App Review: Atoms

ATOMS by Kids Discover is a content-rich science app useful for upper elementary through middle school.

This easy-to-use app is divided into 11 sections. The first eight sections use text, photographs, diagrams, line drawings, videos, 3D models, and animation to present information about the parts of an atom, major discoveries, elements, the periodic table, fission, nuclear energy, and lasers. While some of the pages are static, others contain interactive elements such as pop-up windows and interactive diagrams.

Youth will be most interested in the activities section. The most interesting interactive involves building molecules by dragging oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon atoms around the screen.

The quiz provides a nice review of the key concepts informing students of the correct and incorrect answers. Additional resources are also provided.

The variety of visual elements will keep readers interested. However it’s likely that some students will simply flip through the pages rather than read them. Requiring users to interact with the screen to move from page to page would increase student involvement.

Although some sound effects are included in the app, the learning experience could be enhanced with a more effective use of sound. For instance, a read-aloud option would make this app more appealing to reluctant readers.

While the app does a nice job providing an overview to the key concepts, additional depth would be useful on some pages. For instance, clicking the element Fe on the Periodic Table provides detailed information about iron. However, a pop-up for each element would increase the value of the app.

Overall, ATOMS would be an excellent addition to your library’s science app collection. It contains explanations of key concepts along with providing visually interesting demonstrations and examples.

The app is available for purchase through the iTunes store athttps://itunes.apple.com/…/atoms-by-kids-discov…/id907120915.

A free teacher’s guide and vocabulary sheet are available for free at the Kids Discover website at http://www.kidsdiscover.com/shop/issues/atoms-for-kids/.

Book Review: Audrey (Cow)

AUDREY (COW) by Dan Bar-el is a charming farm animal story.

When Audrey the cow realizes that she’s destined for the slaughter house, she enlists both animals and humans to help her escape. With dozens of narrative voices ranging from cows and sheep to a rowdy rooster, readers will quickly become engaged in this heart-warming tale of a cow-on-the-run.

The nontraditional writing style is what makes this book distinct from the other farm animal books already in your library. Written as a series of short oral accounts, children will enjoy the various personalities and viewpoints of the farm animals. Bar-el’s wonderful descriptions and beautiful use of language add to the appeal.

However at over 200 pages, the book is quite lengthy for young readers. While the content will be of interest to younger children (grades K-3), the reading level is high (Lexile 450L; grades 3-5). Like Charlotte’s Web and Babe, this humorous story is perfect as a primary grades read-aloud. It would also be fun as a reader’s theater-type experience with groups of older children reading to younger listeners in a library setting.

LibraryThing Early Reviewer ARC used for review

App Review: Loose Strands

LOOSE STRANDS by Darned Sock Productions is an amazing e-book app for children. Demonstrating the full potential of the interactive reading environment, this full-length fantasy novel for middle grades will keep young people engaged for days.

The gorgeous artwork combined with the perfectly matched introductory music and animations makes this an interactive novel that children will cherish.

The story revolves around Roland Bartholomew Dexter the Third, a boy who lives with his parents in a mysterious barbershop. Trapped in world filled with hair, censored books, and realistic dreams, young Roland discovers the reality of his universe while readers unlock pages of this amazing book.

The instructions page informs readers to “follow the strands of hair” to move forward and backward through the story. Clicking the screen replays the animation. On some pages, readers have their choice of which direction to follow the strand of hair. Readers can also save bookmarks as they go. Much like a Choose-You-Own-Adventure book, readers decide their own fate. The story provides suggestions and hints along the way. There’s something incredibly fun and engaging about swiping different directions to reveal each new electronic page in this exciting adventure.

Readers are in control of this mesmerizing story that includes 20 hidden pages, 3 hidden diaries, and the option to explore Roland’s village. A built-in map allows readers to track their reading experience, explore Roland’s house, and revisit areas of the story. In some cases, readers see the consequences of their choices when options and pages disappear from the map.

Much more than your standard adventure, the story explores complex concepts about life choices, decisions, and consequences both in the real and imagined world. While readers are making decisions about how they will explore the story, the characters are making their own connections.

I’ve read dozens of interactive novels over the past several years, however this is the ultimate reading experience combining nonlinear reading, optional adventures, simple gaming, and a compelling story into one visually stunning app.

To download the app for iPad, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/loose-strands/id867732804…
To download the app for Android, go tohttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details…

Book Review: Owl Diaries #1: Eva's Treetop Festival

OWL DIARIES #1: EVA’S TREETOP FESTIVAL by Rebecca Elliott is the first book in a new series featuring a lovable young owl named Eva.

In the first episode, Eva plans a festival to celebrate spring. The book uses a diary-approach to tell the story and explore topics including friendship, planning, and helpfulness.

Interesting visuals support the simple text. Rather than complete sentences and paragraphs, some pages contain words and phrases to label images drawn into the diary entry. While some teachers may not like this non-traditional approach, young readers are likely to enjoy the variety in story presentation.

The illustrator uses a digital collage technique to create the adorable characters and other visual elements. Each diary entry is presented on white, pink-lined paper using an easy-to-read font. The use of pink and other pastel colors along with the female protagonist is likely to attract more girl than boys readers.

Designed for ages 5-7, this short book lends itself to discussion and learning activities. For instance after Eva introduces herself in the first diary entry, children can write their own introductory diary entries. Eva’s “to-do” list provides the opportunity to practice making task lists. The story’s cupcake recipe can easily be connected to a lesson related to math and following recipes.

The Owl Diaries is part of a recently introduced Scholastic series designed for newly independent readers. The target audience has been successful with leveled readers, but may not be ready for traditional chapter books. These books bridge the gap by providing “easy-to-read text, simple plotlines, plenty of context clues, and purposeful illustrations that aid reading comprehension”. Other Branches series include Boris, Kung Pow Chicken, Missy’s Super Duper Royal Deluxe, Princess Pink and the Land of Fake-Believe, Dragon Masters, Eerie Elementary, Looniverse, Lotus Lane, Monkey Me, and The Notebook of Doom. Each series features distinct storylines and visual elements that will appeal to different types of children. There’s something for everyone.

Young readers will be looking forward to the second book in this fun new series, Eva Sees a Ghost.

ARC Edelweiss used for review

Website Review: Reading Rockets

Kick off the year by launching young readers! Use the READING ROCKETS website for ideas that promote a passion for reading. Go to http://www.readingrockets.org/.

Launched over a decade ago by WETA, Reading Rockets is a multimedia literacy initiative focusing on how children learn to read and ways adults can help support young readers. Supported through grants from the U.S. Department of Education, Corporation for Public Broadcasting and others, the website provides free, evidence-based information about reading.

The Teaching Reading section explores literacy topics, reading strategies, and resources to help beginning readers succeed.

The Helping Struggling Reader section features ideas for working with struggling readers.

The Reading Topics A-Z section provides a rich collection of research-based information and best-practices associated with reading.

The Children’s Book & Authors section contains endless resources on children’s books and authors including author studies, video interviews, themed and summer booklists, nonfiction book ideas, selection suggestions, buying guides, and activities.

The Research, Guides and Resources section includes an extensive collection of reports, guides, and directories that are useful in professional development and grant writing.

The Librarian section at http://www.readingrockets.org/audi…/professionals/librarians provides topics of particular interest to teacher librarians such as the Common Core, children’s books, and authors.

With themes from gardening to robots, the Reading Adventure Packs for Families at http://www.readingrockets.org/…/reading-adventure-packs-fam… pair themed fiction and nonfiction books with interactive activities. Consider creating these packs for circulation in your library.

Use the E-Cards for Readers activity at http://www.readingrockets.org/books/fun/ecards to involve youth in sharing their passion for reading with others using images from favorite children’s book illustrators.

To extend the experience, join the Reading Rockets Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, and iTunes Podcasts social media resources.

Book Review: The Ghosts of Heaven

THE GHOSTS OF HEAVEN by Marcus Sedgwick tells a quartet of stories spanning many millennium brought together through the symbolism found in spirals.

Sophisticated readers will enjoy the challenge of a book that pushes the traditional boundaries of YA fiction. The author begins with a discussion of the physics of the universe and informs the reader that the stories can be read in any order.

Written in verse, the first episode focuses on a prehistoric girl who discovers how symbols can be used for more than magic. This story moves quickly and is likely to engage teen readers. The second story takes place in England during the witch hunts. Unfortunately, the plot isn’t particularly unique but the symbolism fits well. An insane asylum is the setting of the third story. Although this thriller is engaging, it explores the inner demons of an insane asylum doctor rather than a young adult character. The final episode focuses on an astronaut traveling through space and time. Adult readers will immediately think of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Unlike most books for young adults, the protagonists aren’t all teenagers. Instead, they represent a wide range of characters that may or may not appeal to the youth audience.

Like Sedgwick’s award-winning Midwinterblood (2013), the interconnected thematic elements are designed for a sophisticated YA audience. Fans of Sedgwick will enjoy identifying and analyzing the reoccurring spiral themes woven throughout the novel. Unfortunately, the connections are less compelling than the reincarnation theme found in his earlier work.

The short story approach, use of symbolism, and interesting literary elements make The Ghosts of Heaven a great choice for a high school book club or class discussion. Its mix of historical fiction, science fiction, and literary fiction provide something for everyone in a discussion group. The book geeks will go wild trying to figure out the mathematical and historical title of the conclusion.

Sedgwick’s genre-bending package will be a hit with young adults looking for a thought-provoking reading experience, but keep in mind that it’s not for everyone.

Edelweiss and NetGalley ARC used for review

App Review: Chicktionary

CHICKTIONARY: A GAME OF SCRAMBLED WORDS is a fun spelling and vocabulary-building word game app. Students create as many words as possible out of seven letters. The game was been around awhile, but the 2014 version has many more levels and options such as timed and untimed modes.

While this free app is geared to elementary students, it’s fun for all ages. Although in-app purchases are an option, they aren’t necessary to play the game. Although the sound can be annoying, it’s easy to just turn it off.

Special chickens, golden eggs, and other surprises make the game fun as children continue to play over time. Bonus letter hints are available so players won’t get frustrated. Another way to avoid frustration is for children to work in pairs or teams.

Ads are displayed between games, but these can be removed by contacting the company about an education edition.

To download the iOS app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/chicktionary-for-ipad/id365374807.
To download the Android app, go tohttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details….

Book Review: Doable: The Girls' Guide to Accomplishing Just About Anything

DOABLE: THE GIRLS’ GUIDE TO ACCOMPLISHING JUST ABOUT ANYTHING by Deborah Reber is a practical, how-to book for teens. Featuring strategies for achieving both small and large dreams, Reber’s advice is “spot-on” for today’s busy teens.

From starting a non-profit animal shelter to passing college entrance exams, the Reber provides step-by-step instructions for accomplishing a wide range of personal goals. The book is organized into eight short chapters each focusing on a step in the process.

Are you a cliff diver, shooting star, or deadline chaser? Motivating questions, meaningful activities, and useful summaries are woven into each chapter to keep readers actively engaged. Rather than providing just one approach, Reber often features multiple ways to solve a problem or address an issue such as the use of both lists and mind maps. Of particular value is the last section of the book dealing with tracking progress, reflecting on accomplishments, and rewarding yourself for hard work.

What makes DOABLE distinct is its inspirational examples and encouraging tone. Young adults will relate to the author’s conversational style and contemporary success stories. Reber knows her audience. References to smartphones, e-readers, and mobile apps connect with today’s high-tech teens. The book is also outstanding from an instructional point of view. Both examples and non-examples are provided of each concept so readers can clearly distinguish clear goals from vague goals and effective from ineffective strategies.

DOABLE is an outstanding example of nonfiction for teens. Although the book is designed for empowering girls, the key elements could easily be extracted for use on a library bulletin board focusing on goal setting for all students. There are many books available for teens on planning, but this is the best I’ve seen.

Published by Simon Pulse/Beyond Words. Available January 20, 2015. Edelweiss ARC used for review.

Website Review: John and Hank Green Online Resources

Brothers John and Hank Green are social media celebrities, but they also provide important content that young adults love. John is best known for his award-winning YA novels like The Fault in Our Stars, while Hank is the creator of endless online content. Over the past several years they’ve developed a staggering amount of online content.

The CrashCourse YouTube Channel feature short, live action and animated videos exploring key concepts from world history to biology. Go to https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse.

The SciShow YouTube Channel uses quick, enthusiastic videos to discuss science news, history, and concepts. Go to https://www.youtube.com/user/scishow.

The vlogbrothers YouTube Channel features videos on current topics of interest to teens. They do an outstanding job putting important global issues into language young people understanding. Go to https://www.youtube.com/user/vlogbrothers.

The Project for Awesome is a great example of social activism focusing on topics such as education and literacy. Users are encouraged to create videos to support their favorite charity. Go to http://www.projectforawesome.com/.

Are you a Nerdfighter? Teacher librarians should be aware of this online community popular with teens. Associated with the Green brothers, the subculture promotes togetherness and positive peer support. Their motto is DFTBA, “Don’t Forget To Be Awesome”. Nerdfighters is a community website that includes book and music discussions and engaging projects such as short story writing contests. Go to http://nerdfighters.ning.com/.

For John and Hank’s website go to http://nerdfighteria.com/.
For John’s Tumbler, go to http://fishingboatproceeds.tumblr.com/.
For Hank’s Tumbler, go to http://edwardspoonhands.com/.

Book Review: Stella by Starlight

STELLA BY STARLIGHT by Sharon M. Draper provides a realistic portrayal of life in the segregated South during the Great Depression.

The author skillfully conveys the reality of life in a world where people are treated unfairly because of the color of their skin. From a random beating to a house burning, the scenes that demonstrate the terror instilled by members of the KKK are chilling. Through her use of age-appropriate examples, Draper is able to create convincing scenarios that convey both the injustice as well as the courage needed to survive in this period of intolerance and fear.

Many readers will empathized with Stella’s desire to be a writer as well as her difficulty in translating her thoughts into words on paper. Her use of the donated typewriter to write news article may inspire some budding authors.

Aimed at the middle grades, this outstanding work of historical fiction should be added to your school library’s growing collection of quality works dealing with African American life in the 20th century.

Like the works of Christopher Paul Curtis and Jacqueline Woodson, Draper is able to draw on both African American culture as well as universal human themes. This combination makes it a great book for literature circles, social studies, and language arts activities.

The year is just beginning, but put STELLA BY STARLIGHT on your Coretta Scott King Book Award short-list for 2015.

Edelweiss ARC used for review

Special Event Website Review: United We Serve

MLK Day of Service on January 19, 2015 is part of the UNITED WE SERVE initiative. Each year, Americans across the county address Dr. Martin Luther Kind Jr.’s call for service. He declared “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is “What are you doing for others?”.

The UNITED WE SERVE website at http://www.serve.gov/ calls all Americans to serve their community. Go to the special initiatives page for information about MLK Day of Service at http://goo.gl/Am3dtk.

The Getting Started page provides suggestions for service projects. Consider a focus on literacy and libraries. For ideas, go tohttp://www.serve.gov/site-page/toolkits. Think about sharing your project idea at AllForGood at http://www.allforgood.org/ and getting others to join you.

Create a MLK Day Challenge area in your library for the month of January. As a school, go to the Make the Pledge page at http://goo.gl/6sg5Ql and commit time to the community. Follow the official blog to see what others are doing at http://nationalservice.tumblr.com/. Share your successes athttp://www.serve.gov/site-page/share.

Scholastic’s The Spirit of Service page athttp://www.scholastic.com/mlkday/ contains lots of lesson plan ideas and activities.

For more information, LIKE the Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/mlkday.

Book Review: Rescue on the Oregon Trail

RESCUE ON THE OREGON TRAIL by Kate Messner is the first book in the newly released, action-packed historical fiction series titled RANGER IN TIME. Ranger the rescue dog is sure to be a hit with young readers.

Ranger is a time-traveling golden retriever. Trained as a search-and-rescue dog, he is transported back in time to the year 1850 to help the Abbott family on their journey west along the Oregon Trail.

The authentic historical details mixed with the fast-paced story make this an excellent book for young history fans who are just beginning to read chapter books. Using a rescue dog as the main character was a brilliant move and will easily draw dog lovers into the historical context.

Although the first book in the series focuses on the Oregon Trail, references are also made to the Mormon Trail and the California Gold Rush. The outstanding author’s note section contains excerpts from real journals, facts about training rescue dogs, and additional readings.

Written for ages 6-10, this series is perfect for fans of the Magic Tree House books. Teachers will find this book an excellent interdisciplinary resource for literature circles. It’s a great jumping off spot for a more detailed exploration of the Oregon Trail.

There are lots of great websites geared to children and the Oregon Trail such as Kids on the Trail. Go to http://goo.gl/amWduJ. For a great teacher’s guide, download http://goo.gl/UgTxn6. Check out a video at http://goo.gl/5OlRsN. Check out at cool interactive map at http://goo.gl/JbRonp.

There are also apps you can download with Oregon Trail games. Try http://goo.gl/tc38tx.

The second book in the series titled Danger in Ancient Rome due out June 30, 2015.

Edelweiss ARC used for review

Website & App Review: USA Learns

Learning English as a Second Language may be a concern for both the students in your school as well as their parents. USA LEARNS is a free website that helps adults improve English skills. Low cost apps are also available.

Users go to USA Learns at http://www.usalearns.org and create a login. A pretest can help users unsure about which tutorials to complete. Three courses are available: beginning, low intermediate, and intermediate. Each course includes a series of units focusing on the use of English in everyday situations. Each unit includes lessons and activities. Users can read the screen and listen to the teacher’s voice reading the screen. The lessons incorporate both audio and video elements. Study tools are provided including a glossary with images and audio support.

ESL students may need help signing up and getting started with the program. Although the lessons are very effective, the tutorials don’t provide feedback for incorrect answers. It would be useful if a teacher or assistant was available to answer questions as users are working their way through the learning materials.

In addition to the website, four low-cost, learning apps are available. In addition to the lessons, the apps also provide the learner with opportunities to record words and hear them back. The apps contain lots of streamed videos, so an Internet connection is necessary. To access the apps for both Apple and Android devices, go to http://www.usalearns.org/apps/.

Consider how USA LEARNS could be part of an after-school library program that supports the ESL needs of both children and their parents.

The materials were developed and tested by the Sacramento County Office of Education with funding from the US Department of Education. Although the scenarios include workplace scenarios, the course materials would be very effective for high school students. For supplemental materials, check out the USALearns blog at http://usalearns.wordpress.com/. For an overview to the curriculum, go to http://www.usalearns.org/pdf/ScopeSequence.pdf.

Book Review: Hold Tight, Don't Let Go

HOLD TIGHT, DON’T LET GO by Laura Rose Wagner is an unforgettable young adult novel set in Port-au-Prince Haiti during and after the devastating 2010 earthquake.

The story begins with a chilling description of the Haiti earthquake through the eyes of a fifteen-year-old girl named Magdalie. As she searches through the rubble of her home, the stark aftermath of her collapsed world soon becomes clear. The chapters are named with months and years beginning with the earthquake on January 12, 2010 through 2011. The story concludes in January 2020, ten years after the disaster.

Wagner does a masterful job describing life for Magdalie including her frustration, resourcefulness, and hope. The author was working on an ethnographic study when she experienced the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Her experiences led to this compelling and realistic portrayal of Haitian culture.

While Magdalie’s experience with a vodou priestess and the funeral of her Manman may seem alien to readers, teens will empathize with her frustrations about lack of cell phone access and feelings of jealousy when her cousin leaves for America.

This beautifully written coming-of-age work of historical fiction would serve as an excellent focal point for a discussion of the human-impact of natural disasters. Consider building a literature circle containing books related to other recent disasters such as Hurricane Katrina.

For background information, go to Encyclopedia Britannica at http://www.britannica.com/…/1659695/Haiti-earthquake-of-2010. Wikipedia also has an excellent article about the 2010 Haiti earthquake that provides background information for readers. Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_Haiti_earthquake.

Time Magazine also has an excellent series of articles. Go to http://content.time.com/…/…/packages/0,28757,1953379,00.html.

NetGalley ARC used for review

Website Review: Weight Control Information Network

Many children and young adults make weight-control part of their New Year’s Resolution. It’s important to provide quality information so youth can make healthy decisions. Check out WIN (Weight-control Information Network) from the National Institute of Health at http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/.

This government website focuses on “up-to-date, science-based information on weight control, obesity, physical activity, and related nutrition issues”. Explore resources specifically geared to youth.

Take Charge of Your Health: A Guide for Teenagers is an online booklet that discusses steps to becoming healthy including a healthy diet and exercise. Go to http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/take_charge.htm.

Charge Up! Is an online booklist focusing on healthy snacks and meals for teens. Go to http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/chargeUp.htm.

The Binge Eating Disorder online booklist provides information about the hazards and consequences of binge eating. Go to http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/binge.htm.

The Resources sections provides links to many more resources. Go to http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/resources/index.htm. You can also follow the project at Facebook.

Promote healthy habits through library bulletin boards, displays, and activities. Keep in mind that weight concerns can be a sensitive issue with children. Read Helping Your Overweight Child at http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/over_child.htm for ideas. Check out an infographic on childhood obesity at http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/infographic/childhood_obesity.htm.

The WIN project will send up to 100 copies of their booklets FREE to distribute in your library. They would be great for classroom informational reading activities.

Book Review: My Life Is A Zoo series

Looking for a fun way to spend your winter break? Read the charming new MY LIFE IS A ZOO series by Jess Keating. From the fear of public speaking to concerns about forming friendships, the authentic storylines bring humor to the real-world issues of growing up.

The series begins with HOW TO OUTRUN A CROCODILE WHEN YOUR SHOES ARE UNTIED. Readers are introduced to Ana, her family, and friends. The combination of entertaining school stories with humorous zoo adventures is perfect for the target audience.

HOW TO OUTSWIM A SHARK WITHOUT A SNORKEL (available January 6, 2015) explores issues of friendship during a summer working at the family’s zoo.

Each chapter begins with animal wisdom and notes that draw readers into the story. Ana’s love of list-making adds to the fun. Witty words of pre-teen wisdom like “if something doesn’t fit, that’s the clothes’ fault. Not yours.” will have young readers anticipating the next book in this fun series.

Learn more about the author at http://jesskeating.com/.

NetGalley ARC used for review

Website Review: Tracked in America

TRACKED IN AMERICA focuses on the history of U.S. surveillance. An outstanding tool for exploring the constitutionally guaranteed rights of Americans, the website contains a section for educators containing lesson plans, worksheets, and links to primary source materials.

Sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union, California Teacher’s Association and others, the website explores seven time periods in history including Pre-World War I, World War I, Pearl Harbor, McCarthy Era, Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam, Sanctuary, and After 9/11. Each era contains a narrative with hyperlinks for additional information. Primary source documents such as posters and photographs bring the time period to life. Audio files provide historical perspectives from historians and a timeline detailing key events.

By exploring the stories of individuals who were targeted for surveillance, students are able to better understand the dangers of government surveillance and the courage of the individuals affected.

When using this website with students, it’s important to discuss the role of the American Civil Liberties Union in advocating for individual rights.

Go to http://www.trackedinamerica.org/.

To connect this idea to libraries, go to the ALA Liberty, Privacy & Surveillance page at http://www.ala.org/advocacy/privacyconfidentiality.

Book Review: All the Bright Places

ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES by Jennifer Niven is a compelling love story with a serious message. Revealed in alternating voices, this young adult novel tells the story of a boy and girl whose lives change course when they meet in a bell tower overlooking their high school. Suicide and mental illness, along with the every-day struggles of adolescence are masterfully explored in this heart-wrenching work of realistic fiction.

Jennifer Niven is famous for her fiction and nonfiction works for adults, however she clearly has a gift for getting inside the minds of young adults. Whether quoting Virginia Woolf or Dr. Seuss, Violet and Finch are written as quirky, smart, and authentic characters. Forming a bond after a shared, near death experience, readers are draw into the lives of these two very different teens who are meant for each other. While Finch is obsessed by the idea death, Violet is just trying to survive in a world that doesn’t make mental healing easy. Through this intense novel, Niven sends a clear message about the need for society to more effectively deal with issues related to mental illness. Don’t miss Niven’s author note and list of resources.

YA love stories come and go, but this is a brilliant work that will stand the test of time. It’s currently at the top of my Printz list for 2015.

Although the book won’t be released until January 6, 2015, the movie rights have already been purchased and the cast selected. For more, go to IMDB at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3907584.

Fans of John Green and Rainbow Rowell will be lining up for this tear-jerker with a message. Fans of The Fault in Our Stars will be first in line, so get the Kleenex ready. Yes, it’s really that good.

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

Edelweiss ARC used for review

Book Review: The Port Chicago 50

THE PORT CHICAGO 50: DISASTER, MUTINY, AND THE FIGHT FOR CIVIL RIGHTS by Steve Sheinkin is at the top of many nonfiction awards lists for 2014. Consider purchasing both the print and audiobook versions. 

A finalist for YALSA’s 2015 Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults Award, the book traces the little-known story of 50 African American sailors convicted of mutiny by the U.S. Navy during World War II. Refusing to follow orders to load dangerous explosives onto ships, their story became a rallying cry for those who felt the military’s segregation policies were discriminatory.

Sheinkin brings the story alive through his compelling, well-researched narrative. Woven throughout the story are primary resource materials including historical photos, interviews, and court records. The print and ebook versions contain extensive references and notes that support the narrative.

Middle and high school students often skim works of nonfiction and miss the impact of the narrative. Consider sharing the audiobook version of this story with youth. Dominic Hoffman is a superb storyteller who masterfully switches among a wide range of voices to keep listeners actively engaged in the story.

Many students and teachers who thought they knew about the Civil Rights Movement will be amazed by this gripping, little-known piece of history.

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

To see a slideshow on historical photos from the book, go to http://us.macmillan.com/theportchicago50/SteveSheinkin.

Watch a short documentary that explores the Great Port Chicago Explosion athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaIphGJt5NU.

Book Review: Passenger on the Pearl

PASSENGER ON THE PEARL by Winifred Conkling tells the true story of Emily Edmonson’s flight from slavery. The work of nonfiction for youth is an authentic portrayal of the heartbreaking reality of slavery. Readers are immediately immersed in the story as Emily and her sibling’s attempt to escape on a ship called the Pearl. After their unsuccessful quest for freedom, the story continues to follow Emily’s life in slavery as well as the plight of the abolitionists who planned the escape. Ultimately, Emily and her sister are freed, educated, and became abolitionists themselves. They even develop a friendship with Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

The book includes a variety of compelling primary source documents including photographs, paintings, manifests, and posters that dramatically visualize the story. Graphic elements including maps, a timeline, and a family tree that help orient readers. The source notes, bibliography, and index are helpful to young researchers.

Focused fact sheets interwoven into the story help readers understand the laws and practical threats to slaves seeking freedom in the mid 19th century.

Conkling does a masterful job merging the real-world story of Emily with background information about the time period and specific events associated with the famous failed escape. The combination creates both empathy for the runaway slaves as well as an understanding of the context of the escape.

The National Park Service Underground Railroad Map at http://www.nps.gov/subjects/ugrr/discover_history/underground_map.htmprovides a map showing hundreds of locations related to the Underground Railroad.

To learn more about author Winifred Conkling, go to http://www.winifredconkling.com/.

After reading this wonderful book for youth, some teens might be interested in a more in-depth examination of the attempted escape and the aftermath. Read ESCAPE ON THE PEARL (2007) by Mary Kay Ricks, a work of nonfiction for adults.

NetGalley ARC used for review