2019 was a memorable year for Jeopardy fans. Contestant James Holzhauer stole the show by winning 32 games in a row and setting many records. Most notably, Holzhauer won more money in a single game than any other contestant and won more than 2 million dollars in total earnings.

During one of the episodes, the host of Jeopardy, Alex Trebek, asked Holzhauer how he prepared for the show. He replied that one way was by reading children’s nonfiction books because they are short and they cover the most important points on a subject.

Viewers could sense that this answer (heard ’round the world) brought librarians, teachers and authors to their feet to cheer on Holzhauer. His promotion of this genre of literature and his endorsement of the genre as an invaluable educational resource – for children and adults alike – meant more feathers in the caps of these advocates.

The Children’s Collection in the Wayne College Library has a wide selection of nonfiction books, the newest of which are highlighted in the list below. To learn more of their details, determine availability, and to place a hold on an item (if it is currently checked out to another patron) follow the hyperlinks to the library catalog. Or, simply stop in and browse the collection. Remember, these books are for the young and the young at heart!

• Capitals : visit the world’s capital cities! by Taraneh Ghajar Jerven
• A computer called Katherine: how Katherine Johnson helped put America on the moon by Suzanne Slade
• Crossing on time: steam engines, fast ships, and a journey to the New World by David Macaulay
• Earth: by the numbers by Steve Jenkins
• HerStory: 50 women and girls who shook up the world by Katherine Halligan
• Lady Liberty arrives: how America’s grandest statue found her home by Robert Byrd

Note: The official site for the game show Jeopardy is:
https://www.jeopardy.com/