Mixed: Portraits of Multiracial Kids by Kip Fulbeck

This paperback volume containing arresting portraits of multiracial kids is picked up at least once a day in our library at Belmont.  Students pore over the small, matte images, regularly expressing their surprise and delight with the mixture lists, often the only text present in addition to the subject’s name.  Some of the portraits are accompanied by drawings done by the subjects themselves.  Occasionally, a portrait appears side-by-side with a quote from a parent about their child or thoughts on multiraciality.  These images and minimal text are bookended by an introduction from Fulbeck, a filmaker/photographer/spoken word performer/author, and a quote from Cher.  Adult readers may be interested in the foreword penned by Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng, sister of President Barack Obama.  Student readers just go right to the portraits.  A great stress-free read for school libraries and conversation starter for teachers strategizing conversations on multiraciality. --Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Fulbeck, Kip.  Mixed: Portraits of Multiracial Kids.  San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2010. Print.

Bad Dog: 278 outspoken, indecent, and overdressed dogs by R. D. Rosen, Harry Prichett & Rob Battles

Looking for a laugh? Bad Dogs is popular with students who just want to browse and enjoy a few giggles while at it. This is a collection of photographs of dogs, all of them in compromising situations, ridiculous costumes, or both. The authors have included silly captions for each photo, written in the first person from the dog’s perspective. Also included are the pets’ names, ages and hobbies. A call for submissions in the back of the book implies that this is a collection of regular dogs, albeit with maybe not so regular owners. And while the title may suggest the featured dogs are bad, it seems obvious to this reader that these animals have the patience of saints. Also check out the book’s companion, an equally popular Bad Cats: 244 not-so-pretty kitties and cats gone bad.  --Anja Kennedy

Rosen, R. D., Harry Prichett, and Rob Battles. Bad Dog: 278 outspoken, indecent, and overdressed dogs. New York: Workman Publishing, 2005.

The SpongeBob SquarePants Oracle by David Lewman

There comes a time in everyone’s life when we need a little guidance.  A time when the choices before us seem too big to tackle alone.  When life’s questions demand answers that we just don’t have.  For those times, there is The SpongeBob SquarePants Oracle.  

Easy to use and often impossible to understand, The SpongeBob SquarePants Oracle is one part party game, one part Magic Eight Ball, and nine parts nonsense.  Here are a few examples of the spot-on advice being given away by the denizens of Bikini Bottom.

Me: Should I have pizza for dinner again?
SBSPO: Wait ‘til I finish my ice cream!”  

Okay, SpongeBob, whatever you say.

Me: Are my socks too ostentatious?
SBSPO: Remember: When in doubt, pinkie out.

Thanks for the advice, Patrick.  Does that mean yes?

Me: Is aspartame rotting my brain?
ABSPO: Keep trying!

Will do, Spongebob!  Wait, what?!

Lavishly illustrated with images of the show’s stars (and advice-givers), The SpongeBob SquarePants Oracle is a fun, stress-free read.  Unless you are in dire need of good advice. --Regan Schwartz