Textbooks?

[Joe Francia]

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).