Synergy: Moon Phases

The Moon’s cycle is divided into four phases: new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter. The four minor phases are waxing crescent, waxing gibbous, waning gibbous, and waning crescent. The lunar cycle changes gradually over approximately 29.53 days as the Moon’s position around Earth and Earth around the Sun shift.

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

THE MOON TONIGHT: OUR MOON’S JOURNEY AROUND EARTH written by Jung Chang-hoon and illustrated by Jang Ho tracks the moon in the night sky through its four phases: crescent, quarter, full, and new. This beautifully illustrated picture book combines space science with the experiences of a child enjoying the night sky and outdoor activities. The book concludes with additional facts. ARC courtesy of Blue Dot Kids Press, an imprint of Ingram Publisher Services.

MOON PHASES from TimeAndDate provides local information about moon phases.

To visit the website, go to https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/phases/.

MOON IN MOTION from NASA explains the positions of the Moon and the Sun. The project includes both still images and an interactive to demonstrate the moon phases.

To visit the web page, go to https://moon.nasa.gov/moon-in-motion/moon-phases/.

MOON PHASES from Crash Course is a short video discussing the names and causes of the Moon’s phases.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/AQ5vty8f9Xc.

Timely Take-aways for life-long Learners: Strong Women Around the World

From a planetary scientist to a pirate’s wife, several new autobiographies and biographies explore the lives of lesser-known women through history. Whether using her position as first lady to support educational projects or solving crimes on the high seas, these nontraditional women left powerful legacies.

A Portrait of the Scientist as a Young Woman: A Memoir
Lindy Elkins-Tanton, May 2022, William Morrow, HarperCollins
Themes: Memoir, Science, Women

Elkins-Tanton overcame a traumatic childhood and ovarian cancer to become the principal investigator on a major space exploration project. Her engaging story shares personal connections with science and how these experiences lead her to find meaning in life.

Take-aways: Teachers will find useful examples that demonstrate how to nurture a passion for science in students, particularly young women.

A Woman of Adventure:
The Life and Times of First Lady Lou Henry Hoover
Annette B. Dunlap, June 2022, Potomac Books and Longleaf Services
Themes: Biography, First Ladies, Women

While supporting her husband’s political career and the needs of her family, Lou Henry Hoover was still able to promote educational opportunities for women. This engaging biography shares the fascinating life and powerful legacy of this less-known first lady.

Take-aways: Students are likely familiar with first ladies such as Eleanor Roosevelt. Use this biography to demonstrate the achievements of first lady Lou Henry Hoover.

Woman, Captain, Rebel:
The Extraordinary True Story of a Daring Icelandic Sea Captain
Margaret Willson, January 2023, Sourcebooks
Themes: Biography, Maritime History, Women

This fast-paced, well-researched biography tells the story of Captain Thurídur Einarsdóttir, a woman who fought for human rights as Iceland’s most famous female sea captain. Whether solving a robbery or challenging social norms, this powerful woman fought for underrepresented Icelanders.

Take-aways: Women’s stories are underrepresented in the world history curriculum. Feature the story of Captain Thurídur Einarsdóttir to demonstrate the ongoing struggles of women in nontraditional roles.

The Pirate’s Wife: The Remarkable True Story of Sarah Kidd
Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, Dec 2022, Hanover Square Press, HarperCollins
Themes: Biography, Maritime History, Women

During the Golden Age of Piracy, socialite turned legendary accomplice Sarah Kidd fought behind the scenes in support of her infamous pirate husband. This work of narrative nonfiction connects this resourceful woman to the larger story of pirate wives.

Take-aways: Traditional pirate stories overlook the role wives played in support of their swashbuckling husbands. Weave this example into the broader context of the Golden Age of Piracy.

In Search of Amrit Kaur: A Lost Princess and Her Vanished World
Livia Manera Sambuy, Mar 2023, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Macmillan
Themes: Biography, World History, Women

Livia Manera Sambuy traces the forgotten story of H. H. Amrit Kaur of Mandi, a woman who left her family for personal freedom and spoke out for women’s rights.

Take-aways: Teachers are always looking for less-known stories and perspectives.

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: Xenophobia

Xenophobia is prejudice against people from countries other than their own. From dislike to persecution, immigrants often deal with fear and hatred. These people may be identified as strange or foreign and become the target of racism and political persecution.

Read the recently published work of nonfiction for young adults, then learn more at the website:

DOOMED: SACCO, VANZETTI & THE END OF THE AMERICAN DREAM by John Florio and Ouisie Shapiro tells the story of Italian immigrants wrongly executed for murder. Divided into three parts, the authors begins with America (1908-1920), continues with the Trial (1921), and concludes with the Posttrial (1921-1927). During the 1920’s, prejudice against immigrants was common throughout America. This fast-paced nonfiction narrative reflects issues of xenophobia still in the headlines today. Photographs and other primary sources are woven into the narrative and a useful list of sources is provided. ARC courtesy of Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan.

SACCO AND VANZETTI COMMEMORATION SOCIETY is a website designed to preserve the memory of Sacco and Vanzetti along with their struggles.

To explore the website, go to http://www.saccoandvanzetti.org/.

SACCO & VANZETTI: MURDERS OR SCAPEGOATS? is a video from The 1920s Channel that provides an overview of the story.

To view the video, to go https://youtu.be/5aBLYrZE3xM.

SACCO & VANZETTI is a Part 1 of a documentary that includes interviews with researchers and historians about the lives of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti.

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

Synergy: Indigenous Wisdom

INDIGENOUS WISDOM is the knowledge, skills, and philosophies preserved by the Native people of Earth. Handed down over thousands of generations, this wisdom places emphasis on the interconnectedness of all things in nature.

Read the recently published young adult adaptation of a popular nonfiction work for adults, then learn more at the websites:

BRAIDING SWEETGRASS FOR YOUNG ADULTS by Robin Wall Kimmerer shares indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge and the teachings of plants. As an adaptation of the popular adult title, Monique Gray Smith effectively speaks to young people while maintaining Kimmerer’s message. The text uses meeting, planning, tending, picking, braiding and burning sweetgrass as a theme that weaves together anecdotes, traditional stories, engaging facts, and global understandings to introduce students to the idea that all living things are connected. Sidebars, reflective questions, and illustrations contribute to the appeal for young adult audiences. ARC courtesy of Zest Books, an imprint of Learner Publishing Group.

I MUST RETURN THE GIFT by Phoebe Lyn Pinkner connects excerpts from Braiding Sweetgrass with nature video clips to create a compelling short film.

To watch the short film, go to https://vimeo.com/639233670.

KITCHEN TABLE V2 is a video sharing the process of adapting Braiding Sweetgrass for young people.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/Jpq8ruxpqew.

Synergy: Graph

A GRAPH is a diagram visualizing the relationship between variables on a pair of axes. Examples of charts and graphs include bar graphs, line graphs, area graphs, XY graphs, diagrams, grids, bar charts, and pie charts.

Involve children in collecting data and creating their own charts and graphs.

Read the recently published children’s picture book, then learn more at the website:

SHOW AND TELL! written by Stuart J. Murphy and illustrated by Teresa Bellon introduces the concepts of infographics, graphs, and charts. This nonfiction picture book brings math alive through interesting text and useful visuals. From counting burps and pets to visualizing amusement park rides, readers will enjoy the real-world examples. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

CREATE A GRAPH from the National Center for Education Statistics introduces children to graphs and charts and provides tools for creating their own. A graph tutorial is available to assist young learners.

To visit the website, go to https://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/.

Synergy: Vegetarian

A VEGETARIAN is a person who chooses not to eat meat such as fish, beef, pork, and chicken. Some vegetarians don’t eat animal products such as dairy or eggs. The term is also used to describe meals or places that exclude animal products.

Working in pairs, ask children to create two menus for the day, one traditional and one vegetarian.

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

BAKE, MAKE & LEARN TO COOK VEGETARIAN written by David Atherton and illustrated by Alice Bowsher features healthy, green recipes for children. After an introduction, readers explore recipes for  meals, snacks, sweets, and showstoppers. Each recipe includes an overview, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions with useful visuals and useful text. Most of the ingredients are commonly found in grocery stories. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

VEGETARIANISM from Britannica for Kids introduces the concept, diet, and history.

To read the article, go to https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/vegetarianism/609722.

WHAT IS A VEGETARIAN? is a page from the Vegetarian Society that explains the basics of a vegetarian diet.

To read the article, go to https://vegsoc.org/info-hub/definition/.

VEGETARIANISM: THE BASIC FACTS is short article discussing the reasons why people choose a vegetarian diet.

To read the article, go to https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/vegetarian-and-special-diets/vegetarianism-the-basic-facts.

Synergy: Invasive Species

INVASIVE SPECIES are living things that are not native to a particular location. They often thrive in their introduced area pushing out other flora and fauna. These out-of-place plants and animals cause harm to the environment and economy causing a wide range of problems.

Ask students to learn about an invasive species and debate possible solutions to the problem.

Read the recently published graphic nonfiction for youth, then learn more at the websites:

BEWARE THE BURMESE PYTHONS written by Etta Kaner with illustrations by Phil Nicholls uses a comic format to share information about invasive animal species. This attractive work of graphic nonfiction successfully introduces youth to the destruction of invasive animal species and the question of how to address the problem. Each two-page, newspaper-type spread introduces a different animal and its impact. The book concludes with a glossary, sources, and additional information. ARC courtesy of Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

WHAT ARE INVASIVE SPECIES? from the National Part Service provides a short video and information about native species, non-native species, and invasive species.

To learn more, go to https://www.nps.gov/subjects/invasive/what-are-invasive-species.htm.

The NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES INFORMATION CENTER at the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides information about invasive species and the US government response to these plants, animals, and other living organisms.

To visit the website, go to https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/what-are-invasive-species.

INVASIVE SPECIES from National Geographic provides an introduction and examples of invasive species and their impact.

To read the article, go to https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/invasive-species.

Timely Take-aways for Life-Long Learning: History of Place

Whether exploring the history of remote mountain regions or telling the story of a city through its people, these new works of nonfiction explore how five places around the world evolved over time.

Beaver River Country: An Adirondack History
Edward I. Pitts, June 2022, Syracuse University Press, Longleaf
Themes: History, Adirondacks, United States

Pitts explores the history of the remote northeastern United States known as the western Adirondacks. From indigenous people to early settlers and seasonal visitors, Pitts shares how this wild area was preserved and continues to survive.

Take-aways: Use this book to jumpstart an exploration of your own region’s rural areas. Think about how local history such as photos, key historical events, and interesting people can bring your area live for students.

France: An Adventure History
Graham Robb, July 2022, W.W. Norton & Company, and imprint of W.W. Norton
Themes: History, Europe, France

Balancing fascinating historical information with humorous anecdotes, Robb’s amazing narrative reflects decades of research and exploration of France’s urban and rural areas. 

Take-aways: Use this book as an example of the connection between history and travel. Use the author’s adventures to encourage students to think about places they’d like to visit and explore in-depth.

España : A Brief History of Spain 
Giles Tremlett, Sept 2022, Bloomsbury Publishing, an imprint of Macmillan
Themes: History, Europe, Western

From prehistoric times to today, readers explore the geographic, cultural, and political history of Spain along with its relationship with people and lands nearby. Stunning photographs and illustrations bring the place and international history to life.

Take-aways: Educators will find the book’s approach useful as they think about interesting ways to present international history.

The New Yorkers: 31 Remarkable People, 400 Years, and the the Untold Biography of the World’s Greatest City
Sam Roberts, Oct 2022, Bloomsbury Publishing, an imprint of Macmillan
Themes: History, Biography, New York, United States

The story of New York is told through the lives of lesser-known individuals who impacted the cultural landscape of the famous city.

Take-aways: Think about how this book uses individual lives to tell the city’s story. Ask youth to use a biography-focused approach to telling the story of another city. 

Himalaya: Exploring the Roof of the World
John Keay, Nov 2022, Bloomsbury Publishing, an imprint of Macmillan
Themes: History, Asia, Central Asia

Keay explores the unique historical, social, geographic, and environmental aspects of Himalaya. Told thought fascinating anecdotes, readers explore the unique features of this endangered area of the world.

Take-aways: Of particular note is how the author connects the history of the Himalaya to the consequences of climate change. Think about how this approach could be applied in teaching about other areas of the world.

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: Butterflies

BUTTERFLIES are insects with a four-stage life cycle. Part of the Lepidoptera order, some butterflies like the painted lady migrate over long distances. Butterfly gardens contain plants that provide nectar for adult butterflies and a habitat that nurtures the stages of their development.

Encourage students to learn about the butterflies common to your area, then involve them in designing a butterfly garden to attract these creatures.

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

THE STORY OF A BUTTERFLY by Margaret Rose Reed explores the life cycle and habitat of the Painted Lady butterfly. Two friends take a field trip to a butterfly garden along with their class and decide to make their own community garden. The storybook approach introduces young readers to the science of butterflies along with the joy of learning. The picture book concludes with additional information about the Painted Lady butterfly and a comparison of moths and butterflies. ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks eXplore.

BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS OF NORTH AMERICA is a database providing information about the wide range of Lepidoptera found in North America. Readers are encouraged to participate in their online project.

To search the database, go to https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org.

To read about the Painted Lady, go to https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Vanessa-cardui.

BASICS OF BUTTERFLY GARDENING from the North American Butterfly Association provides the basics of starting a butterfly garden.

To read the article, go to https://nababutterfly.com/start-butterfly-garden/.

Synergy: Concrete

CONCRETE is a composite material made of stone, sand, water, and cement. From bridges and dams to lighthouses and skyscrapers, concrete is used in a wide range of construction projects.

Create a display featuring concrete examples, building models, and LEGO bricks. Ask children to design a building that could be made with concrete.

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

CONCRETE: FROM THE GROUND UP by Larissa Theule and illustrated by Steve Light defines concrete and traces its history. Part of the Material Marvels series, readers learn about the many types of structures built with concrete. The illustrator’s use of speech bubbles on captivating color drawings along with the author’s short, informational texts combine for an engaging and informative picture book. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press. 

CONCRETE from Kids Britannica defines concrete and provides several examples in an easy-to-read format.

To read the article, go to https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/concrete/403923.

WHAT IS CONCRETE? from Concrete Network provides an introduction to concrete, its components, and its uses. Users can access numerous articles for further information.

To learn more, go to https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete.html.

WHAT IS CONCRETE? from Practical Engineering is a short video explaining the basics of concrete. Other videos in the series explore Roman concrete.

To view the video, go to https://youtu.be/UOHURuAf5iY.

Synergy: Cats

Cats are small, carnivorous mammals that have been domesticated as pets. They are known for catching mice, rats, and other small rodents. While some cats are kept as house pets, others live outdoors as feral cats or farm cats. Around 60 cat breeds are formally recognized.

Involve students in selecting a breed and creating a poster persuading others to adopt cats of this breed.

Read the recently published children’s picture book, then learn more at the website:

ATLAS OF CATS by Helena Harstova and Jana Sedlackova is part of the Atlases of Animal Companions series. This engaging picture book introduces readers to the world of cats, then provides an overview of a couple dozen breeds. It concludes with celebrity cats, cat care, and record holders. Readers will enjoy the attractive illustrations and short, informative text blocks. ARC courtesy of Albatros Media, an imprint of Ingram Publisher Services.

Purina’s CAT BREEDS section features information about dozens of popular cat breeds. Each page includes basic information, temperament, characteristics, lifespan, colors, and other useful facts.

To visit the website, go to https://www.purina.com/cats/cat-breeds.

DAILY PAWS features a searchable cat breeds page. Users can search by cat length, pattern, temperament, or other traits.

To search the database, go to https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds.

Synergy: Cherry Mine Disaster

The CHERRY MINE DISASTER of 1909 is the third most deadly tragedy in American coal mining history. Nearly 500 men and boys were working in the mine when a coal car caught fire killing 259 people. Twenty-one trapped miners were rescued after eight days. Following the tragedy, the Illinois legislature established stronger safety regulations and a workmen’s compensation program.

Read the recently published middle grades nonfiction book, then learn more at the websites:

UNDERGROUND FIRE: HOPE, SACRIFICE, AND COURAGE IN THE CHERRY MINE DISASTER by Sally M. Walker is an hour-by-hour account of the challenges faced by trapped miners and the rescue workers trying to save them. Through a dozen heart-pounding chapters, Walker uses riveting narrative and primary source documents and photos to keep even reluctant readers engaged in this historic, tragic mine disaster. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

CHERRY MINE DISASTER from the Travel Channel is a short video describing the tragedy.

To watch the video, go to https://www.travelchannel.com/videos/cherry-mine-disaster-0223505.

THE CHERRY MINE DISASTER: FROM TRAGEDY TO REFORM is a student-produced video about the disaster.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/BzqEZ-yXPok.

CHERRY COAL MINE DISASTER shares historical news articles and a photo from the disaster.

To read the articles, go to http://genealogytrails.com/ill/bureau/History/CherryCoalMine/index.html.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learners: Insects

 

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learners: Insects

Insects are critical to healthy ecology systems. Unfortunately, these essential creatures are sometimes overlooked and often maligned. From wasps and moths to bees and beetles, several new and upcoming books explore the world of entomology and the important role of these tiny creatures. These titles invite readers to even respect cockroaches and crickets.

The Insect Crisis: The Fall of the Tiny Empires that Run the World
Oliver Milman, Mar 2022, W.W. Norton                       
Themes: Science, Life science, Nature, Entomology

From bees to beetles, THE INSECT CRISIS explores the impact of collapsing insect populations around the world. Of particular note is the wide range of examples and situations used to provide evidence of the crisis.

Take-aways: Educators will find the many examples useful in discussing the consequences of insect loss.

Endless Forms: The Secret World of Wasps
Seirian Sumner, Jul 2022, HarperCollins                   
Themes: Science, Life science, Nature, Entomology

Exploring the world of wasps, ENDLESS FORMS provides an in-depth look at this often misunderstood insect.

Take-aways: Use wasps as an example of the importance of the insects in our increasingly fragile ecosystem. 

The Surprising Lives of Bark Beetles: Mighty Foresters of the Insect World
Jiri Hulcr & Marc Abrahams, Sep 2022, Univ of Florida Press         
Themes: Science, Nature, Entomology

Through amazing macro-photography and useful informational text, THE SURPRISING LIVES OF BARK BEETLES shares fascinating facts about beetles. While often viewed as destructive pests, the bark beetle is under appreciated in the insect world.

Take-aways: Discuss the use of macrophotography to learn more about lesser-known creatures. Involve youth in their own insect study using digital photography.

Of Cockroaches and Crickets: Learning to Love Creatures that Skitter and Jump
Frank, Nischk, February 2023, Greystone Books       
Themes: Science, Life science, Nature, Entomology

Combining engaging anecdotes with compelling factual information, OF COCKROACHES AND CRICKETS convinces readers that these insects are much more than their negative stereotypes.

Take-aways: Use cockroaches and crickets as examples of insects that have been maligned and need to be reconsidered as an important part of ecosystems.

What a Bee Knows:  Exploring the Thoughts, Memories, and Personalities of Bees
Stephen L. Buchmann, March 2023, Island Press     
Themes: Science, Life science, Nature, Entomology

Through engaging anecdotes and useful ecological connections, WHAT A BEE KNOWS invites readers to follow entomologists as they dive into the bee universe. 

Take-aways: Use the author’s exploration of the bee mind to challenge student thinking about insects. Encourage students to take the perspective of an insect.

The Jewel Box: How Moths Illuminate Nature’s Hidden Rules
Tim Blackburn, May 2023, Island Press                     
Themes: Science, Life science, Nature, Entomology

Through engaging anecdotes and useful ecological connections, THE JEWEL BOX introduces readers to a wide variety of moths and their unseen world.

Take-aways: Use the moth to discuss the essential role of insects in ecology.

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: Nocturnal Animals

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS are creatures who are active during the night and sleep during the day. After dark, these animals hunt, eat, and mate. Adaptations to their senses such as hearing, eyesight, and smell allow them to function in the dark.

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

THE NOCTURNALS by Tracey Hecht includes both early reader (3 levels) and middle grade fiction reading adventures. Combining humor with mystery, the fiction books have recently expanded to include nonfiction works. 

New nonfiction works are intended to extend the fiction reading experience. However, they can stand alone for children who prefer informational reading and activities. ARC courtesy of Fabled Films Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

UNIQUE ADAPTATIONS OF NIGHTTIME ANIMALS is a companion to The Mysterious Abduction Books for ages 9 to 12. Focusing on both adaptations and conservation efforts, it combines narrative from the series characters along with interesting facts.

AWESOME FEATURES & SURPRISING ADAPTATIONS is a companion to the Early Reader series for ages 6 to 8. Focusing on the adaptations of nine nocturnal animals, readers connect their favorite nocturnal characters to real-world nighttime animals and their habitats.

NOCTURNALS WORLD is the web portal for The Nocturnals series. Readers are invited to join the “Nocturnal Brigade”. The website includes information about the authors, books, educational resources, and activities.

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

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS from DK Findout! provides information about night creatures.

To explore the web project, go to https://www.dkfindout.com/us/animals-and-nature/nocturnal-animals/.

LIST OF NOCTURNAL ANIMALS from Wikipedia provides links to dozens of nocturnal creatures.

To visit the list, go to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_nocturnal_animals.

Synergy: Narwhal

The NARWHAL is a medium-sized toothed whale with a long tusk protruding from it’s head. Known as the unicorns of the sea, they are deep diving creatures who live in groups above the Arctic Circle near the polar ice cap.

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

NARWHAL: THE ARCTIC UNICORN written by Justin Anderson and illustrated by Jo Weaver combines an engaging nature story with factual information about the fascinating narwhal. The book concludes with information about the future of the narwhal, additional resources, and an index. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

WHAT IS A NARWHAL? is a web page from NOAA Ocean Exploration providing basic information about the narwhal and its habitat.

To read the page, go to https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/narwhal.html.

NARWHAL from the WWF features photos, text, and videos about the sea creature and the challenges it faces from growing threats.

To visit the website, go to https://www.arcticwwf.org/wildlife/narwhal/.

NARWHAL FAQ by Kristin Laidre is a web project providing answers to commonly asked questions along with engaging illustrations.

To visit the web project, go to http://staff.washington.edu/klaidre/narwhal-faq/.

Synergy: Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

DR. MARY EDWARDS WALKER was an American surgeon, abolitionist, suffragette, and Civil War era spy. Known for her unconventional wardrobe and efforts to promote human rights, Walker received the Medal of Honor.

Read the recently published young adult biography, then learn more at the websites:

I COULD NOT DO OTHERWISE by Sara Latta tells the story of a Civil War surgeon and spy who broke gender norms and fought for social justice. Disregarding social conventions and championing human rights, Dr. Mary Edwards is still the only woman to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Weaving primary sources documents and photographs into an engaging narrative, Latta successfully immerses readers in the life of this lesser-known historical figure. ARC courtesy of Zest Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group.

CHANGING THE FACE OF MEDICINE is an online exhibition celebrating America’s women physicians. The website includes a database, resources, and activities. Dr. Walker is included in the database.

To visit the website, go to https://cfmedicine.nlm.nih.gov/.

MEDAL OF HONOR: MARY WALKER is an online graphic biography from the Association of the United States Army.

To read the ebook, go to https://online.flowpaper.com/77a9072e/MedalofHonorMaryWalker/#page=1.

Synergy: Beavers

BEAVERS are semiaquatic, broad-tailed rodents found in North America and northern Eurasia. This large mammal is known to gnaw through tree trunks, feed on bark, and build dams.

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

THE LODGE THAT BEAVER BUILT by Randi Sonenshine and illustrated by Anne Hunter features engaging illustrations and informative text to tell the story of a beaver and its family. Skillfully balancing scientific information with lyrical prose, this picture book is a perfect way to jumpstart an inquiry into the life cycle of a beaver and its ecosystem. Related creatures are effectively woven into the narrative to expand the appeal. The book concludes with useful background information. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

AMERICAN BEAVER is a video from National Geographic Kids featuring amazing beaver footage.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/Ic3x8OVYe80

BEAVER from National Geographic Kids provides an overview to this common mammal including text, a map, photos, and a video clip.

To read the page, go to https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/beaver.