Special to the Town Crier
Book review
Los Altans who have been enthralled with the computer writings of newspaper columnist Roberta Furger will be delighted to learn that the highly-respected author will appear at Heintzelman's Bookstore 1 p.m. on Jan. 31 to autograph copies of her latest title, "Does Jane Compute? Preserving Our Daughters' Place In the Cyber Revolution" (Warner Books, $10.99).
In addition to being a contributing editor of PC World, Furger, who lives with her husband and two children on the Peninsula, has written numerous "computing and kids" articles for Newsweek, Child, Parenting, the San Francisco Examiner, the Web Magazine, and Family Circles' Computers Made Easy. She spearheaded PC World's first extended coverage of children's software, including a special report, "Smart Computing For Kids," published jointly by PC World and Child. Furger is currently working on a project for the Center For Media Education in Washington, D.C., which will profile research projects dealing with the impact of technology on children.
Anecdotal, user friendly, and highly informative, "Does Jane Compute?" is a blueprint for the computer education and support girls will need to survive in today's rapidly changing world. Furger explains why American girls are lagging behind their male counterparts in mastering cyber skills and shows how parents and education can step in to close the gap.
Especially noteworthy is the author's invaluable list of computing resources for girls, including gender-friendly software, computer camps and Web sites. Most important of all, the book will awaken a lot of parents to the role they can play in encouraging their daughters' involvement in the cyber revolution.
For more information, call Heintzelman's Bookstore at 941-1842. The store is located at 205 State St. in downtown Los Altos.