Synergy: Digital Ethics

DIGITAL ETHICS is concerned with guidelines governing relationships between individuals and/or businesses mediated by interactive technology including social media. Issues include information privacy and security, digital divide, intellectual property, and censorship. Digital ethics address how to manage oneself in online contexts with digital technology.

Read the recently published nonfiction adaptation for young adults, then learn more at the website:

SHARE BETTER AND STRESS LESS by Whitney Phillips and Ryan Milner is a guide to thinking ecologically about social media. This young adult adaptation explores digital ethics and offers ideas for avoiding doom-scrolling by focusing attention on thoughtful use of social media. Case studies and fictional anecdotes are woven through the text to provide context and examples. ARC courtesy of MIT Teen Press, an imprint of Candlewick Press.

COMMON SENSE EDUCATION provides useful resources for teachers working with teens. The Digital Citizenship section provides useful lesson ideas associated with digital ethics. To visit the website, go to https://www.commonsense.org/education.

Synergy: Birka Viking Warrior

BIRKA VIKING WARRIOR was a 10th century professional woman soldier. First discovered in the 1870s, the bones were originally thought to be male. Recent DNA research confirmed that the skeleton was female. Artifacts in the grave indicate that the warrior woman was likely known for her battle strategy.

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

THE BONES OF BIRKA by C.M. Surrisi traces the story of a 10th century Viking warrior women from her discovery in the 19th century to Dr. Charlotte Hedenstierna-Johnson’s recent DNA analysis. Of particular note is how the book challenges traditional gender roles in ancient societies and traditional research bias. ARC courtesy of Chicago Review Press.

An article in the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY provides details of the research.

To read the article, go to http://uu.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1160189&dswid=9775

An article in SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE discusses the latest evidence that Birka was a woman Viking warrior.

To read the article, go to https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/researchers-reaffirm-famed-ancient-viking-warrior-was-biologically-female-180971541/

An article in LIVE SCIENCE also discusses the Viking warrior woman.

To read the article, go to https://www.livescience.com/64816-woman-viking-warrior-burial.html

Synergy: World War I

World War I (1914-1918) was one of the most deadly global conflicts in human history. In addition to the estimated 9 million people killed in combat, another 5 million civilians died as a result of the conflict. 

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

WORLD WAR I: THE GREAT WAR TO END ALL WARS by Julie Knutson is part of the Inquire & Investigate series. This interdisciplinary text explores the events that led to the war along with key battles. Using photographs, graphic novel-style illustrations, and primary source documents, readers learn about both the home-front and global aspects of the war. Useful fact boxes, sidebars, and questions are likely to engage reluctant learners. ARC courtesy of Nomad Press.

1914-1918 ONLINE is an international encyclopedia focusing on the First World War. Readers can explore the website through a timeline, themes, regions, or article topics.

To visit the website, go to https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/.

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.

Synergy: Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week is an annual Fall event celebrating the freedom to read. Launched in 1982, it seeks to promote awareness of book challenges and express support for intellectual freedom. The event is intended to draw attention to the harms of censorship.

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

YOU CAN’T SAY THAT! compiled and edited by Leonard S. Marcus shares the experiences of thirteen authors for young people who have dealt with censorship. Each writer discusses their thoughts on free expression through interviews by the book’s compiler.

The BANNED BOOKS WEEK website is maintained by the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom and Banned Book Weeks Coordinator in partnership with a coalition of groups supporting intellectual freedom. The website contains news, promotional tools, event information, virtual read-out videos and other useful resources.

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

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Massacre

A massacre is the deliberate and brutal slaughter of multiple individuals. Often perpetrated against defenseless victims by those seeking political or social gain, these mass killings are often aimed at minority, racial, or ethnic groups. The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre is an example.

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

BLACK BIRDS IN THE SKY by Brandy Colbert shares the story and legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Emphasis is placed on the larger history of violence against African Americans as well as the Native Peoples who came before them. Of particularly note is the focus on active suppression of information about the event and how it connects to broader discussions of systemic racism.

THE BURNING by Tim Madigan was recently adapted for young people by Hilary Beard. In addition to an account of the Tulsa Race Massacre, the book explores the larger historical context along with a discussion of the need for social justice.

The TULSA RACE MASSACRE is an interactive article from The New York Times. Using maps, historical photos, and the stories of individuals, the project explores the prosperous Black community known as America’s Black Wall Street and the tremendous loss of life and property street-by-street. By telling the story of the individual people and places, readers become immersed in the time and place of the massacre.

To explore the interactive, go to https://nyti.ms/3k8l1J4.

ARC courtesy of Henry Holt and Harper Collins.

Synergy: Animal Communication

Animal communication is the transformation of information from one animal to another. This connection between sender and receiver can be intentional or a natural reaction.

Read the recently published adult work of nonfiction with young adult cross-over interest. Then, learn more at the website.

OUR WILD CALLING: HOW CONNECTING WITH ANIMALS CAN TRANSFORM OUR LIVES - AND SAVE THEIRS by Richard Louv immerses readers in a text that connects humans with the natural world. Louv is effective in helping readers rethink their connection with animals and the natural world. Told through interviews providing a wide range of perspectives, Louv demonstrates the need for compassionate conservation practices that consider the needs of both humans and animals.

THE ANIMAL COMMUNICATION PROJECT is an online version of an interactive text. The project focuses on the science of animal communication and is divided into sections on cephalopods, insects and spiders, fish and frogs, and birds and mammals. Some sections incorporate visuals, audio and video elements.

To explore the website, go to https://acp.eugraph.com/.

ARC courtesy of Algonquin Books.

Synergy: Little Women

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) is a novel originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869. In this semi-autobiographical novel, readers follow the four March sisters from childhood to womanhood. Alcott’s books were a critical success and continue to be popular with young readers today. The recently released movie has brought a renewed interest in the story.

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

LITTLE WOMEN: THE OFFICIAL MOVIE COMPANION by Gina McIntyre explores the author, the movie, and the legacy of Little Women. The book includes perspectives from the movie’s director and discussions about how young women today can relate to the characters.

Go to LITTLE WOMEN MOVIE <https://www.littlewomen.movie/>

ARC Courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Woodstock

Woodstock was a three-day music festival held in the summer of 1969. The counterculture generation event is considered a key moment in rock music and 60s culture.

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

WOODSTOCK: 50 YEARS OF PEACE AND MUSIC by Daniel Bukszpan explores the people and groups that made this festival such as memorable event. The highly illustrated book is divided into chapters that explore festival planning, the performers, and the aftermath.

The Museum at Bethel Woods website tells the story of Woodstock. Of particular note is the online photoarchive that includes images and archives of the event.

Bethel Woods Collection Online Archive https://photoarchive.museumatbethelwoods.org

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

Book Review: The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge

THE ASSASSINATION OF BRANGWAIN SPURGE by M. T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin explores the endless battle between elf and goblin kingdoms.

Told through a combination of illustrated sequences, letters, and short narratives, this unusual fantasy novel follows an elfin historian on his quest to survive in goblin territory. Packed with non-stop action, bizarre situations, and cultural misunderstandings, this novel is a unique combination of political satire and fantasy adventure.

Librarians will find readers among young adult readers who enjoy dark fantasy and social commentary. The quirky characters and witty humor will strike a cord with teens who may not understand all the underlying themes, but who will enjoy the outlandish situations. Recommend it for youth who enjoy a balance of witty, thought-provoking themes and goofy fantasy.

Published by Candlewick Press on September 25, 2018. ACR courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Neanderthal Opens the Door to the Universe

The NEANDERTHAL OPENS THE DOOR TO THE UNIVERSE by Preston Norton is a humorous, yet heartbreaking young adult novel.

Filled with quirky characters and references to pop culture, this fast-paced novel tells the story of a super-sized teen named Cliff who aimlessly wanders through high school while dealing with family issues and mean classmates. When a popular football player befriends him and asks for his help, Cliff begins a quest to make his school a better place and along the way finds himself.

Librarians will find this witty novel to be popular with readers who appreciate snarky humor and teen angst, yet also enjoy a thought-provoking story that addresses common coming-of-age problems. Teens will particularly enjoy the classic stereotypical cliques, first-person commentary, and hopeful conclusion.

Published on Jun 5, 2018 by Disney Book Group. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Munmun

MUNMUN by Jesse Andrews is a quirky, imaginative young adult fantasy exploring social issues ranging from wealth to inequality.

Designed for mature teens, the story is set in an alternative reality where a person’s physical size is proportional to their money known as munmun. Warner and his sister Prayer are the size of a squirrel, while the rich may be the size of large buildings. The story follows Warner’s personal growth, literally.

Librarians will find an audience among teens who enjoy dystopian fantasy with a social message. From the unusual vocabulary to the wacky world building, Andrews’ approach isn’t for everyone. However, it’s perfect for those seeking a thought-provoking, humorous, face-paced read.

Published on April 3, 2018 by Harry N. Abrams. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Astonishing Color of After

THE ASTONISHING COLOR OF AFTER by Emily X.R. Pan is a compelling, young adult novel exploring life, death, and family secrets.

When her mom commits suicide, Leigh is convinced her mother has turned into a bird. When this half Asian and half white teen visits her maternal grandparents in Taiwan for the first time, she slowly becomes immersed in the culture and begins to uncover family secrets that help her better understand her mother, her family, and herself. Flashbacks help readers understand what led to her mother’s suicide along with providing insights into Leigh’s friendship and romance with Axel.

Librarians will find that teens enjoy the magical realism elements of this novel along with the contemporary setting. The balance of hope and despair and the movement between the past and present will add to the appeal for teens readers.

Published on March 20, 2018 by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Constellations

The CONSTELLATIONS by Claudia Gray is a thought-provoking science fiction adventure series exploring the relationship between a soldier and a robot.

In the first book DEFY THE STARS (2017), readers are introduced to teen soldier Noemi who stumbles upon a sophisticated robot named Abel. Although enemies, they work together to save Noemi’s planet of Genesis.

In the second book DEFY THE WORLDS (2018), a deadly plague threatens Genesis. Noemi and Abel once again must work together to save the universe. A cliffhanger at the end of this book establishes intriguing questions for the next book in this series.

Librarians will find an audience for this series among young adults who enjoy the combination of science fiction and adventure with a hint of romance. Exploring topics such as immortality and tolerance, the series is deeper than the standard YA options.

Published by Hachette. ARCs courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Cassandra Clare

CASSANDRA CLARE’s website and blog contains lots of ideas for young authors.

The website includes writing advice, resources, answers to common questions, and book information. In addition to the website, the author connects with readers through social media including her blog, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Librarians will find that Cassandra Clare’s social media feeds are an excellent way to introduce teens to how authors use social media to connect with their readers. She uses each feed in a different way. For instance, her Pinterest boards focus on clothes, decorating, and book research ideas. She shares writing ideas on her blog.

To visit the website, go to http://cassandraclare.com.

Book Review; The Hazel Wood

THE HAZEL WOOD by Melissa Albert is a dark fantasy suspense for young adults.

Alice and her mother are unlucky in life and move frequently. When her mother disappears, Alice must immerse herself in the dark world of her recently dead grandmother’s supernatural world. Filled with strong and sometimes abrasive female characters and lots of twists, Alice along with her acquaintance Ellery must visit the creepy Hazel Wood estate in search of answers.

Librarians will find a following for this book among teens who enjoy fairy tale fantasy, contemporary mysteries, and dark thrillers. Fans of Alice in Wonderful and teens who enjoy literature will enjoy discussing the many literary connections.

Published by Flatiron, an imprint of Macmillan on January 30, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: This is Not a Love Letter

THIS IS NOT A LOVE LETTER by Kim Purcell tells the heart-wrenching story of a teen dealing with the disappearance of her boyfriend.

When her boyfriend disappears, Jessie immediately suspects foul play. As the story unfolds, readers explore issues from their interracial relationship to mental illness and addiction. Told as a letter to her missing boyfriend, readers become immersed in the local community and are challenged to look beyond racism for answers.

Librarians will find this interracial love story to be popular with a youth who enjoy contemporary, realistic fiction. The compelling mystery and authentic characters make this an engaging young adult thriller.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on January 30, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Disappeared

DISAPPEARED by Francisco X. Stork tells the powerful story of siblings navigating a world of kidnapping and crime in Juarez, Mexico.

When her best friend is kidnapped, Sara uses her skills as a journalist to attract attention to her friend’s case despite death threats to herself and her family. At the same time, Sara’s brother Emiliano faces the question of whether to take the easy path into the world of crime or work hard to establish a legal business. Stork’s well-developed characters and authentic situations will draw young adults into this suspenseful story.

Librarians will find this to be a popular addition to the growing number of thoughtful, coming-of-age novels focusing on timely issues related to crime and politics along the American-Mexican border. Although the setting is different than Stork’s other novels, fans will quickly become immersed in this fast-paced thriller.

Published on September 26, 2017 by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Scholastic. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Select

SELECT by Marit Weisenberg is a fast-paced, young adult fantasy.

When Julia is sent to a public high school, she tries to blend in. However she soon finds herself in a forbidden relationship that will impact her family and beyond.

Librarians will find fans of paranormal romance attracted to the love story, while fantasy lovers will enjoy the idea of the select community. The final twist will make readers wonder when the sequel will be released.

Published by Charlesbridge Teen on October 3, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Invictus

INVICTUS by Ryan Graudin is a science fiction adventure for young adults.

When Farway Gaius McCarthy fails his academy exam, he joins a black market time traveling ship that steals historical artifacts. Along the way, he crosses paths with an array of interesting characters including a red panda. This fantasy adventure contains elements of humor and romance that keep the novel engaged from beginning to end.

Librarians will find this time travel adventure a hit with science fiction fans. Teens will particularly enjoy the time travel twists and mystery elements.

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers an imprint of Hachette Book Group on September 26, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.