Synergy: DNA

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a material found in the cells of all living things. It determines what a living thing looks like and how it functions. Sections of DNA information are called genes.

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

GROW: SECRETS OF OUR DNA by Nicola Davies is an informational picture book describing how living things grow. It describes DNA as a set of instructions used to create a human body as well as other living beings.

YOURGENOME is a website where students can learn about DNA, genes, genomes, and the implications for our health and society. Designed by the Wellcome Genome Campus, users can explore videos, activities, interactives and a glossary. Sections of the website focus on the cell, methods and technology, targeting disease, society and behavior, and animals and animals.

To visit this online project, go to https://www.yourgenome.org/.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick.

Synergy: Tham Luang Cave Rescue

In the summer of 2018, twelve members of a boy’s soccer team and their assistant coach were trapped in a cave by flooding waters. Although the team survived, two divers died during the rescue.

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

ALL THIRTEEN: THE INCREDIBLE CAVE RESCUE OF THE THAI BOYS’ SOCCER TEAM by Christina Soontornvat is an award winning work of nonfiction that shares the rescue story through an engrossing narrative and fascinating photos. Each short chapter immerses readers in a different aspect of the event from the coach and his players to the cave divers.

RISING WATER: THE STORY OF THE THAI CAVE RESCUE by Marc Aronson tells the amazing story of survival through a well-researched narrative and compelling photographs.

THAM LUANG CAVE RESCUE is a documentary video tracing how the 17 day rescue unfolded. It includes compelling video from the rescue along with interviews with those involved.

To watch the view, go to https://youtu.be/x_kiX0uUDNI.

STEP INSIDE THE THAI CAVE IN AUGMENTED REALITY from The New York Times allows readers to experience what rescuers faced when trying to save the boys and their coach. Combining short texts, maps, and diagrams, readers are taken step-by-step through the cave rescue.

To explore the interactive, go to https://nyti.ms/39qAjn3.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick and Atheneum.

Synergy: Snow Birds

Snow birds are birds that don’t migrate to a warmer climate during the winter months. Many of these birds have developed adaptations and behaviors to help them survive the cold, snowy weather.

Read the recently published picture book for youth, then learn more at the website:

SNOW BIRDS written by Kirsten Hall and illustrations by Jenni Desmond explores seventeen birds commonly seen in snowy landscapes. Each two-page spread examines a different bird that has adapted to the cold winter weather. Rather than focusing on scientific facts, the verse reflects the characteristics and habits of each creature. The book concludes with factual information about how each bird has adapted to the cold.

PROJECT FEEDERWATCH from The Cornell Lab asks participants to embrace the winter weather and count feeder birds for science. The website describes how to watch for winter birds and participate in the citizen science project. It also provides help in identifying birds.

To learn more, go to https://feederwatch.org/.

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers

Synergy: Donner Party

The Donner Party were pioneers migrating to California from the Midwest. Due to a series of mishaps, they became snowbound in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the winter of 1846-47. Nearly half of the party succumbed to illness, starvation, and the extreme weather.

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

THE SNOW FELL THREE GRAVES DEEP by Allan Wolf uses an engaging verse approach to share the infamous Donner Party story. Told through the eyes of the participants and using the voice of “Hunger” as a narrator, the author recounts this story of survival in the wilderness. The comprehensive back matter provides useful background information for readers unfamiliar with the story.

DONNER DINNER PARTY: A PIONEER TALE by Nathan Hale retells the disastrous events of the 1846 journey to California. This Bigger & Badder edition is a deluxe, oversized graphic novel approach that includes 16 new pages. The author skillfully balances humor with the macabre for the tween and teen audience.

ALL THE MISTAKES THAT DOOMED THE DONNER PARTY from Weird History is a fast-paced, short video tracing the key events in the Donner-Reed party disaster.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/4g6ITFTtHZQ.

DESPERATE DREAMERS is a transcript of the documentary film shown at Donner State Park in California. The film tells the story of the Donner Company of 1846.

To read the transcript, go to https://bit.ly/3orHEY1.

THE DONNER PARTY is a PBS video series. The American Experience website provides access to background information, primary sources, a teacher’s guide and useful articles along with links to sources for viewing the series.

To learn more, go to https://to.pbs.org/2NAdCV5.

ARC courtesy of Amulet and Candlewick.

Synergy: Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter is an international group advocating against violence, oppression, and racism toward Black people. Originating in the African-American community, this movement has sparked demonstration around the world.

Read the recently published picture book for youth, then learn more at the website:

ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER by Tami Charles with illustrations by Bryan Collier is a visually stunning picture book celebrating the life of a black child. The timely and powerful message focuses on struggle, hope, and love.

HELPING KIDS UNDERSTAND THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT is a project of the popular educational group BrainPOP. In addition to providing access to an animated, educational video that explains the movement, the page provides suggestions for educators and links to additional resources.

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/2Ys2w6N.

To hear from the author and illustrator, go to https://youtu.be/zWQhFhunqh0.

ARC courtesy of Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic.

Synergy: News Literacy

News literacy is a set of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and dispositions that helps people process news and media communications. News literate consumers are able to locate factual, credible information, distinguish fact from opinion, evaluate the quality of news sources, and explore multiple perspectives before drawing conclusions. Finally, they understand the role of freedom of speech in a democracy and the need for ethics in journalism.

Read a couple recently published children’s books, then learn more at the website:

GUARDIANS OF LIBERTY: FREEDOM OF THE PRESS AND THE NATURE OF NEWS by Linda Barrett Osborne explores two centuries of the guarantees expressed in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Using examples throughout American history, the author explores how freedom of the press has evolved and the challenges caused by new technologies. From the Civil Rights Movement and the Student Press to fake news, each chapter explores a key idea through the use of text, historical photos, pull-quotes, and primary source documents.

BREAKING THE NEWS: WHAT’S REAL, WHAT’S NOT, AND WHY THE DIFFERENCE MATTERS by Robin Terry Brown is intended to help readers become responsible users of the media. Chapters examine the history of news, making of news, misinformation and the media today. The book concludes by providing ideas for seeking the truth and thoughts about the future of news. The colorful images and interesting text will attract young readers.

The NEWS LITERACY PROJECT is a nonpartisan, nonprofit providing resources for educators that encourage learners to be active and engaged consumers of news and information. The educator section offers an online learning platform called Checkology and lots of classroom materials.

To visit the website, go to https://newslit.org/.

ARC courtesy of Abrams and National Geographic.

Synergy: Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is the negative impact of the accumulation of plastic on the environment, wildlife, and humans. From disposable bottles and straws to microbead particles, plastic waste is resistant to natural degradation adversely effecting both land and sea creatures. There are many ways individuals can help prevent plastic pollution.

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

KIDS FIGHT PLASTIC by Martin Dorey is a highly illustrated work of nonfiction featuring 17 ways kids can stop plastic pollution and save the oceans. Each major mission identifies a way individuals can fight pollution and why it’s important. Within each mission are shorter, 2-minute missions worth “superhero points”.

KIDS TAKE ACTION AGAINST OCEAN PLASTIC is a short film from National Geographic highlighting a group of Hawaiian students who studied the impact of plastic pollution on their local beaches.

To learn more, go to https://youtu.be/hKFV9IquMXA.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: The Children of World War II

World War II had a deep and lasting impact on children. While some young people lived and died in concentration camps, others were able to escape to England as refugees.

Read two recently published children’s books, then learn more at the websites:

THE MISSING: THE TRUE STORY OF MY FAMILY IN WORLD WAR II by Michael Rosen shares the experiences of the author’s family members along with his own stories of growing up with a legacy of lost family connections. Woven throughout the narrative are works of poetry and references to today’s issues of racism and refugees. This short book concludes with resources to help readers dig deeper into history.

HISTORYWORKS has posted audio files of Michael Rosen’s poetry. The project features over two dozen entries.

To listen to the poems, go to https://audioboom.com/playlists/4613930-michael-rosen-poems.

WE HAD TO BE BRAVE: ESCAPING THE NAZIS ON THE KINDERTRANSPORT by Deborah Hopkinson tells the heartbreaking story of children and teens who survived the Holocaust by escaping to England. Using dozens of true accounts, the author weaves together stories of survival and hope at a time of war. Organized into four parts, the book explores pre-war events, the tipping point, the flight, and the aftermath. The postscripts shares a timeline, glossary, resources, and other useful materials to extend the reading experience.

WHAT WAS KINDERTRANSPORT is a BBC Newsround article focusing on the mission that took thousands of children to safety during World War II. The article features text, historical photographs and interviews.

To read the BBC article, go to https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/46877532.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick and Scholastic.

Synergy: Mindfulness in Nature

Mindfulness in nature encourages individuals to engage in fulfilling relationships with the natural world. With the constant distractions of social media and modern society, it’s important that children have opportunities to spend time relaxing and connecting outdoors.

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

SLOW DOWN: 50 MINDFUL MOMENTS IN NATURE written by Rachel Williams and illustrated by Freya Hartas features dozens of two-page spreads exploring natural wonders that are often overlooked in today’s hectic world such as a spider spinning a web. The book concludes with an exercise in mindfulness for young readers.

CHILDHOOD BY NATURE is a website encouraging a reunion of children with nature. It includes a blog, learning center, activity finder, and ideas for armchair naturalists. The resource is filled with ideas for librarians, educators and parents.

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

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Mountaineering

From climbing indoor walls to ascending the world’s highest peaks, mountaineering is a sport involving climbing and bouldering in mountains. Hazards include falling, avalanches, bad weather, and altitude sickness.

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

INTO THE CLOUDS by Tod Olson tells the thrilling and tragic stories of three expeditions to K2. This engaging work of nonfiction includes the incredible experiences of Charlie Houston and a team of climbers attempting to conquer K2 in 1953. The fast-paced text includes maps and historical photos.

The AMERICAN ALPINE CLUB documents successes, failures, and mishaps associated with mountain climbing. The KNOW THE ROPES section of their website provides websites and articles related to safe climbing.

To visit the website, go to https://bit.ly/2IuPBwb

ARC courtesy of National Geographic.

Synergy: Underground Railroad

Underground Railroad was the term used to describe a network of people and places used by slaves in the American South in search of freedom in the Northern United States and Canada. William Still is sometimes referred to as the father of the Underground Railroad. In addition to being a conductor, he also recorded the personal accounts of fugitive slaves escaping through Philadelphia.

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

WILLIAM STILL AND HIS FREEDOM STORIES: THE FATHER OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD by Don Tate is a picture book biography exploring the life of William Still who helped hundreds of slaves escape to freedom. The story concludes with a timeline and author’s note.

UNCOVERING WILLIAM STILL’S UNDERGROUND RAILROAD is a digital history project that includes Still’s journal and original records.

To view the digital collection, go to https://bit.ly/2K6Y35P.

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD: THE WILLIAM STILL STORY tells the story of William Still’s experiences as an abolitionist. Teachers may wish use excerpts from this hour long documentary.

To view the documentary, go to https://to.pbs.org/3kmn2OF.

DISCOVERING THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD from the National Park Service is a Junior Ranger Activity Book available online.

To download the PDF, go to https://bit.ly/3luJM0y.

ARC courtesy of Peachtree.

Synergy: Kent State Shootings

On May 4, 1970, four unarmed college students were killed and nine injured during a peaceful rally. National Guard soldiers fired on participants at the anti-Vietnam War gathering. The massacre trigger public outrage causing the largest student strike in history with millions of students participating. Although a Commission report concluded that the shootings were unjustified, no one was convicted in the shootings.

Read the recently published young adult books, then learn more at the website:

KENT STATE by Deborah Wiles is a work of historical fiction telling the story of the May 4, 1970 incident through multiple voices and vantage points.

KENT STATE: FOUR DEAD IN OHIO by Derf Backderf is a graphic history exploring the lives of the four young people who died and the events leading up to the May 4th tragedy.

KENT STATE SHOOTINGS is a digital collection from Kent State University’s Special Collections and Archives. The May 4 Collection includes an array of primary sources related to the tragedy and its aftermath including an oral history project, digital archive, and information packet.

To visit the digital collection, go to https://bit.ly/3ngaHO7.

ARC courtesy of Scholastic and Abrams.

Synergy: Simple Machines

A simple machine is a device containing few or no moving parts that makes work easy. A lever, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, screw, and wheel and axle are classic examples. These mechanical devices use changes in direction or magnitudes of force to do perform a task.

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

NEWTON AND CURIE: THE SCIENCE SQUIRRELS by Daniel Kirk features two STEAM loving squirrels who use their knowledge of simple machines to solve real-world problems.

GENERATION GENIUS is a K-8 teaching resource that pairs educational videos with science standards aligned lessons and activities. For instance, their Simple Machines video is accompanied by discussion questions, vocabulary, reading material, activities, lesson plan, teacher guide, and assessment. Limited access is available without a subscription.

To visit Generation Genius, go to https://bit.ly/35iSVUj.

ARC courtesy of Abrams.

Synergy: Ableism

Ableism is discrimination and prejudice against people who are perceived to have disabilities. This includes stereotypes that characterize an individual or group as inferior to those without the ability, skill, or characteristic. For instance, while some people perceive deafness as a barrier, others do not.

Read the recently published work of historical fiction for youth, then learn more at the website:

SHOW ME A SIGN by Ann Clare LeZotte tells the story of a young girl living on Martha’s Vineyard in the 19th century. Like some other English settlers who live on the island, Mary is deaf and communicates with her friends and family using sign language. When a scientist kidnaps Mary as a test subject in his quest to find the cause for what he calls her “infirmity”, she must find her way home.

Pair this work of historical fiction with the recently published “super powered edition” of the Newbery Honor Book graphic memoir El Deaf by Cece Bell.

HISTORY THROUGH DEAF EYES is a web-based project from Gallaudet University. The project includes an online exhibition, documentary, and educational resources. The project explores 200 years of Deaf culture in America and examines perspectives on what it means to be deaf.

To learn more, go to https://gallaudet.edu/history-through-deaf-eyes.

ARC courtesy of Scholastic.

Synergy: Decimal System

The Decimal System is a numeral system for denoting integers and non-integer numbers. Decimals are sometimes identified by a decimal separator known as a decimal point like 3.14.

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

SIR CUMFERENCE GETS DECIMA’S POINT by Cindy Neuschwander is the latest book the popular Sir Cumference series exploring mathematics concepts. Set in a fictional medieval kingdom, this historical adventure introduces children to the decimal system through an engaging story featuring a baker and a family of ogres.

KHAN ACADEMY is known for their short videos with accompanying lessons. The math section provides a series of lessons for each grade level such as an introduction to decimals.

Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/math

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge Publishing.

Synergy: Animals

Animals come in all shapes and sizes. In general, they consume organic matter, breathe oxygen, move, and reproduce. Zoology is the study of animals.

Read the recently published nonfiction series for youth, then learn more at the website:

Each book in the SO COOL, SO CUTE series from National Geographic kids features a fascinating animal such as pandas, koalas, sharks, and leopards. The latest books in the series include frogs and penguins. Designed for ages 3 through 7, these short information books include photographs along with quirky fonts, child-like graphics, and humorous, informative text designed for their young audience. Although filled with useful content, their informal style will attract children seeking a little fun with their facts.

The SAN DIEGO ZOO KIDS website is geared specifically for the needs and interests of children. Users can explore by animal (amphibians, arthropods, bird, fish, mammals, reptiles), stories, fun facts, wildlife conservation, videos, activities, games, and zoo life. Each entry includes limited text, photographs or video, and engaging content. For more in-depth information, students are directed to the San Diego Zoo’s Animals & Plants website.

To visit San Diego Zoo Kids, go to https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/.
To visit San Diego Zoo’s Animals & Planets, go to https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/.

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids

Synergy: Atlas

An atlas is a collection of maps representing the Earth or a particular region. Traditionally, they were bound into large books. However, today’s interactive atlas allow users to view features such as political boundaries or geographic elements through transparent layers.

Read the recently published atlases for youth, then learn more at the website:

National Geographic Kids has recently published new editions of their popular atlases.

BEGINNER’S UNITED STATES ATLAS (third edition) is an effective way to introduce atlases to children ages 7 to 10. The book begins with an introduction to maps. The attractive format uses maps and photographs to explore the land and its people. Icons are used to highlight key features. Divided into regions (northwest, southeast, midwest, southwest, west, U.S. territories), the atlas explores each state in a two-page spread. It concludes with a review, glossary, and charts.

UNITED STATES ATLAS (sixth edition) is designed for ages 10 to 14. Like the beginner’s version, it is organized by region and highlights each state. The maps are more detailed and the text provides a more in-depth examination of each state than the beginner edition.

National Geographic Kids also publishes world atlases for a variety of age levels.

MAPMAKER INTERACTIVE from National Geographic allows users to explore locations around the world through the use of a base map and layers. Students begin with a base layer such as streets, terrain, topo, or satellite. Then, they can add layers such as water, human population, climate, and history to explore an area in depth. Finally, users can use the tools provided to personalize, save, and print their map.

To visit the website, go to https://mapmaker.nationalgeographic.org/.

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

Synergy: The Dené Nation

Also known as the Athapaskan people, the Dené Nation is a group of five indigenous tribes located in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Sustained by the land for over 30,000 years, the political organization represents the land claims and protection of Aboriginal rights. Their homeland stretches from the Yukon and Alaska to the southwestern United States.

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

PAYING THE LAND by Joe Sacco is set in the subarctic Canadian Northwest Territories where the indigenous Dene people have lived for more than 30,000 years. This work of graphic nonfiction explores the impact of resource extraction on the natural world and the indigenous people who live in the Mackenzie River Valley. Sacco recounts the costs and benefits development has had on the land and its people.

The DENE NATION website features a history page that provides insights into history of the Dene Nation. The page includes both recent history along with a timeline of key events.

To visit the Dene Nation page, go to https://denenation.com/about/history/

To visit the Dene Nation History page, go to https://denenation.com/about/history/

Synergy: Everyday Science

Everyday science connects children with the natural world and advances in technology through stories and activities that spark curiosity and discovery. Hands-on experiences, explorations and experiments bring a child’s surroundings to life.

LET’S FLY A PLANE! and LET’S RIDE A WAVE! by Chris Ferrie are the latest two books in the EVERYDAY SCIENCE ACADEMY SERIES. Each book features Red Kangaroo and his friend Dr. Chris as they explore science questions. The engaging narrative highlights key vocabulary and incorporates everyday experiences into the scientific explanations. Each book concludes with a glossary, questions, and hands-on experiments. The topics in this series align with the STEM curriculum.

The NASA STEM @ HOME RESOURCE is a new website focusing on a wide range of activities that families can do together at home. Divided by grade level (K-4, 5-8, 9-12), the project also includes sections specifically focused on students working from home with resources such as e-books, family activities, virtual tours, and podcasts that “bring the universe into your home”. The Aeronautics @Home section is just one example of how the Everyday Science Academy Series books easily connect with the NASA resources.

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

ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks.

Synergy: 1789

The year 1789 is a landmark year around the world including the start of the French Revolution. In the US, George Washington was elected the first President of the United States in February. The first Congress met in March to declare the Constitution in placed in effect and the beginning of the United States.

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

1789: TWELVE AUTHORS EXPLORE A YEAR OF REBELLION, REVOLUTION, AND CHANGE by Marc Aronson and Susan Campbell Bartoletti is an anthology featuring a dozen narratives written by award-winning nonfiction authors. While some focus on rights and freedoms in the US, others explore issues of enslavement, change, and struggles from around the world.

Wikipedia’s timeline pages provide a useful starting point for exploring key years both in the United States and around the world.

Visit the global 1789 website at https://bit.ly/3bvJPop
Visit the US 1789 website at https://bit.ly/334lwdk

ARC courtesy of Candlewick.