 297 pages.
305.409764 L627W 2016


 

1. Anti-Black Violence in Twentieth-Century Texas By Bruce A. Glasrud, editor.
Provides a striking collection of essays by historians, journalists, and writers on the history of racial violence against African Americans in Texas. Demonstrates the persistence of racial violence across time, from lynchings in Lamar County (1890-1920) to the beating of Billy Ray Johnson in 2003. Argues that to understand present-day race relations, the violence against African Americans in the past must be examined.
Texas A&M University Press, 2015. 209 pages.
305.896 G463 2015
 

2. Black Intellectual Thought in Education: The Missing Traditions of Anna Julia Cooper, Carter G. Woodson, and Alain LeRoy Locke By Carl A. Grant, Keffrelyn D. Brown, and Anthony L. Brown
Presents the history of black intellectual thought through the eyes of three prominent black academic scholars. Celebrates the contributions of Anna Julia Cooper, Carter G. Woodson (known as the Father of Black History Month), and Alain Leroy Locke, to the causes of social science, education and democracy in America. Offers a powerful counter-narrative to the educational discourse and critical social theory established in the mainstream of American thought. Highlights ideas that should be examined to deal with prevailing educational issues of today.
Routledge, 2016. 185 pages.
371.829 G767 2016

3. Black Women in Texas History By Bruce A. Glasrud and Merline Pitre, editors.
Looks at how African American women have been shaped by the larger culture as well as how these women have affected the culture and history of Texas. Compiles essays written by era experts to survey African American women's experiences through time and themes, including slavery and freedom, Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Era, and more. Argues that often-disenfranchised black women actively pursued ways to make their voices heard and build community.
Texas A&M University Press, 2008. 248 pages.
325.26 B64W 2008

4. Juneteenth Texas: Essays in African-American Folklore By Francis Edward Abernethy, Patrick B. Mullen, and Alan B. Govenar, editors.
Presents a wide variety of viewpoints on African-American folklore in Texas, including personal memoirs, essays describing various aspects of African-American folk culture and specific genres of songs and stories, and theoretical scholarly articles. Includes an essay on the history of the Juneteenth celebration in Texas, highlighting the path to establishing it as an official state holiday with the passage of HB1016, 66th Legislature.
University of North Texas Press, 1996. 364 pages.
398 AB37 1996

5. Playing in Shadows: Texas and Negro League Baseball By Rob Fink
Explores the significant role African American baseball teams in Texas and black Texans had in shaping the state's African American communities and building community pride and racial identity. Profiles the prominent role of Texan Andrew "Rube" Foster and his leadership in forming the Negro National League, the first black national professional league. Examines black newspapers and uses oral history interviews and autobiographies to flesh out the activities of specific players and Texas' own professional Texas-Oklahoma-Louisiana League of 1929 to 1931.
Texas Tech University Press, 2010. 165 pages.
796.357 F495P 2010

6. The Ground on Which I Stand: Tamina, a Freemen's Town By Marti Corn
Chronicles the lives, dreams, and spirit of the people of Tamina, a rural community north of Houston, established by newly freed slaves in 1871. Presents a multifaceted portrait of twelve descendent families through intimate photographs and oral histories gathered from residents who represent a variety of backgrounds. Shares stories of challenges and opportunities along with the residents' deep pride and love for Tamina.
Texas A&M University Press, 2016. 140 pages.
976.4153 C814 2016

7. The Original Black Elite: Daniel Murray and the Story of a Forgotten Era By Elizabeth Dowling Taylor
Presents the story of the black elites who thrived in the nation’s capital during reconstruction, told through the life of Daniel Murray (1851-1925), who was appointed Assistant Librarian at the Library of Congress and considered a prominent member of this “elite” class. Chronicles the rise and calculated fall of upper-class African Americans, a group of prominent educators, doctors, senators and lawyers, from Emancipation through Reconstruction to the Jim Crow Era. Includes photographs and maps.
Amistad Publishers, 2017. 498 pages.
973.04 T213 2017

1. Taming Texas: How Law and Order Came to The Lone Star State By James L. Haley and Marilyn P. Duncan
Presents the state of Texas' court system and how it evolved through history. Examines the days before law and order came to Texas and how early Texans organized the courts. Outlines how the court system borrows from an eclectic array of European, Mexican, and Spanish influence. Explores various topics including slavery, women's rights, criminal and civil courts, civil rights, and an overview of our current court system in Texas.
Texas Supreme Court Historical Society, 2016. 131 pages.
347.764 H137T 2016


 

2. Issues Facing the 85th Texas Legislature
Presents issues that may be considered by the 85th Legislature. Focuses on a variety of broad categories and topics that arose during the interim session including border security, education, criminal justice, health and human services, state affairs, and transportation. Provides concise descriptions of the issues, giving historical context as needed.
Senate Research Center, 2017. 104 pages.
Online at: http://www.senate.state.tx.us/_assets/srcpub/85th_Issues_Facing.pdf
L1803.8 IS8L 2017


 

3. Topics for the 85th Legislature
Highlights prominent issues lawmakers may consider during the 85th Texas Legislature. Provides succinct summaries of a variety of topics including property taxes, Child Protective Services and foster care reform, abortion, school choice, school testing, college affordability, voter ID, water needs, and gun regulations.
House Research Organization, 2016. 16 pages.
Online at: http://www.hro.house.state.tx.us/pdf/focus/topics85-1.pdf
L1801.9 ST94 85-1


 

4. Bill Ratliff: A Profile of Courage and Leadership in American Politics By Robert Edward Sterken Jr.
Highlights the factors that led former Senator and Lieutenant Governor Bill Ratliff to be known for his integrity and the philosophy that "nothing is politically right that is morally wrong." Considers his work on education, tort reform, and redistricting to show why he was called Obi-Wan Kenobi by his peers and named recipient of the 2005 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.
Lexington Books, 2016. 218 pages.
328.73092 ST45B 2016


 

5. Metaphors Be With You: An A-To-Z Dictionary of History's Greatest Metaphorical Quotations By Dr. Mardy Grothe
Presents a compendium of metaphorical quotations representing “the very best things that have ever been said” about 250 topics of deep human interest. Organizes the quotations by topic rather than by author and uses QR Codes to link each of the topics covered in this book to its corresponding section of Dr. Mardy's Dictionary of Metaphorical Quotations, the world's largest online database of more than 25,000 metaphorical quotations organized into over 1,000 categories. Explains that no source information for the quotations is provided in the book, but detailed citations for the quotations - and much more - can be found in the online database.
Harper, 2016. 478 pages.
Online at: http://www.drmardy.com/dmdmq/
808.882 G915M 2016


 

6. Seeing Texas History: The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum By Victoria Ramirez, ed.
Illustrates Texas history by highlighting selected artifacts that have been displayed in special exhibitions at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Features full-color plates with brief explanatory captions. Spotlights pieces ranging from Stephen F. Austin's Spanish grammar book to the William B. Travis letter from the Alamo, from Bill Pickett's spurs to Stevie Ray Vaughan's guitar.
University of Texas Press, 2016. 134 pages.
976.4 B876S 2016

 

1. Blue Texas: The Making of a Multiracial Democratic Coalition in the Civil Rights Era By Max Krochmal 
Examines the multiracial collaboration of African American, Mexican American, and white labor and community activists in Texas from the 1930s-1960s, as they worked to promote liberal politics and civil rights activism. Draws from archival sources and oral histories to describe how diverse groups united to form the Democratic Coalition of the 1960s and push back against Jim Crow and Juan Crow. Draws comparisons to contemporary efforts by Texas Democrats and organizations like Battleground Texas.
University of North Carolina Press, 2016. 421 pages. 
324.2764 K912B 2016


 

2. Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream By Sara Goldrick-Rab 
Presents evidence that the current financial aid system in the U.S. is failing. Draws from a study of 3,000 students aided by federal aid and Pell grants who entered public colleges and universities in 2008. Describes the results of the study, which found that over half the students left school without a degree and huge amounts of debt due to the exorbitant costs of higher education and a lack of money. Chronicles the experiences of six individuals, whose struggles highlight the human and financial costs of insufficient and short-sighted financial aid policies. Offers practical solutions for fixing the college affordability crisis and saving the American Dream.
The University of Chicago Press, 2016. 373 pages. 
378.3 G569P 2016


 

3. Mission High: One School, How Experts Tried to Fail It, and the Students and Teachers Who Made It Triumph By Kristina Rizga 
Profiles the story of several students, teachers, and the administration of Mission High School in San Francisco, California to illustrate the effect education reforms and standardized testing has on students' education and their futures. Questions how, over the course of four years, students at Mission High School can excel in classes and get accepted into college, yet still struggle with standardized testing metrics which results in a "low-performing" rating for the school. Argues that critical thinking, self-management, personalized classrooms, and cultural flexibility are better suited to gauge qualities that matter most when it comes to learning, not standardized tests.
Nation Books, 2015. 295 pages. 
371.26 R528M 2015


 

4. The Train to Crystal City: FDR's Secret Prisoner Exchange Program and America's Only Family Internment Camp During World War II By Jan Jarboe Russell 
Explores the internment of over 6,000 German, Italian, and Japanese immigrants at Crystal City, Texas during World War II. Focuses on the stories of two American-born children, Ingrid Eiserloh and Sumi Utsushigawa, to show what life was like at the camp which operated from 1942 to 1948. Notes the camp was the center of a government prisoner exchange in which these families were exchanged for Americans being held by Germany and Japan. Concludes the "fundamental questions of citizenship, the status of aliens - indeed the definition of who is and who is not an American - are perennial" and therefore, this story holds high relevance for us today.
Scribner, 2015. 393 pages. 
940.53 R914T


 

5. The Gates of the Alamo: A Novel By Stephen Harrigan 
Tells the famous story of the siege and fall of the Alamo through historical fiction, featuring many historical personalities, including James Bowie, David Crockett, and William B. Travis. Focuses on three characters: naturalist and intellectual Edmund McGowan, widowed innkeeper Mary Mott, and Mary's sixteen-year-old son Terrell Mott. Narrates the Alamo story not only from the perspective of American defenders but Mexican soldiers as well.
A.A. Knopf, 2000. 577 pages. 
813.54 H235G 2000


 

6. Miles and Miles of Texas: 100 Years of the Texas Highway Department By Carol Dawson and Roger Allen Polson
Presents a chronological perspective of the 100-year history of the Texas Highway Department, now called the Texas Department of Transportation. Highlights the development of the department as a state agency, and explores how evolving infrastructure and technological changes led to improvements in modes of transportation. Includes visual elements such as photographs, maps, and illustrations. 
Texas A&M University Press, 2016. 407 pages. 
388.109764 D323M 2016

 

1. A Noose for Chipita By Smylie, Vernon
Provides a historical, political, and legal perspective on the hanging of Chipita Rodriquez, a century-old capital punishment case that haunts South Texas. Describes how local legend says that Chipita's sorrowful cries can be heard on the banks of the Nueces River, mourning her untimely death and her improper burial. Explains another legend that Chipita is seen whenever a woman in Texas is about to be executed. Notes that the 69th Texas Legislature in 1985 provided a symbolic redress of her case (SCR 14).
Texas News Syndicate Press, 1970. 63 pages.
343.2 SM92


 

2. Edmund J. Davis of Texas: Civil War General, Republican Leader, Reconstruction Governor By Moneyhon, Carl H.
Presents a biography of Edmund J. Davis, the much maligned Reconstruction-era governor of Texas. Examines Davis' opposition to secession and the Confederacy, and his attempts to bring Texas back to the Union. Highlights the controversial election of 1874 and Davis' refusal to leave office, an event which led some to believe his spirit still wanders the Capitol grounds, mulling over the unfortunate end to his career.
TCU Press, 2010. 337 pages.
976.405 D292M 2010


 

3. Ghost Stories of Texas By Syers, Ed
Presents 50 ghost stories about Texas, told to the author by Texans from all walks of life. Relays stories of legendary hauntings and supernatural happenings, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of each. Asserts that "the supernatural is an inherent part of Texan heritage."
Texian Press, 1981. 206 pages.
976.43 SY26G 1981


 

4. Haunted Austin: History and Hauntings in the Capital City By Zeller-Plumer, Jeanine Marie
Delves into the history of the events surrounding several ghost sightings in Austin. Highlights stories of convicts who gave their lives in the construction of the Capitol building, and of Robert Marshall Love, a former state comptroller who was assassinated at his desk, and whose ghost has been seen wandering the east hallway of the Capitol wishing visitors "good day."
History Press, 2010. 110 pages.
976.43 Z38H 2010


 

5. Mysteries and Legends of Texas: True Stories of The Unsolved and Unexplained By Ingham, Donna
Provides personal accounts from a variety of Texas locales about strange and unexplained phenomena such as the Marfa lights and the legend of the ancient Indian spirits that roam Enchanted Rock. Offers a unique historical perspective to many of Texas' most well-known mysteries, as well as the lesser-known legends and stories.
Globe Pequot Press, 2010. 177 pages.
976.4 IN4M 2010


 

6. Tales of Old-Time Texas By Dobie, J. Frank
Presents 28 of the Texan storyteller's best tales. Tells the story of Jim Bowie's knife, the stranger of Sabine Pass, the "wild woman of the Navidad," and "the headless horseman of the mustangs," in which Bigfoot Wallace "scared up a legend not yet dead."
University of Texas Press, 1984. 336 pages.
398.2 D653T 1928


 

7. Towering Texan: a Biography of Thomas J. Rusk By Huston, Cleburne
Describes the brilliant career of Thomas J. Rusk, a man who served Texas as a soldier, jurist, and statesman, and who was once touted as a potential candidate for President of the United States. Recounts the story of Rusk's suicide, and how he was one of five prominent public figures in Texas who committed suicide between 1838 and 1858.
Texian Press, 1971. 191 pages.
328.73 H969T 1971

 

1. Cartooning Texas: One Hundred Years of Cartoon Art in the Lone Star State By Maury B. Forman
Chronicles Texas history through the lively art form of political cartooning from 1890 to 1990, providing context and explanations for each cartoon. Highlights the exploits of numerous colorful and unforgettable politicians and the dominating issues of their time. Notes many of the issues, including election fraud, voting rights, race relations, civil rights, education, taxes, and the economy, still resonate decades later.
Texas A&M University Press, 1993. 193 pages.
320.9764 C249


 

2. Don't Throw Feathers at Chickens: A Collection of Texas Political Humor By Charles Herring, Jr. and Walter Richter
Offers a sampling of political humor, wit, and wisdom by or about Texas politicians and officeholders. Provides source notes and a name index to help locate favorite speakers. Includes an introduction by former Texas governor Ann Richards and contributions by political cartoonist Ben Sargent and political commentator Sam Kinch, Jr.
Wordware Publishing, Inc., 1992. 191 pages.
808.87 H435D 1992


 

3. A Browser's Book of Texas Quotations By Steven A. Jent
Compiles 700 noteworthy quotations on themes related to Texas, including politicians, the Lege, oil, race relations, criminal justice, country life, livestock, weather, and the "Texas mystique." Includes famous last words, epitaphs, and quotes from Texas governors, such as Governor Joseph D. Sayers (1898-1902): "A Texas Governor only has two happy days: the day he is inaugurated and the day he retires."
Republic of Texas Press, 2001. 265 pages.
808.8 B825 2001


 

4. America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations By William J. Federer
Provides over 2,100 quotations from 700 sources on topics such as character, virtue, law, religious freedom, faith, courage, liberty, Providence, God, and government. Features quotations from founding fathers, presidents, statesmen, court decisions, constitutions, military heroes, African-American leaders, women leaders, business leaders, scientists, and more. Presents entries in alphabetical order, fully footnoted and often illustrated, with entry and topical indexes.
Fame Publishing, 1996. 845 pages.
808.8 AM35 1996


 

5. Great Quotations on Religious Freedom By Albert J. Menendez and Edd Doerr
Presents an easy-to-use compilation of quotations by philosophers, church leaders, journalists, writers, American presidents, and many others. Provides a variety of viewpoints and covers an assortment of topics, including abortion rights, school prayer, creationism, constitutions, separation of church and state, and religious tolerance. Compiles quotations from several sources including inaugural addresses, congressional testimony, newspaper editorials, magazine articles, and religious materials. Includes a special section containing judicial quotes on religious liberty going back to 1872, mainly from U.S. Supreme Court cases.
Prometheus Books, 2002. 250 pages.
808.8 G798R


 

6. Can You Say a Few Words?: How to Prepare and Deliver a Speech for Any Special Occasion By Joan Detz
Presents practical advice, examples, and tips for handling a variety of special occasion speaking situations. Organizes information alphabetically by occasion, including a section on impromptu speeches that offers advice and guidelines for avoiding an "off-the-cuff disaster." Highlights information in a brief, easy-to-browse format that will help the speaker honor special moments with words that make a difference.
St. Martin's Griffin, 2006. 175 pages.
808.5 D486C 2006


 

7. Speaker's Treasury of Political Stories, Anecdotes, and Humor By Gerald Tomlinson
Presents a trove of stories, anecdotes, and "one-liners" that focus on the political arena and are ideal for energizing and strengthening speeches. Highlights the thought-provoking and insightful to the humorous and inane. Lists entries by subject matter and in chronological order. Points out that one should be able to find a "politically related story for almost every kind of speech or speaking occasion."
Prentice Hall, 1990. 349 pages.
808.8 T597

 

1. The Con of the Con-Con: The Case Against the States Amending the U.S. Constitution By Andy Biggs
Presents the arguments of a conservative, seven-term member of the Arizona Legislature as to why an Article V Constitutional Convention is not the answer to America's problems. Discusses proponents' reasons for a "con-con" and presents the author's counter arguments. Suggests citizens must be better informed before the time is appropriate for this method of change.
Free Man Press, 2015. 171 pages.
342.73 B484 2015


 

2. The Rise and Fall of Violent Crime in America By Barry Latzer
Details the rise of crime in America from the end of the second World War through the end of the twentieth century, examining circumstances and social issues that may have been a factor. Studies the effect of "tough on crime" legislation, increased numbers of police, revamped court systems, and other changes implemented in the late 1990s, when crime levels began to drop. Compares cultural versus structural perspectives on what has caused violent crime to rise and fall over the last 70 years.
Encounter Books, 2016. 404 pages.
364.150973 L359R 2016


 

3. The Texas Legacy Project: Stories of Courage and Conservation By David Todd
Depicts the extraordinary efforts by veteran conservationists and ordinary citizens to preserve the natural legacy and resources of Texas - both land and wildlife and their effect on public health. Includes interviews with former state legislators Babe Schwartz, Carlos Truan, and Sissy Farenthold.
Texas A&M University Press, 2010. 278 pages.
333.72092 T566 2010


 

4. Race and the Houston Police Department, 1930-1990: A Change Did Come By Dwight Watson
Provides a historical picture of the Houston Police Department (HPD) and race relations over a 60 year period. Illustrates how traditional attitudes towards race limited the development of the HPD until external factors, including the civil rights movement, modernization, annexation, and court-ordered political reapportionment, forced the Houston police department to change.
Texas A&M University Press, 2005. 208 pages.
363.2 W332R 2005


 

5. Adele Briscoe Looscan: Daughter of the Republic By Laura Lyons McLemore
Presents the biography of Adele Briscoe Looscan, the daughter of a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, who was a highly respected clubwoman, writer, and leader in Texas. Recounts her service with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) and her role as the first female president of the Texas State Historical Association. Highlights her contributions to the preservation of historic landmarks, curriculum development in public schools, and Texas history.
TCU Press, 2016. 265 pages.
976.405092 M224A 2016


 

6. Women of the Range: Women's Roles in the Texas Beef Cattle Industry By Elizabeth Maret
Describes past and present contributions of women as owners and managers in the Texas cattle industry, often as an unpaid labor force. Discusses the role women played in the modernization of the industry and as "keepers of the land."
Texas A&M University Press, 1993. 152 pages.
331.4 M335W 1993