Time Take-aways for Life-Long Learners: Geography Connections

Time Take-aways for Life-Long Learners: Geography Connections

From forgotten and imagined places to powerful political relationships, connect geography with topics across the curriculum through these recently published books.

The Atlas of Atlases
Philip Parker, 2022, Ivy Press, an imprint of Quarto Group
Themes: History, Historical geography, Atlas

Exploring key atlases through history, readers will enjoy spectacular illustrations, fascinating cartographers, and engaging stories about the explorers and leaders who used these important documents.

Take-aways: Use historical atlases to jumpstart discussions of the essential role of maps in history.

The Devil’s Atlas: An Explorer’s Guide to Heavens, Hells, & Afterworlds
Edward Brooke-Hitching, 2022, Chronicle Books
Themes: History, Historical geography, Atlas

Reflecting cultures and religions from around the globe, stunning illustrations and fascinating stories engage readers in imagined places throughout history.

Take-aways: Educators will find this book useful in building interdisciplinary connections among geography, history, and mythology.

Geography is Destiny: Britain and the World
Ian Morris, 2022, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan
Themes: History, Britain, Europe, Historical geography

Readers explore the 10,000 year relationship between the British Isles and the European continent along with the entire globe.

Take-aways: Use Britain as an example of the connection among geography, politics, economics, and history.

Atlas of Forgotten Places
Travis Elborough, 2021, White Lion Publishing, an imprint of Quarto Group
Themes: Geography, Travel

Part of the Unexpected Atlas series, this new title uses engaging color photos, maps, and stories to explore 40 mysterious sites around the world.

Take-aways: Use these fascinating places to discuss why some places seem to disappear.

The Power of Geography
Tim Marshall, 2021, Scribner, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Themes: Political Science, Geography, Geopolitics

Part of the Politics of Place series exploring compelling geopolitics connections, this title uses ten maps to share the challenges facing key regions of the world today and tomorrow. 

Take-aways: Use Marshall’s approach to regions of the world in a discussion of the connection between political science and geography.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Nature Crafts

Nature Crafts are activities that combine natural materials with interesting projects. For example, children might use twigs and string to build their own toy raft or paint rocks to create animal figures. While not all the materials may come from outdoors, nature crafts primarily focus on activities that involve observing nature, gathering natural materials, and creating crafts that reflect the joy of nature.

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

MY BIG BOOK OF OUTDOORS written by Tim Hopgood encourages readers to explore nature through the four seasons. From building a bug hotel to creating a leaf mobile and making paper snowflakes, the book combines factual information with fun and easy craft projects. The simply, colorful illustrations with engaging blocks of text will attract young readers. 

FIREFLIES & MUDPIES is a website encouraging children to create crafts. Their Nature Crafts section includes a wide range of hands-on activities using natural materials. Most of the activities involve easy to gather materials.

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

To learn more about outdoor arts and crafts, go to https://www.firefliesandmudpies.com/category/kids-crafts/nature-crafts/

ARC courtesy of Candlewick.

Synergy: Observing Nature

Observing nature is the act of going outdoors and exploring the natural world. By using our senses and paying attention to details and patterns, observers are able to gather a wide range of information.

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

THE SECRET SIGNS OF NATURE written by Craig Caudill and illustrated by Carrie Shryock explores hidden clues that help children understand the sky, water, plants, animals, and weather. Readers follow two young navigators as they explore forests, oceans, and meadows. Children learn observation skills while exploring nature and developing life and science skills. Each engaging, two-page spread explores a different location and element of nature observation. 

OBSERVING NATURE from PBS KIDS for Parents provides ideas for getting children outdoors playing in nature. The website includes nature crafts and activities along with activities and games for families.

To visit the website, go to https://www.pbs.org/parents/observing-nature .

ARC courtesy of Magic Cat Publishing, an imprint of ABRAMS.

Synergy: Food

Food is any substance used by living things as a means of nutrition. People, plants, and animals all need food to survive and grow. People around the globe eat a wide range of food often based on their local agriculture and traditions.  

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

ULTIMATE FOOD ATLAS is a delicious way to learn about food and the world through maps, games, recipes, and more. The book is organized into chapters based on continents with subsections focusing on particular types of foods. The book concludes with information about the oceans, global nutrition, and other useful information. Maps, photographs, and visually-rich pages encourage readers to connect specific locations with the fascinating foods available.

TASTE ATLAS is an interactive map providing access to local ingredients, traditional dishes, and authentic restaurants around the world. Users can search for a particular location or food. Or, use the map to explore areas of the world.

To learn more, go to https://www.tasteatlas.com/.

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

Synergy: Garden

A garden is s small plot of land used to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, or other plants. This planned space is set aside specifically for the cultivation and enjoyment of plants.

Read the recently published poetry book for children, then learn more at the websites:

BEHOLD OUR MAGICAL GARDEN: POEMS FRESH FROM A SCHOOL GARDEN written by Allan Wolf and illustrated by Daniel Duncan is a beautifully illustrated picture book sharing over two dozen poems exploring the joys of gardening. From composting to gardening tools, young gardeners will be inspired by the wide range of nature-oriented poems. The book concludes with useful notes about each poem.

SCHOOL GARDEN CENTER is a website from Utah Agriculture in the Classroom that offers ideas and resources for school gardens.

Go to https://utah.agclassroom.org/garden/

KIDS GARDENING is a website exploring ways that children can play, learn, and grow through gardens. The site provides lesson plans, activities, grant resources for educators.

Go to https://kidsgardening.org/

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Timely-take aways for life-long learners: Revolutionary Period Perspectives

Timely-take aways for life-long learners: Revolutionary Period Perspectives

Whether exploring individuals, groups, or events, several new works of nonfiction share different perspectives and innovative thinking about the Revolutionary War period.

Liberty is Sweet: The Hidden History of the American Revolution
Woody Holton, 2021, Simon & Schuster
Themes: History, United States history, Revolutionary period
LIBERTY IS SWEET examines the essential, yet lesser-known roles of women, enslaved African Americans, Native Americans, and others in the fight for liberty.
Take-aways: Many educators are rebuilding their history curriculum with an emphasis on the roles of marginalized Americans. Use Holton’s many examples to revisit this period.

The Last King of America
Andrew Roberts, 2021, Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House
Themes: History, Biography, Revolutionary period
THE LAST KING OF AMERICA is a well-researched biography providing depth and detail to our understanding of George III, his monarchy, and the American Revolution.
Take-aways: Update the curriculum by shifting the traditional caricature of King George III to a multiple-dimensional leader facing both political and personal challenges.

Our First Civil War: Patriots and Loyalists in the American Revolution
H.W. Brands, 2021, Anchor, an imprint of Penguin Random House
Themes: History, United States history, Revolutionary period
OUR FIRST CIVIL WAR describes the challenges faced by individuals, families, and communities forced to choose sides in a violent revolution.
Take-aways: Use Brand’s approach to rethink how the various sides of the conflict are presented to students. Encourage discussions about family and friendship in war.

Winning Independence: The Decisive Years of the Revolutionary War, 1778-1781

John Ferling, 2021, Bloomsbury Publishing, an imprint of Macmillan
Themes: History, United States history, Revolutionary period
WINNING INDEPENDENCE explores Britain’s mid-war pivot, France’s involvement, and other key events that culminated in the American independence.
Take-aways: The curriculum often fast-forwards through the second half of the war. Use Ferling’s book to add depth and detail to this period.

The Howe Dynasty: The Untold Story of a Military Family and the Women Behind Britain’s Wars for America
Julie Flavell, 2021, Liveright, an imprint of W. W. Norton
Themes: History, European history, Great Britain, Georgian era
THE HOWE DYNASTY uses engaging nonfiction narrative to re-examine the roles of both the men and women of this influential, 18th century British family.
Take-aways: Expand the curriculum to include more detail about the British perspective leading up to the Revolutionary period through the eyes of a British family.

Liberty: Don Troiani’s Paintings of the Revolutionary War
Don Troiani, 2021, Stackpole Books/National Book Network
Themes: History, United States history, Revolutionary period
LIBERTY examines the works of Don Troiani at the Museum of the American Revolution. Known for both artistry and accuracy, these paintings reflect pivotal events in the Revolutionary Period.
Take-aways: Use Troiani’s works and artifacts to jumpstart lessons focusing on specific people, places, and events central to the period.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Jokes

Jokes are humorous stories with a funny conclusion known as a punchline. Riddles and one-liners are very short jokes. Jokes are not intended to be taken seriously. 

Read the recently published children’s nonfiction book, then learn more at the websites:

JUST JOKING SERIES from National Geographic Kids includes dozens of titles. JUST JOKING SCIENCE is filled with 300 STEM-focused jokes, riddles, knock-knocks, tongue twisters, and more. In addition, readers learn about ten wacky, but real scientific experiments.

JUST JOKING-LOL is a YouTube video playlist containing dozens of short videos with animal jokes and funny riddles from National Geographic Kids.

Go to https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQlnTldJs0ZSwXZodadqpS_vv0NXXB-GC

SCIENCE FUN FOR EVERYONE features science jokes submitted by children. Encourage students to write their own STEM jokes.

Go to https://www.sciencefun.org/kidszone/jokes/

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

Synergy: Lighthouse

Lighthouses emit lights to serve as a navigational aid for maritime pilots. These beacons may be housed in a tower, building or other structure. Lighthouses identify hazards such as dangerous reefs, rocks, and coastlines. They may also be used as a guide to safe harbors.

Read the recently published nonfiction picture book for children, then learn more at the websites:

KEEPER OF THE LIGHT: JULIET FISH NICHOLS FIGHTS THE SAN FRANCISCO FOG by Caroline Arnold is a fascinating biography exploring the experiences of a light keeper in the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake and other challenges. Inspired by light keeper logs, the engaging story brings history alive for young readers.

JULIET FISH NICHOLS is a short article in Lighthouse Digest with useful information and photographs.

Go to http://www.lighthousedigest.net/Digest/StoryPage.cfm?StoryKey=2185

THE LIGHTHOUSE DIRECTORY identifies thousands of lighthouses around the world. 

Go to http://www.ibiblio.org/lighthouse/

The PHAROLOGY website explores the history of lighthouses, how they work, and locations around the world.

Go to http://www.pharology.eu/ 

LOGBOOKS OF THE US LIGHTHOUSES, 1872-1940 from the National Archives is a fun way to introduce students to logbooks as primary sources.

Go to https://www.archives.gov/research/military/logbooks/lighthouses.html

ARC courtesy of Harry N. Abrams, an imprint of ABRAMS.

Synergy: Conifers

Conifers are plants that bear cones such as pine trees. Spruce, cypress, and redwood trees are other examples. While most are evergreen, some lose their needles and their color may vary from yellow and gold to blue and red along with standard green.

Read the recently published nonfiction picture book for children, then learn more at the websites:

LISTEN TO THE LANGUAGE OF THE TREES by Tera Kelley shares the story of how forests communicate underground. The story uses a Douglas-fir seedling to describe the interrelationship of the plants and animals in the forest. Of particularly note is the focus on the growth underground. The book concludes with useful science information and ideas.

OH CHRISTMAS TREE from the USGS describes the science of conifer trees through interesting text and photographs.

Go to https://www.usgs.gov/news/featured-story/oh-christmas-tree-science-conifer-trees

THE GYMNOSPERM DATABASE is a website focusing on conifers and their allies. The tree in the story is the Douglas-fir. This website provides useful scientific information including photographs.

Go to https://www.conifers.org/

For the Douglas-fir found in the book, go to https://www.conifers.org/pi/Pseudotsuga_menziesii_menziesii.php

ARC courtesy of Dawn Publications, an imprint of Sourcebooks eXplore.

Synergy: Photojournalist

A PHOTOJOURNALIST is a person who uses images to share current events. Their ethical approach to news gathering demands an honest, impartial approach to communicating a story through visuals. Their work often requires that they overcome physical and emotional challenges such as war and severe weather.

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

CLOSE-UP ON WAR: THE STORY OF PIONEERING PHOTOJOURNALIST CATHERINE LEROY IN VIETNAM by Mary Cronk Farrell shares the experiences of a female journalist during the Vietnam war. Using a scrapbook approach, the engaging narrative weaves in photographs, letters, and other primary resources. This well-researched, action-packed biography provides insights into the impact of the war on both the soldiers and the Vietnamese people. The end-matter is filled with useful additional materials.

UP HILL 881 WITH THE MARINES is a 1967 Life Magazine article featuring photos by Catherine Leroy.

Go to https://books.google.com/books?id=TVYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA40

CATHERINE LEROY is a website featuring a short biography and photographs.

Go to https://dotationcatherineleroy.org/en/ 

PHOTOJOURNALISM from the Tate Museum defines the topic and provides examples.

Go to https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/p/photojournalism

ARC courtesy of Amulet/Abrams.

Synergy: Weather

WEATHER describes the atmospheric conditions at a particular time and place such as sunshine, precipitation, wind, and temperature.

Read the recently published nonfiction science book for children, then learn more at the websites:

Part of the Lab for Kids series, PROFESSOR FIGGY’S WEATHER AND CLIMATE SCIENCE LAB FOR KIDS by Jim Noonan contains 52 family friendly activities exploring meteorology, earth systems, and climate change. Each of the six chapters explores a different topic including atmosphere, sun, rain, wind, severe weather, snow, and climate. Labs include easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions with useful photographs and other illustrations.

CLIMATE KIDS from NASA answers big questions about earth science topics including weather and climate, atmosphere, water, energy, plants and animals. This site contains games, activities, people, videos and climate bingo.

Go to https://climatekids.nasa.gov/

ARC courtesy of Quarry Books from Quarto Group.

Synergy: Prudence Cummings Wright

PRUDENCE CUMMINGS WRIGHT (1740-1824) organized and lead a women’s militia in Pepperell, Massachusetts during the American Revolution.

Read the recently published picture book, then learn more at the websites:

REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT: LEADING THE MINUTE WOMEN IN THE FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE written by Beth Anderson and illustrated by Susan Reagan tells the inspiring story of Prudence Wright and the “minute women” of Pepperell, Massachusetts. Organizing and leading a group of resourceful women, she rallies support against British policies and defends her town against Tory invaders.

PRUDENCE WRIGHT from the American Battlefield Trust provides a short biography.

Go to https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/prudence-wright

PRUDENCE WRIGHT AND THE WOMEN WHO GUARDED THE BRIDGE is a book written by Mary Shattuck in 1912 providing details about Wright and her minute women. It contains interesting references to primary source materials.

Go to http://www.pepperellhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/PrudenceWright.pdf

COVERED BRIDGE OVER THE NASHUA RIVER is an article at the Pepperell MA townsite describing the history of the bridge in the story. 

Go to https://town.pepperell.ma.us/160/Covered-Bridge-Over-the-Nashua-River

BETH ANDERSON’s website contains resources for teachers interested in using the book in the curriculum.

Go to https://bethandersonwriter.com/revolutionary-prudence-wright-leading-the-minute-women-in-the-fight-for-independence/

ARC courtesy of Calkins Creek/Astra Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Botany

Botany is the branch of biology that explores the science of plant life including fungi and algae. This multidisciplinary area includes structure, growth, reproduction, taxonomy and more.

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

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PLANTS, FUNGI, AND LICHENS FOR YOUR READERS by Tereza Nemcova and Tomas Pernicky is part of the Encyclopedias for Young Readers series. Each two-page spread focuses on a different category of plant, fungi, or lichen. The simple illustrations and short text descriptions introduce the concept and several examples found around the world. Of particular note are the fungi and lichen often overlooked in science books for children.

USDA’s PLANTS database contains information about vascular plants, mosses, liverworts, hornworts, and lichens from the U.S. and its territories.

PLANTS Database

https://plants.usda.gov/ 

The US Forest Service provides useful resources on fungi and natives plants found in the United States.

Lichens from the U.S. Forest Service

https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/beauty/lichens/

The Mighty Fungi from the U.S. Forest Service

https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/Mind_and_Spirit/fungi.shtml

Native Plants from the US Forest Service

https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/Native_Plant_Materials/index.shtml

ARC courtesy of Albatros Media.

Synergy: Ecological Balance

Ecological balance is the state of equilibrium within a dynamic community of organisms. This theory reflects many types of relationships such as predator-prey systems. However, recent theories note that ecological systems are in a constant state of flux leading to a chaotic state as the norm.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the websites.

THE WOLVES AND MOOSE OF ISLE ROYALE by Nancy Castaldo is the latest book in the Scientists in the Field series. This highly illustrated work of nonfiction explores the island’s ecosystem with a focus on the predator/prey relationship between wolves and moose. Using color photographs, maps, another other illustrations, readers follow scientists working at Isle Royale. The book concludes with a glossary, additional information, sources, and a bibliography.

ISLE ROYALE: ANIMALS is a website from the US National Park Service that introduces readers to the moose, wolves, and other animals of Isle Royale.

To visit the website, go to https://www.nps.gov/isro/learn/nature/animals.htm.

THE WOLVES AND MOOSE OF ISLE ROYALE is a video exploring 50 years of research about the relationship between wolves and moose.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/PdwnfPurXcs.

RETURN OF THE WOLVES is a video exploring how ecological balance is being restored to Isle Royale.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/k1EaRenqyPo.

ARC courtesy of Clarion Books, and imprint of HarperCollins.

Synergy: Lise Meitner

Lise Meitner (1878-1968) was an Austrian-Swedish physicist best known for her discovery of nuclear fission along with the element protactinium.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the website.

THE WOMAN WHO SPLIT THE ATOM by Marissa Moss tells the compelling story of a female Jewish physicist who made groundbreaking discoveries, while dealing with sexism, anti-Semitism, and other obstacles. Each of the forty chapters begins with sequential art followed by a short, engaging narrative. The book concludes with an afterword with photographs, author’s note, timeline, terms, glossary, endnotes, bibliography, and index. Perfect for reluctant readers, this highly illustrated biography will appeal to a wide range of young people.

LISE MEITNER AND NUCLEAR FISSION is a very short video providing an overview of Lise Meitner’s scientific discovery.

To view the video, to go https://youtu.be/6UvbdidT-qM 

THE AMAZING LIFE OF LISE MEITNER is a video exploring the life of this inspiring scientist.

To view the video, to go https://youtu.be/uZZFG58G_jE

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Timely Take-aways for Life-long Learning: Ideas for Artists

Timely Take-aways for Life-long Learning: Ideas for Artists

From drawing and painting to mixed media, several new titles provide endless ideas for art educators to spur creativity, teach new techniques, and encourage students to find their creative style.

How to Make Art For Joy’s Sake: Free-Spirited Watercolor
Kristy Rice, Jul 2021, Schiffer Craft, an imprint of Schiffer Publishing
Themes: Art, Techniques, Watercolor

HOW TO MAKE ART FOR JOY’S SAKE provides an overview of preparation, materials, and

basic watercolor techniques. In addition to exercises, techniques, and projects, readers

are encouraged to take a joyful approach and forget the rules.

Take-aways: Educators will find the sections on rules and joy to be good reminders of the

need to balance technique and fun.

Drawing and Painting Expressive Little Animals
Amarilys Henderson, Aug 2021, Quarry Books, an imprint of Quarto Group
Themes: Art, Techniques, Watercolor

DRAWING AND PAINTING EXPRESSIVE LITTLE ANIMALS provides 66 step-by-step, easy-to- follow tutorials for creating adorable animals with personality.

Take-aways: Introduce the suggested animal essentials section to the class, then ask students to complete a tutorial and share their results.

Fresh Paint: Discover Your Unique Creative Style Through 100 Small Mixed-Media Paintings
Flora Bowley & Lynzee Lynx, Aug 2021, Quarry Books, an imprint of Quarto Group
Themes: Art, Techniques, Painting

FRESH PAINT encourages personal style development through 100 engaging, mixed-media projects.

Take-aways: Adapt the author’s suggestions for developing a unique creative style. Ask students to share an exercise that was useful in their journey to identify their style.

Mixed Media Color Studio
Kellee Wynne Conrad, Aug 2021, Quarry Books, an imprint of Quarto Group
Themes: Art, Techniques, Painting

MIXED MEDIA COLOR STUDIO helps readers apply color theory to the creation of unique palettes that reflect their artistic voice.

Take-aways: Educators will find the book’s approach to creating a signature color palette to be an effective way to build color theory skills while encouraging creativity.

The Landscape Painter’s Workbook
Mitchell Albala, Jan 2022, Rockport Publishers, an imprint of Quarto Group
Themes: Art, Techniques, Landscapes, Painting

THE LANDSCAPE PAINTER’S WORKBOOK is part of the “For Artists” series. Focusing on shape, composition, and color, the hands-on guide stresses time-honored techniques.

Take-aways: Educators will find the examples, exercises and particularly the review questions to be useful in developing lessons focusing on landscape painting skills.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: American Civil War

Whether exploring a prison, state, or mandate, each of these recently published titles focuses on a lesser-known aspect of the Civil War. Educators will find the specific examples useful in helping students understand the challenges of specific aspects of war from muddy conditions to historical inaccuracies.

Escape: The Story of the Confederacy’s Infamous Libby Prison and the Civil War’s Largest Jail Break
Robert P. Watson, Aug 2021, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers/National Book Network
Themes: United States History, Civil War Period

ESCAPE provides a comprehensive examination of Libby Prison including key prisoners, brutal prison conditions, and the large prison break. Divided into five sections, readers follow the evolution of the prison, its guards, and its prisoners through the War.
Take-aways: Students are fascinated by war-time prisons and particularly prison breaks. Educators will find Libby Prison to be a useful in-depth example of this aspect of war.

Myths of the Civil War: The Fact, Fiction, and Science behind the Civil War’s Most-Told Stories
Scott Hippensteel, Nov 2021, Stackpole Books/National Book Network
Themes: United States History, Civil War Period

MYTHS OF THE CIVIL WAR applies science to address inaccuracies often found in Civil War memoirs and histories. Each chapter seeks to identify the fact and fiction of historical claims.
Take-aways: Myths are an effective way to discuss common misconceptions about war. This is particularly true of the Civil War period where so many fictionalize accounts exist.

The Civil War in Maryland Reconsidered
Charles W. Mitchell & Jean H. Baker (eds), Nov 2021, LSU Press/Longleaf Services
Themes: United States History, Civil War Period

THE CIVIL WAR IN MARYLAND RECONSIDERED shares over a dozen well-researched essays examining the unique position of this volatile border state during the turbulent war years.
Take-aways: Educators will find numerous examples of the challenges faced by those living in a border state during war. Refreshing insights and innovative interpretations are notable.

Confederate Conscription and the Struggle for Southern Soldiers
John M. Sacher, Nov 2021, LSU Press/Longleaf Services
Themes: United States History, Civil War Period

CONFEDERATE CONSCRIPTION AND THE STRUGGLE FOR SOUTHERN SOLDIERS explores the struggle of the Confederacy to balance ideology and the need for a strong military.
Take-aways: As they near selective service age, students have a keen interest in issues related to the possibility of their own conscription. Use this connection for class discussions.

The Howling Storm: Weather, Climate, and the American Civil War
Kenneth W. Noe, Oct 2020, LSU Press/Longleaf Services
Themes: United States History, Civil War Period

THE HOWLING STORM explores the impact of weather on soldiers and the war year-by-year. From mud and ice to heat and drought, each chapter examines a specific challenge
Take-aways: Student interest in climate change provides a timely connection for discussion of weather during wartime. Use book examples to spark inquiries in Civil War logistics.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Human Evolution

Human evolution is the long process of change from now-extinct primates to a distinct species of hominid, the Homo sapien. All humans originated from ape-like ancestors that evolved over six million years.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the website.

HOW TO BUILD A HUMAN IN SEVEN EVOLUTIONARY STEPS by Pamela S. Turner mixes science with humor to tell the story of human evolution. In seven chapters focusing on the unique aspects of human development, Turner shares the story of how, when, and why we became human. Maps, photographs, and other illustrations along with a conversational approach to storytelling contribute to a fun-filled way to learn about human evolution. The book includes an author’s note, dating information, a glossary, timeline, a list of hominin members, resources, and more.

The HUMAN ORIGINS PROGRAM website from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History features exhibits, research, multimedia resources, and educational materials related to human evolution and related areas of science.

To visit the website, go to https://humanorigins.si.edu/.

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

Synergy: Lotte Reiniger

Lotte Reiniger (1899-1981) was a German filmmaker. Known for her feature-length animated films and multi-plane camera, she was a pioneer in silhouette animation. She produced some of the earliest animated films including The Adventures of Prince Achmed, the first full-length fairytale animated film.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the website.

OUT OF THE SHADOWS by Fiona Robinson is a beautifully illustrated picture book biography of Lotte Reiniger, the creator of the first animated fairytale movie.  Robinson’s lyrical text and unique illustrations skillfully reflect Reiniger’s passion for fairy tales, puppet theater, and early cinema. The book concludes with an author’s note and bibliography.

THE ART OF LOTTE REINIGER is a short documentary demonstrating her animation process.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/q-TJvNBO1fw.

LOTTE REINIGER is a short video from the BBC exploring this unsung heroine of early animation.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/3Gm9kZLP0uE.

CINDERELLA (Aschenputtel) is a digitized version of the original fairy film in shadow show.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/poq0bf6M8Z8.

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS.