Book Review: Rise of the Lioness

RISE OF THE LIONESS by Bradley Hague tells the true story of the decline of predators, the last lioness, and hopes for ecosystem renewal in West Zambia.

This work of nonfiction is organized into five chapters exploring the collapse and rebuilding of lions in Liuwa Plain National Park. The book begins with an exploration of life in the African plains. Next, readers explore the decline of the predator population as a result of animal conflict, human war, and other causes. Next, the book describes the plans for restoration and the rebuilding process. The lioness known as the Lady of Liuwa serves as an example of the struggles experienced by the lion population during this process. The book concludes with an afterword, glossary, and index.

Librarians will find this book popular among middle grade students who enjoy animals particularly lions, along with those interested in wildlife conservation. This book would be an excellent way to introduce students to the ecosystems and the interconnected lives of plants, animals, and humans in a healthy environment.

Published by National Geographic on September 13, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: The Truth

TRUTH is a website designed for young adults focusing on the issue of teen smoking.

The website kicks off with anti-smoking public service announcements and connections to social media.

The Facts section provides text, visuals, charts, graphs, infographics, interactives, videos, and other information connecting specific topics and issues with smoking. Users are invited to react to the information to extend the experience.

The Truth Events section features activities around the world related to anti-smoking efforts. It also include interactive elements such as a quiz related to pets and tobacco.

The About section provides an overview of the website and cause. The Take Action section section encourages users to sign up for more information. Social media links extend the experience.

Librarians will find this website to be an effective resource for anti-smoking campaigns and lessons. Create a display that features the public service announcements along with health information, and books related to the anti-tobacco theme. Collaborate with the health, science, and social studies teachers for a school-wide campaign.

The Truth Initiative website is available for additional educational materials and health information.

To visit the website, go to https://www.thetruth.com.

To visit the supplemental website, go to http://truthinitiative.org/.

Book Review: This is the House that Monsters Built

THIS IS THE HOUSE THAT MONSTERS BUILT by Steve Metzler is a silly and slightly spooky adaptation of the popular “House that Jack Built” story.

This fun picture book shares the story of the creepy creatures that build a spooky house on a hill. When kids show up for “trick or treat,” they scare a vampire and set off a final round in this Halloween story.

Librarians will find this book to be a hit around the Halloween holiday. The predictable story would work well for read-aloud experiences. The whimsical illustrations have just the right balance of silly and scary for younger readers.

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

Published by Scholastic on June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: The Chauvet-Pont D-Arc Cave

THE CHAUVET-PONT D’ARC CAVE website explores a 36,000 year old archaeological site in France.

Users begin with a virtual tour of the original cave. The 360 degree exploration includes clickable areas for further investigation of each hall. The information boxes include photographs, diagrams, maps, and other information. The video section provides access to a series of short chips taken inside the cave.

After the introduction, the website is organized into four chapters. The Discover the Cave section allows users to zoom-in on cave drawings, learn about the location, explore the human presence, examine research, and learn about the history of the cave. The Cave Replica explores the cavern, the grand project, and the scientific and artistic restitution elements. The Other Perspectives section features people associated with the cave. The Resources section includes a media library, links, bibliography, and a glossary. The website also includes a map.

Librarians will find this website to be a fascinating way to help youth learn about early world history and archaeology.

To visit the website, go to http://archeologie.culture.fr/chauvet/en/.

Book Review: The Worst Breakfast

THE WORST BREAKFAST by China Miéville and Zak Smith is an unconventional picture book designed for ages 3-7.

The engaging story features two siblings discussing their memories of bad breakfast experiences. The book’s colorful illustrations explode onto the page as a simple discussion turns into a fantasy food adventure.

Librarians will find this book a unique addition to their collection. The lyrical text is filled with descriptive words that will easily slide off the tongue of enthusiastic readers. The use of dialog boxes featuring a different text color for each character makes this adorable book perfect for peer reading experiences.

Although designed for young children, older youth will enjoy the story and illustrations too. The familiar situation is perfect for jumpstarting class discussions and writing activities.

Published by Akashic Books on October 4, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: That's Not Cool

THAT’S NOT COOL is a teen website designed to increase awareness of digital dating abuse.

This interactive website provides suggestions for what teens should do if they’re being pressured, controlled, or disrespected in digital spaces. With lots of connections to social media and personal stories, the website is intended to support teens in need.

A Cool Not Cool game is intended to help young adults make good decisions in relationship situations.

The Speak Up area encourages users to ask questions and explore answers.

The Adult Allies section provides resources to help educators working with teens.

The TNC Channel provides call-out cards, retro videos, and arcade-style games related to the topic.

Librarians will find that this website is an effective way to draw attention to issues related to digital dating abuse. Connect the resource to units related to digital citizenship.

To visit the website, go to https://thatsnotcool.com/.

Book Review: Rocks, Minerals & Gems

ROCKS MINERALS & GEMS by Sean Callery and Miranda Smith contains over 1,000 examples of amazing geologic features to explore.

Designed for the middle grades, this photo-rich informational book features major sections on minerals, rocks, and gems. After a gallery to kickoff the section, each two-page spread explores a particular item such as copper or limestone. In some cases, the pages provide in-depth scientific information along with popular examples. Throughout the book, the author has woven in fascinating stories set in locations around the world. The book concludes with a glossary and index.

Librarians will find that young people enjoy browsing this book as well as using it as a reference work.

Published by Scholastic on July 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Cancer

CANCER: THE EMPEROR OF ALL MALADIES is a three-part PBS series and website with lots of online content.

The About the Film section explores the information about the film and it’s producers.

The Our Story Wall section shares stories from people’s whose lives have been impacted by cancer.

The Media Gallery section provides access to digital shorts, full episodes, and film clips.

The History of Cancer Timeline section visualizes key events before 1940, 1940-1970, 1970-today, and tomorrow.

The Producers’ Blog shares information about updates related to the program and the second screen option provides supplemental information to go with the film.

The Classroom section features video, trivia, infographics, discussions, and other resources to supplement the films.

Librarians will find that this amazing three-part series provides high-quality information useful for health, science, and social studies classrooms.

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

Book Review: LEGO ADVENTURE Nonfiction series

A LEGO ADVENTURE IN THE REAL WORLD series by Scholastic are adventures exploring topics such as history, science, and nature.

These short works of nonfiction feature LEGO minifigure character explorers. In addition to providing factual information about the setting, the books also provide LEGO building ideas and tips. Each book includes photos, LEGO drawings, and other color illustrations. Lots of speech bubbles and sidebar are sure to keep young readers interested.

DINO SAFARI and DEEP DIVE are two new Level 2 reader adventures. These thirty-two page books contain short chapters featuring fascinating facts. They conclude with LEGO building ideas, a vocabulary list, and index.

PLANETS and KNIGHTS & CASTLES are designed for fluent readers. These sixty-four page books contain short chapters with detailed information. The book concludes with a glossary and index.

Librarians will find titles available for both beginning readers as well as fluent readers, so children have options as they grow as readers. The LEGO minfigure adventures are sure to ignite the imagination of young builders. Create a LEGO display in the library’s makerspace featuring building ideas along with the books.

Librarians should be aware that the beginner readers titles include 30 stickers.

Published by Scholastic June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Gemini

GEMINI by Sonya Mukherjee explores the lives of conjoined twins dealing with issues of identity and finding their own paths.

Seventeen-year old Clara and Hailey have vastly different ideas about their future after high school. Through alternating stories, these conjoined twins share their perspectives in this unusual coming-of-age story.

Librarians will find curious teens attracted to this story of unusual siblings. The combination of well-developed characters and an engaging examination of a rare medical condition blend for a unique experience.

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

Published by Simon & Schuster on July 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Technology Review: Interactive Constitution

INTERACTIVE CONSTITUTION is a free app allowing users to explore the full text of the U.S. Constitution.

This nonpartisan resource is easy to use. After clicking the “Explore It” button, students select from the Articles and Amendments tabs to read sections of the Constitution of interest. Annotated text is provided with the first 15 Amendments along with common interpretations. The Matters of Debate statements focus on areas of disagreement as discussed by leading scholars. For Amendments 16-27, full annotated text and interpretations from Annenberg Classroom are provided.

The About section provides white papers with background information about the Constitution and how it should be interpreted and applied.

Librarians will find this app useful for high school government classes. What makes it unique is the focus on presenting varied perspectives on key issues.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/interactive-constit…/id1147260877.

Book Review: Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion

LITTLE RED AND THE VERY HUNGRY LION by Alex T. Smith is an adorable and sometimes hilarious picture book retelling of a classic fairy tale.

This fractured fairytale based on Little Red Riding Hood tells that story of a young African American girl and her encounter with a lion while on the way to her Auntie’s house. Although the lion has a sinister plan, Little Red has other ideas.

Children of all ages will enjoy the whimsical illustrations and engaging text.

Librarians will find this humorous fairy tale popular with young children. However, it will also be of interest to older youth exploring fractured fairytales as part of a language arts unit. Children will enjoy comparing this adaptation with other versions they’ve read.

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

Published by Scholastic on July 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the published.

Website Review: 78 Coins

78 COINS is an interactive website that shows why we’re probably not alone in the universe.

This interactive story takes users through a series of slides that discuss the probability of rolling all “heads” or “tails” with 78 coins. As users flip through the story, they learn about chance and the findings of astronomers.

Librarians will find this simple interactive to be a fascinating introduction to both probability and the nature of the universe. Use it to jumpstart a discussion of aliens and feature the library’s fiction and nonfiction works associated with the possibility of alien life.

To visit the website, go to http://www.joshworth.com/dev/78coins/.

Book Review: Still a Gorilla

STILL A GORILLA by Kim Norman is a humorous picture book about a gorilla who imitates other animals at the zoo.

This rhyming, predictable story follows Willy the Gorilla as he explores the lives of animals at the zoo. Although he pretends to be many different animals, in the end he’s happy being a silly gorilla.

Librarians will find that the bright solid-colored illustrations appeal to younger children. Use the book to explore animal traits with pre-school and kindergarten students.

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

Published by Scholastic on July 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Who Would Win? series

The WHO WOULD WIN? series by Jerry Pallotta compares and contrasts two creatures.

At just 32 pages, each book in this nonfiction informational book series is designed to immerse children in two fascinating animals. Four new titles include Tarantula vs. Scorpion, Hammerhead vs. Bull Shark, Komodo Dragon vs. King Cobra, and Whale vs. Giant Squid.

Each book envisions what would happen if two creatures met. Comparisons are made of anatomy, behavior, and other characteristics. On the last page, readers are encouraged to complete a checklist and decide who wins.

Filled with fascinating facts along with photos, charts, and other illustrations, these short books will appeal to young readers.

Librarians will find these books popular with teachers building compare and contrast informational reading assignments. The nonfiction works would also be popular for free reading activities.

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

Published by Scholastic published in paperback June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of Scholastic.

Website Review: The Living Room Candidate

THE LIVING ROOM CANDIDATE from the Museum of Moving Image features U.S. presidential campaign commercials from 1952 though 2016.

The website includes both political advertisements as well as educational resources and tools.

The Commercials section is organized by election year. Each election features background information, candidate information, results, and commercials.

The Type of Commercials section explores ads by topic such as commercials that backfired. Users can learn about the topic and view videos.

The Issue section features topics including civil rights, corruption, taxes, war, and welfare.

The Curator’s Choice section examines examples of effective strategies.

Users can also view playlists and create their own projects. Teachers can download lessons. The Admaker tool can be used to edit videos. Additional resources are also available.

Librarians will find this website to be a valuable tool for government and history classes. The resources are easy to access and use.

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

Book Review: The Killer in Me

THE KILLER IN ME by Margot Harrison is a young adult thriller filled with nightmares and visions.

Nina has nightmares about a serial killer. To determine whether her visions are true, she decides to track the supposed killer and at the same time learn about her past. However her shocking discoveries hit close to home.

Librarians will find an audience of this psychological suspense among teens who enjoy a heart-pounding mystery. With lots of twists and turns, readers will be drawn into this fast-paced story.

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

Published by Disney-Hyperion on July 12, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Cagle

CAGLE is a comprehensive political cartoon website.

The Cartoon’s page features the latest political cartoons by a wide range of popular columnists.

The Blogs page traces the latest postings of popular cartoonists. These blog postings generally including cartoons.

The Featured Topics page explores issues currently in the news such as world conflicts, political candidates, natural disasters, and social issues related to politics around the world.

The Cartoonists page provides quick access to dozens of political cartoonists.

Librarians will find this website to be useful for a variety of classroom activities. Involve youth in comparing the cartoons on a particular topic or trace changes over time. Use the cartoons to kick off writing activities in government, history, and language arts classrooms.

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

Book Review: Presenting Buffalo Bill

PRESENTING BUFFALO BILL by Candace Fleming is an engaging biography exploring the myth and reality behind Buffalo Bill Cody’s life.

Fleming takes a fresh look at this “larger than life” historical figure by taking readers step-by-step through Buffalo Bill’s remarkable adventures. Through the use of primary source documents, the author carefully explains the truth behind the many lies connected with the Wild West legend providing varied perspectives along the way. Sensitive cultural issues are addressed, along with the dark side of his business ventures.

Fleming weaves photographs and other primary source documents throughout the text bringing the time period to life for young readers. Back matter includes a bibliography, source notes, and an index.

Librarians will find this middle-grade biography to be popular among children doing “people reports” as well as those who enjoy reading about famous historical figures. It would also be a good choice for children who aren’t interested in Presidents or other historical figures but need an interesting history topic.

Learn more about the author at http://www.candacefleming.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on September 20, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Lightyear.FM

LIGHTYEAR.FM takes users on a journey through space, time, and music.

This amazing immersive experience demonstrates how far radio broadcast waves have traveled from the Earth over the past century. The default option takes users backwards through time beginning in 2015. Users hear short segments from popular music as they speed away from the Earth in light years.

The interactive site allows students to select the distance from Earth as well as click on celestial objects.

Librarians will find this easy-to-use website a fascinating way to help students understand space, time, and human broadcast history. Pair the website with books that explore these topics.

To visit the website, go to http://www.lightyear.fm/.

Book Review: Too Many Moose

TOO MANY MOOSE by Lisa M. Bakos is an adorable picture book about a girl who mail-orders moose.

When Martha decides it would be fun to have a pet moose, she orders one through the mail. She soon decides that multiple moose would be even more fun.

Librarians will find children drawn to both the engaging illustrations as well as the fun alliteration. This humorous predictable book will be a hit with both teachers and children who enjoy the rhythm of repeated story elements.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky on July 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Measuring Worth

MEASURING WORTH explores both nominal (current-price) measures and real (constant-price) measures from the US, UK, and Australia.

Through the collaboration of over a dozen university advisors, this high-quality website provides a free service for calculating relative worth over time.

The Comparators section provides calculators to answer questions about relative value, purchase power, growth rates, and other fascinating questions.

The Graphs section explores historical economics. Users can create graphs by selecting from data sets.

The Data Sets section provides over a dozen useful data sets related to GDP, Consumer Price Index, annual wages, and other topics related to economics topics.

User guides, a glossary, FAQs, and essay are helpful in making effective use of the website’s resources.

Librarians will find this website useful for mathematics, economics, and history classes. Also, use this online tool for teaching data literacy skills.

To visit the website, go to https://www.measuringworth.com/.

Technology Review: Science Friday

SCIENCE FRIDAY is a website and app featuring science audio programs on a wide range of topics.

The website features listen, explore, educate, and participate sections.

The Listen section features the latest podcasts as well as the audio archives. Each program includes the audio program along with visuals, text, additional information, and the opportunity to discuss the episode.

The Explore section provides access to news and entertaining stories about science. This section includes articles, audio, and videos. Educational materials are also available for some programs. Users can search, explore by type, or browse by topic.

The Educate section provides free STEM activities, lessons, and resources for parent and educators.

The Participate section provides ways that website users can get involved in various aspects of science.

The app allows users to browse podcasts along with other STEM content. Users can build custom playlists.

Librarians will find this website to be an easy way to promote STEM across the curriculum. Highlight episodes in the library or weave the podcasts into the science curriculum. Also, use the audios to promote listening skills and audio information literacy.

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

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/science-friday/id474235924.

Book Review: Ooko

OOKO by Esme Shapiro tells the charming story of a fox seeking a friend.

After seeing people with their dogs, Ooko decides to find a human friend. However Ooko soon discovers that an animal friend might be more fun.

The simple, humorous text and engaging illustrations make this picture book appropriate for both young children as well as beginning readers.

Librarians will find this sweet story popular with young children and useful in read-aloud activities. Teachers will find the book a valuable tool for discussing friendship and individual differences.

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

Published by Tundra, an imprint of Random House on July 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Virtual Labs

VIRTUAL LABS help students learn basic science laboratory techniques related to food science.

Developed through university and government agency collaborations, this website includes eight food science lab interactives designed to help students learn laboratory techniques and practice methods used by lab technicians and researchers.

Hands-on activities include testing for corn mold, bacteria sampling, gram staining, using the microscope, the pH scale & meter calibration, testing and adjusting pH, understanding water, and controlling water activity in food. Each activity provide an introduction, tutorial, and lots of opportunities for realistic practice.

Librarians will find these engaging interactives useful in both science classes. They may also be used in a makerspaces related to gardening or related science-based activities.

To try the labs, go to http://virtuallab.nmsu.edu/.

Book Review: Fly Guy Presents the White House

FLY GUY PRESENTS THE WHITE HOUSE by Tedd Arnold introduces young readers to the home of the President of the United States along with the basic of US government.

Designed for second grade readers, this engaging, informational book takes children on a tour of the White House. As Buzz and his pet fly explore the building and grounds, they learn about the president, presidential family, staff, and the history of the building.

The eclectic mix of typography and illustration types are likely to appeal to young readers. However, they could be distracting for very beginning readers.

Librarians will find this book appropriate for K-3 learners exploring the basics of government and the presidency. The simple story and field trip format will appeal to young readers.

Other books in the popular Fly Guy Presents series include bats, insects, sharks, space, dinosaurs, firefighters, and snakes.

Published by Scholastic on June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Steve Spangler Science

The STEVE SPANGLER SCIENCE website is filled with engaging science experiments and projects for kids.

The Experiments section contains dozens of motivating science experiments for young people. Each experiment includes an overview, step-by-step instructions, a description of how it works, and additional ideas and information such as science fair connections and real-world applications.

The Videos section links to engaging videos that include science experiments along with related science programming. The videos are housed at a few different YouTube Channels.

A blog keeps users up-to-date with new ideas.

In addition to the quality information resources, the website also includes a Store section containing supplies needed for many of the experiments and the Teacher Training section featuring fee-based workshops. The Spangler Science Club is a subscription-based program.

Librarians will find that experiments and videos valuable in both science classrooms and maker stations in the library.

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

Book Review: Gary's Garden

GARY’S GARDEN by Gary Northfield is a humorous graphic book for children featuring the fascinating creatures that live in the backyard.

From worms and caterpillars to birds and spiders, Gary’s backyard is filled with interesting animals, insects, and other critters. Each short chapter tells an engaging short story featuring new and different creatures.

The book’s sequential art and comic format will appeal to both younger as well as older children. The silly stories and goofy characters will keep even reluctant readers engaged.

Librarians will find this book to be very popular with a broad spectrum of children. The book concludes with dozens of character cards featuring the book’s characters. Use these cards to encourage children to write their own short, illustrated stories.

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

Published by David Fickling Books, an imprint of Scholastic on June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Technology Review: NASA's Eyes

NASA’S EYES is a website and apps that can be used to explore Earth, the solar system, and the universe along with the spacecraft used for exploration.

While some of the interactives are browser-based, others require the NASA’s Eyes app.

Interactive visualizations include Juno, Eyes on the Earth, Eyes on the Solar System, and Eyes on Exoplanets. Solar system tours are also available.

The Events on Earth section explores recent events on our own planet including dust storms, fires, and hurricanes using satellite imagery.

DSN Now is a live web app that allows users to see which spacecrafts are currently active.

Finally, Experience Curiosity is a WebGL experience that allows users to learn about the Curiosity rover as it explores Mars.

Librarians will find this website a great way to get young people excited about space and space exploration. Use the website and apps to jumpstart research projects.

To visit the website, go to http://eyes.nasa.gov/

Technology Review: Disaster Detector

DISASTER DETECTOR from the Smithsonian is a learning game focusing on natural disasters.

Available in both web-based and app formats, players become citizens of Smithsonville. Using online tools, users learn to analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future disasters. They also learn to mitigate the effects of catastrophic events.

The interactive game includes tornadoes, volcanoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and more. Scientific tools include Doppler radar, anemometers, barometers, and seismometers.

Librarians will find this interactive learning experience to be popular with middle school Earth Science students and teachers. Use this tool to promote data literacy skills across the curriculum.

To play the game or download the apps, go to https://ssec.si.edu/disaster-detector.

Book Review: Brilliant Bats

BRILLIANT BATS by Laaren Brown is part of Scholastic’s “Icky Sticky Readers” series of young (Level 2) readers.

This short, informational chapter book provides basic information about bats, along with their habitats, characteristics, eating habits, and life cycle. The book also discussed ten particularly interesting bats. A glossary and index are also included.

The author’s use of interesting typography, up-close photos, and other illustrative elements add to the appeal.

Librarians know that anything with “icky sticky” in the title is likely to be popular. The level of ickiness is just right for first and second grade readers. Librarians need to be aware that this title includes stickers at the end of the book.

Other selections in this series include Deadly Dinosaurs, Super Sharks, and Scary Snakes.

Published by Scholastic on June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: The Cyrus Tang Hall of China

THE CYRUS TANG HALL OF CHINA from The Field Museum is an online exhibition exploring the history of China.

Users begin by exploring the exhibition. The exhibition is divided into an introduction, five galleries, and two interactives exploring the diverse landscapes, ethnicities, social statuses, and lived experiences across time and space. Artifacts in the exhibition range thousands of years.

Each highlighted artifact includes background information, visuals, and background information.

The interactive elements allow users to explore information about China through a timeline and map video as well as a 360 virtual exhibit exploration tool.

Librarians will find the online exhibition to be an engaging way to experience the history of China. A supplemental website contains educational materials that focus on object-based learning approaches. These tools connect well with information skills and information inquiry activities in the library.

To visit the website, go to http://chinahall.fieldmuseum.org/.

To visit the educator toolkit, go to http://www.fieldmuseum.org/disc…/on-exhibit/china/educators/.

Book Review: The Memory Book

THE MEMORY BOOK by Lara Avery is a heart-breaking young adult novel exploring the life of a teen with dementia.

Sam McCoy is an outstanding high school student who discovers she has a rare genetic disorder causing memory loss and rapidly declining health. Told through short electronic diary entries, Sam uses the journal as a way for her to record and remember important events in her short life.

Librarians will find this title popular among a large teen audience who enjoy realistic, contemporary stories about teens facing medical challenges. The journal format along with the romance elements add to the appeal.

Published by Poppy, an imprint of Hachette on July 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Learning to Swear in America

LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA by Katie Kennedy tells the humorous story of a teen physicist enlisted to save the world from an asteroid.

When seventeen-year old physicist Yuri arrives in American to help NASA stop an Earth-killing asteroid, he finds his work environment frustrating. However after meeting Dovie and her family he slowly begins to understand American culture… just in time for the end of the world. Although somewhat predictable, the “teen saves the world” plot line is generally a hit with young people.

Librarians will find this young adult novel’s quirky characters and dark humor enjoyable and easy to sell to teens. The unusual combination of the near apocalyptic science with the humorous romantic elements add to the appeal.

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

Published by Bloomsbury on July 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Dara Palmer's Major Drama

DARA PALMER’S MAJOR DRAMA by Emma Shevah tells the humorous story of a girl who comes to terms with the fact that she’s not a amazing actress.

Dara and her best friend enjoy practicing their dramatic faces and anticipate getting lead roles in the upcoming musical. When Dara doesn’t make the cut, she thinks it’s because she’s a Cambodian adoptee. However she soon discovers that she simply lacks acting skills. Her humorous voyage of self-discovery will charm young readers.

Librarians will find this middle grade novel will appeal to youth readers who enjoy humorous realistic fiction. Of particular note is the focus on diversity, adoption, identity, and personal development. The title would be an excellent choice for reading groups and class discussions.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky on July 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: The Great Fire of London

THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON website takes users through an interactive journey detailing the famous fire and the impact on individuals and society.

Developed through a partnership including the Museum of London, the website is divided into three sections: Children’s Game, Explore, and Minecraft Experience.

In the Children’s Game section, visitors are immersed in an engaging educational game. The mixture of audio narration, text, and attractive animated sequences are sure to capture the attend of youth. Users follow a couple young people who experienced the multiple day fire. As players work their way through the experience, they learn about primary source materials that document the actual event such as excerpts from Samuel Pepys’ diary. Readers are involved in the experience through active questioning woven throughout the game. Readers can dive deeper into the experience through exploring links to additional information.

In the Explore section, users are taken screen-by-screen through an interactive story that begins with where the fire started and how it spread through London. Other chapters include information about what happened to those who experienced the fire, how the government and world reacted, and how the fire transformed the city. Woven throughout the story are digital objects from the Museum of London and other online collections.

In the Minecraft section, students explore three immersive maps that allow them to explore the City of London of 1666 using Minecraft software. This experience will be particularly popular with youth who enjoy this popular software tool. A Minecraft login is required for use.

A Teacher page provides information for using each section with students. For users wishing to extend the experience, a website provides access to a large digital collection related to the Great Fire that contains objects, artworks, and documents.

Librarians will find this website to be an engaging way to explore world history and also learn about primary source materials found in digital collections. The project is particularly effective in showing how primary sources are used as evidence to better understanding this historical event.

To visit the site, go to http://www.fireoflondon.org.uk/.