Don't waste hours sifting through the wrong books. This book has done all that work for you.

Here is an animated and wonderfully engaging work of cultural history that lays out America’s unruly past by describing the ways in which cutting loose has always been, and still is, an essential part of what it means to be an American. From the time the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Americans have defied their stodgy rules and hierarchies with pranks, dances, stunts, and wild parties, shaping the national character in profound and lasting ways. In the nation’s earlier eras, revelers flouted Puritans, Patriots pranked Redcoats, slaves lampooned masters, and forty-niners bucked the saddles of an increasingly uptight middle class. In the twentieth century, fun-loving Americans celebrated this heritage and pushed it even further: flappers “barney-mugged” in “petting pantries,” Yippies showered the New York Stock Exchange with dollar bills, and B-boys invented hip-hop in a war zone in the Bronx. This is the surprising and revelatory history that John Beckman recounts in American Fun. Tying together captivating stories of Americans’ “pursuit of happiness”—and distinguishing between real, risky fun and the bland amusements that paved the way for Hollywood, Disneyland, and Xbox—Beckman redefines American culture with a delightful and provocative thesis. (With black-and-white illustrations throughout.)

Written by Mariko Tamaki Art and cover by Steve Rolston "Auspicious . . . an unusually strong graphic novel - rich in visuals and observations." - Publishers Weekly on Tamaki's Skim A borrowed diary, a double life and identity issues fuel a teenager's quest to find herself before she cracks and commits social suicide. Watch Emi go from dull, suburban babysitter to eclectic urban art star compliments of one crazy summer! Retailers: See this month's order form for a special ordering incentive on this title. Advance-solicited; on sale October 1 - 5.25" x 8" - 176 pg, FC, B&W, $9.99 US

100 Things Vikings Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resources guide for true fans of the Minnesota Vikings. Whether you're a die-hard booster from the days of Fran Tarkenton or a new supporter of Teddy Bridgewater, these are the 100 things all fans need to know and do in their lifetime. It contains every essential piece of Minnesota knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist as you progress on your way to fan superstardom.