My Mom Shops/ On My Bookshelf: New Releases for Grown-Ups and Kids

As a blogger, I receive lots of new books related to parenting and other topics of interest to my readers.  Here are 5 very different books–some related to parenting, some not–that I thoroughly enjoyed and may interest many of you, as well:

Autism Uncensored, by Whitney Ellenby. This frank, unflinching look at  a young child’s autism diagnosis and journey through the eyes of his despairing mother is unlike any other special needs book I have read.  It is a true, real-time account that does not engage in sugar-coating or platititudes; rather it is a personal story of how one mother has tried against great odds to help her son and entire family become somewhat socially integrated.

Babies Made us Modern, by Janet Golden. I enjoy reading books about social and cultural history, and found this historian’s analysis of the transformation in the lives of American babies from about the years 1900-1965 fasting.  Did you know, for example, that the “gendering” of kids’ clothing (pink for girls, blue for boys) wasn’t commonplace until the 1950s?  Or that the idea of giving “practical” baby gifts (blankets, clothing, etc.) rather than “fancy” keepsakes (gold or silver items) came about in the early 1900s and was discovered by analyzing mothers’ baby books at that time?

Pick Three: You Can Have it All, by Randi Zuckerberg. I received a copy of this book at the annual Mom Moguls Breakfast event hosted by my friend Lyss Stern of Divalysscious Moms and I have to say it has really helped me in a positive way.  Both a business handbook and self-help guide for parents, Zuckerberg argues that any given day if you “pick three”:Work. Sleep. Fitness. Family. Friends. Pick Three.  You will find balance to happen norm naturally on its own.  I

Pink Is for Boys, by Robb Pearlman. A wonderful addition to the growing category of gender-related books for boys and girls, Pink is for Boys succeeds with a simple premise…that a diverse group of relatable characters (both boys and girls) enjoy what they love doing, whether it’s stereotypically a “girl” or “boy” activity or not.  The illustrations are lovely. A great addition to any young child’s bookshelf!

Eating Across America: A Foodie’s Guide to Food Trucks, Street Food and the Best Dish in Each State  (by Dayman “Daym Drops” Patterson).  If you (or someone you know) enjoys watching The Food Channel, you’ll love this book.  It’s written by Dayman Patterson, who is Rachael Ray’s “Food Correspondent.” This book highlights some of his favorite travels across the USA, giving tips for which food trucs, street foods, and cheap eats you should add to your “must-eat” list.  A great gift for a foodie Dad for Father’s Day!

Please note: I received samples of all of these books. I was not paid for this post and all opinions are, as always, entirely my own.