Synergy: Estivation

Estivation is the prolonged dormancy of an animal during a hot or dry period. Breathing rate, heart rate, and metabolic rate are slowed to conserve energy. Examples include the North American desert tortoise and the California tiger salamander. These animals seek out a cool, shaded places to wait out the heat. Some animals even burrow in mud or seal themselves in a shell with mucus.

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

SUMMERTIME SLEEPERS by Melissa Stewart is a picture book examining animals that estivate. While children are likely familiar with hibernation, they may not know about estivation. This beautifully illustrated informational book explores a wide range of creatures from around the world who estivate to avoid hot, dry weather. The author uses a short, main line of text along with blocks of detail about each creature’s approach to estivation. Each two-page layout includes a watercolor along with a sketch of the creature. The book concludes with additional information about animals that estivate.

ASK THE NATURALIST from the Discovery Place compares hibernation, brumation, and estivation. To read the article, go to https://bit.ly/3sWQEr5.

ESTIVATION: HOW MUCUS SAVED MY LIFE from YouTube’s SciShow describes how animals survive in the hottest and driest environments. To view the video, go to https://bit.ly/39KgZ3X.

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

Book Review: Sunny Side Up

SUNNY SIDE UP by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm is a poignant, yet humorous middle grade graphic novel focusing on family and friendship.

Set in August 1976, Sunny Lewin arrives in Florida to spend a few weeks with her grandfather who lives in a retirement community on a golf course. From searching for lost golf balls and cats to reading comics with a new friend, Sunny has some fun despite being surrounded by “old people”. Flashbacks provide insights into Sunny’s home life back in Pennsylvania revealing family secrets and the real reason she’s staying with her gramps.

Whether referencing the bicentennial celebration or reflecting on the smell of a Polaroid photograph, the authors are effective at immersing readers in the culture of the 1970s. The illustrator’s eye for period details make the story even more endearing.

A note from the authors encourages readers to reach out to family, teachers, and counselors if they find themselves dealing with someone experiencing substance abuse.

Librarians will find that the authentic story will appeal to youth. The authors seamlessly weave important social messages into the heartwarming summer story.

Published by GRAPHIX from Scholastic on August 25, 2015.

Book Review: The Night We Said Yes

THE NIGHT WE SAID YES by Lauren Gibaldi is a young adult romance that alternatives between “this summer” and “last summer”.

When Ella’s ex-boyfriend moves back to town, she must decide whether her broken heart can be mended so they can start anew. Told through short, alternating chapters, readers learn how Ella and Matt got together and discover whether their friendship can be rekindled.

From teen bands and Karaoke songs to summer parties and truth-or-dare, this coming-of-age romance is perfect for light, effortless reading. Teens who enjoy “chick lit” will flock to this summer romance. Those that prefer complex characters and deep meanings should seek out other works of contemporary, realistic fiction.

To learn about this new author, go to http://laurengibaldi.com/.

Published by HarperTeen, June 2015.

Book Review: Return to Augie Hobble

RETURN TO AUGIE HOBBLE by Lane Smith combines elements of humor, tragedy, and paranormal activity into a quirky middle grades novel.

Angie needs to do a “creative arts project” for summer school. Since he lives in an amusement park managed by his father, inspiration is everywhere in the form of fairy tale characters and theme park attractions. From comics and photography to illustrated short stories, Smith weaves in a wide range of visuals into the story. Between project ideas, Augie must deal with bullies, an amorous Cinderella, government agents, and a shocking tragedy. And, he may be turning into a werewolf.

This witty and weird work will be popular with middle grades youth familiar with the illustrations of Lane Smith. While the book is humorous, it deals with serious topics including bullies and death in a way that will appeal to children. Lane Smith’s first novel is a step above the many other books for this age that bridge fantasy and reality. While the story stands alone, it could easily be turned into a series.

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

Published by Roaring Brook Press on May 5, 2015.

Website Reviews: Summer Reading Programs

It’s time to think about ways to promote summer reading. Let’s explore some resources to share with teachers, parents, and children.

ALA Library Summer Reading Programs
http://www.ala.org/tools/libfactsheets/alalibraryfactsheet17
The American Library Association maintains lots of resources to support summer reading programs.

Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP)
http://www.cslpreads.org/
The CSLP is a consortium of states working together to provide high-quality summer programs for youth. Most public libraries are eligible to use the materials. Many school and public librarians work together to encourage children and young adults to participate in summer reading.

Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge
http://www.scholastic.com/ups/campaigns/src-2015
The Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge is a free online reading program for children. The website contains resources for kids, educators, and parents. School librarians as well as parents can register and track students.

Reading Rockets: Summer
http://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/summer
Reading Rockets provides ideas for parents, teachers, and librarians to promote summer reading. They also link to articles and research that discuss the importance of summer reading and ways to reduce reading skills lose. Also, be sure to check out their summer book lists.

PBS: Raise a Reader!
http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/read/
This page provides ideas for using the PBS website and other resources to promote summer reading.

Children’s Choices Reading List
http://www.reading.org/Reso…/Booklists/ChildrensChoices.aspx
Get youth involved with reading books that children say they enjoy. The International Literacy Association and Children’s Book Council maintain these Children’s Choices lists.