Progress: How One Idea Built Civilization and Now Threatens to Destroy It

McDonald, Samuel. Progress: How One Idea Built Civilization and Now Threatens to Destroy It. 2025. 432p. ISBN 9781250278319.

Progress is power, and the narratives we construct about whether society is moving in the right or wrong direction hold immense potency. The modern story of progress has undoubtedly fueled remarkable human achievements: it has built cities, created vast wealth, spurred incredible innovation, and ushered in a unique new epoch in our planet's 4.5-billion-year history.

However, Progress argues that this widely accepted modern story of progress is now a dangerous fiction. This narrative shapes our understanding of what progress means and justifies whatever actions we take to achieve it, regardless of the ultimate cost. We continue to adhere to a set of destructive myths—about dominion, infinite growth, relentless extraction, and endless expansion—which, while fueling our historical success, now profoundly threaten our own survival and the existence of all species on a planet in crisis.

Progress offers a radical new perspective on the foundational myths of the modern world. Drawing on extensive interdisciplinary research spanning anthropology, history, philosophy, and geography, the author illuminates the destructive lineage of the current progress model and suggests an urgent alternative. For humanity to truly thrive, we must first dismantle, radically reimagine, and create anew what the very definition of progress means. 

This book is an essential read for anyone interested in environmental studies, global systems, economic philosophy, and critical geography. It will appeal to readers who engage with contemporary critiques of capitalism and climate change, offering a deeply researched, intellectual challenge to deeply held beliefs about societal development and sustainability.

The Codebreaker Girl

Nealon, Gosia. The Codebreaker Girl. 2024. 294p. ISBN 9781835255599.

Polish orphan Beata has just graduated as the first and only woman in her university course, and her singular ambition is to join the Cipher Bureau to save her country from invasion by cracking the Enigma code. However, her plans are violently upended as gunfire echoes across her hometown rooftops and Nazi boots march on the cobblestones. Forced underground, Beata and her team must continue their vital work in secret.

While working covertly, Beata meets with members of the underground British intelligence and is immediately captivated by the bright, sparkling eyes of one of the agents, Harry. His passion for cracking Enigma and his understanding of its importance to their shared future only steel her resolve to do what is right. But as the escalating war destroys everything Beata holds dear and tears her and Harry in different directions, their only hope for reunion is at the legendary home of British codebreakers: Bletchley Park. Carrying the final, crucial key to the Enigma code, and with the Nazis relentlessly pursuing her, Beata must keep her secrets safe, determine if she will ever see Harry again, and attempt to turn the tide of the war.

Readers who enjoy crucial, real-life intelligence operations behind the scenes will appreciate this story about a courageous, trailblazing woman in the male-dominated field of codebreaking. The story is driven by intense suspense, and includes the importance of Bletchley Park and the race against time to crack the Enigma machine.

The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story

Nayeri, Daniel. The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story. 2025. 196p. ISBN 9781646145669. 

In 1941, as German armies advanced across Europe, Iran found itself a neutral country occupied by British and Soviet forces to deprive the Germans of Iranian oil. Soldiers and spies fill its streets as tensions rise. Amid this turmoil, Babak and his younger sister become orphans following their father's untimely death. Fearing they will be separated, the two devise a plan for Babak to assume his father's former role as a teacher to nomadic tribes. With a chalkboard strapped to his back, he and his sister embark on a treacherous journey through the mountains to find the tribes during their annual migration.

During their perilous trek, the siblings encounter a Jewish boy who is in hiding from a Nazi spy. This chance meeting transforms their desperate escape into a shared race for survival against a new and even more dangerous threat. Set against the chaotic backdrop of World War II, this epic adventure explores whether these young people, from different creeds and nations, can overcome their differences to form a common bond and find safety together amidst the global conflict.

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 29

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 29. 2023. 226p. ISBN 9781974746248. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

The confrontation between the Knights of the True Cross and the Exwires and the ultimate enemy, Satan, fully erupted on every front in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 28. Rin, bravely confronts Satan head-on, and although he is utterly destroyed in the initial clash, his unique demonic nature grants him the power to immediately reform and remain in the fight. This fierce, high-stakes battle forms the core of the ongoing global conflict, pushing the combatants to their absolute limits.

Simultaneously, a complex magical counter-plan is set in motion. Shemihaza begins a ritual designed to crystallize and trap Satan, a crucial operation in which Shiemi is destined to play a vital role. However, the conflict escalates exponentially when Satan undergoes a dramatic and terrifying transformation to the next level of his power. This shift is so immense that it begins to warp time itself, forcing everyone present to witness a horrifying and unimaginable future ...

The story continues in Blue Exorcist. Vol. 30.

Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods… in Our Own Words

Campbell, Jen, editor. Owning It: Our Disabled Childhoods… in Our Own Words. 2025. 368p. ISBN 9780571380022.

Owning It is an essential anthology of twenty-two autobiographical stories that capture the experience of growing up with a disability. It serves as a vital companion for young people with disabilities, who may often feel isolated, even when surrounded by supportive friends and family. This collection of stories offers a sense of shared experience, showcasing firsthand accounts of navigating common childhood challenges, from participating in school sports and dealing with the awkwardness of being given free items, to balancing hospital visits with a social life.

Owning It provides a powerful and much-needed perspective for both disabled and non-disabled readers. For children with disabilities, the stories offer a welcome sense of community and validation. For their non-disabled peers, the collection provides an invaluable "own-voice" perspective, helping to build empathy and understanding. Through these honest and intimate stories, the anthology creates a bridge of connection, highlighting what it's truly like to grow up with a disability.

Kid Olympians: Winter: True Tales of Childhood from Champions and Game Changers

Stevenson, Robin. Kid Olympians: Winter: True Tales of Childhood from Champions and Game Changers. 2025. 240p. ISBN 9781683693932.

All over the world, athletes dedicate their lives to breaking records and defying incredible odds to compete in the winter games—and many of these champions began dreaming and training when they were kids. Kid Olympians: Winter explores the childhood stories of these legendary athletes, providing an intimate look at their early dedication and drive.

The book highlights the surprising and inspiring beginnings of legends such as figure skater Michelle Kwan, who was so dedicated that she slept in her skating clothes to steal a few extra minutes before her pre-dawn lessons. Readers will also meet Cindy Ouellet, one of the few remarkable athletes to have competed in both the Winter and Summer Paralympics, and speed skater Apolo Ohno, who was initially inspired to take up the sport after seeing the speed skaters look like superheroes.

Featuring accessible, kid-friendly text and vibrant, full-color illustrations, this book is designed to inspire readers to dream bigger, faster, and higher than ever before. Readers who enjoy learning about young athletes and those who love sports biographies will find these stories to be motivating, featuring role models filled with dedication, hard work, and overcoming challenges. The focus on the early lives of famous winter sports stars makes it a highly appealing and encouraging book for aspiring competitors.

Naruto, Vol. 36: Cell Number 10

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 36: Cell Number 10. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421521725. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

The battle against the Akatsuki, which proceeds in Naruto, Vol. 35, reaches a fever pitch as Asuma’s new team and the former members of Cell Number 10 (Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji) confront Hidan. A fanatic and sadistic warrior, Hidan possesses a terrifying, ritualistic ability that makes him perhaps the most unstoppable foe the Konoha ninja have ever encountered. As the fight turns desperate, it becomes clear that this encounter could mean the tragic end for one of Naruto’s longest-standing and most beloved allies.

While the battle rages, the wider world is thrown into chaos as the Akatsuki finally begins to reveal its master plan for the Tailed Beasts. As Naruto pushes himself through grueling training to prepare for the growing threat, the loss on the battlefield forces the young ninja of the Leaf Village to grow up faster than they ever imagined. The lines are drawn, and the stage is set for a massive confrontation that will reshape the future of the ninja world.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 37.