Website Review: Every Kid in a Park

The EVERY KID IN A PARK website connects youth, parents, and educators with the parks and other recreational sites around the United States.

Fourth graders and their families can access America’s natural wonders and historic sites for free! This website takes children through the process of getting a free pass.

The How it Works section takes youth through the process of getting a pass, planning a trip, and hitting the road.

The Get your Pass section involves fourth graders in playing a game, parents in learning the rules, and educators in accessing passes for whole classes. Regardless of whether students are able to visit parks, the game is a fun way to help youth explore the many outdoor opportunities available.

The Plan your Trip section connects students to websites where they can explore parks and other sites, learn about where to stay, and find out about outdoor safety. It also links to places children might want to visit in each state.

Librarians will find this website to be an excellent way to jumpstart discussions about the value of exploring the great outdoors. Place this website in a display that includes books focusing on nature and outdoor exploration. Be sure to include the many National Geographic Kids books available on this topic.

To visit the website, go to https://www.everykidinapark.gov/.

Book Review: Green City

GREEN CITY by Allan Drummond is an informational picture book exploring how one community survived a tornado and rebuilt their community.

Based on a real event, this inspiring picture book tells the story of the small town of Greensburg Kansas was struck by a tornado. When the community began planning for reconstruction, they decided to build in an environmentally sustainable way including reclaimed lumber, wind-resistant buildings, and green energy sources.

Sidebars throughout the book highlight key elements of green construction and sustainable building practices. The book concludes with an author’s note, tips for going green, and source notes.

Librarians will find this book to be an excellent introduction to the idea of sustainable communities. Use this book as a springboard for inquiry-based learning. Ask youth to explore an aspect of green construction of interest. Provide access to books focusing on specific practices such as alternative energy sources to jumpstart their investigations.

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

Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan on March 15, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: MIT's App Inventor

MIT’s APP INVENTOR is a website for teaching and learning how to build mobile apps for Androids.

The website contains field-tested tutorials that beginners can use to learn programming and app development.

The website is divided into two sections: Learn and Teach.

The Learn section provides access to a “course in a box”, video tutorials, a book, and other learning materials.

The Teach section section contains useful resources to help teachers design courses and modules that use the App Inventor software. It contains lesson plans, teaching ideas, and lots of suggestions and examples.

Librarians will find this to be a useful resource for technology teachers developing instructional materials related to programming. It’s also a great website for students who want to learn on their own apps. Computer clubs and after-school groups may also benefit from the resources at the website.

To visit the website, go to http://www.appinventor.org/.

Book Review: The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle

THE CHARMED CHILDREN OF ROOKSKILL CASTLE by Janet Fox is a historical fantasy mystery set in a spooky old Scottish castle.

Kat has been sent to an eerie boarding school to avoid the Blitz during the Second World War. Although she tries to find a logical explanation for the disappearance of children and other spooky happenings, she begins to realize that evil lurks around every turn.

The author uses a chatelaine, charms, and flashbacks to earlier time periods to add depth to the story.

Written for upper middle grade youth, this creepy story will have readers on the edge of their seats imagining ghosts, spies, and sinister magic. Librarians will find that fans of steampunk fiction and spooky castles will immediately be drawn to this historical fantasy. However, this scary mystery may be too much for younger readers.

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

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers an imprint of Penguin on March 15, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Technology review: SCOTUS Blog and App

The SCOTUS blog and app provide up-to-date information about the U.S. Supreme Court.

Maintained by well-respected professionals and having received many awards, this blog provides up-to-date information about all aspects of the Supreme Court of the United States.

In addition to frequent blog postings, the website also contains fascinating information. The Merits Cases provides access to each October Term. The Petitions section lists the docket number, case page, and issues for petitions they’re tracking. The Statistics page provides data on dispositions by sitting. The Special Features page highlights articles and multimedia of particular interest. The Plain English page features background information, procedures, a glossary of legal terms, biographies of the justices, and blog entries for novices. The Videos page links to interesting presentations, speeches, and panel discussions. The Resources page links to background information of interest including the multimedia library and blogroll. Finally, the Administration page provides information about the website and connects with social media.

The app provides some of the information provided at the website, but formatting problems can make it difficult to access some content. On the other hand, students who just want quick access to key ideas may like the streamlined approach of the website.

Librarians will find this website useful for students studying US government. Easier to access than some of the government sites, the Plain English area is of particular interest to teachers because of the way it provides background information for people interested in learning the procedures and terminology related to the courts. Teachers may also find some of the videos useful for classroom activities.

To visit the website, go to http://www.scotusblog.com/
To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/supreme-court-united…/id723205705.

Book Review: Jazz Day

JAZZ DAY: THE MAKING OF A FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPH by Roxane Orgill tells the true story of a graphic designer who wanted to share his passion for jazz music through a photograph.

This beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book shares the story of how Art Kane invited jazz musicians to a photo session in Harlem. Told through engaging watercolor painting and lyrical verse, this page-turning story immerses readers in 1950s Harlem. From singers to musicians, many of the poems feature famous and everyday people who attended this special event. The Author’s Note, Biographies, and other end notes add to the authenticity of the work.

Librarians will find this unique book fits into a number of different situations. English teachers will be drawn to the verse, while history educators will enjoy the fascinating historical references. Librarians may wish to connect this book with primary source materials involving youth in comparing the photographs taken at the event with the picture book illustrations and story. Get children involved in learning more about the people in the photo. Also, think about ways to incorporate this book into an entire interdisciplinary music unit on jazz through history.

Look for this book on the “best of 2016” lists.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.roxaneorgill.net/.

Published by Candlewick Press on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Wooden Prince - Out of Abaton

THE WOODEN PRINCE by John Bemis is the first book in the new OUT OF ABATON series exploring the adventures of Pinocchio.

Pinocchio is an automa in this intriguing re-imagination of the beloved character. Pinocchio’s new master, Geppetto is trying to figure out how and why this unique automa is mysteriously transforming into a human body. After being kidnapped, Pinocchio must begin a journey across the Empire to find Geppetto again. Along the way he stumbles upon Princess Lazuli who is on a mission of her own. Together they must face half-beast outlaws and the emperor’s winged airmen to survive.

Librarians will find an audience among youth who enjoy fantasy adventures. Middle grade readers will enjoy the intersection of the traditional characters along with the new fantasy characters and steampunk world-building elements.

Many readers will be looking forward to the second book in the series titled LORD OF MONSTERS coming out in 2017.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on March 15, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

App Review: Pet First Aid

PET FIRST AID from the American Red Cross is an engaging medical reference app focusing on pet care.

This easy-to-use app provides veterinary advice for everyday emergencies common with dogs and cats.

Users can easily toggle between dog and cat information. Sections include the topics, learn, prepare, emergency, quizzes, and pets. Both emergency tools such as calling a vet, hospital locator, and early warning signs, along with emergency first aid are available. The short focused chunks of information are easy to understand.

Librarians will enjoy using this tool as an example of an app-based quick reference. Involve youth in comparing the use of reference books to apps. Discuss the pros and cons of app-based reference tools. Use it for informational reading activities. Put it in a display featuring books about pet care.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/pet-first-aid-by-ame…/id780415389.

Book Review: Burn Baby Burn

BURN BABY BURN by Meg Medina connects the everyday life of a Cuban-American teen with well-known historical events of the seventies.

In the summer of 1977, Nora is a typical teen living in New York City. However, her life is forever changed through a series of events that besiege her city including arson, a blackout, and a serial killer known as Son of Sam on the loose. Like the city, Nora’s brother is about to explode and Nora must survive dangers around every turn.

From domestic violence to societal unrest, Medina brings the late 1977s to life for teen readers. While librarians often find a small audience for historical fiction, the authentic situations and strong, coming-of-age story will appeal to many teen readers. From movie references to disco tunes, both librarians and young adults will enjoy the many references to 70s culture.

Be sure to add this title to your diversity list and your growing collection of history stories set in the 1970s.

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

Published by Candlewick Press on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Follow Me! Animal Parents and Babies

FOLLOW ME! ANIMAL PARENTS AND BABIES by Shira Evans is part of the National Geographic Kids Super Reader series.

This series includes books for pre-readers through fluent readers. This Level 1: Co-reader book is intended for parents, adults, or older children to read with younger children. An icon indicates what “you read” and what “I read”. Chapters focus on finding food, movement, habitat, and using tools. At the end of each chapter, readers are given a task to think about or a problem to solve.

Librarians know that animal babies books are always popular. What makes this book particularly useful is the collaborative reading option. Consider using this book and other Level 1 co-reader books as part of a school-wide buddy reading program where older children read with younger children.

Published by National Geographic on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Technology Review: Fuel Economy

FUEL ECONOMY is a U.S. government website and app focusing on fuel economy information.

Whether comparing the fuel efficiency of cars or learning about hybrids, this website full of useful information. Users can find and compare cars, learn how to save money and fuel, find out about the importance of fuel economy, calculate fuel economy, explore hybrids and electric vehicles, learn about EPA ratings, and more.

The Find-a-car app helps users compare fuel-efficient vehicles by providing fuel cost estimates, safety ratings, and other information.

Librarians will find many curriculum connections for this website and app. From a science perspective, the resources provides information about alternative fuel sources and how cars consume fuel. For math connections, explore the fuel savings calculator, vehicle cost calculator, and data sets. Think about interdisciplinary projects that connect STEM activities with informational reading and financial planning. Teens love cars, so this website and app is an excellent way to motivate young adult and connect them with real-world problems and solutions.

To visit the website, go to http://www.fueleconomy.gov/.
To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/find-a-car/id1045746520.

Book Review: Stranded on Planet Strip Mall

STRANDED ON PLANET STRIP MALL by Tom Angleberger is the first chapter book in the new Rocket and Groot trilogy for middle grade readers.

Rocket Raccoon and his giant plant sidekick Groot have crash landed on a planet that’s a giant strip mall. Filled with slapstick comedy, this unlikely duo face raccoon-eating toilets, bizarre robots, and other strange shopping related hazards. This wacky adventure features non-stop action for fans of silliness and the galaxy’s most dangerous super intelligent tape dispenser.

Librarians will find fans of Angleberger’s Origami Yoda books flocking for this new science fiction trilogy. The book will appeal to reluctant readers who enjoy the varied fonts and small chunks of text interwoven with simple artwork. With the popularity of the Guardians of the Galaxy comics and movies, this title with be popular with younger readers who want to feel connected to this media franchise.

Published by Disney-Marvel on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: The Roaring Twenties

THE ROARING TWENTIES is an interactive exploration of the historical soundscape of New York City through primary source documents.

This engaging multimedia project immerses users in the sounds of New York City in the 1920s through three themes: sound, space, and time.

The Introduction discusses the the time period and the primary source materials used as the basis for the website. These include the text of noise complaints, news reel footage, maps, and other historical materials.

The Sound section features sources of city noise including traffic, transportation, building operation, homes, streets, harbor/river, collection deliveries, and miscellaneous. Each category includes specific text and video examples of noises and complaints.

The Space section provides a clickable map of New York City. Users can explore primary source documents and watch video footage related to city noise.

The Time section contains a clickable timeline that can be used to explore noise complaints, videos, news, and other information.

The Info section provides access to background information about the three themes along with links to additional resources.
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Librarians will find this website to be an fascinating way for youth to immerse themselves in this time period while learning about the usefulness of primary sources in research. Partner with both English and History teachers to immerse young adults in this time period.

To visit the website, go to http://vectorsdev.usc.edu/NYCsound/777b.html.

Book Series Review: Mission Rescue

The MISSION RESCUE series from National Geographic is intended to inspire young people to learn about endangered animals and how they can be saved.

MISSION SHARK RESCUE begins by exploring the threats facing sharks. Then, each chapter explores some aspect of sharks including their role as predators, their habitat, life cycle, physical characteristics, and connection with humans. Stories, facts, photos, and rescue activities and challenges are woven through the book to keep readers engaged.

MISSION PANDA RESCUE examines the reasons why pandas are endangered. The six chapters explore the panda’s habitat, characteristics, families, and relationship with people. The many photographs and other visuals bring these animals to life. Interesting stories, interviews, facts, and activities help generate reader interest in saving these adorable creatures.

The series also includes titles focusing on lions, wolves, polar bears, elephants, tigers, and sea turtles.

Librarians will find that this series appeals to animals lovers as well as children who enjoy nature, the environment, and social change. Students who enjoy biographies will like the many one-page interviews woven through the books. The focus on photographs, infographics, and small blocks of text will be of interest to nonfiction fans.

Published by National Geographic Children’s Books on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Federal Student Aid

FEDERAL STUDENT AID from the U.S. Department of Education features sources to help students seeking grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school.

The website is divided into five sections.

The Prepare for College section takes teens through the process of defining goals, thinking about college costs, and planning for college.

The Types of Aid section explores funding ideas from the U.S. federal government, states, colleges, and nonprofit or provide organizations.

The Who Gets Aid section discusses issues related to eligibility for federal student aid programs.

The FAFSA: Applying for Aid section takes teens step-by-step through the process of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The How to Repay Your Loans section helps teens understand the process of choosing a repayment plan and avoiding problems.

The website is available in both English and Spanish. A search tool is provided for those wishing to search the website. A glossary in the About section defines key terminology. Use the social media links for up-to-date information including short, financial aid-related videos.

Librarians will find this to be an excellent resource for students preparing for college. Work with the school counselor to set up a display that features useful books, pamphlets, and other information along with key websites.

To visit the website, go to https://studentaid.ed.gov/

Technology Review: Ninja Kitchen

NINJA KITCHEN is a fast-paced, food safety learning game.

Published by New Mexico State’s Learning Games Lab, the interactive helps middle school youth learn about safe food handling skills. Users learn food safety practices and how to prevent food borne illness. As students play the game, they must make decisions about prepping high-risk foods, safe cooking temperatures, and cleaning their workspace.

Ninja master Sensei takes students through a series of levels as they serve customers. Early in the game users learn about the importance of washing their hands and avoiding food contamination. As they work their way through the levels, players learn increasingly complex skills and concepts related to safe food preparation. The music and sounds effects can be turned on and off by users. Players receive money that can be used to purchase items at the store. They also receive rewards that are featured in the Trophy Room.

Librarians will find that this addictive restaurant game is an excellent way to teach the principles of food safety. Work with teachers to create a display that includes food safety books and other activities.

To access the online game, go to http://ninjakitchengame.org/

Book Review: You Were Here

YOU WERE HERE by Cori McCarthy tells the riveting tale of a group of teens on a graduation night quest.

On the fifth anniversary of her brother’s death, Jaycee revisits the playground where he died and decides to recreate his daredevil stunt. Caught in the act by her friends, the group sets out on an adventure to recreate Jake’s stunts. Told in alternating chapters through the eyes of Jaycee and her friends, readers are immersed in the lives of young adults coming-of-age.

What makes this title particularly compelling is the unusual ways characters expresses their story. For instance, some characters use visuals rather than narrative. While Bishop shares graffiti, Mik speaks through works of sequential art. These nontraditional approaches add engaging layers to the story.

Librarians will find that McCarthy’s writing style will appeal to young adult readers. The fast-paced plot will keep teens engaged from beginning to end. With a hint of romance, this contemporary story will appeal to most youth who enjoy realistic fiction. The strong character development and intriguing story make it one of the best picks of the season season.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Ideas Are All Around

IDEAS ARE ALL AROUND by Philip C. Stead tells the uplifting story of finding inspiration in everyday activities.

This charming picture book tells the story of an author who seeks writing ideas while walking his dog and talking with a neighbor. The simple story highlights the value of getting outdoors and interacting with others. While younger children will enjoy the whimsical story, older readers will appreciate the everyday places that can spark creativity.

Librarians will find something for everyone in this imaginative picture book. Connect with the physical education teacher to encourage students to use outdoor adventures as the source for writing inspiration. Work with the art teacher to arouse creativity through combining outdoor digital photography with other forms of art. Use this powerful book to jumpstart classroom writing activities.

To learn more about the author/illustrator, go to https://philipstead.com/.

Published by Roaring Brooke Press, an imprint of Macmillan on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: When Green Becomes Tomatoes

WHEN GREEN BECOMES TOMATOES: POEMS FOR ALL SEASONS by Julie Fogliano uses forty-eight short poems to tell the story of a year.

The combination of Fogliano’s delicate, rhythmic voice with Morstad’s cheerful illustrations create a pleasing atmosphere for children to explore poetry. Most children will relate to the author’s exploration of everyday activities during each season.

Libraries will find this attractive picture book to be an enticing addition to the growing number of poetry books focusing on the seasons. Use it as a way to jumpstart student writing projects that explore the connection between nature and the human experience. The book features specific dates during the year. Ask students to write their own poems to fill in the gaps.

Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Ology

The OLOGY website has been providing engaging science activities for youth for over 15 years.

Sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History, the web-based learning environment explores fourteen different topics including anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, biodiversity, brain, climate change, earth, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, paleontology, physics, water, and zoology.

Users can complete dozens of activities including games, stories, hands-on activities, and videos. By registering at the website, students can collect Ology cards hidden throughout the project.

The Ology for Educators section provides free, research based curriculum materials connected with Earth, life, and physical science content for K-12 students.

Librarians will find this amazing website to be an excellent opportunity to immerse youth in science. Use the website in a learning center focusing on one of the ology topics. Include books and materials in the station to support the hands-on activities. Change topics every couple weeks for a year-long science experience in your library.

To visit the website, go to http://www.amnh.org/explore/ology.

Book Review: Will's Words

WILL’S WORDS: HOW WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE CHANGED THE WAY YOU TALK by Jane Sutcliffe is an informational picture book explore the impact of Shakespeare on the English language.

Designed for intermediate grade students, the book begins with a letter from the author explaining that the focus of the book is on Shakespeare’s fascinating words and phrases. This beautifully illustrated picture book immerses readers in the time period, while weaving Shakespeare’s famous words into the narrative. Phrases like “too much of a good thing” and “wild-goose chase” are a couple examples of the many words made famous by this famous playwright. The book features sidebars containing Shakespeare’s words, their meaning, and where they can be found in his work. The book concludes with a second letter from the author, a timeline, and a bibliography.

Librarians will find this book to be a fun and engaging way to introduce young readers to Shakespeare’s world and his love of wordplay. Place the book in a learning center along with other books about Shakespeare, online resources, and a hands-on activity involving his famous phrases.

Learn more about the author at http://www.janesutcliffe.com/.
Learn more about the illustrator at http://www.jshelley.com/.

Published by Charlesbridge on March 22, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Technology Review: Poetry

The POETRY app and website provides easy access to hundreds of well-known classic and contemporary poets and their poems.

Developed by The Poetry Foundation, the resource provides the poem along with information about the poet, links, and other materials. Users can search or browse poems and poets by categories including subjects, occasions, holidays, poetic terms, school/period, poet’s region, and poet’s birthdate. Features including articles, audios, and video.

A Learning Lab area of the website contains resources for teachers including poems, articles, lesson ideas, essays, and a glossary. A Children’s Poetry area features children’s poetry, articles, children’s video, and information about youth poetry projects. Of particular interest is the Young People’s Poet Laureate Jacqueline Woodson’s page.

The app provides easy access to poems and a way to save favorites.

Librarians will find this to be an easy-to-use website and app for youth. Teachers can easily connect the themes to classroom activities. The app’s mood feature will get students thinking about how poetry connects with emotions like optimism, boredom, disappointment, and joy.

To visit the website, go to http://www.poetryfoundation.org/
To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/poetry-from-the-poet…/id370143863.

Book Review: The Steep and Thorny Way

THE STEEP AND THORNY WAY by Cat Winter is a thought-provoking historical mystery set in the 1920s.

Hanalee is a biracial teen struggling to identify the truth behind her father’s death in an era of prejudice and racial violence.

Librarians will immediately see parallels to Hamlet making this title popular with English teachers. Look for an audience among youth who enjoy historical fiction, but also those who like connections with Shakespearean themes. The plot’s many twists and turns will make this young adult novel popular with youth who enjoy mysteries and ghost stories.

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

Publisher by Abrams Kids on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Technology Review: Radio Lab

RADIO LAB is a website and app containing engaging podcasts on topics related to science, philosophy, and the human experience.

Although these audio programs can be heard on the radio, users are increasingly accessing the content through the program website. The resource is divided into three sections: listen, read, and watch.

The Listen section provides access to the latest podcasts along with a link to the Episode Archive. For each hour-long episode, users can view an image and read an overview of the program. Users can also explore recommended links to extend the experience. The podcast page provides options to listen online, add the episode to a playlist, download the program, embed the program, or make comments. Related podcasts are also suggested.

The Read section provides a blog focusing on recent episodes. These short articles often include images, video clips, and web links to extend the experience.

The Watch section features interesting and sometimes amazing videos along with articles that discuss the topic.

The app allows users to listen to the podcasts, read the show blogs, and access the same content as the website.

Although the programs are aimed at a general audience, they contain information of interest to older children and young adults. A wide range of topics are available from sports and politics to environmental and social issues.

Librarians will find this website an excellent tool for promoting auditory literacy and supporting informational reading activities. The short programs would be an effective way to kick off a research project. Ask students to listen or read a program, write research questions, and conduct their own inquiry using the program as a starting point.

Use the podcasts with student researchers who have reading challenges. Audio can also be an excellent format for other youth with special needs.

To visit the website, go to http://www.radiolab.org/
To download the app, go to http://www.radiolab.org/mobile/.

Book Review: On The Edge of Gone

ON THE EDGE OF GONE by Corinne Duyvis is a young adult, suspenseful science fiction novel told through the eyes of an autistic teen.

With a comet headed to Earth, rich (or useful) people have found permanent shelter underground or reserved space on a space going off-planet. However, a vast majority of the world’s population is stuck in temporary shelter and must find a way to survive. Will Denise and her family survive on Earth or will they find a way onto one of the generation ships?

As an autistic woman, the author is able to draw on her personal experiences to create a complex, realistic lead character.

Librarians will find that this apocalyptic novel is a step above the norm. With fully developed characters and a non-stop survival theme, readers will be thinking about the novel long after its conclusion. The diverse cast and powerful, thought-provoking story appeal to a wide range of young adult readers. However, some readers may shy away from its length.

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

Published by Abrams Kids on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Hour of Bees

HOUR OF BEES by Lindsay Eagar is a poignant, multi-generational, coming-of-age story set in the New Mexican desert.

While her friends are enjoying the summer, Carolina is visiting her grandfather’s ranch in the desert. In this desolate setting, Carolina gains a new perspective on her family heritage and connections with the land through her grandfather’s stories.

Aimed at middle school youth, librarians will find an audience among children who enjoy realistic fiction along with a touch of magical realism. Fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan and Laura Resau are likely to enjoy the connections to Mexican cultural heritage. Multi-generational themes have been popular this year and this title is an outstanding example.

Published by Candlewick on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Ancient History Encyclopedia

ANCIENT HISTORY ENCYCLOPEDIA is an online encyclopedia with an educational mission.

Focusing on all aspects of the Ancient World, the nonprofit website provides short, interactive articles similar to Wikipedia. Articles contain a bibliography, legal notice, and additional resources to explore. There are many ways to access information. Users can use their search tool or index to locate people, places, and objects. The timeline allows users to search by date or keyword in particular categories such as “Arts & Culture” or “Rulers & Politics”. Interactive maps of the Ancient World, Roman Empire and others help youth explore areas of interest by time period. The Explore option lets students to explore regions of the world. Users can also search the video and image indexes.

Beyond the encyclopedia, the website also provides engaging articles related to travel and culture. Interviews provide interesting insights into people and places. Articles about exhibitions and education are also available.

Librarians will find the website to be an exciting way to engage youth in topics related to Ancient History. Although the website contains ads, they can be removed with a membership that supports the non-profit.

The website’s collaboration feature is a great way to get teachers and students involved with making contributions. Users can submit definitions, illustrations, articles, book reviews, timeline entries, videos, and web links.

Consider the interdisciplinary possibilities of the website. For instance, a Latin dictionary would be useful for language students. The Measurement Conversions page allows users to convert modern measures to Egyptian, Roman, or Greek measures. Think about ways to connect history with mathematics.

To visit the website, go to http://www.ancient.eu/.

Book Review: The Greatest Zombie Movie Ever

THE GREATEST ZOMBIE MOVIE EVER by Jeff Strand is a quirky young adult novel celebrating horror film-making.

Although Justin’s previous horror films haven’t done the greatest on YouTube, he’s hoping that his latest zombie adventure will be a hit. Unfortunately, everything doesn’t go as planned and his movie is a disaster. However with a little creativity and he’s able to turn his zombie movie into something unique.

Strand’s engaging brand of humor and many movie references will attract teens who enjoy the idea of making a movie.

Librarians will find this title appeals to a niche audience who enjoy Strand and his approach. Keep in mind that this title isn’t a zombie horror, instead it’s a friendship story about a teen’s quest to make a movie. Look for an audience among youth who like quirk humor and movies.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Bolds

THE BOLDS by Julian Clary tells the hilarious story of a hyena family who disguise themselves as humans and move to the suburbs.

When two hyena discover passports left by a human couple who were eaten by crocodiles, they decide to dress up as humans, get jobs, and live in the suburbs. What follows is a humorous tale of deception. The Bolds hide their tails, wear hats, and teach their children to act human. Although they’re always close to being caught, they manage to keep their secret until the neighbors get suspicious. The surprise ending will appeal to young readers.

The author’s comedic sense is perfect for this silly story. The goofy situations and slapstick humor will appeal to middle grade readers.

Librarians will find a huge audience for this fast-paced, funny story. An excellent selection for reluctant readers, children will be waiting in line for the next book in this entertaining animal series.

Published by Lerner on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Surging Seas

SURGING SEAS is a fascinating website that provides sea level data, tools, and analysis.

Users can explore four areas including coastal flooding, mapping choices, a risk zone map, and a risk finder.

Coastal Floods provides an interactive showing natural and human-caused flooding in US cities between 1955 and 2014.

Mapping Choices provides maps, fly-overs, images, interactives, and reports comparing flood levels after increased in global temperatures.

The Rise Zone Map contains comparison tools that can be used to examine local sea level projections around the world and determine the risk of flooding.

The Risk Finder provides local information from selected states that can be used for analysis, forecasts, and predictions.

Librarians will find this compelling website to be an effective tool in teaching data literacy skills. The engaging content will actively engage learners in science while helping them explore data sets.

To visit the website, go to http://sealevel.climatecentral.org/.

App Review: Save the Park

SAVE THE PARK is a collaborative game launched to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service.

Developed by Games for Change, this engaging app is intended to inspire young people and encourage a new generation of park lovers. The game focuses on ways volunteers can take an active role in preserving natural and historic resources.

Players take on the role of a park volunteer and complete tasks within particular settings such as a forest, desert, or coastal area. Information about national parks is woven throughout the game and links are provided to learn about real-world volunteer opportunities.

Librarians will find the game to be a fun way to introduce the concept of volunteerism and community service. Pair the game with a learning center containing books about civic participation. Youth will find the game to be easy and fun, but not much of a challenge.

The Games for Change website includes many other games that might be of interest to young people.

Visit the website at http://www.gamesforchange.org/.

To download the game, go to http://www.gamesforchange.org/savethepark/.

Book Review: Green Bean! Green Bean!

GREEN BEAN! GREEN BEAN! by Patricia Thomas tells the story of a young girl who grows green beans in her garden.

This informative story takes readers through the steps in planting and caring for bean plants. Readers follow the child and her dog through the growing season and into the winter.

Although the illustrations are basic, they effectively convey the story. Cross-sections show what’s happening under the ground.

The book concludes with information about the life cycle of plants, growing beans, and the growing season. It also contains vocabulary, suggested activities, and additional resources.

Librarians will find this book to be popular with primary grade students who are learning about and likely planting bean seeds in their classrooms. Both the story and the science are easy to follow. Use this book in a display focusing on the science of gardening.

Published by Dawn Publications on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.