Textbooks?

[Colin J. Williams]

Joe Francia wrote:

> Steven Hodgen wrote:
>
> > Hello,
> >
> > I'm currently teaching a high-school introduction to programming
> > course.  I'm currently teaching in Java, but am seriously considering
> > changing to Python.  The problem is that I cannot seem to find any good
> > textbooks, much less ones for students with no prior programming
> > experience.  This is the one area in which Java excels.  I'm using an
> > awesome programming environment called "BlueJ", and there are lots of
> > textbooks for students at all levels.
> >
> > However, Java is not a great language for beginners.  Python, on the
> > other hand, is ideal.  If I can find a textbook that is even ok, I may
> > consider changing, since the language is so much better for students at
> > this level.  Doesn anyone know of a book like this?  Ideally, it would
> > have examples and excercises, and perhaps even a web-site with other
> > instructor and student resources.
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > --Steven
> > steven at twitch.net
>
> The Deitels have a textbook called _Python How to Program_ that is aimed
> at beginning programmers.  I'm not sure how good/bad it is.  Three out
> of four reviewers on Amazon seem to like it (the fourth guy gave it one
> star based on its lack of Perl coverage).

The book is very expensive and heavy reading.  The Nutshell is excellent,
but would need more examples for your purpose.

Colin W.