Synergy: Celebrating trivia

Synergy: Celebrating trivia

TRIVIA are facts that are not well-known. These pieces of information may be of little importance, yet they sometimes promote curiosity and wonder. Trivia is often viewed as amusing, entertaining and interesting.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

STUFF KIDS SHOULD KNOW: THE MIND-BLOWING HISTORIES OF (ALMOST) EVERYTHING by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant with Nils Parker is a middle grade work of nonfiction based on the popular podcast Stuff You Should Know. This illustrated guide addresses a wide range of questions with humor and a sense of curiosity. Each of the fourteen chapters explores a different topic from toys and trillionaires to facial hair. The interesting tables and timelines add to the appeal. ARC courtesy of Henry Holt and Co., an imprint of Macmillan.

HOW DOES CHOCOLATE TASTE ON EVEREST? written by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and illustrated by Aaron Cushey explores the world’s extreme places through the five senses. Readers are encouraged to think about their sense of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste as they travel to hot, dark, high, and magical places. Along the way, readers learn fascinating facts about each location. The book concludes with a useful glossary. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

WELCOME TO THE MYSTERYVERSE written by Clive Gifford and illustrated by Good Wives and Warriors examines the world’s unsolved wonders. Exploring science’s unanswered questions, this work of nonfiction features chapters on the topics of people, Earth, nature, space, and other mysteries. Key questions, colorful illustrations and fact boxes encourage readers to solve problems and wonder about the world around them. ARC courtesy of Wide Eyed Editions, an imprint of Quarto Group.

Synergy: Zoology

ZOOLOGY is the study of animals including their behavior, structure, classification, and distribution. This branch of biology studies the entire animal kingdom.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for children, then extend the experience by viewing a video series:

5,000 AWESOME FACTS (ABOUT ANIMALS) from National Geographic Kids features thousands of fascinating facts along with hundreds of amazing animal photographs. This fact book is designed for readers who enjoy browsing, as well as those who prefer to deep dive into specific animals or creature categories. Visually stunning, this large format book will be popular with young zoologists and trivia nerds alike.

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

WHAT IS AN ANIMAL? is the first in a series of Crash Course Zoology videos. This short video provides an introduction to zoology. The fourteen-episode series is perfect for young people interested in the biology of animals.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/zgM0F6UmC70.

To watch the entire Crash Course Zoology playlist, go to https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dPuuaLjXtNRgJI4gHRLFtOD_r4hfJaF.

Book Review: Greek Mythology

WEIRD BUT TRUE: GREEK MYTHOLOGY by Sarah Wassner Flynn is a rich resource for mythology fans.

This colorfully illustrated reference book features information about each Greek god along with connections to classic stories from Greek mythology. Fascinating trivia is woven throughout each entry. Of particular note are the pages on topics such as nymphs, muses, and unsung heroes. The book concludes with activities, lists, and a glossary.

Librarians will find this book to be popular with young fans of mythology. The table of contents and index provide easy access to information about each god. The short chunks of information and connections with topics such as movies, constellations, artwork, animals, and global locations will appeal to young researchers. Pair this book with novels featuring Greek mythology. Use this title to introduce readers to the popular WEIRD BY TRUE series.

Published on September 1, 2019 by National Geographic Kids. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Almanac 2017

ALMANAC 2017 by National Geographic Kids is a reference book chuck-full of fascinating facts and activities.

The almanac begins with a table of contents including Your World, Amazing Animals, Going Green, Culture Connection, Awesome Adventure, Fun and Games, Super Science, Wonders of Nature, History Happens, and Geography Rocks. Each section includes photographs, diagrams, games, jokes, and lots of activities.

Color-coded tabs make it easy to thumb through the book looking for sections of interest. An index also helps with access.

Almanacs are always a hit with youth. Librarians will find the 2017 edition contains about 40% new content. Readers will find expanded content at the national Geographic Kids website.

For online content, go to natgeokids.com/almanac.

Published by National Geographic Kids on May 10, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Tech Review: Weird but True!

WEIRD BUT TRUE! from National Geographic Kids is a trivia app designed for children.

The free version of the app features two dozen “weird facts” on topics from ants and bacon to pigeons and ice cream. Additional apps can be purchased. Children will enjoy the sound effects and basic animations.

Although there’s not much to the app, it could be a fun way for librarians to introduce the idea of “fact-checking”. In small groups, ask students to explore the 24 weird facts. Then, choose three to verify. Involve youth in conducting web searches to “fact-check” the weird facts found in the app.

To download the app, go tohttp://www.nationalgeographic.com/mobi…/apps/weird-but-true/.

Book Review: Science Stunts: Fun Feats of Physics

SCIENCE STUNTS: FUN FEATS OF PHYSICS by Jordan Brown introduces key scientists and over two dozen science experiments for intermediate and middle school readers.

The engaging physics activities are organized into seven chapters focusing on gravity, motion, heat, magnets, sound, light, and electricity. What makes this title unique is the way information about scientists and the science behind the stunts is woven into the narrative.

Although the library is already filled with science experiment titles, the unusual approach and visual appeal of this informational text makes it worth the purchase.

This engaging work of nonfiction would be a great addition to your library’s STEM collection. The diverse cast of characters adds to the appeal of this useful science resource.

Published by Charlesbridge on January 19. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

App Review: Health IQ

HEALTH IQ from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is an engaging health trivia game.

A scientist emcee introduces a series of quizzes that contain ten questions each. The mini-games incorporate trivia questions and word scrambles. Users choose from three levels of difficulty or a random selection of questions. After answering each timed question, the scientist emcee provides readers with information about the topic and a link to additional information. Topics range from teen driver safety to the importance of sun screen. Photographs are woven into the quizzes to add interest.

Achievement badges are recorded for players who create a free account. Settings allow users to turn off the music, sound effects, and vibrations.

Librarians will find this game to be a fun way to generate interest in health topics. Consider playing the app on a tablet in a display featuring books about health and fitness. The app would also be a fun way to provide background information for youth choosing a research topic. Use the website connections for informational reading activities.

Available as both an Apple and Android App.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cdc-health-iq/id885605342….