Authors starting with J from judymedia

The Tamla Motown label, with its motto "The Sound Of Young America," reigned supreme on the R&B charts throughout the 1960s. But, for the most part, '70s R&B belonged to Philadelphia International, a label that incorporated the talents of producers Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell. The trio's story, retold in John A. Jackson's A HOUSE ON FIRE, is also the story of Philly Soul, a genre they largely invented. After the three joined forces at Philadelphia International in the early '70s a succession of hits ensued, including Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and the O'Jays' "Backstabbers." However, as Jackson notes, Gamble and Huff's freewheeling production techniques put the burden of composition on their session musicians, who grew increasingly discontented with the lack of financial recognition of their contributions. The situation was further complicated in the mid-'70s by a payola scandal and by Gamble's suffering a nervous breakdown, and by the start of the '80s the label was in decline. Jackson's detailed and remarkably well-researched history is an invaluable glimpse of the inner workings of one of the most successful black-owned enterprises of its time.

In a small Southern town, Nonny Frett finds herself caught between two Southern families: her biological family, the Crabtrees, and her wealthy adoptive family, the Fretts.

In this study of America and the history of ideas, journalist Susan Jacoby considers the creative tension between religionists and freethinkers (or secularists) throughout American history--beginning with the earliest debates about the kind of government that the new nation would have through many eras of reform and change. She considers the religious affiliations of great figures--such as Jefferson and Lincoln--and tells how both groups played a role in progressive movements, often working together. She argues that it was most often freethinkers who moved the country forward while at the same time maintaining steadfast to the ideals of liberty, freedom, and the separation of church and state.

Texans Cheryl and Bill Jamison provide a vast array of recipes from their home state--food that spans 200 years and 25 different ethnicities. The stars are, of course, barbecue and chili, but there's much more in this big-hearted and valuable book.

Susan Tamulevich provides a thorough history of the famous Beatrix Farrand-designed Washington garden. Photographs by Ping Amranand

David comes from a wildly racist white family, and his friendship with Malcolm, who is black, is taboo. The two enjoy each other’s company immensely, and although his father threatens him with the worst, David continues to have adventures with his best friend. Soon, however, the worst does indeed happen. Both a 2007 Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book and a School Library Journal Best Book.