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Lizzie Borden Took an Axe, Or Did She? A Rhetorical Inquiry

In Lizzie Borden Took an Axe, Professor of Communication Studies Annette Holba reexamines the grisly and sensationalized murders of Andrew Jackson Borden and Abby Durfee Borden. Through various essays, Holba shatters myths, provides new perspectives, and explores intriguing questions about Lizzie Borden and the Borden murders that have remained unanswered for over a century.

The Letters

New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice and PSU Professor of English Joseph Monninger combine their talents in The Letters, the story of Sam and Hadley West, an estranged couple grieving over the death of  their son in very different ways. Sam is compelled to make a trek to Alaska to the site of their son’s death, while Hadley is equally compelled to distance herself from the tragedy by moving to an island off the coast of Maine. Through their letters to each other, readers learn about the couple’s lives before and after the tragedy.

Hippie Chick

In Hippie Chick, Professor of English Joseph Monninger introduces readers to Lolly Emmerson, an independent 15-year-old who sets out for an ill-fated evening sail. When her boat hits an underwater wreckage, she’s thrown overboard with only her life vest for support. After hours of struggling in the water, Lolly encounters her unlikely rescuers: three manatees, one of which she clings to as they make their way to safety.

Monninger focuses on the mysterious, sensitive side of nature and the aftereffects of Lolly’s emotional, life-changing experience in this story aimed at young adults.

Editor’s note: Hippie Chick was recently chosen as one of 2008’s most distinguished books by the Center for Children’s Books’ Bulletin, published monthly by the Johns Hopkins University Press.

Books, Blackboards, and Bullets: School Shootings and Violence in America

Professor of Education and Special Education Marcel Lebrun’s latest book, intended as a resource for educators and parents, focuses on key issues for identifying school shooters. Lebrun explains the factors that increase the likelihood of student violence, introduces different perspectives that may be effective in working with troubled students, and provides strategies for dealing with difficult or violent youths that empower educators to help prevent school shootings. Books, Blackboards, and Bullets also provides checklists and assessment tools for evaluating possible dangers and a list of resources educators can use in their daily work.

That's Kool

That’s Kool is the seventh solo album from Rik Pfenninger, professor of music and coordinator of jazz studies and music technology. A blend of hip, sophisticated grooves and melodies, the CD features tracks that have received airplay on The Weather Channel.

Sample Tracks from That's Kool:
(click the blue play button to listen)

• Smooth Weather
• That's Kool!