Book Review: Let's Go to the Hardware Store

LET’S GO TO THE HARDWARE STORE by Anne Rockwell tells the delightful story of siblings who accompany their father on a trip to purchase tools and supplies.

After moving into a bigger house, the family realizes repairs need to be made. Two children and their father visit the local hardware store to gather supplies. Along the way, the siblings learn about different types of hammers, screwdrivers, and other building supplies. When they arrive home without one item from their list, they head back to the store again for another adventure.

Regardless of whether children live near a small town hardware store or a big name brand megastore, librarians will find many children empathize with the story. The colorful illustrations and many visuals depicting hardware products in the store will stimulate lots of classroom conversation. Create a display featuring the book along with some of the tools described in the story. Or, build a makerspace station devoted to construction and repair projects.

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

To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://www.melissaiwai.com/.

Published by Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan on March 22, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: USGS Water Science

The Water Science School from the USGS provides easy-to-understand information exploring all aspects of hydrology.

The website includes pages focusing on the topics of water basics, water properties, water cycles, surface water, ground water, water quality, and water use. In addition, there’s an activity center, picture gallery, questions/answers, and water glossary.

A teacher resources page links to informational resources, activities, and even a class play.

Of particular interest are the resources related to the water cycle. The entry page contains a printable poster featuring key concepts related to the water cycle. Clicking the Interactive Diagram takes users to a clickable visual focusing on definitions and examples. These interactives are available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learners.

Librarians will find this website to be an excellent resource for both students and teachers. The website would be useful for online informational reading activities focusing on the science of water. Many of the materials can be printed for use in classroom activities, displays, and bulletin boards.

To visit the website, go to http://water.usgs.gov/edu/.

Book Review: Girl in the Blue Coat

GIRL IN THE BLUE COAT by Monica Hesse is a compelling historical fiction mystery set in Amsterdam during WWII.

In 1943, Hanneke works in the black market trading goods. When one of her clients asks Hanneke to find a Jewish teen she’s been hiding, Hanneke isn’t sure whether to help or not. However, she soon becomes immersed in the world of the resistance as she tries to solve the mystery of the missing girl.

Librarians will find this historical mystery to be an excellent addition to the growing number of books exploring black market workers and the resistance during WWII. The fascinating characters and fast-paced mystery will keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

One of the best books of 2016 so far. Don’t miss it.

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

Published by Little Brown, an imprint of Hachette on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Mo Willems

The MO WILLEMS website celebrates the books of popular children’s author Mo Willems.

The author’s website is divided into sections that explore the author’s book characters, books, and writing activities.

Visit the Go Mo! to explore a website specifically designed for children that contains book information, fun games, an art gallery, videos, and an adult page. Featuring Willems’ beloved characters, the audio-enhanced games are age-appropriate and engaging for young children.

Visit the Pigeon Presents! website to enjoy information and activities focusing on Willems’ popular pigeon characters. Users can play games, read about books, learn about book characters, and explore teaching materials. This website also links to the new Elephant and Piggie Thank-o-Rama website that provides an introductory video, thank-you spinner, drawing video, and worksheets for printing.

Visit Mo’s Blog for up-to-date information about the author’s recent activities and upcoming books.

Visit Mo’s FAQs! for fascinating insights into the author and his works. These FAQs provide a wealth of ideas for teaching with Willems’ books.

Visit Get Mo’ Stuff! for links to cool books, videos, toys, posters, and other materials that would be useful in creating an author display in the library.

Visit The Pigeon “Tweets” to follow the author’s tweets. Youth will enjoy following the many adventures of this fascinating author.

Librarians will find this website to be an outstanding resource for introducing primary grade children to the idea of author websites. The easy-to-use format and abundant videos and activities will help youth connect the author to his works. It’s also a nice way to provide relevant examples of social media including Twitter and blogs to children.

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

Book Review: My Kind of Crazy

MY KIND OF CRAZY by Robin Reul is a contemporary fiction, young adult novel exploring the friendship among teens.

When Hank accidentally lights Amanda’s lawn on fire, Peyton is the only witness. This event sets up a story of teen friendship and evolving relationships. The combination of dark humor and interesting characters will keep readers interested.

Librarians will find that the author’s balance of humor and authentic, timely issues such as mental illness and abuse will be of interest to many young adults. Teens who enjoy stories about friendship and teen romance will enjoy the ride.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Haters

THE HATERS by Jesse Andrews tells the story of a group of teens who escape jazz camp and go on tour with disastrous results.

In this coming-of-age work of contemporary fiction, Wes and his friends hate jazz band camp along with many other things. The three musicians jump at the chance to play an amazing show despite the trouble it will cause.

Librarians will find that Andrews’ snarky characters and unusual brand of humor will appeal to today’s youth. Young adults will enjoy the many music references and a band road trip theme. The combination of witty lists, chunks of dialog, and other non-traditional literary approaches will engage reluctant readers.

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

Published by Abrams-Amulet on April 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Drive It Home

DRIVE IT HOME from the National Safety Council is a website intended to help keep teen drivers safe.

The Teen Driver Risks section provides ideas to encourage safe driving. The Get Involved section focuses on ways to help new drivers reduce their risk. The Digital Driving Coach section provides an online library of safe driving tips. Each one-page handout explores a different topic. The Media section provides access to over a dozen short, informative videos along with fascinating infographics. The Resources section includes research, presentations, quizzes, and other information. The Blog focuses on short informational items related to safe teen driving. Social media resources including Twitter and Facebook connections.

Librarian will find this resource useful in planning safety activities for teens and their families.

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

Book Review: The Inn Between

THE INN BETWEEN by Marina Cohen is a spooky middle school mystery set in an eerie Victorian hotel in the Nevada desert.

When Quinn and her best friend’s family stop for the night at a creepy hotel, strange things begin to happen. An unpredictable elevator, mysterious hotel guests, and disappearances are just the beginning. When Quinn and her best friend try to escape from the hotel, they realize that the hotel is much more than just an overnight destination.

Librarians will find the book popular among middle grade students who enjoy mysteries filled with twists and turns. Although scary enough to keep readers on the edge of their seats, the plot uses suspense rather than horror to keep the adventure interesting.

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

Published Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on March 22, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Scrapkins: Re-Thunk

SCRAPKINS: RE-THUNK by Brian Yanish provides engaging activities and easy to follow directions for creating fun projects from common household materials.

This visually appealing book contains dozens of activities that involve using materials that people often throw away such as empty milk cartons, cereal boxes, and bottle caps. In addition to providing detailed instructions for creating instruments, puppets, and toys, the book also contains lots of other activities to maintain interest and spark creativity.

Librarians will find this nonfiction book to be popular with children who enjoy arts and crafts. Place the book in a maker space containing the raw materials necessary to create some of the projects. Display the results in the library to highlight the arts and crafts section of the library.

Go to the Scrapkins website at http://www.thescrapkins.com/ for lots more ideas.

Published by Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan on March 29, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: I Witness

I WITNESS from the USC Shoah Foundation is a website containing over 1,500 video testimonies, multimedia activities, and digital resources focusing the Holocaust and other genocides.

The Watch section provides users with video clips, activities, terms, graphic organizers, and related topics. Students can select from 50 different topics such as Anti-Jewish Laws, Civil Rights in America, and Labor/Concentration Camps. Or, conduct a name or subject search to find resources.

The Activities section provides tools youth can use to build videos, word clouds, and other projects based on the program’s themes. Each activity includes standards, grade level focus, and time to complete the activity. Users can identify mini-quests, info-quests, and video activities in a variety of subject areas.

The Share section contains project news and announcements. It also provides an area where students can view projects created by other youth. Students can share their projects with others.

Librarians will find this website to be an excellent resource for both students and teachers working on history and social studies projects. Consider participating in the Witness Video Challenge that inspires positive change in communities.

To visit the website, go to http://iwitness.usc.edu/

Series Review: Explore My World

The EXPLORE MY WORLD series by Becky Baines helps young children learn about the world around them.

Featuring a wide range of topics, each informational book contains facts and reflective questions to get young children thinking.

DOLPHINS provides a look at the world of dolphins including their characters, habitat, life cycle, and what they eat. It defines key concepts, provides a labeled diagram, and introduces the idea of marine mammals.

PLANETS defines the concept of planet and provides a map of planets. Using age-appropriate language and examples, the book helps children better understand Earth and how other planets are alike and different from Earth.

Librarians will find this series to be an excellent way to introduce informational reading to young children. With many books in the series to choose from, ask students to explore a book of interest and share their questions. Use the books as part of a buddy reading program with older children who might share their interest in science topics.

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

Website Review: Every Kid in a Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Green City

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

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

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

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

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

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

Website Review: MIT's App Inventor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technology review: SCOTUS Blog and App

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Jazz Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: The Wooden Prince - Out of Abaton

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

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

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

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

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

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

App Review: Pet First Aid

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

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

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

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

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

Book Review: Burn Baby Burn

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

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

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

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

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

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