Synergy: Adventures in the US

The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is a country containing fifty states, a federal district, five territories, nine outlying islands, and 326 Indian reservations.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to the topic. Explore these recently published nonfiction picture books for children:

The “Only in” the 50 States series written by Heather Alexander and illustrated by Jen Taylor features weird and wonderful facts about each state. Each two-page spread highlights a place, historical topic, natural area, or other interesting feature. From amazing natural landscapes to fascinating cities and rural areas, this engaging series celebrates the unique aspects of each state.

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA is the first book in this new nonfiction series. Through interesting illustrations, fascinating facts, and intriguing infographics, readers learn about the sports, food, plants, animals, history, and key people of the Golden State.

ONLY IN TEXAS highlights the interesting features of the Lone Star State. This second book in the 50 States series explores the culture, history, and nature of the second-largest US state. Topics include cultural landmarks and traditions, natural landscapes, products, and history through facts, illustrations, and infographics.

Related books include ONLY IN AMERICA and 50 ADVENTURES IN THE 50 STATES.

ARC courtesy of Wide Eyed Editions, part of a Quarto Group.

Synergy: Cherry Mine Disaster

The CHERRY MINE DISASTER of 1909 is the third most deadly tragedy in American coal mining history. Nearly 500 men and boys were working in the mine when a coal car caught fire killing 259 people. Twenty-one trapped miners were rescued after eight days. Following the tragedy, the Illinois legislature established stronger safety regulations and a workmen’s compensation program.

Read the recently published middle grades nonfiction book, then learn more at the websites:

UNDERGROUND FIRE: HOPE, SACRIFICE, AND COURAGE IN THE CHERRY MINE DISASTER by Sally M. Walker is an hour-by-hour account of the challenges faced by trapped miners and the rescue workers trying to save them. Through a dozen heart-pounding chapters, Walker uses riveting narrative and primary source documents and photos to keep even reluctant readers engaged in this historic, tragic mine disaster. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

CHERRY MINE DISASTER from the Travel Channel is a short video describing the tragedy.

To watch the video, go to https://www.travelchannel.com/videos/cherry-mine-disaster-0223505.

THE CHERRY MINE DISASTER: FROM TRAGEDY TO REFORM is a student-produced video about the disaster.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/BzqEZ-yXPok.

CHERRY COAL MINE DISASTER shares historical news articles and a photo from the disaster.

To read the articles, go to http://genealogytrails.com/ill/bureau/History/CherryCoalMine/index.html.

Synergy: Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

DR. MARY EDWARDS WALKER was an American surgeon, abolitionist, suffragette, and Civil War era spy. Known for her unconventional wardrobe and efforts to promote human rights, Walker received the Medal of Honor.

Read the recently published young adult biography, then learn more at the websites:

I COULD NOT DO OTHERWISE by Sara Latta tells the story of a Civil War surgeon and spy who broke gender norms and fought for social justice. Disregarding social conventions and championing human rights, Dr. Mary Edwards is still the only woman to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Weaving primary sources documents and photographs into an engaging narrative, Latta successfully immerses readers in the life of this lesser-known historical figure. ARC courtesy of Zest Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group.

CHANGING THE FACE OF MEDICINE is an online exhibition celebrating America’s women physicians. The website includes a database, resources, and activities. Dr. Walker is included in the database.

To visit the website, go to https://cfmedicine.nlm.nih.gov/.

MEDAL OF HONOR: MARY WALKER is an online graphic biography from the Association of the United States Army.

To read the ebook, go to https://online.flowpaper.com/77a9072e/MedalofHonorMaryWalker/#page=1.

Synergy: Mythical Places

MYTHICAL PLACES are locations that appear in tall tales, folklore, religious texts, and mythology. Atlantis and Shangri-La are examples.

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

AN ATLAS OF LOST KINGDOMS by Emily Hawkins and illustrated by Lauren Mark Baldo explores mythical places across cultures from around the world. Featuring detailed maps, and stunning illustrations, readers are immersed in both the lost worlds along with the stories of adventurers who sought them. ARC courtesy of Wide Eyed Editions from Quarto Group.

Wikipedia’s LIST OF MYTHOLOGICAL PLACES is a fascinating place to begin an exploration of the wide range of mythological places.

To visit the website, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mythological_places.

ORIGINS EXPLAINED is a YouTube channel exploring mysterious places. For instance, 10 MYTHICAL PLACES THAT ACTUALLY EXIST is a video that shares mysterious places people can actually visit.

To visit the YouTube channel, go to https://www.youtube.com/c/OriginsExplained. To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/WXakuaCnDXs.

Timely-take aways for life-long learners: Revolutionary Period Perspectives

Timely-take aways for life-long learners: Revolutionary Period Perspectives

Whether exploring individuals, groups, or events, several new works of nonfiction share different perspectives and innovative thinking about the Revolutionary War period.

Liberty is Sweet: The Hidden History of the American Revolution
Woody Holton, 2021, Simon & Schuster
Themes: History, United States history, Revolutionary period
LIBERTY IS SWEET examines the essential, yet lesser-known roles of women, enslaved African Americans, Native Americans, and others in the fight for liberty.
Take-aways: Many educators are rebuilding their history curriculum with an emphasis on the roles of marginalized Americans. Use Holton’s many examples to revisit this period.

The Last King of America
Andrew Roberts, 2021, Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House
Themes: History, Biography, Revolutionary period
THE LAST KING OF AMERICA is a well-researched biography providing depth and detail to our understanding of George III, his monarchy, and the American Revolution.
Take-aways: Update the curriculum by shifting the traditional caricature of King George III to a multiple-dimensional leader facing both political and personal challenges.

Our First Civil War: Patriots and Loyalists in the American Revolution
H.W. Brands, 2021, Anchor, an imprint of Penguin Random House
Themes: History, United States history, Revolutionary period
OUR FIRST CIVIL WAR describes the challenges faced by individuals, families, and communities forced to choose sides in a violent revolution.
Take-aways: Use Brand’s approach to rethink how the various sides of the conflict are presented to students. Encourage discussions about family and friendship in war.

Winning Independence: The Decisive Years of the Revolutionary War, 1778-1781

John Ferling, 2021, Bloomsbury Publishing, an imprint of Macmillan
Themes: History, United States history, Revolutionary period
WINNING INDEPENDENCE explores Britain’s mid-war pivot, France’s involvement, and other key events that culminated in the American independence.
Take-aways: The curriculum often fast-forwards through the second half of the war. Use Ferling’s book to add depth and detail to this period.

The Howe Dynasty: The Untold Story of a Military Family and the Women Behind Britain’s Wars for America
Julie Flavell, 2021, Liveright, an imprint of W. W. Norton
Themes: History, European history, Great Britain, Georgian era
THE HOWE DYNASTY uses engaging nonfiction narrative to re-examine the roles of both the men and women of this influential, 18th century British family.
Take-aways: Expand the curriculum to include more detail about the British perspective leading up to the Revolutionary period through the eyes of a British family.

Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War
Don Troiani, 2021, Stackpole Books/National Book Network
Themes: History, United States history, Revolutionary period
LIBERTY examines the works of Don Troiani at the Museum of the American Revolution. Known for both artistry and accuracy, these paintings reflect pivotal events in the Revolutionary Period.
Take-aways: Use Troiani’s works and artifacts to jumpstart lessons focusing on specific people, places, and events central to the period.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Photojournalist

A PHOTOJOURNALIST is a person who uses images to share current events. Their ethical approach to news gathering demands an honest, impartial approach to communicating a story through visuals. Their work often requires that they overcome physical and emotional challenges such as war and severe weather.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for young adults, then learn more at the websites:

CLOSE-UP ON WAR: THE STORY OF PIONEERING PHOTOJOURNALIST CATHERINE LEROY IN VIETNAM by Mary Cronk Farrell shares the experiences of a female journalist during the Vietnam war. Using a scrapbook approach, the engaging narrative weaves in photographs, letters, and other primary resources. This well-researched, action-packed biography provides insights into the impact of the war on both the soldiers and the Vietnamese people. The end-matter is filled with useful additional materials.

UP HILL 881 WITH THE MARINES is a 1967 Life Magazine article featuring photos by Catherine Leroy.

Go to https://books.google.com/books?id=TVYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA40

CATHERINE LEROY is a website featuring a short biography and photographs.

Go to https://dotationcatherineleroy.org/en/ 

PHOTOJOURNALISM from the Tate Museum defines the topic and provides examples.

Go to https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/p/photojournalism

ARC courtesy of Amulet/Abrams.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: American Civil War

Whether exploring a prison, state, or mandate, each of these recently published titles focuses on a lesser-known aspect of the Civil War. Educators will find the specific examples useful in helping students understand the challenges of specific aspects of war from muddy conditions to historical inaccuracies.

Escape: The Story of the Confederacy’s Infamous Libby Prison and the Civil War’s Largest Jail Break
Robert P. Watson, Aug 2021, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers/National Book Network
Themes: United States History, Civil War Period

ESCAPE provides a comprehensive examination of Libby Prison including key prisoners, brutal prison conditions, and the large prison break. Divided into five sections, readers follow the evolution of the prison, its guards, and its prisoners through the War.
Take-aways: Students are fascinated by war-time prisons and particularly prison breaks. Educators will find Libby Prison to be a useful in-depth example of this aspect of war.

Myths of the Civil War: The Fact, Fiction, and Science behind the Civil War’s Most-Told Stories
Scott Hippensteel, Nov 2021, Stackpole Books/National Book Network
Themes: United States History, Civil War Period

MYTHS OF THE CIVIL WAR applies science to address inaccuracies often found in Civil War memoirs and histories. Each chapter seeks to identify the fact and fiction of historical claims.
Take-aways: Myths are an effective way to discuss common misconceptions about war. This is particularly true of the Civil War period where so many fictionalize accounts exist.

The Civil War in Maryland Reconsidered
Charles W. Mitchell & Jean H. Baker (eds), Nov 2021, LSU Press/Longleaf Services
Themes: United States History, Civil War Period

THE CIVIL WAR IN MARYLAND RECONSIDERED shares over a dozen well-researched essays examining the unique position of this volatile border state during the turbulent war years.
Take-aways: Educators will find numerous examples of the challenges faced by those living in a border state during war. Refreshing insights and innovative interpretations are notable.

Confederate Conscription and the Struggle for Southern Soldiers
John M. Sacher, Nov 2021, LSU Press/Longleaf Services
Themes: United States History, Civil War Period

CONFEDERATE CONSCRIPTION AND THE STRUGGLE FOR SOUTHERN SOLDIERS explores the struggle of the Confederacy to balance ideology and the need for a strong military.
Take-aways: As they near selective service age, students have a keen interest in issues related to the possibility of their own conscription. Use this connection for class discussions.

The Howling Storm: Weather, Climate, and the American Civil War
Kenneth W. Noe, Oct 2020, LSU Press/Longleaf Services
Themes: United States History, Civil War Period

THE HOWLING STORM explores the impact of weather on soldiers and the war year-by-year. From mud and ice to heat and drought, each chapter examines a specific challenge
Take-aways: Student interest in climate change provides a timely connection for discussion of weather during wartime. Use book examples to spark inquiries in Civil War logistics.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Africa

Africa is the world’s second-largest continent covering 20% of the Earth’s land area. With the world’s youngest population, it accounts for 16% of the world’s population. Its human history can be traced back at least 200,000 years. Recorded history arose in Ancient Egypt and later in Nubia, the Sahel, the Maghreb, and the Horn of Africa.

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

AFRICAN ICONS by Tracey Baptiste tells the story of ten people who shaped African history. From ancient civilizations to the sixteenth century, each profile represents a key individual who made a unique contribution. Each short chapter begins with a full-color portrait, then shares the fascinating true story of a visionary leader or thinker. A map identifies the location of each story, provides a timeline of regions, and features key innovations.

AFRICA’S GREAT CIVILIZATIONS is a PBS series exploring the history of Africa. Featuring Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the six hour series examines two hundred thousand years of history.

To visit the website, go to https://to.pbs.org/3CBvhAA.

ARC courtesy of Algonquin Young Readers, an imprint of Workman.

Synergy: Crazy Horse and George Armstrong Custer

Crazy Horse (Tashunka Witco) was a Lakota warrior of the Oglala Band who joined in the resistance against the reservation system and threats to his people’s traditional way of life.

George Armstrong Custer rose through U.S. military ranks to become a lieutenant colonel. He led campaigns to enforce the reservation system.

Crazy Horse and Custer met for the last time at the Battle of the Little Bighorn where Custer was killed. Although Crazy Horse continued to fight for another six months, he ultimately surrendered to protect his band.

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

CRAZY HORSE AND CUSTER: BORN ENEMIES by S.D. Nelson is a compelling, dual biography exploring the parallels between two 19th century leaders with opposing viewpoints. Young readers will enjoy the fast-paced approach featuring short, engaging narratives. Along with period photographs and paintings, Nelson produced stunning full-color illustrations inspired by Plains Indians ledger art. The book concludes with an author’s note, timeline, end notes, and a bibliography.

The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument website provides information and resources related to the encounter between U.S. Cavalry soldiers and Northern Plains Indian tribes. Known as the Battle of Greasy Grass by the Lakota, the website explores multiple perspectives on one of the last armed efforts of indigenous people to preserve their way of life. The website describes the epic encounter, shares a photo gallery, provides biographical sketches of key individuals, and identifies key locations.

To learn more, go to https://www.nps.gov/libi.

Use these resources to inspire youth to explore multiple perspectives related to other connected individuals in history.

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Cold War Era

The Cold War Era is the time period from about 1947 to 1991 representing tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union along with their respective allies. Although there was no large-scale war between these superpowers, many regional conflicts were backed by each side. The struggle for dominance was reflected in acts of espionage, rivalries, and propaganda.

Read the recently published work of intermediate nonfiction, then learn more at the website.

FALLOUT: SPIES, SUPERBOMBS, AND THE ULTIMATE COLD WAR SHOWDOWN by Steve Sheinkin is a riveting nonfiction narrative exploring the clash of the world’s super powers in the decades after World War II. A follow-up to his book BOMB, the story is told in three parts and concludes with an epilogue. By kicking off with the story of a young paperboy who stumbles on a spy, the author skillfully draws readers into true stories of intrigue set within the larger context of the Cold War era. The fast-paced narrative jumps around, so readers will need to pay attention. Encourage readers to extend the experience through exploring key issues and perspectives beyond the text. The book’s use of primary sources and end notes added credibility to these amazing stories.

COLD WAR HISTORY is a Wilson Center Digital Archive sharing archival documents focusing on the Cold War era. These digitized primary source documents include previously secret archives from former communist countries. The website includes an interactive timeline along with collections, biographies and essays.

To visit the website, go to https://bit.ly/3BUp0Qj.

ARC courtesy of Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan.

Synergy: National Historic Trails

In the United States, national historic trails recognize original overland or water routes with historical significance. Nineteen trails have been established by acts of Congress. While many of these trails commemorate routes established during the westward movement of the mid-19th century, others trace their origins to prehistoric times.

Read the recently published informational picture book, then learn more at the website.

MY WAY WEST by Elizabeth Goss tells the true stories of children who traveled on the Oregon and California trails in the 19th century. Featuring quotes from primary sources such as letters and memoirs, readers learn about life on the trail. The book takes care to incorporate children from varied backgrounds including Native American and African American perspectives. The story begins by noting that the land was already occupied by Native peoples prior to the arrival of settlers. Each two-page spread focuses on a topic related to the journey such as the decision, the supplies, and bad weather. The book concludes with background information about over a dozen children represented in the book.

The NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAILS page at the National Park Service website provides access to information about nineteen historical trails that reflect routes of exploration, migration, struggle, and military action.

To visit the website, go to https://bit.ly/3iU1Ocv.

ARC courtesy of West Margin Press. Distributed by Ingram Publisher Services.

Synergy: Fatherhood Involvement

Fatherhood involvement focuses on the unique bond between a father and child. Children at every stage of development benefit from the involvement of a positive and supporting adult in their life. Regardless of the family structure, strong families and healthy relationships take patience, respect, and communication.

Read the recently published picture book, then learn more at the websites:

DADDY LET’S PLAY written by Rodney Freeman, Jr. and illustrated by Dorothea Taylor weaves together an endearing father-daughter story with relatable, contemporary themes including the pandemic, diversity, and social activism.

Milah and her father play video games together each evening. When her father ends up in the hospital, they figure out a way to stay in contact through their shared passion for gaming.

The brightly colored illustrations paired with the fast-paced text are sure to engage young readers. This accessible title is an effective way to introduce children to the growing number of picture books that represent fatherhood and specifically black dads in a positive light.

FATHERHOOD.GOV is part of the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse supporting strong fathers and families. The website contains tips and hints for dads and kids along with programs and research. The marketing campaign including PSAs reflect ‘#Dadication’ to parenting. A search of the library section reveals dozens of articles focusing specifically on the needs and interests of black fathers.

To visit the website, go to https://www.fatherhood.gov/.

ARC courtesy of Preservation LLC.

Synergy: Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a celebration commemorating the histories and cultures of Native American peoples. In the United States, it is celebrated the second Monday in October.

Read the informational picture book for children, then learn more at the website:

WE ARE STILL HERE! NATIVE AMERICAN TRUTHS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Frané Lessac uses the context of classroom presentations for Indigenous Peoples’ Day to share key concepts related to the history of indigenous people in the United States. Topics such as assimilation, allotment, termination, activism, self-determination, and sovereign resurgence are shared in easy-to-understand text and colorful illustrations. The book concludes with additional information, a timeline, glossary, sources, and an author’s note.

The Smithsonian’s NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN website provides access to online resources and the Native Knowledge 360° project. To explore the resources, go to https://americanindian.si.edu/.

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

Synergy: Underground Railroad

Underground Railroad was the term used to describe a network of people and places used by slaves in the American South in search of freedom in the Northern United States and Canada. William Still is sometimes referred to as the father of the Underground Railroad. In addition to being a conductor, he also recorded the personal accounts of fugitive slaves escaping through Philadelphia.

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

WILLIAM STILL AND HIS FREEDOM STORIES: THE FATHER OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD by Don Tate is a picture book biography exploring the life of William Still who helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom. The story concludes with a timeline and author’s note.

UNCOVERING WILLIAM STILL’S UNDERGROUND RAILROAD is a digital history project that includes Still’s journal and original records.

To view the digital collection, go to https://bit.ly/2K6Y35P.

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD: THE WILLIAM STILL STORY tells the story of William Still’s experiences as an abolitionist. Teachers may wish use excerpts from this hour long documentary.

To view the documentary, go to https://to.pbs.org/3kmn2OF.

DISCOVERING THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD from the National Park Service is a Junior Ranger Activity Book available online.

To download the PDF, go to https://bit.ly/3luJM0y.

ARC courtesy of Peachtree.

Synergy: Kent State Shootings

On May 4, 1970, four unarmed college students were killed and nine injured during a peaceful rally. National Guard soldiers fired on participants at the anti-Vietnam War gathering. The massacre trigger public outrage causing the largest student strike in history with millions of students participating. Although a Commission report concluded that the shootings were unjustified, no one was convicted in the shootings.

Read the recently published young adult books, then learn more at the website:

KENT STATE by Deborah Wiles is a work of historical fiction telling the story of the May 4, 1970 incident through multiple voices and vantage points.

KENT STATE: FOUR DEAD IN OHIO by Derf Backderf is a graphic history exploring the lives of the four young people who died and the events leading up to the May 4th tragedy.

KENT STATE SHOOTINGS is a digital collection from Kent State University’s Special Collections and Archives. The May 4 Collection includes an array of primary sources related to the tragedy and its aftermath including an oral history project, digital archive, and information packet.

To visit the digital collection, go to https://bit.ly/3ngaHO7.

ARC courtesy of Scholastic and Abrams.

Synergy: Atlas

An atlas is a collection of maps representing the Earth or a particular region. Traditionally, they were bound into large books. However, today’s interactive atlas allow users to view features such as political boundaries or geographic elements through transparent layers.

Read the recently published atlases for youth, then learn more at the website:

National Geographic Kids has recently published new editions of their popular atlases.

BEGINNER’S UNITED STATES ATLAS (third edition) is an effective way to introduce atlases to children ages 7 to 10. The book begins with an introduction to maps. The attractive format uses maps and photographs to explore the land and its people. Icons are used to highlight key features. Divided into regions (northwest, southeast, midwest, southwest, west, U.S. territories), the atlas explores each state in a two-page spread. It concludes with a review, glossary, and charts.

UNITED STATES ATLAS (sixth edition) is designed for ages 10 to 14. Like the beginner’s version, it is organized by region and highlights each state. The maps are more detailed and the text provides a more in-depth examination of each state than the beginner edition.

National Geographic Kids also publishes world atlases for a variety of age levels.

MAPMAKER INTERACTIVE from National Geographic allows users to explore locations around the world through the use of a base map and layers. Students begin with a base layer such as streets, terrain, topo, or satellite. Then, they can add layers such as water, human population, climate, and history to explore an area in depth. Finally, users can use the tools provided to personalize, save, and print their map.

To visit the website, go to https://mapmaker.nationalgeographic.org/.

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

Synergy: The Dené Nation

Also known as the Athapaskan people, the Dené Nation is a group of five indigenous tribes located in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Sustained by the land for over 30,000 years, the political organization represents the land claims and protection of Aboriginal rights. Their homeland stretches from the Yukon and Alaska to the southwestern United States.

Read the recently published graphic nonfiction, then learn more at the website:

PAYING THE LAND by Joe Sacco is set in the subarctic Canadian Northwest Territories where the indigenous Dene people have lived for more than 30,000 years. This work of graphic nonfiction explores the impact of resource extraction on the natural world and the indigenous people who live in the Mackenzie River Valley. Sacco recounts the costs and benefits development has had on the land and its people.

The DENE NATION website features a history page that provides insights into history of the Dene Nation. The page includes both recent history along with a timeline of key events.

To visit the Dene Nation page, go to https://denenation.com/about/history/

To visit the Dene Nation History page, go to https://denenation.com/about/history/

Synergy: California Gold Rush

The California Gold Rush (1848-1855) began when gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill. The news of gold brought more than 300,000 people seeking their fortune. While some “forty-niners” found gold, others were more successful in selling supplies and goods to miners.

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

GOLD RUSH GIRL by Avi tells the story of a young girl’s adventures on the high seas and the gold fields of 1848 California. Set during the Gold Rush, this middle grade novel successfully weaves in elements of historical events in San Francisco during this period.

THE GOLD RUSH ERA, 1848-1865 from Calisphere: University of California contains six digital exhibitions related to the time period. Topics include murder and mayhem, disasters, everyday life and people, environmental impact, the growth of cities, and diversity in the changing state.

To visit the digital collection, go to https://bit.ly/2R0UeiF.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Voter Suppression

Voter suppression is a strategy used to discourage or prevent individuals and/or entire groups from voting. Intended to influence the outcome of an election, tactics include both mental and physical intimidation. Voter suppression is illegal, but it still occurs in the United States and around the world.

Read the recently published young adult adaptation, then learn more at the website:

ONE PERSON, NO VOTE by Carol Anderson is a young adult adaptation of the award-winning adult work of nonfiction. The author explores how voter suppression negatively impacts democracy. It is divided into five parts representing themes such as as voter ID and voter rolls. Within each section, chapters explore specific historical and contemporary examples. The book concludes with discussion questions, ways to get involved, and notes.

11 BARRIERS TO VOTING from the Carnegie Corporation is a web-based project describing the most common approaches to voter suppression. For more in-depth information, readers can explore the full-report and learn how to advocate for voting rights.

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/3gYvG4F.

ARC courtesy of Bloomsbury.

Synergy: Abraham Lincoln and Poetry

Most people know Abraham Lincoln as the 16th president of the United States. But, most aren’t aware that he was also a poet. Abraham Lincoln enjoyed reading and sometimes even writing poetry as a young man.

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

THE SUPERLATIVE A. LINCOLN by Eileen R. Meyer and illustrated by Dave Szalay contains eighteen poems about Abraham Lincoln along with background information and an illustration for each poem. An author’s note encourages children to write their own poetry.

LINCOLN AS POET is a web guide from the Library of Congress that explores Lincoln’s life as an avid reader of poetry. It also shares surviving verses written by Lincoln as a teen including both digitized documents in his own handwriting along with transcriptions.

LINCOLN AS POET
https://bit.ly/35eVhSf

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.