Website: Pencil Code

PENCIL CODE is a free, online programming language editor for kids.

Users can jump right in by clicking the “Let’s Play” button. Or, explore activities in the areas of art, music, or adventure. Users can also explore shared student projects.

Teaching and learning resources are available including manual and a code book. An online guide is also available.

Librarians will find this tool to be a fun way to explore coding skills with students. Weave the editor and online resources into computer, math, art, music, and writing activities.

To visit the website, go to https://pencilcode.net/.

Special Event: National Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH.

The Homeland Security website provides lots of ideas for raising awareness about cybersecurity including weekly activities throughout the month.

The STOP-THINK-CONNECT resource guide features lots of activities and resources to teach youth about online safety. The website contains campaign ideas, resources for students and teacher, and tips. They also have useful handouts, presentations, discussion questions, and PSAs for different grade levels.

Librarians can connect this special event with the Standards for 21st Century Learners and digital citizenship.

The StaySafeOnline website provides information for students and teachers about online safety. The website provides information about this special month as well as resources, a glossary, and videos.

To learn more, go to http://www.dhs.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month.

Visit the Stop-Think-Connect website at http://www.stcguide.com/.

Visit the StaySafeOnline website at https://www.staysafeonline.org.

Book Review: The Six

THE SIX by Mark Alpert is a heart-pounding near-future thriller exploring artificial intelligence, digital preservation, and what it means to be human.

Adam’s body is withering away from the effects of muscular dystrophy. Along with five other terminally ill teens, Adam undergoes an operation that allows his brain to be merged with a computer to produce the first human-machine hybrids. Since the army controls the technology, The Six pioneers are obligated to work with the military on a top secret mission to destroy a rouge artificial intelligence known as Sigma who is about the exterminate human life on earth. The conclusion sets up the premise for a new series that’s likely to be popular with YA science fiction fans.

Alpert’s fast-paced plot, engaging writing style, and attention to scientific detail will be a draw for many young science and science fiction fans. Librarians will find this adventure-suspense equally popular among both male and female teens. Use this book to inspire youth to go back and read the works of Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and others. Also tie this work of science fiction with nonfiction books related to artificial intelligence, robotics, genetics, and physics. The many thought-provoking issues addressed in the text make it a good choice for book club discussions.

Librarians need to be prepared for questions about when the next book in this series will be available. It’s sure to be a YA hit.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on July 7, 2015.