Website Review: HowToSmile.org

The HOWTOSMILE.ORG website allows educators to search, collect, and share high-quality science and math (STEM) activities.

Developed in cooperation with inquiry-based learning organizations including science centers and museums, the National Science Foundation funded project is an excellent place to identify STEM activities for libraries and classrooms.

Currently listing over 3500 science and math activities, the website is easy to search and use. A topics list includes mathematics, chemistry, energy, cooking, ocean literacy, climate, life sciences, and astronomy. Within each of these major categories, users can identify activities by Common Core standards.

Both a basic and advanced search are provided to facilitate the quest for activities. Search results display the project title, description, cost, age range, learning time, subject, preparation time, resource type, language, and source institution. A direct link is also provided to the activity. Users can also share the resource through social media.

Of particular note is the option to search based on diversity including accessibility; culture, ethnicity, and gender; learning style support; and special needs including limited English proficiency, low literacy level, or learning disabled.

A wide range of resource types are included such as mobile apps, demonstrations, exhibits, experiment/labs, field trips, games, lessons, models, and simulations.

Users can create a free account to store their searches and favorite activities. Participants are encouraged to provide feedback, make lists, and post useful comments. Participation is rewarded with badges.

Use the website blog for an effective way to keep up-to-date on recent listings and suggested activities and events.

To begin exploring, go to http://howtosmile.org/.

Book Review: Undertow

UNDERTOW by Michael Buckley tells the story of a clash of civilizations and the families caught in the middle.

Thousands of evolved sea creatures have landed on the shores of Coney Island. Met with fear and distrust, many citizens from the governor to street gang members want to drive them back into the sea. However, others prefer them to quickly acclimate themselves and join society. This near-future fantasy will keep readers wondering whether intelligent beings from different species can live together or will explode into violence. The exciting conclusion sets readers up for the next book in this highly anticipated dystopian fantasy trilogy.

UNDERTOW is likely to have broad appeal with young adult audiences. With just a hint of cross-creature romance reminiscent of the Twilight series and enough violence and conflict for dystopian lovers, this fast-paced novel is sure to be a hit.

Librarians will find this book to be perfect for book clubs or class discussions. From racial (or in this case species) discrimination and class wars to bullying, Buckley examines real-world social issues within the context of a fantasy environment. Teachers will identify endless social studies and history tie ins.

Keep in mind that Michael Buckley is known for his children’s books. While UNDERTOW is not inappropriate for middle grades, it’s clearly aimed at the young adult audience.

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

To find out about the trilogy, go to http://undertowtrilogy.tumblr.com/. Be sure to watch the movie trailer.

Published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Young Reader on May 5, 2015.

Tech Review: Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab

The Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab is an amazing science website and app from Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s (HHMI) BioInteractive project.

Developed by a team of scientists, educators, graphic artists, and film makers, the website and app provides a virtual space for exploring the evolution of the anole lizards in the Caribbean.

Containing nearly 3 hours of instructional content, the app includes four modules including ecomorphs, phylogeny, experimental data, and dewlap colors. In each module, students are involved with questioning, collecting data, making calculations, analyzing information, and discussing results. Videos, images, maps, illustrations, and other visual content accompany the text presentation.

Engaging activities are woven into the materials such as dragging lizards into categories and labeling groups; measuring lizards and recording the results; building and analyzing a phylogenetic tree; and analyzing the color and brightness of lizards using a scale. Progress through the modules is tracked and users can print out their results.

Educator materials are providing including a summary and learning objectives, key concepts, and suggestions for using the lab with students. Other useful materials include additional resources and a glossary. In addition to the virtual lab itself, the project website also includes a six-page worksheet that can be downloaded as a PDF file and printed.

Librarians and classroom teachers will enjoy having two ways to access this content. First, users can go to the project website and use the browser version. Second, users can go to iTunes and download the app for mobile devices.

Both the website and the app are intuitive and easy-to-use. They contain the same content, so students could use either virtual lab for the same experience.

The Virtual Bacterial ID Lab and the Stickleback Virtual Lab are also available through HHMI.

For the website, go to http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/lizard-evolution-virtual-lab.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/lizard-evolution-vi…/id955217861…

Published by BioInteractive in 2015.

Book Review: Nellie Bly and Investigative Journalism for Kids

NELLIE BLY AND INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM FOR KIDS by Ellen Mahoney is an engaging exploration of the muckraking era beginning in the late 1800s.

Using Nellie Bly as the focus, this outstanding informational book explores the life of this well-known investigative journalist while teaching readers about the art and science of journalism. In addition to Bly, the book also features other key muckrakers from the era including Jacob Riis, Ida Tarbell, Ida B. Wells, and Upton Sinclair. It concludes with connections to modern times.

Alluring quests are woven throughout the book. These 21 fun activities help readers learn the basics of journalism. Youth are involved in investigations such as finding the 5Ws and conducting an interview, writing assignments such as writing a short story and sending a letter, and multimedia experiences such as designing a board game, creating a comic strip, and building a diorama.

The compelling narrative will immerse readers in history and bring alive the experience of these important journalists. The highly visual text incorporates a timeline, digital reproductions of primary source materials, period illustrations, and historical photographs. The use of sidebars, captions, famous quotes, and an attractive layout add to the appeal.

Librarians are always looking for engaging works of nonfiction to tie with Common Core informational reading experiences. The combination of an appealing narrative, primary source materials, and creative activities makes this a “must purchase” for school librarians. Add this to your social studies reading list for 2015.

This outstanding work of nonfiction is sure to inspire a new generation of investigative journalists.

Published by Chicago Review Press on May 1, 2015. Reviewed through NetGalley.

Website Review: The Brain Scoop with Emily Graslie

THE BRAIN SCOOP WITH EMILY GRASLIE is an amazing YouTube Channel sponsored by The Field Museum in Chicago.

Described as the “chief curiosity correspondent”, Graslie shares new episodes every other Wednesday that feature fascinating items in The Field Museum collection. From insects and sharks to fossils and biomechanics, a wide range of topics are explored. The purpose of the channel is to share the behind-the-scenes work of natural history museums including both the research and collection aspects.

The entry page features the latest episode along with a list of the most recent videos. The most popular vides are also listed.

The “playlists” area of the channel is organized by popular topics. Viewers can choose from over 100 individual episodes or explore a category like Prep Lab Adventures or Ask Emily!

The high-quality videos run from 3 to 15 minutes and feature the enthusiastic narration of Emily Graslie. Designed to appeal to watchers of all ages, the tightly edited episodes are likely to appeal to the middle-grades as well as high school viewers.

Librarians will be happy to see that this is an ads free, education channel. With over a quarter million subscribers and over 10 millions views, THE BRAIN SCOOP is a video series you don’t want to miss.

For more information, check out the social media feeds including Tumblr, Google Plus, Facebook, and Twitter.

To extend the experience, follow their Tumblr blog at http://thebrainscoop.tumblr.com/.

To learn more, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/thebrainscoop.

Book Review: Nimona

NIMONA by Noelle Stevenson is a quirky new graphic novel fantasy based on the popular web comic.

A young shapeshifter teams up with a super villain to wreak havoc on the Institute of Law Enforcement. Set in a world reminiscent of a Renaissance faire, the story combines kingdoms, dragons, and sword fights with videophones and modern hospitals. The addition of sharks, countdowns, and explosions add to the irreverent atmosphere. Filled with witty humor and symbolism, sophisticated teen readers will enjoy the subversive tone from beginning to end.

The beautifully rendered, full-color graphics will immediately attract graphic novel fans, while the wicked humor and well-paced plot will keep them reading. The complex character development and memorable approach to world building make this graphic novel special.

The unconventional blend of old with new is sure to attract young adult readers. Librarians will find a broad audience for this book that includes lovers of both bizarre superheroes and unusual medieval kingdoms. Look for this book on the YA graphic novel “best of” lists for 2015.

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

Published by HarperTeen on May 12, 2015.

App Review: Metamorphabet

METAMORPHABET by Vectorpark is an engaging, interactive alphabet app.

An astounding educational tool for young children, users are invited to interact with the letters of the alphabet revealing fun transformations. This unique app makes extraordinary use of the touchscreen interface encouraging children to tap, touch, drag, spin, and twist letters.

Users begin by exploring the letter A. Without the need for instruction, children quickly realize that they can interact with the letter activating words, sounds, and animation. Soon an option, in the form of a star icon, is provided for jumping into the next letter, B. Although each letter contains a different organic design and response to touch, there’s enough consistency that users will become familiar with the triggers. Once a letter has been explored once, it’s available through an icon in the upper left corner of the screen.

The letter, words, animations, and sounds are all connected making each letter a mini-story experience. Librarians and teachers will find METAMORPHABET to be an excellent addition to their app collections.

To learn more about the publisher and their apps, go to http://vectorpark.com/.

Book Review: The Novice

THE NOVICE by Taran Matharu is the first book in the outstanding new SUMMONER fantasy trilogy.

Since Harry Potter’s reign more than a decade ago, many fantasy school series have come and gone. However, few have displayed the character development and depth of world building necessary to make them stand out. THE NOVICE is an exception. Although the first book incorporates an academy for young summoners, this trilogy takes a much broader look at the conflict among humans, dwarfs, elves, and orcs.

After stumbling upon a scroll that releases a frisky salamander demon, fifteen-year-old Fletcher sets out on his own and soon discovers an academy that helps him train as a summoner. Along with his dwarf and elf friends, he uncovers the evil plans of a group of nobles seeking personal gain.

Themes of class and species inequality make the storyline particularly compelling for teen readers. With just enough action and violence to keep readers on the edge of their seats, the plot moves quickly leaving readers thirsty for the next book.

Librarians will find a huge audience for this adventure fantasy. Because of its broad appeal, look for The Novice on youth “best of fantasy” lists this year.

A prequel is also available on Kindle called Origins. Readers will also enjoy Rory (Book 0.5). Start reading it at Wattpad.

Newcomer Taran Matharu has become known for his works posted at an online community called Wattpad. For those who enjoy fan fiction, there are already nearly 50 Summoner Fan Fiction stories available online. To learn more, go to his page at http://www.wattpad.com/user/TaranMatharu.

Published by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan. Available May 5, 2015.

App Review: The New Immigrants: NYC 1880-1924

THE NEW IMMIGRANTS: NYC 1880-1924 by Vanguard Direct and the New York Department of Education invites users to explore the immigrant experience in America.

This outstanding history app is divided into six sections: a new beginning, the migration process, tenement life, earning a living, nativism, and assimilation and cultural preservation.

Users begin by scrolling down to the first topic, a new beginning. Or, they can click on one of the six sections. Each section provides an overview along with a sidebar containing three areas to explore. The sidebar options reveal a primary source document and an explanation. Users can then swipe through additional examples, choose the information icon for related materials, reveal questions and prompts geared at particular grade levels, save materials to a collection, or use the crop tool to zoom and crop an area of the screen.

Navigation is very intuitive making the app easy to explore and use. The images and other elements are high-quality. Students can create a collection of their materials, print or email PDFs from their collections, and use the search tool to explore related documents.

Teaching materials are provided for elementary, middle school, and high school levels. They include document based performance tasks along with instructional strategies and activities.

Social studies teachers and librarians will enjoy the focus on the carefully curated primary source collection of over 100 artifacts woven into the app including documents, newspaper articles, cartoons, photos, audio, video, and more. The New Immigrants app deals with a broad spectrum of topics from the journey and hardships to the triumphs of the immigrant experience. As such, it should work well in a classroom situation where it’s important to explore multiple perspectives and experiences.

Librarians will find this to be an excellent addition to the school’s history app collection. There’s a need for an app like this on every topic in American history!

To download the app, go to iTunes. 

Book Reviews: Star Wars Day... May the Fourth Be With You!

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU… Star Wars Day is an excellent time of year to refresh your library’s Star Wars book collection. Did you know there are over 500 Star Wars themed books available? In anticipation of the new Star Wars movie coming out in December, many youth will be seeking out books.

Jeffrey Brown’s Darth Vader and Son; Vader’s Little Princess; and Goodnight, Darth Vader; and Darth Vader and Friends (April 2015) are funny books that explore what would happen if Darth Vader had raised Luke and Leia.

Jedi Academy books include Star Wars: Jedi Academy, Return of the Padawan, and The Phantom Bully (June 2015). This humorous trilogy that mixes text with comics focuses on a boy named Roan who attends the Jedi Academy. Also look for Attack of the Journal in August 2015.

The LEGO Star Wars books are popular with the primary and middle grades. The 24 page books tell stories featuring LEGO mini-figures for younger children. The new 64 page LEGO Star Wars Chapter Books are longer and include Yoda’s Secret Missions and Vader’s Secret Missions (April 2015).

DK is a publisher known for their Star Wars books. The DK Readers Star Wars books for grades 2-4 and DK Adventures: LEGO Star Wars for grades 3-7 include new books coming out Summer 2015. Look for three new DK books published in April 2015 including Ultimate Star Wars (April 2015), LEGO Star Wars in 100 Scenes, and LEGO Star Wars Characters Encyclopedia Updated. Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know will be available September 2015.

Chronicle Books has published three new books (April 2015) for preschool children called Star Wars Epic Yarns.

Star Wars books include a wide range of topics. For instance, Star Wars Crochet (May 2015) shows readers how to crochet Star Wars characters with yarn.

For young adults, William Shakespeare’s Star Wars Trilogy by Ian Doescher is an amazing retelling of Star Wars in the style of Shakespeare. The trilogy includes A New Hope, The Empire Striketh Back, and The Jedi Doth Return.

Marvel is introducing lots of graphic novels in the Summer and Fall of 2015 beginning with Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope on May 5, 2015.

For some other Star Wars fun, check out The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger along with the other interesting books in this series.

With Disney producing the new movie, look for Disney books and other movie tie-ins. For younger children look for the World of Reading Star Wars books for ages 6-8 and Star Wars: The Original Trilogy Stories for ages 3-5. The Star Wars Rebels books include both 32 page books for children and 144 page chapter books for older children.

To learn more about Star Wars Day celebrations, go to http://www.starwars.com/may-the-4th.

Website Review: National Bike Month

May is National Bike Month. Established in 1956, this special month is intended to showcase the benefits of bicycling.

Visit THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS website. It provides lots of ideas for getting involved with bicycling for exercise and fun.

The “Reasons to Ride” page provides background information, an infographic, and a place where you can submit your reasons for riding.

The “Plan a Bike Month Event” page contains an amazing downloadable guide for organizing activities at your school.

The “Bicycle Commuting Data” page focuses on the many people who ride to work and school. You can download an interesting report containing lots of infographics. Use this as part of an informational reading experience with students.

Other areas of the website focus on building bike-friendly communities, bike safety, and advocating for bicyclists.

To learn more, go to http://bikeleague.org/bikemonth

Book Review: The League of Beastly Dreadfuls

THE LEAGUE OF BEASTLY DREADFULS by Holly Grant is the first book in a new Victorian era fantasy series featuring quirky characters, creepy settings, and a daring escape.

After being told that her parents have been in an accident, Anastasia is forced to live with two strange old ladies that claim to be her long lost great aunts. She is soon immersed in a demented world of mystery and suspense with a hint of horror. This bizarre fantasy will appeal to children who enjoy witty, dark humor.

From the bizarre characters to the weird settings, Grant’s colorful descriptions will immerse readers into her wacky world. The author has filled the pages with off-the-wall elements including invented, Victorian era book titles, signs, and artifacts.

Librarians will easily find an audience for this far out fantasy. Aimed at the middle grades, children will enjoy the peculiar story and unconventional writing style. Fans of Roald Dahl, Trenton Lee Stewart, and Lemony Snicket will be attracted to the dry, dark humor and look forward to the next book in this new series.

The series website contains book club questions, a name generator, silly Victorian horoscopes, and lots of other fun activities that can be printed out.

To learn more about the book and the author, go to the series website at http://beastlydreadfuls.com.

Published by Random House for Young Readers on April 28, 2015.

App Review: Recycling is Fun

RECYCLING IS FUN by Charles Ghigna is an adorable informational app focusing on ways children can recycle.

The bright, attractive visuals and basic animation are geared specifically to young readers. The font is clear and easy to read. Each word is highlighted as it’s read aloud.

The “Auto Play” option automatically moves through the book as an animated slideshow with audio narration. Starting and stopping are the only controls.

The “Read to Me” option allows users to control movement forward and backward through the story. In addition to the audio narration and animation, this option also provides an interactive element involving children in activities such as finding items on the screen. Young readers can click the text to have it read aloud again and again.

The “Talking Time” option provides activities associated with the recycling theme. Users can record their voice, play with story items, search for missing items, and play a heart game.

Readers will enjoy the easy, engaging, rhyming verse. Adults will appreciate the clear message about recycling. Librarians will want to add this to the growing number of quality informational reading apps for young children.

For lots of Capstone interactive storybook apps, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/capstone/id695087570.

Published by Capstone Young Readers in 2015.

Book Review: The Way Home Looks Now

THE WAY HOME LOOKS NOW by Wendy Wan-Long Shang follows Peter Lee as he struggles with the accidental death of his brother, his mother’s overwhelming grief, and his traditional Chinese father’s role as Little League baseball coach. Set in 1972, this outstanding work of realistic fiction masterfully addresses key societal issues of the times including Vietnam War protests, political connections with Taiwan, and the Women’s Movement from a child’s perspective.

Realistic fiction for middle-grades tends to be polarized between humorous school stories and deadly serious issues tomes. Shang masterfully balances the popular topic of baseball with a compassionate examination of family grief and social issues of the 1970s. Few books effectively address the impact of the women’s movement on everyday life in America. Shang is successful in weaving this theme throughout the work without being preachy.

With a Lexile measure of 650L but an interest level through middle school, the author provides a easy-to-read book that can be enjoyed over many grade levels. Librarians can look forward to a broad audience for this book. Baseball lovers will be attracted to the action sequences, while history fans will enjoy the references to life in the 1970s. Teachers will enjoy using this book as part of a shared class experience.

Shang was awarded the Asian Pacific American Literature award for The Great Wall of Lucy Wu. Look for THE WAY HOME LOOKS NOW to be on the short list for this year’s award.

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

Published by Scholastic on April 28, 2015.

Book Review: The Jumbies

THE JUMBIES by Tracey Baptiste is a beautifully written retelling of a classic Haitian folktale.

Corinne grows up hearing tales of jumbos who live in the forest near her home. While some of her islander friends think these creatures are imaginary, others believe they are real and lurk in the woods waiting to steal children. When a mysterious woman arrives in the village, Corinne wonders if she is more dangerous than she appears.

The lyrical narrative and elements of mystery will attract middle-grade readers. Boys and girls alike will be drawn to the smart, strong heroine and her friends.

The author’s note provides insights into the history of this Caribbean jumbie tale.

With library shelves overflowing with retellings of Grimm and other European tales, librarians will welcome this inventive Haitian folktale. The short novel will appeal to middle-grades students who enjoy both folktales and monster stories. Pair it with other global folktales for an engaging literature circle. Or, include it in a display of monster myths from Sasquatch to Bigfoot.

To learn more about the author, go to https://traceybaptiste.wordpress.com/.

Published by Algonquin Young Readers on April 28, 2015.

Website Review Europeana 1914-1918

EUROPEANA 1914-1918 is a huge website sharing both the official histories as well as the untold stories of World War I.

Co-funded by the European Union, the website brings together three major European projects focusing on different materials including documents from the public, national collections, and film archives.

Users can browse materials by type, subject, or front. Within each section, participants can explore sources from Europe as well as New Zealand, United States, Australia, and Canada. In addition, related items are presented that might be of interest. The interface is easy-to-use and presents high-quality digital representations that can be embedded, shared, or downloaded. Copyright information is provided for those who would like to share the resource. Users are encouraged to re-use the materials in projects.

The TYPES section provides access to letters, diaries, photographs, films, documents, and postcards. Of particular interest are the thousands of videos included in the collection.

The SUBJECTS section explores remembrance, propaganda, prisoners of war, trench life, aerial warfare, navel warfare, and women. Youth will be particularly interested in the wide range of propaganda posters, cartoons, and other materials.

The FRONT section features the Italian front, home front, Eastern front, and Western front. Break your high school history class into four groups. Each team can dive into the resources related to one of the four fronts.

The ADD YOUR STORY section is collecting Great War era stories from website visitors.

Brimming with easy-to-access primary source documents, this website provides excellent resources to address Common Core standards related to primary source documents. With commemorations being planned around the world during the next few years, this digital collection is likely to grow.

Many other excellent websites are emerging that focus on the World War I era from 1914 through 1918. Be sure to check out the International Encyclopedia of the First World War at http://www.1914-1918-online.net/.

The World War One area of the British Library contains over 500 historical sources and more than 50 original articles and lessons for teachers to use in their classrooms. To learn more about this source, go to http://bl.uk/world-war-one.

To visit the EUROPEANA 1914-1918 website, go to http://www.europeana1914-1918.eu/en.

Book Review: Challenger Deep

CHALLENGER DEEP by Neal Shusterman plunges readers into the powerful and authentic world of mental illness through the perspective of a teen teetering on the brink of insanity.

Unlike works for young adults that view mental disorders from the outside in, Shusterman immerses readers into this disturbing universe from the very first page. Sensitively told through short chapters that flow between Caden’s imaginary world and his perceived reality, readers experience a young man’s ongoing struggle with sanity. This gripping prose will hold the attention of young adults from beginning to end as they grow to understand the stark reality of Caden’s condition.

The book is illustrated with amazing artwork by Shusterman’s son Brendan. The “author’s note” at the end of the novel explains the author’s close ties to this very personal story.

While some readers will empathize with Caden’s plight because of their own experiences with mental illness, others will gain new insights and compassion for those dealing with schizophrenia and similar disorders.

Librarians will find this to be an excellent selection for students interested in the psychology of mental illness. Young adults will appreciate the authentic characters and the author’s eye for detail.

This extraordinary work of realistic fiction has had lots of positive buzz. It’s likely to be on the “best of 2015” lists, so be ready for ongoing interest in the title.

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

Published by Harper Teen on April 21, 2015.

Website Review: Morse Code Day

MORSE CODE DAY is April 27th in commemoration of the birth of inventor Samuel Morse in 1791.

For a simple Morse Code Translator, go tohttp://morsecode.scphillips.com/jtranslator.html.

Learn a little about the history of Morse Code at the White River Valley Museum. Also, try their translator athttp://www.wrvmuseum.org/morsecodehistory.htm.

Boys’ Life provides a Morse Code Machine that contains both the visual and auditory elements of morse code. Go tohttp://boyslife.org/games/online-games/…/morse-code-machine/. It also has built-in practice.

Connect Morse Code to science. Involve students in building their own Hila Code Key device. Hold a contest in your library to see who can decipher a message first! Go to http://hila.webcentre.ca/projects/morse_code/.

Do you want to get serious? Download the 99 cent app called Morse-It by Francis Bonnin. This app allows users to translate, interpret, type, and convert Morse code. It also provides lessons to learn Morse code. Go tohttps://itunes.apple.com/us/app/morse-it/id284942940.

For a great April Fool’s Joke featuring Morse Code, go to Gmail Tap athttps://www.gmail.com/mail/help/promos/tap/.

Book Review: Jack: The True Story of Jack & the Beanstalk

JACK by Liesel Shurtliff is an imaginative retelling of the classic story Jack and the Beanstalk.

Like Rump, the first book in “the true story” collection, this fast-paced adventure brings the beloved tale alive for a modern audience. Set in the same fairy tale world as Rump, JACK tells the story of a farm boy whose father disappears into the world of giants. Jack must figure out a way to save his father as well as his kingdom.

This middle-grade fantasy is brimming with memorable dialogue and interesting characters. Shurtliff’s engaging writing style fills the pages with interesting vocabulary without overwhelming reluctant readers. Although the book lacks illustrations, youth will be drawn to the colorful book cover.

Both Rump and JACK will be popular in school library collections. Boys and girls alike will enjoy the extended versions of the classic tales. These books would work well in a literature circle environment featuring fairy tale retellings.

Librarians will have endless fun with Shurliff’s fairy tales. Pair them with the classic versions of these tales found in picture books. Involve youth in writing their own adapted versions of fairy tales. Be sure to include the many other fractured fairy tale books in the library for additional fun. Look for Shurliff’s Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood in Spring 2016.

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

Published by Alfred A. Knopf and Random House Kids on April 14, 2015.

App Review: Think Like Churchill

THINK LIKE CHURCHILL is an outstanding biographical app produced by Touchpress. This high-quality app tells the engaging true story of Winston Churchill, a statesman from Britain who had a major impact on world history.

The app begins with an introduction by Boris Johnson explaining that the app is intended to focus on Churchill’s most difficult dilemmas. The biographical experience is divided into chapters beginning with THE BRIDGE in 1893. As users move through the short, true stories, they learn about the increasingly difficult decisions Churchill faced in his life and career.

At the end of each chapter, readers are asked to “stand in Churchill’s shoes” and make a decision. Users then learn how their choice was like or unlike the decision Churchill actually made. Participants are invited to identify the reasons for their decision, learn about traits involved with this type of decision, and examine how they compare to Churchill. It’s also possible to “challenge a friend” using social media to see how they would react in the same situation. This sharing aspects has many possibilities for teachers who could ask students to email them about their thoughts and actions. Each chapter concludes with an archive showing primary source materials related to the incident. This emphasis on historical documents connects well with the Common Core standards.

Displayed using an interactive, graphic-novel style approach, this beautifully illustrated app incorporates audio narration, sound and music effects, along with animation elements that contribute to the appeal of the experience. Hot spots woven throughout the app display informational pop-ups associated with the narrative. Orange boxes indicate Churchill’s own words.

Each fast-paced, thought-provoking chapter brings Churchill’s experiences to life. From a daring prison escape to making difficult war decisions, each new, dramatic situation draws readers deeper into the life of this fascinating statesman. The app is regularly updated and the producers plan to continue adding episodes to the experience.

THINK LIKE CHURCHILL is a stunning example of the potential of apps as engaging environments for learning. It’s an important addition to middle school and high school library app collections. Ask students to use this app as a model for writing their own story about another important figure and the decisions he or she made.

Touchpress is known for their high-quality, content-rich apps. Check their website for other apps for you library at http://www.touchpress.com/.

To learn more about this app, go to http://thinklikechurchill.com/.

Book Review: The Rat with the Human Face

THE RAT WITH THE HUMAN FACE by Tom Angleberger is the second silly adventure in The QuikPick Papers series.

In a followup to the infamous Poop Fountain incident, the Qwikpick Adventure Society trio investigate an abandoned research facility looking for a rumored rat with a human face. The story is told as a semi-official report detailing their exploits along with the consequences.

The book’s scrapbook appearance with taped in photos, drawings, typewritten pages, handwritten notes, and other visually interesting elements will be popular with young readers.

Fans of Tom Angleberger who enjoy tales of harmless troublemaking will be eager to jump into his latest, fast-paced adventure. However, young readers looking for literary depth won’t get past the title and first few pages. With the popularity of the first title in this series as well as the Origami Yoda books, librarians are sure to find readers for this book. The combination of light realism and humor are perfect for reluctant readers.

To learn more about the author and his books, go to http://origamiyoda.com/.

Published by Amulet Books on April 21, 2015. ARC courtesy of NetGalley.

App Review: The Mouse and the Meadow

THE MOUSE AND THE MEADOW by Chad Wallace is an interactive storybook app following the experiences of a mouse as he explores a meadow.

The “Read to Me” option reads aloud each page while displaying basic animation. The animated, interactive elements reinforce the story, so they aren’t distracting. Readers can follow along with the audio narration. Each word is highlighted as it’s read aloud.

The “Read to Myself” option is the same as the read aloud option, just without the audio support. Unfortunately, the font size is small and sometimes difficult to read against the colorful background.

From scary confrontations with a snake and great horned owl to quiet moments with fireflies, the storyline features believable situations and encounters among the creatures. The author skillfully weaves in nature facts making this an excellent science experience as well as an engaging story. The realistic flora and fauna contribute to the impact of the story. The colors and details of each creature are exceptional.

After reading the story, users are immersed in an informational reading experience focusing on facts and trivia about the habitat and creatures encountered in the book. They also learn about how animals communicate and help each other. Readers will also enjoy learning about the author. These special informational aspects are always available through a small icon on each page.

The book would be a wonderful addition to a collection of storybook reading apps for children.

This book is also available as a paper and electronic book. A Pop-Up App can be downloaded to go with the paper book.

To learn more about this app, go to http://www.dawnpub.com/apps/mouse-and-the-meadow-app/.

Published by Dawn Publications. Review copy courtesy of Dawn Publications.

Book Review: Lost in NYC: Subway Adventure

LOST IN NYC: A SUBWAY ADVENTURE written by Nagja Spiegelman and illustrated by Sergio García Sánchez combines an exciting urban adventure with a fascinating informational reading experience for young learners.

A TOON Graphics book, the story features a school field trip that goes awry for a member of the class when he gets lost in the subway on his way to the Empire State Building in New York City.

This beautifully illustrated book features subway maps, collages with historical photos, subway symbols, and visually stunning graphic story elements.

Spiegelman’s carefully researched children’s book contains both a realistic fiction element along with carefully researched information about the history and geography of New York City and it’s unique subway system.

Available in both English and Spanish versions, this is a must-have book for elementary libraries. Both urban dwellers and those longing to visit the city will find the authentic story and background information appealing.

This outstanding graphic work is excellent for both visual and verbal literacy activities. It’s likely to be on lots of “best of 2015” lists this year.

Download an outstanding teacher’s guide to go with the book at http://goo.gl/AKedTQ.

Published by Toon Books on April 7, 2015. ARC courtesy of Edelweiss.

Web Review: Earth Day Special Event

Celebrate EARTH DAY on Wednesday April 22. Go to the Earth Day Network at http://www.earthday.org/2015 to get started planning your event.

The “Take Action” page provides a list of ways that you can get involved by signing a climate petition, supporting environmental education, reducing energy consumption, and creating art to raise awareness. Involve students in taking the Carbon Footprint Quiz. The “Actions” page provides lists of many more ways to act.

The “Newsroom” page features news, press releases, and blogs focusing on particular environmental issues. Be sure to explore their education postings on the blog for ideas.

The “Programs” section provides year-round ideas for promoting a healthy environment. It includes a Climate Education Week toolkit for planning activities. Go directly to these materials at http://www.climateeducationweek.org/.

The “Videos” channel through YouTube provides informational and educational videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/earthdaynetwork.

Go to the Compassion Games website to explore ways to serve Earth Week through games. Go to http://compassiongames.org/lovethisplace/.

In addition to Earth Day activities, remember to celebrate Arbor Day on April 24. To learn more about this celebration of trees, go to http://www.arborday.org/celebrate/.