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.

Tech Review: International Children's Digital Library

The INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DIGITAL LIBRARY (ICDL) website and app provide access to historical and contemporary, multi-cultural e-books from around the world.

The ICDL contains thousands of children’s books representing many different cultures and languages. Hundreds of award-winning books are included in the collection.

At the website, users can locate children’s books by country or conduct a search using their keyword or advanced search tools. Users wishing to set up preferences and save their favorite books can register for a free account.

The website also provides information for researchers, educators, and those interested in how they can contribute to the project. An Exhibitions area provides small, thematic collections on topics such as friendship, seasons, or diversity. An Activities area of the website includes ideas for using e-books in library and classroom settings.

The app provides a user-friendly interface for accessing e-books.

Librarians will find this resource an excellent addition to their e-book collection. It’s particularly important for those seeking resources related to cultural diversity. Of particularly note is the availability of books in multiple languages. Teachers will also find a wealth of books focusing traditional tales, legends, and folk tales from around the world.

To learn more, go to http://en.childrenslibrary.org/.

Book Review: The Cat Who Came In Off the Roof

THE CAT WHO CAME IN OFF THE ROOF by Annie Schmidt is a sweet middle-grade fantasy featuring a shy newspaper reporter and the mysterious cat lady he befriends.

When Tibble is told that he writes too many articles about cats, he sets out to find more news-worthy stories. When he rescues a woman from a tree, he soon learns that she’s actually a cat in human form and has a nose for news. Together, they make a great news team. However not everyone is happy when they uncover a story about a corrupt businessman.

Originally published in the 70s, this Dutch classic has been translated for a new generation of young readers.

Librarians will find an audience for this book among the many children who enjoy cat stories, light humor, fantasy, and a hint of mystery.

To learn more about this author, go to http://www.annie-mg.com/.

Published by Delacorte, an imprint of Random House on January 19, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: To The Stars!

TO THE STARS! by Carmella Van Vleet and Kathy Sullivan tells the true story of the first American woman to walk in space.

This fascinating, picture book biography features Sullivan’s childhood dream of becoming a world traveler and her teenaged ambition to become a pilot. Woven into the story are flashes to the future showing the outcome of Sullivan’s childhood aspirations.

The book concludes with a note from Sullivan and a more detailed biography. Short descriptions of other famous women involved with the space program are also provided.

Nicole Wong’s accurate and appealing illustrations add interest to the story. The large, easy-to-read font will appeal to both students and teachers.

Librarians will find this inspirational biography a welcome addition to their nonfiction, picture book collections.

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

To learn more about Kathryn Sullivan, go to http://www.noaa.gov/sullivan.html.

Published by Charlesbridge on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Alistair Grim's Odd Aquaticum

ALISTAIR GRIM’S ODD AQUATICUM by Gregory Funaro is the second book in this quirky fantasy series for children.

Ruthless villain Prince Nightshade wants to steal the power of the Odditorium. Young Grubb, his newly found father Alistair Grim, and a crew of eccentric characters set out on an underwater quest to find the legendary sword Excalibur and save the Odditorium. They must survive a witch, sea monsters, an assassin, and other magical adversaries to reach their destiny.

Weaving together elements of steampunk, fairy stories, witches, and magic, this series has broad appeal. The combination of whimsical settings, legendary characters, and action-packed adventure will have youth coming back for more.

Librarians will find that fans of the first book will enjoy this new addition to the series. Because both the first and second books have been well-received, interest in the series is growing.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Tech Review: YouTube Kids

YOUTUBE KIDS is an app that offers adults the chance to set up a safe environment for youth to experience YouTube video content.

The app is designed to make age-appropriate recommendations for youth based on viewing and searching history. Initially, the system can be set for “preschool”, “school age”, or “all kids” levels. The search bar can be shown or hidden.

Users are presented with access to content in four categories: Shows, Music, Learning, or Explore. From music by The Piano Guys to science videos from National Geographic Kids, users are presented with endless video options for children. Clicking a channel provides users with access to short video content. The basic keyword search displays content of interest to children. For instance, a search for frogs displays animated stories, science programs, and other interesting videos.

Librarians will find this to be a useful tool for in-school tablets. It would also be a good suggestion for parents of young children.

To download the app through Google Play or the App Store, go to https://kids.youtube.com/.

Book Review: This is Where It Ends

THIS IS WHERE IT ENDS by Marieke Nijkamp is the gripping fictional account of a school shooting.

Told in “real-time” from the perspective of friends, family, and classmates of the teen shooter, this quick read takes place in one harrowing hour. The tragic story immerses readers in the thoughts, reflections, and actions of people facing the unimaginable horror of a gunman in their high school auditorium.

The author’s use of time stamps for each chapter, flashbacks, text messages, and other literary techniques adds interest for teen readers.

Librarians will find that students are attracted to this timely topic and drawn to the universal themes of revenge, heroism, and hope.

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

Published by Sourcebook Fire on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: RPO (Representative Poetry Online)

RPO (REPRESENTATIVE POETRY ONLINE) is a web anthology containing 4800 poems in English and French spanning 1400 years.

Containing the works of over 700 poets, the website sponsored by the University of Toronto Libraries is divided into poets, poems, and poetry.

Within the poet section, users can search by name, date, period, movement, nationality, and honors.

Within the poems section, users can search by title, date, form, rhyme, and collection.

Within the poetry section, users can locate works on a map, timeline, and calendar. Criticism, a glossary, and a bibliography are also available.

Librarians will find this to be a useful resource for both students and teachers. The map, timeline, and calendar features provide a unique opportunity to access and think about poetry.

To visit the website, go to http://rpo.library.utoronto.ca/

Book Review: The Door by the Staircase

THE DOOR BY THE STAIRCASE by Katherine Marsh is a fantasy adventure based on the Russian Baba Yaga folktales.

Designed for middle grades, this dark fantasy follows the story of orphan Mary Hayes who is adopted by the mysterious Madame Z. Mary’s new home seems ideal until she begins to realize that her savior may have a dark side.

Librarians will find this fantasy to be popular with children who enjoy folk tales. Teachers wishing to explore traditional folklore at the middle grades may consider this title as part of a literature circle focusing on folklore adaptations.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Tech Review: Kinetic City: Active Explorer

KINETIC CITY: ACTIVE EXPLORER is a website and app used by educators to create Quests for their students.

Sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, educators use the website to build Quests using an easy-to-use web-based template. These activities may ask students to conduct experiments, observe their environment, or create a product. The Quest lists specific activities and lists of tasks for students to accomplish. Youth can share their notes, images, audio, video, and other communications using the App. They can also answer questions or create a chart.

Students create accounts and log in using the app to create their projects using a tool called SmartWorks. Youth can create comic strips, posters, ebooks and other projects.

The website also includes both a SmartWork Gallery of student projects and a Quest Gallery showing teacher-generated activities for grades K-12.

Librarians will find this easy-to-use website and app useful across the curriculum. It only takes a few minutes to create a Quest for students. Learners of all ages can use the app to record data and build projects that can be shared.

To learn more, go to http://www.active-explorer.com/.

Book Review: Passenger

PASSENGER by Alexandra Bracken is a time travel suspense with an abrupt cliffhanger.

This first book in a new science fiction series features seventeen-year-old Etta who discovers she has the ability to travel through time. Thrust into a dangerous situation involving rival time traveling families, Etta must find a valuable object before time runs out.

Of particularly note is Etta’s love interest, a biracial boy born into slavery. His reactions to Etta and to cultures outside his birth time are fascinating.

Fans of both historical fiction and science fiction will enjoy the ride. Most readers will like the hint of romance. The element of suspense will keep young adults happy until the abrupt conclusion. Librarians will find teens clamoring for the next book in this adventure series.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

App Review: Spies of Mississippi

SPIES OF MISSISSIPPI: AN APPUMENTARY brings the well-known book and documentary film by Rick Bowers alive for students.

Focusing on the activities of the Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission from 1956 to 1997, the app explores important stories of democracy, racial segregation, and even murder. The app actively engages users through text, audio, video, maps, photographs, and other historical, primary source materials. After a video introduction, users can watch a summary of the file, listen to a song, examine a visual timeline with photographs and other primary source documents, explore an interactive map featuring key locations, and view excerpts from the film.

In addition, lesson plans and resources for teachers are provided along with discussion questions.

Librarians will find this fascinating app to be an excellent resource for students and teachers exploring the Civil Rights movement in their social studies or history classes.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/spies-mississippi-ap…/id853903402.

Website Review: World of Greek Arts

WORLD OF GREEK ARTS from ArtsEdge is a fascinating, interactive, multimedia exploration of the origin and influence of the performing arts of Greece.

The resource is divided into two sections focusing on music and theater.

The Music of Greece area provides an audio series exploring both ancient and contemporary music of Greece. Users download three audio programs. these programs can also be accessed through iTunes.

The City Dionysia area explores the development of theater in Ancient Greece. The interactive takes students through key concepts using images, animation, and text to help students learn. Then, students follow the process of writing their own play based on the rules and structure of Greek tragedy. An engaging interactive allows students to select the players, masks, and props to stage their play.

A Glossary can be downloaded as a PDF to review key terms.

Librarians will find this resource to be popular among literature, art, theater, and history teachers.

To learn more, go to http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/interactives/greece.

Book Review: Not If I See You First

NOT IF I SEE YOU FIRST by Eric Lindstrom is an absorbing, coming-of-age story exploring friendship, trust, and the challenges of being a blind teen.

Parker’s a typical young adult dealing with the drama of school, friendships, and boyfriends. What makes this witty story fascinating is how the author deals with Parker’s blindness. The author’s compassionate, matter-of-fact portrayal of Parker’s disability makes this work of contemporary, realistic fiction unique and compelling.

Librarians will find this young adult drama to be a excellent way to introduce youth to a well-developed character who happens to be blind. Young adults will enjoy the realistic characters, authentic situations, and insights into the life of a blind high school student. Add this well-written novel to your growing diversity collection.

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

Published by Poppy, an imprint of Hachette Book Group on December 1, 2015. ARC courtesy of publisher.

Book Review: Groundhog's Dilemma

GROUNDHOG’S DILEMMA by Kristen Remenar is a beautifully illustrated picture book exploring the themes of peer pressure, friendship, and honesty.

Groundhog is concerned about disappointing his friends when he announces six more weeks of winter. After being approached by various animals with different perspectives, he decides that telling the truth is the best path.

The richly colored pages with large, attractive characters will appeal to children. The use of speech bubbles lend themselves to a read-aloud approach using varied voices.

Librarians will find this book to be a popular addition to their “Groundhog’s Day” holiday book collection for early elementary children. The themes of peer pressure, friendship, and honesty will ring true with young readers.

To learn more about the author, go to http://kristenremenar.com/.
To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://www.mattfaulkner.com/.

Published by Charlesbridge on December 1, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CRAZY HORSE by Joseph M. Marshall III tells the powerful story of a Lakota boy who goes on a road trip with his grandfather to learn about his cultural heritage.

Designed for middle grade readers, this compelling story follows Jimmy McClean’s journey to learn about the past in order to understand the present. Jimmy’s grandfather facilitates Jimmy’s quest by taking him to historical landmarks and telling the stories of of his culture heritage using Crazy Horse as the thread that weaves the tale together.

Librarians will find that readers of both realistic and historical fiction will enjoy this story. The novel would be an effective way to immerse readers in Lakota culture and heritage. Consider weaving this text into the upper elementary or middle school reading and history curriculum. The author’s note, glossary, and bibliography add to the usefulness of this outstanding text for classroom use. Also, keep in mind that this book is an excellent addition to the diversity collection.

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

Published by Amulet/Abrams on November 10, 2015. ARC courtesy of publisher.

Website Review: Joy2Learn

JOY2LEARN is a website that brings art, music, and theater alive through multimedia experiences featuring famous artists.

Through seven, engaging interactives, learners explore topics including painting, piano, jazz, theater, dancing, sculpture, and architecture. For instance, actor Gregory Hines explores the history of tap dancing, the creative process, the techniques of tap, and the artists of tap. Along with the video segments, users examine images and complete activities. Teacher resources include artist biographies, online resources, and other materials.

Librarians will find these fascinating, interactive programs to be popular with art, music, and theater teachers seeking a multimedia way to introduce their students to key concepts.

To learn more, go to http://joy2learn.org/.

Book Review: The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill

THE BOY WHO BECAME BUFFALO BILL by Andrea Warren is an engrossing nonfiction adventure featuring young Billy Cody.

This compelling true story details young Billy Cody’s life growing up on the plains and ultimately becoming an entertainer. Although the book discusses the Wild West show, emphasis is placed on his younger years. The bulk of the biography explores his tween and young adult years in Kansas, his role in the Civil War, and his work as a scout and guide.

The author skillfully weaves historical events into the real-life story of the beloved entertainer. The author’s notes point out that the legend can be difficult to distinguish from the facts. However, Warren’s well-researched biography does an excellent job focusing on historically accurate information.

Librarians will find this biography is written specifically for the middle grade audience. The easy-to-read narrative combined with the short chapters focusing on specific historical events will be attractive to young readers. The wealth of primary source documents including photographs will add to the appeal for young learners. A discussion guide is available for this title.

Add this title to your growing collection of outstanding biographical works by Andrea Warren.

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

Published by Two Lions on November 3, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Tech Review: iCell

iCELL is an engaging science interactive from HudsonAlpha.

Providing a 3-D view of the inside of an animal, bacteria, or plant cell, the interactive is an excellent way to immerse science students in biology. Users can select and zoom into parts of the cell. Elements of the cell are labelled and annotations can be turned on or off. Learners explore cell structures at the basic, intermediate, or advanced level.

Librarians will find this interactive to be an excellent reference resource for students seeking help or review with cell biology. The large font makes the tool effective for large group, electronic white board activities.

The interactive can be downloaded for use on computers or played in a web browser with a web player. It can also be downloaded as an Apple App.

To download the app for tablets, Mac OS, or Windows, go tohttp://icell.hudsonalpha.org/.

Book Review: Lightning Queen

THE LIGHTNING QUEEN by Laura Resau tells the captivating story of a friendship that bridges the Rom and the Mexico Indian cultures.

In this poignant story that weaves together historical and contemporary tales, an old man shares with his grandson the story of growing up in the remote mountains of Mexico and his encounters with a young gypsy girl. Inspired by true stories, this fascinating multi-cultural tale of friendship will draw readers into the world of mid-20th century Mexico.

Librarians will find that fans of both historical and contemporary fiction will enjoy the bridge between the past and the present as well as between the cultures. With a hint of romance and magic, this fast-paced novel is a good choice for readers seeking stories focusing on the topics of cultural diversity and friendship.

The book’s end notes along with the author’s website provide excellent background information and resources for teachers.

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

Published by Scholastic on October 27, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: MARTians

MARTians by Blythe Woolston tells a bleak, dystopia story exploring life in the near-future suburbs.

When Zoe’s public school is privatized, she’s fast-tracked for graduation and given the option of working at one of two super-sized, mega-stores. With her mom absent and her house in foreclosure, she moves into an abandoned strip mall. Although she excels at fitting into the system, she knows there must be more to life than her dead-end job in the rotting suburbs.

Librarians will find that this quirky work of science fiction strikes a chord with youth frustrated by the consumer culture and lack of empathy in today’s society.

To learn more about the author, read http://www.blythewoolston.net/.

Published by Candlewick Press on October 13, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Emperor of Any Place

THE EMPEROR OF ANY PLACE by Tim Wynne-Jones tells the engrossing, multi-generational story of family relationships and survival during war.

After his father dies, Evan’s estranged grandfather comes to visit opening family secrets reaching back to World War II. At the heart of the story lies the truth behind a soldier’s diary. With elements of magical realism, readers will become immersed in conflicts both past and present.

The author’s use of dual storylines will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Librarians will find a broad readership for this story that includes those who enjoy realistic fiction with hits of fantasy, multi-generational mysteries, as well as young history buffs.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.timwynne-jones.com/.

Published by Candlewick October 13, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Tech Review: Matific

MATIFIC contains over 1000 interactive web-based math activities and apps.

Engaging math episodes (mini-games), worksheets, playlists, and lesson plans are available for grades K-6. These immersive math experiences stress analytical reasoning and critical thinking.

Resources are available through both the website and the app.

Librarians will find many ways to integrate these resources into the math classroom. While some interactives work well as large group electronic whiteboard experiences, others are better for independent work. Consider weaving individual episodes into library STEM displays that connect math with other content areas. For instance, connect an interactive focusing on measurement to a display that contains measurement tools and instruments along with books and activities.

This free service can be used by individuals or as part of a classroom environment. Using the premium service allows student tracking and other more advanced features.

To use the web-based version or download the Google Play or Apple App, go to https://www.matific.com/

Book Review: Breakthrough!

BREAKTHROUGH! by Jim Murphy tells the fascinating true story of the three researchers responsible for developing a procedure to treat “blue baby syndrome”.

Aimed at the middle grades and young adults, the engaging nonfiction narrative explores how three people came together to create a groundbreaking medical procedure to repair a severe type of heart defeat. What makes the book particularly compelling is that each contributor faced professional challenges. As an African-American, Thomas faced prejudice and as a woman, Blalock dealt with gender-bias.

Murphy is known for his effective use of primary source documents. While the book contains photos of the people involved and some images of medical procedures, it lacks the wealth of photographs, diagrams, and other illustrations that bring Murphy’s other works to life.

The book contains source notes, a bibliography, and an index that are useful in research. However, the narrative style will make it difficult for students to use for research projects unless they read the entire work.

Librarians will find that this book will appeal to students who enjoy narrative nonfiction related to science and medicine. However unlike some of his other books, it’s not likely to appeal to reluctant readers.

This title would be an excellent addition to the library’s growing collection of books that connect STEM with issues of diversity.

To learn more about the book, go to http://jimmurphybooks.com/.

Published by Clarion on December 8, 2015. ARC from the publisher.

Book Review: Calvin

CALVIN by Martine Leavitt is an imaginative, coming-of-age novel exploring a teen’s discovery that he has schizophrenia.

Told as a letter written to Calvin & Hobbes’ comic book author Bill Watterson, the story traces a schizophrenic teen’s experiences with love and survival as he deals with his mental illness for the first time.

Leavitt’s conversational style and sense of humor combine for an appealing alternative to the many young adult novels focusing on mental illness.

Librarians will want to add this YA novel to the growing selections available on teen schizophrenia.

Published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan on November 17, 2015.

Book Review: The Tale of Rescue

THE TALE OF RESCUE by Michael J. Rosen tells the fictional adventure of a dog that comes to the aid of a family during a blizzard.

When a young boy and his parents are lost in a snow storm, a cattle dog comes to their rescue. Unable to convince his master of the emergency, the cattle dog manages to create an ingenious way to save the frightened family.

Rosen’s rich storytelling skills make the tale come to life. Middle grade readers will feel like they’re reading a true story. What makes the novel particularly compelling is the use of the epilogue to extend the experience.

The beautiful watercolor illustrations add to the appeal of the story.

Authentic, well-written animal stories are always in demand, so librarians will find a large audience among animal lovers. The short length combined with the engaging epilogue will be popular among reluctant readers.

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

Published by Candlewick Press on October 13, 2015. ARC courtesy of publisher.

Website Review: Global Volcanism Program

THE GLOBAL VOLCANISM PROGRAM from the Smithsonian Institution contains valuable resources about volcano science from around the world.

The website is divided into sections titled Reports, Databases, Learn, Research, and Information.

The Reports section provides weekly reports of recent volcano activity from around the world. These activity reports can be viewed through an interactive map. The Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network contains reports since 1968.

The Database section allows users to search for specific volcanoes or eruptions. Information is also available in list or spreadsheet forms.

The Learn section provides lots of resources for educators including links to YouTube videos, a gallery of terms and photos, and links to maps and other information.

The Research section details the petrology and volcanology projects currently connected with the Smithsonian including online exhibits and collections.

Librarians will find this to be an easy-to-use website for information about specific volcanoes and eruptions. It’s also an effective way to show students the real-world work of scientists.

To learn more, go to http://volcano.si.edu/.

Book Review: An Inheritance of Ashes

AN INHERITANCE OF ASHES by Leah Bobet is a gripping young adult fantasy exploring issues of war, family, and community.

Sisters Hallie and Marthe are alone on their family farm in the aftermath of a war. A mysterious veteran, the arrival of “twisted things,” and strange stone messages mark the beginning of a fight for survival.

This work of dystopia fiction has the feel of historical fiction, monster fantasy, and even the horror genre. However, at it’s core is a story of family, friendship, and forgiveness that transcends genres.

Librarians will find that this unusual fantasy appeals to a broad spectrum of readers.

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

Published by Clarion on October 6, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Tech Review: Progenitor X

PROGENITOR X is a web-based, narrative science game from the Games Learning Society.

In this immersive learning experience, users become part of an elite squad of scientists who must identify and treat humans who have been infected during a Zombie pandemic. Student scientists must apply problem-solving skills to save the world.

Designed for middle school through college, students learn key biology concepts including the relationships among cells, tissues, and organs.

Based on real-world research, game players learn how human skin cells work. In addition to the demo game, the website also links to current research related to regenerative biology.

Librarians will enjoy the connection between fact and fiction connecting the Zombie stories teens love with real-world science. Use the game to jumpstart interest in biology.

To learn more, go to http://gameslearningsociety.org/px_microsite/.

Book Review: Dear Yeti

DEAR YETI by James Kwan is an adorable picture book featuring a pair of young hikers on a quest to find a mythical creature.

A small, blue bird delivers letters from the hikers to the yeti trying to convince the creature to show itself. Along the way, the yeti helps the children by leaving them berries, building a snow shelter, and saving them from a bear. In the end, they form a friendship.

The large, informal font and epistolary form will be attractive to young readers. The illustrator’s use of a red dotted line to follow the bird’s flight will appeal to young adventurers.

Librarians will find this story of a friendly, helpful monster to be popular with primary-aged children. The story would also be a fun way to introduce letter writing.

Learn more about the author/illustrator at http://www.james-kwan.com/.

Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan on November 3, 2015.

Website Review: Annenberg Learner

The ANNENBERG LEARNER website contains hundreds of high-quality interactives for teachers and students of all ages.

Educators looking for interactives can narrow their search by grade level, discipline, audience, or software. Disciplines include arts, education, foreign language, language arts, literature, mathematics, science, and social studies/history.

Librarians can align the interactives with specific curriculum needs. The interactives can be integrated into the classroom or used in learning centers in the library.

To explore the interactives, go to https://www.learner.org/interactives/.

Book Review: The Rest of Us Just Live Here

THE REST OF US JUST LIVE HERE by Patrick Ness is an unusual and fascinating blend of fantasy and realistic fiction sure to engage young adults.

Unlike the “indie kids” who always seem to be involved with a vampire attack, alien invasion, or some other supernatural adventure, Mike is just a normal teen leading an ordinary life. Although one of his friends happens to be one quarter cat god, most of the time Mike and his friends deal with typical teen issues from crushes to car accidents.

Each chapter begins with a humorous fantasy element featuring indie kids facing a paranormal crisis. The rest of the chapter is told through the eyes of a teen just trying to deal with life as a high school senior.

Ness is at his best when his fantasy elements collide with every-day life. The author uses witty narrative and often hilarious situations to tell a unusual story of normal life in a chaotic world.

Librarians will find a large audience for this book among those who enjoy both realistic fiction and fantasy. Fans of Ness will be delighted with his latest work for young adults.

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

Published by HarperTeen on October 6, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Batterypop

BATTERYPOP is an excellent video website for kids.

It can be difficult to locate quality educational videos on the major video sites like YouTube. Instead, try this child-focused website. Although many of the videos are focused on entertainment topics, there are also lots of educational videos available.

The Shows section features web video series. Seek out series focused on educational topics such as ROCKALINGUA, a musical Spanish language series and ANTS, a nature series.

The Channels section provides videos from related organizations such as such as UMIGO, a math adventure series. This area also links to the National Film Board of Canada’s videos for children.

The Gamezone section contains resources for gaming fans. Youth who enjoy Minecraft will find lots of videos of interest.

Videos are also organized by topic. Be sure to check out the Science and Math area for lots of STEM connected videos. The Crafts area contains ideas that could be adapted for library makerspaces.

Librarians will find this to be a valuable starting point for connecting youth with age-appropriate videos.

To visit the website, go to http://www.batterypop.com/about-batterypop.