Forum OpenACS Q&A: Response to Beginner-to-Intermediate Books on Data Modelling

I agree that "SQL For Smarties" is an excellent book. However, I'd recommend C.J. Date's "An Introduction to Database Systems" before reading anything SQL-specific. Date's book will give you the run-down on database systems, including relational ones. After that, read Celko's book (or you may want to read "SQL For Web Nerds" before going to Celko's book).