Katherine Pennavaria is a well-known expert on genealogy. In addition to being a professor a Western Kentucky University, she is a frequent presenter at both national and state conferences and the author of books on genealogy as well as a column published regularly in a library-specific journal.

Her Genealogy for Beginners is a book that I definitely wish had been available when I enrolled in a college-level online genealogical class in the early 2000s. At that time, I found the textbook we were using (written by the instructor) to be a bit confusing, and the online sites were way over my head. The nice people at the local genealogy libraries meant well, but they all had been doing their own research for years, and while they were welcoming to all, they clearly were primarily focused on providing assistance to members of the local LDS churches.

This book provides an outstanding chapter “Best First Steps for Beginners,” and goes on to first discuss basic searching then moves to advanced search techniques. The hot topic of DNA in genealogical research is covered, along with an extremely helpful look at non-U.S. records as well as using maps and property records.

This would be a great textbook for a first-semester family history class, as well as being a terrific gift for someone who is interested in genealogy. With thanks to Rowman & Littlefield and NetGalley, this one is a definite five stars.