Synergy: Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Anita Chisholm (1924-2005) was the first African-American United States Congresswoman. Elected in 1968 to serve an area of Brooklyn, New York, she was an outspoken advocate for race and gender issues. She ran for President in 1972 citing the need for Democratic candidates that represented the needs of minority and inner-city poor voters.

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

SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT! by Tonya Bolden shares the life story of Shirley Chisholm. Through nineteen short chapters, the author is effective in telling the extraordinary life of this ground breaking politician and activist. Along with a forward written by Stacey Abrams and a full-color photo collage, the narrative features engaging short stories that weave key quotes with key historical figures and events.

SHIRLEY ANITA CHISHOLM is represented in the History, Art and Archives section of the United States House of Representatives website. The page included a comprehensive article about her political life.

To visit the page, go to https://bit.ly/3AgzHMJ.

ARC courtesy of National Geographic.

Synergy: The White Rose

The White Rose was a resistance group formed by university students as a form of nonviolent protest in Nazi Germany. The students coordinated a leaflet and graffiti campaign in opposition to Nazi atrocities. In 1943, some members of the group were captured and executed.

Read the recently published graphic novel, then learn more at the websites:

FREIHEIT!: THE WHITE ROSE GRAPHIC NOVEL by Andrea Grosso Ciponte tells the true story of a group of university students who formed a resistance movement known as the White Rose. Before they were caught and executed, they successfully printed and distributed anti-Nazi leaflets exposing atrocities.

This engaging graphic history depicts the daily life of these heroic activists. The story comes alive through muted grey toned watercolor images.

Pair this title with others that explore this little-known activist group. Related titles:
We will not be silent: The White Rose student resistance movement that defied Adolf Hitler by Russell Freedman is a middle grade work of nonfiction.
White Rose by Kip Wilson is a young adult work of historical fiction.

The CENTER FOR WHITE ROSE STUDIES is a website sharing information about this group. It includes FAQs and English translations of some of the original leaflets. To learn more, go to http://white-rose-studies.org/.

ARC courtesy of Plough and Library Thing.

Synergy: Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is the negative impact of the accumulation of plastic on the environment, wildlife, and humans. From disposable bottles and straws to microbead particles, plastic waste is resistant to natural degradation adversely effecting both land and sea creatures. There are many ways individuals can help prevent plastic pollution.

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

KIDS FIGHT PLASTIC by Martin Dorey is a highly illustrated work of nonfiction featuring 17 ways kids can stop plastic pollution and save the oceans. Each major mission identifies a way individuals can fight pollution and why it’s important. Within each mission are shorter, 2-minute missions worth “superhero points”.

KIDS TAKE ACTION AGAINST OCEAN PLASTIC is a short film from National Geographic highlighting a group of Hawaiian students who studied the impact of plastic pollution on their local beaches.

To learn more, go to https://youtu.be/hKFV9IquMXA.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Principles of Tolerance

In its Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, UNESCO defines tolerance as “respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference.”

Read the recently published children's picture book, then learn more at the website:

FOR BEAUTIFUL BLACK BOYS WHO BELIEVE IN A BETTER WORLD by Michael W. Waters and Keisha Morris tells the inspirational story of a boy growing up in a world of racism and gun violence who learns the importance of hope and activism. This timely, honest picture book includes a discussion guide to jump-start conversations about respect, nonviolence activism, and diversity.

The TEACHING TOLERANCE website helps parents and educators start difficult conversations about topics such as racism and violence.

Visit the Teaching Tolerance website at https://www.tolerance.org/.
Visit the UNESCO website at https://bit.ly/3lUZ6UI.

ARC courtesy of Flyaway Books.

Synergy: José de la Luz Sáenz

José de la Luz Sáenz (1888-1953) was a teacher, civil rights activist, and co-founder of the League of United Latin American Citizens. The published diary of his World War I observations and experiences as a Mexican-American solider has become well-known.

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

SOLDIER FOR EQUALITY by Duncan Tonatiuh is the winner of the Pura Belpré Award and the Robert F. Silbert medal. Featuring Tonatiuh’s unique illustrations, this biographical picture book explores the life and accomplishments of José de la Luz Sáenz. This Mexican-American activist overcame prejudice to become a World War I hero and advocate for equality. The book concludes with an author’s note, timeline, bibliography, glossary, and index.

The José de la Luz Sáenz page at the Texas State Historical Association provides an in-depth examination of this author and activist.

Visit the Texas State Historical Association <https://bit.ly/37VD1gk>

ARC Courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Endangered Animals

The Endangered Species Act of 1973 provides for the conservation of endangered and threatened fish, wildlife, and plants. Endangered animals are in danger of extinction, while those listed as threatened are likely to become endangered species in the near future.

WHO AM I? by Tim Flach is a peek-through picture book introducing the concept of endangered animals to young readers. Each two-page spread contains a photograph representing the animal’s habitat, a clue about the animal, and a peek at a part of the animal’s body. In some cases, no habitat is provided but additional visual clues are provided instead.

A second two-page spread reveals the the animal and its name. Children will identify some creatures immediately and others that will be a challenge. The book concludes with information about what makes each animal special and why it’s endangered. Use this book as a fun way to jumpstart an exploration of endangered animals.

ENDANGERED.ORG is the website of a group that strives to stop human-caused extinction of at-risk species. The blog contains up-to-date information of species currently in danger. The campaign focuses on key events such as the Endangered Species Day celebrated in May each year. The endangered species section features pages for key animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, plants, and invertebrates. Information and an infographic details the specifics of the Endangered Species Act.

Endangered Species Coalition https://www.endangered.org/

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Book Review: Go Green!

GO GREEN! by Paul A. Reynolds is the second book in the Sydney & Simon series exploring topics related to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics).

Mouse twins Sydney and Simon are creative problem-solvers with a mission. While on a field trip, the pair learn that trash ends up in the ocean hurting animals like green sea turtles. They create a plan to convince the whole town to start recycling, reusing, and reducing.

Written for the early and intermediate grades, the beginning chapter book includes many bright colored illustrations to engage readers with the interesting characters and storyline. In addition to the main storyline, the book includes a glossary and author’s note focusing on topics related to STEAM.

Librarians will enjoy the STEAM theme that includes lots of art and music in addition to science information. The beginning chapter book approach makes this a great book for language arts activities connected with STEAM. Consider a makerspace station called the “steam studio” focusing on making instruments from recycled materials. Include other books related to the recycle, reuse, and reduce theme.

Visit FableVision studios to learn more about the author/illustrator team at http://www.fablevisionstudios.com/.

Published by Charlesbridge Publishing on October 13, 2015. ARC courtesy of publisher.

Website Review: John and Hank Green Online Resources

Brothers John and Hank Green are social media celebrities, but they also provide important content that young adults love. John is best known for his award-winning YA novels like The Fault in Our Stars, while Hank is the creator of endless online content. Over the past several years they’ve developed a staggering amount of online content.

The CrashCourse YouTube Channel feature short, live action and animated videos exploring key concepts from world history to biology. Go to https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse.

The SciShow YouTube Channel uses quick, enthusiastic videos to discuss science news, history, and concepts. Go to https://www.youtube.com/user/scishow.

The vlogbrothers YouTube Channel features videos on current topics of interest to teens. They do an outstanding job putting important global issues into language young people understanding. Go to https://www.youtube.com/user/vlogbrothers.

The Project for Awesome is a great example of social activism focusing on topics such as education and literacy. Users are encouraged to create videos to support their favorite charity. Go to http://www.projectforawesome.com/.

Are you a Nerdfighter? Teacher librarians should be aware of this online community popular with teens. Associated with the Green brothers, the subculture promotes togetherness and positive peer support. Their motto is DFTBA, “Don’t Forget To Be Awesome”. Nerdfighters is a community website that includes book and music discussions and engaging projects such as short story writing contests. Go to http://nerdfighters.ning.com/.

For John and Hank’s website go to http://nerdfighteria.com/.
For John’s Tumbler, go to http://fishingboatproceeds.tumblr.com/.
For Hank’s Tumbler, go to http://edwardspoonhands.com/.

Website Review: Whale Wars

WHALE WARS: BLOOD AND WATER is an award-winning interactive experience from Animal Planet that is sure to jumpstart a discussion about environmental issues, conservation, and the role of activism.

The website is divided into five video chapters. Each section provides concise text along with stunning illustrations and engaging video clips. The visuals include current and historical photographs, maps, infographics, diagrams, and timelines. Many of the images contain interactive elements for further exploration.

Involve students in examining the real-world organizations involved in this program. Ask them to explore the different perspectives and concerns of environmental groups, countries, and corporations.

To explore this resource, go to http://blood-and-water.animalplanet.com/.
Follow the TV show at https://www.facebook.com/WhaleWars.