Go the F**k to Sleep (GTFTS) is a book that most parents will wish had been written and published sooner. In addition to the unconventional title, the (prospective) contents of GTFTS have already polarized parents’ opinions across the country.

The book has received favorable editorial reviews and mainly positive responses from readers who enjoyed the privilege of an advance reading. Others less than enamored of the idea have already taken to their soapboxes to brand the book “stupid,” “offensive,” “disgusting,” and “immoral”.

Illustrated by Ricardo Cortés in the same style as children’s books are, GTFTS is a heartfelt message from one parent to another. Parents living in the real world know that babies don’t always fall asleep when you want them to, and that it’s alright to feel frustrated about it. If anything, it proves that your child has a mind of his or her own, and will sometimes rebel against time-honored traditions such as going to sleep when told.

Battle-hardened veteran Adam Mansbach has spent 3 years in the trenches of parenthood. As the author of the California Book Award winner The End of the Jews (2008) and Angry Black White Boy, which has been taught at over 60 educational institutions in the country, Mansbach is not a wannabe hack looking to boost sales through shock value.

I have put a child to bed once though; his grandma had given up on that task that evening, and I guess it’s no surprise that a certain search engine’s auto-complete feature puts “parenthood is hard” above “parenthood is a privilege”. Although my first, and thus far, only attempt at getting a child to sleep when he didn’t want to went well, it’s not an experience I would care to repeat!

The theme of the book is important. Young readers will read a book more frequently if they relate to the story, compared to a book that doesn’t evoke a sense of empathy or familiarity. Relatable books include The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan (yes, really) and Kelly DiPucchio. Grownups tend to iron out their differences over food, and it’s usually no different for children.

Try, also, to gear books towards a child’s age. Babies find pictures fascinating, more so when the images are of people’s faces. Visuals aside, books with rhymes hold babies’ attention better than those that don’t. Toddlers aged 1 year and up are eager to participate  during reading. Books offering tactile interaction and easy-to-turn pages have an edge over those that don’t.

Older children will pay closer attention to details; books containing finer illustrations will become attractive. Children aged 2 years and up will begin to enjoy the narrative process, so stories involving a sequence of actions will feature prominently.

Children aged 3 years and up can enjoy longer books, and begin to identify words in the text. They also begin to recognize humor, which means that the adventures of Captain Underpants may not be far off! Four-year-olds, though, may take charge of reading time, and narrate their favorite book almost word-for-word.

The text that appears in a children’s book should also be taken into consideration. Don’t be afraid to challenge the child with new, multisyllabic words. Just make sure their appearance isn’t needlessly obfuscated by a plethora of unnecessary, redundant fluff. A good children’s book usually has a narrative that is succinct yet evocative and served with lashings of humor and rhythm, such as what you might find in The Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl.

As for worrying that a child will pick up undesirable practices, parents’ behavior tends to have more impact on this aspect than anything else. For those who truly have no idea of what to get, it would help to think of what you enjoyed reading as a child, or whatever is at the top of the children’s book award lists at the moment.

Written by Bill Martin Jr. (illustrations by Eric Carle) and published in 1967, the picture book Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? helps young children link meanings and colors to objects and is present on many bookcases around the world. Yet, incredibly enough, it was banned last year by the Texas State Board of Education. The reason: Bill Martin wrote Ethical Marxism: The Categorical Imperative of Liberation, and his books had “very strong critiques of capitalism and the American system”.

Unfortunately, the latter Bill is a philosopher and different from the author of said picture book. Fortunately, Bill the philosopher has since good-naturedly provided clarification, i.e., Ethical Marxism was published in 2008, whereas Bill Martin Jr. passed away in 2004. However, the ban appears to still be in place.

If I had my way, books would be banned for being deadly boring. That, however, is not a problem faced by the Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey, which chronicles the adventures of 2 fourth-graders and their child-hating principal, who turns into the heroic Captain Underpants when hypnotized, which is well-loved by its readers.

However, the American Library Association (ALA) reports that it has the dubious honor of placing among the top 10 most challenged books in 2005-2009 and is banned by a number of schools. Among citations for “insensitivity,” and “being unsuitable for age groups,” (?) the books have been flagged for “encouraging anti-authoritarian behavior”, which is ironic considering children are constantly being exhorted to be independent, think for themselves, and… read more.

Anything that involves the supernatural also appears to be fair game for book censors. The entire Harry Potter series (J.K. Rowling) has been on the receiving end of bans and challenges for “occultism, Satanism, violence, being anti-family and having religious viewpoint”. The series also places first in the ALA list of banned books. I would mention the bans on Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series as well, but the series’ intended audience is in its late teens and would bristle at the thought of being considered children.

Banning books is akin to telling someone not to touch a metal pole in winter; they will do it anyway. Instead of banning a book, I believe that it would be more helpful if book publishers included warnings for potentially inappropriate and/or upsetting material. After all, if they can do that for movies, why not books?

Business

Debt Free For Life (David Bach)

There’s good debt and there’s bad debt. But David Bach says, there is only debt, and all debt is too expensive. In his new book, Debt Free For Life, Bach will share the secrets to get out of debt and finally get that financial freedom. Not only does he teach people how to get out of debt, he also shows his readers how to continually live a debt-free life.

Children’s

Ladybug Girl Loves … (David Soman)

Lulu is LadyBug Girl and she loves to dress up as a, you guessed it, ladybug. When she becomes LadyBug Girl, she turns every moment into a creative and imaginative adventure. Her beloved dog, Bingo, is always by her side in every adventure.

Fiction

Scarlett Fever (Maureen Johnson)

Scarlett is back in this lovely sequel to Suite Scarlett. Scarlett is still reeling from her failed romance with Eric when Mrs. Amberson hires her to assist at her talent agency. Juggling hotel and school duties, Scarlett also needs to take care of Mrs. Amberson’s star client, Chelsea, and her equally overbearing and malcontent family. To top it all off, her parents drop a bombshell on her that will totally change her entire life.

History

The Invasion Of America (Francis Jennings)

In this controversial book, Francis Jennings challenges the earlier interpretations of historians and discusses American colonization as a territorial invasion. Some of his arguments have been disputed but The Invasion Of America is a great book to introduce readers to American colonial studies.

Teens

The Gift: Witch and Wizard Series #2 (James Patterson)

Whit and Wisty were able to escape from the clutches of the totalitarian regime of the New Order and has hidden with a community of teens like themselves. They’ve slowly became leaders of these new community and risk their lives each time to save other kids who went through the same thing they did in the hands of the New Order. But the One needs Wisty, “the One who has the gift,” for another plan.

Elf On The Shelf (Carol V. Aebersold, Chanda A. Bell)

Elf On The Shelf is based on the author, Carol Aebersold‘s, family Christmas tradition. It’s a book of rhymes that explain how Santa finds out if a kid is naughty or nice: he sends an elf to watch the kids during the day and they report back to Santa at night. Elf On The Shelf includes a scout elf that parents can hide during the day to “spy” on the kids.

The Ugly Truth (Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Series) (Jeff Kinney)

The fifth book from the successful series, The Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, by Jeff Kinney, The Ugly Truth shows its readers that “all good things must come to an end.” Greg doesn’t want things to change: “nobody ever warns you that you’ve got an expiration date.” Greg is trying to navigate his life between the sour patch with his best friend, Rowley, his mother’s decision to go back to school, and puberty. No one, after all, can stay a child forever.

Ten On The Sled (Kim Norman)

A book for preschoolers, Ten On The Sled starts out at the top of the hill. All the animals are having fun speeding down on Caribou’s sled. But as they gain more speed, one by one, the animals fall off until only Caribou is left. But a flying reindeer comes along and he never wants to be alone.

Ivy And Bean (Annie Barrows)

Ivy and Bean didn’t like each other. But it’s true what they say: the best of friends sometimes were never meant to like each other. And when Bean pulls a prank on her older sister, Ivy helps her hide. Bean finds out Ivy may not be as boring as she thought.

Dinosaurs Love Underpants (Claire Freedman)

Designed for preschoolers, Dinosaurs Love Underpants explains one theory behind the demise of the dinosaurs: underpants. Every creature disappeared, except for mankind, because dinosaurs wanted man’s underpants. It is a thrilling picture book for the young kids.

Biography

My Nine Lives: A Memoir Of Many Careers In Music (Leon Fleisher)

From one of the greatest pianists in the postwar era, My Nine Lives talks about the career of Leon Fleisher. An exceptional pianist, who actually had a student-teacher linkage to Beethoven through his teacher, Artur Schnabel, he conquered the music world. But tragedy hit him in his prime. At the age of 36, he lost the ability to use two fingers on his right hand. For thirty years, he searched for a cure and, at 66, he was finally diagnosed with focal dystonia, which was treated with experimental Botox injections. And in 2003, he brought down the house in Carnegie Hall with his first performance in three decades. Read all about his journey in My Nine Lives: A Memoir Of Many Careers In Music.

Children’s

Michael Recycle Saves Christmas (Alexandra Colombo)

The unthinkable has happened: materials are running out for the elves to use to make new toys! And if this continues, there’ll be no toys for the kids this Christmas. But don’t fear! It’s Michael Recycle to the rescue! He teaches Santa and the elves an important lesson: Reuse and Recycle! He teaches the elves to make toys out of everyday items, like balls using elastic bands and bracelets out of paperclips. Read all about how Michael Recycle Saves Christmas.

Cooking, Food & Wine

How To Shop For Free (Kathy Spencer)

Have you ever had a shopping complaint where you spent too much on things you need and, worse, things you don’t need? Let Kathy Spencer teach you how to basically shop for free using coupons and promotions and insider deals.

Fiction

Rescue (Anita Shreve)

Anita Shreve is back with another complex but enthralling novel. Peter Webster, a rookie paramedic, rescues Sheila Arsenault from her wrecked car. What began as a rescue continues as an intense love affair that ends in marriage and baby daughter, Rowan. Eighteen years later, Sheila has left them and Peter raises Rowan alone. Exposed to all the dangers in the world, Peter fears for Rowan’s life and he doesn’t know if he can rescue her if she gets into trouble. But then Sheila comes back and opens a whole new web of unanswered questions and anger.

Biography

Decision Points (George W. Bush)

George W. Bush, son of Former US President George H.W. Bush, was the 43rd President of the United States of America. During the eight years of his presidency, he experienced a lot of scandals, crises and dangerous events that required critical decisions to be made. In Decision Points, George W. Bush talks about these decisions, from 9/11 to the war in Iraq to Hurricane Katrina to Osama Bin Laden. Learn more about his faith, his relationship with his family, his decisions and his deep concerns in this newest release by one of the most criticized US president.

Business

Too Big To Fail (Andrew Sorkin)

Too Big To Fail explores and delivers the behind-the-scenes, moment-by-moment account of the greatest financial crisis developed into a global catastrophe. Andrew Sorkin provides details in his big of how every giant leader of finance grappled with the success, failure, ego and greed, and the eventual fate of the global economy.

Health

The Secret Of Chanel No. 5 (Tilar J. Mazzeo)

Chanel No. 5 is reverently referred to as le monstre, the monster, and is the world’s bestselling perfume. Travel to the heart of the empire, to 31 Rue Cambon, Chanel’s flagship boutique, and find out more about the life of Coco Chanel and how they concocted this magical fragrance. Six decades ago, American GIs stormed the Chanel counters to purchase the Chanel No. 5 fragrances for the women in their lives. Find out why this golden hue in an art deco-inspired bottle captured the hearts and noses of everyone everywhere in Tilar J. Mazzeo‘s The Secret Of Chanel No. 5.

Fiction

Lord Of Misrule (Jaimy Gordon)

The winner of the 2010 National Book Award for Fiction, Lord of Misrule by Jaimy Gordon is about thoroughbred horse trainer Tommy Hansel who comes up with a plan to rescue his failing operation. He’ll ship four unclassed horses and run them in cheap claimers at long odds and get out fast before anyone notices. But in a place where everybody notices everything from the start, Tommy will have to think of another way to remain incognito.

Science

The Mind’s Eye (Oliver Sacks)

Dr. Oliver Sacks wants to tell the stories of the men and women who have learned to move on with their lives despite losing some of their senses and abilities. In The Mind’s Eye, Dr. Sacks tells us the story of Lilian, a concert pianist who become unable to read music. Then there’s Sue, a neurobiologist, who acquires stereoscopic vision in her fifties. Dr. Sacks even tells his own story of being diagnosed with eye cancer and losing his vision on one side. The Mind’s Eye begs the question “How do we see if we can’t see?”. Dr. Oliver Sacks creates a wonderful outlet that will allow us to explore how creativity and adaptation creates a whole new perspective of seeing the world.

When You Reach Me (Rebecca Stead)

From the author of First Light, When You Reach Me is about Miranda and her best friend, Sal. They know New York City like the back of their hands. But when Sal gets punched by a street kid for no reason and shuts Miranda out of his life, things start to unravel for Miranda. And then a mysterious note arrives at her home. And another. And another. And another, about things no one should know. Who is sending her the notes? And what do they want her to do? Or prevent?

Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (Beverly Cleary)

Ramona Quimby’s life is changing. She’s starting third grade, she can take the school bus by herself, Beezus is starting junior high and her father is going back to college to study being a teacher. But when her mom accidentally puts a raw egg in her lunch box and her teacher calls her nuisance, Ramona may have to do a little soul-searching on her own.

The View From Saturday (E.L. Konigsburg)

From the author of From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, The View From Saturday is the story of The Souls: Noah, Nadia, Ethan and Julian. Mrs. Olinski hand-picked a successful academic bowl team and she couldn’t have picked a more interesting bunch. Read their stories and how these stories contributed to the answers to the first question they get.

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon (Grace Lin)

An young girl named Minli lives with her father and mother at the Valley of Fruitless Mountain, where her father tells her grand tales of the Jade Dragon and the Old Man of the Moon. But her mom disagrees with her father and believes he should telling tales and concentrate on giving his family a better life, but Minli believes these stories and she sets out to find the Old Man of the Moon and ask him to change their fortune.

The Master Switch: The Rise And Fall Of Information Empires (Tim Wu)

Tim Wu talks about the Internet Age, the information wars, information empires and the possible future we could expect in The Master Switch. In this book, Wu asks one big question: “Could history repeat itself, with one giant entity taking control of American information?” With the way things are going, it’s not highly unlikely.

Crash Of The Titans: Greed, Hubris, the Fall Of Merrill-Lynch and the Near-Collapse Of Bank Of America (Greg Farrell)

Merrill Lynch was one of the few companies on Wall Street that dared to go where other great finance companies never ventured. They were one of the reasons Americans felt confident in investing in the stock market (and becoming wealthy in the process). That’s why its decline and sale to Bank of America was a shock to everyone, especially the financial world. What happened? How did it happen? Find out the story when you read Greg Farrell’s Crash of the Titans.

You Are What You Eat: And Other Mealtime Hazards (Serge Bloch)

This is the adventures of a nameless little boy, and his dog, Roger. And their problem: eating. He is a finicky eater and eats like a bird. His mom tries to get him to eat three square meals a day but with no success. What happens when he visits a friend’s house whose mom is a health nut? Will he survive? Or will she win?

The Killing Of Crazy Horse (Thomas Powers)

The Killing of Crazy Horse is the re-telling of the strongest opponent of the American military on Indian lands in Black Hill, Crazy Horse. With firsthand accounts from soldiers, officers and settlers, The Killing Of Crazy Horse explores the life and death of the man who fought for their Indian land.

Rethinking Kennedy: An Interpretive Biography (Michael O’Brien)

It’s been half a century ago since Kennedy was US president and his presence is still felt today. Rethinking Kennedy explores and investigates the tumultuous and controversial tenure of his presidency.

My Dog Is My Hero (Susan Reynolds)

For a lot of people, dogs are their best friends. In My Dog Is My Hero, read the stories of the wondrous animals who have proven that animals are heroes who save us. Read about Widget, a little terrier who barked non-stop to warn her master that a poisonous snake was about to strike her daughter. There’s also the story of Skip and Obie, two abused dogs who were nursed back to health and bombarded their rescuers with kisses and hugs. My Dog Is My Hero will definitely show us how dogs are definitely man’s best friend.

Beyond The Atmosphere: Early Years Of Space Science (Homer E. Newell, Jr)

Beyond the Atmosphere chronicles the work of a top NASA administrator and his research on science and technology. The book explores the relationship of space science and general science and NASA’s social, political and economic contexts.

Accidental Billionaires: The Founding Of Facebook (Ben Mezrich)

In Accidental Billionaires, Ben Mezrich presents a nonfictional narrative about Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg. Without ever talking to him, Mezrich illustrates how Zuckerberg first came up with the idea of social networking in 2003, went to Silicon Valley and convinced investors to back him up in 2005 to how it became what it is in 2010. Just remember when reading this book that this is Mezrich’s version of the story and does not exactly reflect the whole truth.

American Assassin (Vince Flynn)

Vince Flynn is back with another heart-stopping page turner in American Assassin. In this book, the young Mitch Flynn takes on his first explosive assignment.