Synergy: City

A city is a large, densely populated human settlement. These places generally have a central authority that facilitates operations such as sanitation and transportation. Some cities are part of a larger, continuous urban landscape called a metropolis. In some cases, large cities are divided into neighborhoods or boroughs. For instance, Manhattan is the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the website.

FOUR STREETS AND A SQUARE: A History of Manhattan and the New York Idea by Marc Aronson is a work of nonfiction for middle grades and young adults. Using photos, drawings, and other primary source materials, along with an engaging narrative, Aronson provides a fascinating examination of the evolution of four streets and a square within Manhattan. Of particular note are the many ways the author addresses common legends and challenges traditional thinking about the long history of the city. He takes care in providing multiple viewpoints and lesser known examples. Throughout the book, he includes snapshots that provide a timeline of key events.

RESOURCES from Marc Aronson provides useful online materials to immerse readers in each chapter. From maps and video clips to photo collections and entire websites, this useful supplement will bring the book alive for readers.

To explore the links, go to https://bit.ly/3Ku4Ssz.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Manhattan

Manhattan is one of five boroughs of New York City. This densely populated island is one of the original counties of the state of New York. It’s been described as the cultural, financial, and entertainment capital of the world.

Read the recently published children’s book on this topic, then learn more at the website:

MANHATTAN: MAPPING THE STORY OF AN ISLAND by Jennifer Thermes takes readers back through time examining how this island has evolved over the past 400 years. Filled with fascinating historical maps, informative sidebars, and illustrations of specific people and places, picture book readers learn about both the natural world and the people who have inhabited this metropolis.

The Historical NYC Maps & Atlases from the New York Public Library web page provide links to historical maps of Manhattan from 17th through the 20th century. Students will enjoy comparing these historical maps to the book’s illustrations.

Historical NYC Maps & Atlases
https://on.nypl.org/2yuGpTr

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers

Digital Spotlight: Witness to the Early American Experience

WITNESS TO THE EARLY AMERICAN EXPERIENCE is a digital collection documenting eyewitnesses to the American Revolution in the New York City area.

Contents: This large collection contains works from the New York Historical Society, New York University, and other organizations. Users can go directly to the archives and conduct a search or explore the featured document. The learning resources section provides modules that explore religion, education, music, work, and health and medicine.

Classroom Connections: This collection would be useful for connecting primary sources to the study of the American Revolution. Use the tour for a quick look at the history of New York City and lots of fascinating examples.

Featured Digital Objects:
Paper and Printing in Colonial America http://maass.nyu.edu/tour/tour06.shtml
Mapping the Revolution http://maass.nyu.edu/tour/tour07.shtml

To visit the collection, go to http://maass.nyu.edu/.

Book Review: The Cresswell Plot

THE CRESSWELL PLOT by Eliza Wass tells the haunting story of a teen and her siblings suppressed by their strict, religious father.

To outsiders, the Cresswell family members are viewed as religious freaks. Castley Cresswell is tired of the plain clothing and strict home life, so she begins to explore the outside world. She soon learns truths that shatter her understanding of the world and set into motion events that will change her life forever.

Librarians will find this coming-of-age YA novel to be a hit with teens who enjoy delving into dark, chilling stories. The well-developed family relationships combined with the engrossing storyline will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.elizawass.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Shadowshaper

SHADOWSHAPER by Daniel José Older is an engaging urban fantasy following a Latina teen who discovers a world of magic, spirituality, and ancient secrets in her Brooklyn neighborhood.

Walking corpses, spooky spirits, and a crying mural introduce Sierra to a world of magic and shadowshapers. Friends and family members are reluctant to talk about this supernatural world, so Sierra must use her head, heart, and passion for art to survive and unlock the mysteries surrounding this strange spirit world.

Older’s conversational approach immerses readers in the urban setting and invites readers to visualize the artwork, the city, and the supernatural aspects of the story.

Librarians will find a broad, young adult audience for this book. While the story isn’t categorized as a romance, readers will be drawn to the relationship between Sierra and her friend Robbie. Those who enjoy contemporary realistic fiction are likely to enjoy the book even with its fantasy elements. Young anthropologists will like the aspects of the story that connect community, ancestry, and family. Finally, the magical and supernatural aspects are sure to be popular with fans of fantasy.

For librarians seeking books with diversity, this would be an excellent choice.

To learn about the author, go to http://ghoststar.net/.

Published by Levine, an imprint of Scholastic on June 30, 2015.