Website Review: Ology

The OLOGY website has been providing engaging science activities for youth for over 15 years.

Sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History, the web-based learning environment explores fourteen different topics including anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, biodiversity, brain, climate change, earth, genetics, marine biology, microbiology, paleontology, physics, water, and zoology.

Users can complete dozens of activities including games, stories, hands-on activities, and videos. By registering at the website, students can collect Ology cards hidden throughout the project.

The Ology for Educators section provides free, research based curriculum materials connected with Earth, life, and physical science content for K-12 students.

Librarians will find this amazing website to be an excellent opportunity to immerse youth in science. Use the website in a learning center focusing on one of the ology topics. Include books and materials in the station to support the hands-on activities. Change topics every couple weeks for a year-long science experience in your library.

To visit the website, go to http://www.amnh.org/explore/ology.

Book Review: Will's Words

WILL’S WORDS: HOW WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE CHANGED THE WAY YOU TALK by Jane Sutcliffe is an informational picture book explore the impact of Shakespeare on the English language.

Designed for intermediate grade students, the book begins with a letter from the author explaining that the focus of the book is on Shakespeare’s fascinating words and phrases. This beautifully illustrated picture book immerses readers in the time period, while weaving Shakespeare’s famous words into the narrative. Phrases like “too much of a good thing” and “wild-goose chase” are a couple examples of the many words made famous by this famous playwright. The book features sidebars containing Shakespeare’s words, their meaning, and where they can be found in his work. The book concludes with a second letter from the author, a timeline, and a bibliography.

Librarians will find this book to be a fun and engaging way to introduce young readers to Shakespeare’s world and his love of wordplay. Place the book in a learning center along with other books about Shakespeare, online resources, and a hands-on activity involving his famous phrases.

Learn more about the author at http://www.janesutcliffe.com/.
Learn more about the illustrator at http://www.jshelley.com/.

Published by Charlesbridge on March 22, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Technology Review: Poetry

The POETRY app and website provides easy access to hundreds of well-known classic and contemporary poets and their poems.

Developed by The Poetry Foundation, the resource provides the poem along with information about the poet, links, and other materials. Users can search or browse poems and poets by categories including subjects, occasions, holidays, poetic terms, school/period, poet’s region, and poet’s birthdate. Features including articles, audios, and video.

A Learning Lab area of the website contains resources for teachers including poems, articles, lesson ideas, essays, and a glossary. A Children’s Poetry area features children’s poetry, articles, children’s video, and information about youth poetry projects. Of particular interest is the Young People’s Poet Laureate Jacqueline Woodson’s page.

The app provides easy access to poems and a way to save favorites.

Librarians will find this to be an easy-to-use website and app for youth. Teachers can easily connect the themes to classroom activities. The app’s mood feature will get students thinking about how poetry connects with emotions like optimism, boredom, disappointment, and joy.

To visit the website, go to http://www.poetryfoundation.org/
To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/poetry-from-the-poet…/id370143863.

Book Review: The Steep and Thorny Way

THE STEEP AND THORNY WAY by Cat Winter is a thought-provoking historical mystery set in the 1920s.

Hanalee is a biracial teen struggling to identify the truth behind her father’s death in an era of prejudice and racial violence.

Librarians will immediately see parallels to Hamlet making this title popular with English teachers. Look for an audience among youth who enjoy historical fiction, but also those who like connections with Shakespearean themes. The plot’s many twists and turns will make this young adult novel popular with youth who enjoy mysteries and ghost stories.

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

Publisher by Abrams Kids on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Technology Review: Radio Lab

RADIO LAB is a website and app containing engaging podcasts on topics related to science, philosophy, and the human experience.

Although these audio programs can be heard on the radio, users are increasingly accessing the content through the program website. The resource is divided into three sections: listen, read, and watch.

The Listen section provides access to the latest podcasts along with a link to the Episode Archive. For each hour-long episode, users can view an image and read an overview of the program. Users can also explore recommended links to extend the experience. The podcast page provides options to listen online, add the episode to a playlist, download the program, embed the program, or make comments. Related podcasts are also suggested.

The Read section provides a blog focusing on recent episodes. These short articles often include images, video clips, and web links to extend the experience.

The Watch section features interesting and sometimes amazing videos along with articles that discuss the topic.

The app allows users to listen to the podcasts, read the show blogs, and access the same content as the website.

Although the programs are aimed at a general audience, they contain information of interest to older children and young adults. A wide range of topics are available from sports and politics to environmental and social issues.

Librarians will find this website an excellent tool for promoting auditory literacy and supporting informational reading activities. The short programs would be an effective way to kick off a research project. Ask students to listen or read a program, write research questions, and conduct their own inquiry using the program as a starting point.

Use the podcasts with student researchers who have reading challenges. Audio can also be an excellent format for other youth with special needs.

To visit the website, go to http://www.radiolab.org/
To download the app, go to http://www.radiolab.org/mobile/.

Book Review: On The Edge of Gone

ON THE EDGE OF GONE by Corinne Duyvis is a young adult, suspenseful science fiction novel told through the eyes of an autistic teen.

With a comet headed to Earth, rich (or useful) people have found permanent shelter underground or reserved space on a space going off-planet. However, a vast majority of the world’s population is stuck in temporary shelter and must find a way to survive. Will Denise and her family survive on Earth or will they find a way onto one of the generation ships?

As an autistic woman, the author is able to draw on her personal experiences to create a complex, realistic lead character.

Librarians will find that this apocalyptic novel is a step above the norm. With fully developed characters and a non-stop survival theme, readers will be thinking about the novel long after its conclusion. The diverse cast and powerful, thought-provoking story appeal to a wide range of young adult readers. However, some readers may shy away from its length.

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

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

Book Review: Hour of Bees

HOUR OF BEES by Lindsay Eagar is a poignant, multi-generational, coming-of-age story set in the New Mexican desert.

While her friends are enjoying the summer, Carolina is visiting her grandfather’s ranch in the desert. In this desolate setting, Carolina gains a new perspective on her family heritage and connections with the land through her grandfather’s stories.

Aimed at middle school youth, librarians will find an audience among children who enjoy realistic fiction along with a touch of magical realism. Fans of Pam Muñoz Ryan and Laura Resau are likely to enjoy the connections to Mexican cultural heritage. Multi-generational themes have been popular this year and this title is an outstanding example.

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

Website Review: Ancient History Encyclopedia

ANCIENT HISTORY ENCYCLOPEDIA is an online encyclopedia with an educational mission.

Focusing on all aspects of the Ancient World, the nonprofit website provides short, interactive articles similar to Wikipedia. Articles contain a bibliography, legal notice, and additional resources to explore. There are many ways to access information. Users can use their search tool or index to locate people, places, and objects. The timeline allows users to search by date or keyword in particular categories such as “Arts & Culture” or “Rulers & Politics”. Interactive maps of the Ancient World, Roman Empire and others help youth explore areas of interest by time period. The Explore option lets students to explore regions of the world. Users can also search the video and image indexes.

Beyond the encyclopedia, the website also provides engaging articles related to travel and culture. Interviews provide interesting insights into people and places. Articles about exhibitions and education are also available.

Librarians will find the website to be an exciting way to engage youth in topics related to Ancient History. Although the website contains ads, they can be removed with a membership that supports the non-profit.

The website’s collaboration feature is a great way to get teachers and students involved with making contributions. Users can submit definitions, illustrations, articles, book reviews, timeline entries, videos, and web links.

Consider the interdisciplinary possibilities of the website. For instance, a Latin dictionary would be useful for language students. The Measurement Conversions page allows users to convert modern measures to Egyptian, Roman, or Greek measures. Think about ways to connect history with mathematics.

To visit the website, go to http://www.ancient.eu/.

Book Review: The Greatest Zombie Movie Ever

THE GREATEST ZOMBIE MOVIE EVER by Jeff Strand is a quirky young adult novel celebrating horror film-making.

Although Justin’s previous horror films haven’t done the greatest on YouTube, he’s hoping that his latest zombie adventure will be a hit. Unfortunately, everything doesn’t go as planned and his movie is a disaster. However with a little creativity and he’s able to turn his zombie movie into something unique.

Strand’s engaging brand of humor and many movie references will attract teens who enjoy the idea of making a movie.

Librarians will find this title appeals to a niche audience who enjoy Strand and his approach. Keep in mind that this title isn’t a zombie horror, instead it’s a friendship story about a teen’s quest to make a movie. Look for an audience among youth who like quirk humor and movies.

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

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Bolds

THE BOLDS by Julian Clary tells the hilarious story of a hyena family who disguise themselves as humans and move to the suburbs.

When two hyena discover passports left by a human couple who were eaten by crocodiles, they decide to dress up as humans, get jobs, and live in the suburbs. What follows is a humorous tale of deception. The Bolds hide their tails, wear hats, and teach their children to act human. Although they’re always close to being caught, they manage to keep their secret until the neighbors get suspicious. The surprise ending will appeal to young readers.

The author’s comedic sense is perfect for this silly story. The goofy situations and slapstick humor will appeal to middle grade readers.

Librarians will find a huge audience for this fast-paced, funny story. An excellent selection for reluctant readers, children will be waiting in line for the next book in this entertaining animal series.

Published by Lerner on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Surging Seas

SURGING SEAS is a fascinating website that provides sea level data, tools, and analysis.

Users can explore four areas including coastal flooding, mapping choices, a risk zone map, and a risk finder.

Coastal Floods provides an interactive showing natural and human-caused flooding in US cities between 1955 and 2014.

Mapping Choices provides maps, fly-overs, images, interactives, and reports comparing flood levels after increased in global temperatures.

The Rise Zone Map contains comparison tools that can be used to examine local sea level projections around the world and determine the risk of flooding.

The Risk Finder provides local information from selected states that can be used for analysis, forecasts, and predictions.

Librarians will find this compelling website to be an effective tool in teaching data literacy skills. The engaging content will actively engage learners in science while helping them explore data sets.

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

App Review: Save the Park

SAVE THE PARK is a collaborative game launched to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service.

Developed by Games for Change, this engaging app is intended to inspire young people and encourage a new generation of park lovers. The game focuses on ways volunteers can take an active role in preserving natural and historic resources.

Players take on the role of a park volunteer and complete tasks within particular settings such as a forest, desert, or coastal area. Information about national parks is woven throughout the game and links are provided to learn about real-world volunteer opportunities.

Librarians will find the game to be a fun way to introduce the concept of volunteerism and community service. Pair the game with a learning center containing books about civic participation. Youth will find the game to be easy and fun, but not much of a challenge.

The Games for Change website includes many other games that might be of interest to young people.

Visit the website at http://www.gamesforchange.org/.

To download the game, go to http://www.gamesforchange.org/savethepark/.

Book Review: Green Bean! Green Bean!

GREEN BEAN! GREEN BEAN! by Patricia Thomas tells the story of a young girl who grows green beans in her garden.

This informative story takes readers through the steps in planting and caring for bean plants. Readers follow the child and her dog through the growing season and into the winter.

Although the illustrations are basic, they effectively convey the story. Cross-sections show what’s happening under the ground.

The book concludes with information about the life cycle of plants, growing beans, and the growing season. It also contains vocabulary, suggested activities, and additional resources.

Librarians will find this book to be popular with primary grade students who are learning about and likely planting bean seeds in their classrooms. Both the story and the science are easy to follow. Use this book in a display focusing on the science of gardening.

Published by Dawn Publications on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Smithsonian Learning Lab

THE SMITHSONIAN LEARNING LAB provides access to digital resources across the Smithsonian’s 19 museums, 9 research centers, and the National Zoo.

The project contains three major sections: discover, create, and share.

The Discover area provides easy access to the collections. Users can do a general search. Or, the search can be refined to include specific types of resources, exhibits, or resource providers. Details about each item can be viewed. In addition to the standard search, users can also select from surprises, what’s trending, and recent discoveries.

The Create section allows students and educators to build and customize their own collections including annotating and tagging objects. Teachers can create lessons and assignments to go with their collections. Resources including files and websites can be added.

The Share component allows users to share their collections, assignments, and projects with the global community. Teachers can assign particular collections or assignments using password access.

To use the system, teachers and students will need a login. This provides access to a Dashboard of options.

Librarians will find that this website provides an excellent entry point for building classroom collections, resources and activities with teachers across the curriculum.

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

Book Review: Forest of Wonder

FOREST OF WONDER by Linda Sue Park is the first book in the charming new Wing & Claw fantasy adventure series for middle grades.

Rafa is a young apothecary apprentice who accidentally creates a potion that transforms animals. His discovery sets him on a dangerous journey that involves a magical forest, a forbidding city, and secret experiments that threaten his animal and human friends alike. This first book establishes the key characters and the intertwining themes of botany, magic, family, friendship, and nature.

Fans of Linda Sue Park will once again be delighted by her elegant prose, rich characters, and enchanting world. Librarians will find the environmental themes and fairytale feel to be popular among middle grade readers. Fans of animal stories will enjoy the bat, owl, raccoons, bear, and growing menagerie of creature characters. Plan to make space on the shelves for this enchanting new series.

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

Published by HarperCollins on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Scholastic News - Election 2016

SCHOLASTIC NEWS: ELECTION 2016 provides timely, youth-friendly information and resources about the US presidential election.

The Home page provides links to the project’s key elements.

The Latest News page includes short articles about current events related to the presidential campaign, an interactive timeline of events, and a map showing state elections.

The Kid Reports area features youth reports including questions and answers, behind-the-scenes, and other topics of interest.

The Election Central section provides useful vocabulary associated with the election, a fun infographic showing the election process, and a Meet the Candidates page featuring the candidates.

Librarians will find this to be an age-appropriate way to introduce children to the key concepts associated with the presidential election. The user-friendly format will draw student interest. Use the short articles for informational reading activities.

Use the timeline, map, and infographics to discuss different ways that information can be presented. Invite youth to create their own visuals to share their understandings.

To visit the website, go to http://election.scholastic.com/.

Book Review: Unbecoming

UNBECOMING by Jenny Downham is a compelling work of realistic fiction focusing on family secrets and

three generations of women.

When Katie’s estranged grandmother suddenly moves into her home, the whole family must adjust to not only grandma’s dementia but also to long hidden family secrets. Multiple crises converge as Katie adjusts to a realization about her own sexuality, tries to understand her mother’s bizarre behavior, and wrestles with her younger brother’s special needs.

Downham’s beautifully written prose provides fascinating insights into the lives of a grandmother, mother, and teenaged daughter. This poignant, moving story will resonate with many teens.

Librarians will want to add this book to their growing collection of young adult novels focusing on multi-generational issues. Young adults are likely to enjoy the authentic look at aging, relationships, and family secrets.

Published by David Fickling Books, an imprint of Scholastic on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Data USA

DATA USA provides easy-to-access visualizations of critical issues facing the United States.

Describing itself as “the most comprehensive visualization of U.S. public data”, the website is a collaboration between corporations and MIT. The easy-to-use website puts public US Government data in the hands of citizens.

In the Profiles section, users can conduct a general search or narrow their focus by location, industry, occupation, or education. Within each of these four profile areas, users can focus in on specific aspects by scrolling down the page and viewing an engaging infographic.

The Stories section provides fascinating insights into the data in particular areas such as men and industry or obesity and diabetes. These short articles are written by experts and demonstrate the importance of data across disciplines.

The Map area allows users to zoom in on particular areas of the United States to explore the data.

The Data component details the data sources used in building the website.

Use the Glossary page in the About section to introduce youth to key terms related to data analysis.

Librarians will find this tool to be an excellent way to address data literacy topics. Youth can use the website to access information, conduct their own analysis, and create their own stories about America’s people, places, industries, and educational institutions. From basic comparisons of two places to complex analysis of issues such as rural vs urban locations, the website is a great way for youth to explore data and visualizations.

In addition to containing useful information, students will find the website to be visually stunning.

To visit the website, go to http://datausa.io/.

Book Review: Lucky

LUCKY by Chris Hill is an animal adventure that tells the story of feuding squirrel clans.

Lucky is a small, red squirrel who has been adopted by a band of gray squirrels. He quickly learns that he must develop some new skills in order to fit in and to survive in Albion Park. Along the way, he meets a cast of interesting characters including dogs, a fox, and a rival group of gray squirrels.

The author’s note provides information about the history of gray and red squirrels in the UK.

Librarians will find that this book appeals to middle grade animals lovers. Fans of the Warriors series and classics like Watership Down, The Wind in the Willows, and Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMN will immediately be drawn to the characters. It’s also a good choice for readers who enjoyed the Elliot’s Park books and are ready for something a little longer.

Published by Chicken House, an imprint of Scholastic on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Longbow Girl

LONGBOW GIRL by Linda Davies is the first book in an exciting time-travel adventure trilogy.

Merry lives in the mountains of Wales where she’s the latest in a long line of archers. When she stumbles upon an old book in the woods and discovers an underground river into the past, Merry must use her archery skills to save her ancestral land.

With lots of action, intrigue, and hint of romance, librarians will easily find an audience for this engaging mystery fantasy. Many young adults will be attracted to the Welsh setting, strong female lead, and autocratic kingdom of King Henry VIII. Of particular note is the effective way the author weaves the protagonist’s loss of sight in one eye into the storyline without making it the focus of the novel.

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

Published by The Chicken House, an imprint of Scholastic. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Tooth by Tooth

TOOTH BY TOOTH: COMPARING FANGS, TUSKS, AND CHOMPERS by Sara Levine is a fun follow-up to the popular Bone by Bone.

This informational picture book designed for the primary grades introduces readers to the teeth of mammals. Taking a question-and-answer approach, children are asked to look at their own teeth, then think about the teeth of other creatures including dogs, cats, and bears.

T.S. Spookytooth’s illustrations add to the fun, but they also contribute to the high-quality learning experience.

Information about animal adaptations adds depth to the text. The book includes additional facts, a glossary, bibliography, and online resources.

Librarians will find the humorous approach will appeal to young readers who enjoy informational reading. Use this book as the focus of a dental health display that includes nonfiction works along with models of teeth.

Published by Lerner Publishing Group on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Chrome Music Lab

CHROME MUSIC LAB is an addictive, interactive music website from Google.

The intuitive web project provides a dozen easy-to-use music tools. Each experience helps users explore some aspect of how music works. Users can create, analyze, and visualize music using their web browser. Topics include rhythm, spectrogram, chords, sound waves, arpeggios, Kandinsky, melody maker, voice spinner, harmonics, piano roll, oscillators, and strings.

Librarians will find this app to work well in a music maker station along with traditional hands-on music activities. While even young children can explore music using this website, older students will be interested in how the freely available code can be repurposed for other programs.

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

Book Review: A Big Surprise for Little Card

A BIG SURPRISE FOR LITTLE CARD by Charise Mericle Harper tells the sweet story of a young card who is destined to become a library card.

When Little Card opens the wrong letter, he thinks he’ll going to be trained as a birthday card. However he soon realizes that his destiny lies with a librarian named Miss Penny and a young library user called Alex.

The easy-to-read font and whimsical illustrations will appeal to young readers.

Librarians will find this picture book to be a nice addition to their collection focusing on library topics. Use it to introduce young readers to the library.

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

Published by Candlewick Press on February 9, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

App Review: How Many Saturdays?

HOW MANY SATURDAYS? is an amazing data app from Exploratorium that helps young people explore units of time.

Users enter their birthdate and the app shows how much time they’ve lived in hours, minutes, and seconds. It also provides fascinating data based on the time an individual has been alive such as the number of Friday the 13ths, lightning strikes, presidential elections, and hours watching television. For each item, the app provides an image, animation, video, or audio to accompany the data.

Librarians will find this data app to be a fun way to gather information for autobiographical infographics. Ask youth to think about how they would display different types of data.

To download the app, go tohttp://www.exploratorium.edu/explore/apps/how-many-saturdays.

Published by Exploratorium.

Book Review: The Great Pet Escape

THE GREAT PET ESCAPE by Victoria Jamieson is a hilarious graphic fantasy about what class pets do at night.

When hamster, inventor, and class pet GW (George Washington) escapes from his cage in the second grade classroom, he sets off to free his friends. However he soon finds out that many of his peers like being class pets. Along the way, GW and his friends discover an evil plot by the Harriet, the fourth-grade mouse and must save their school.

Designed for beginning chapter book readers, the simple, colorful panels and engaging storyline will appeal to the target audience.

Although some of the humor may be “over the heads” of younger readers, they’ll “get” the general sarcastic tone. Librarians will find children asking for a sequel. Until then, connect this book with the many other beginning graphic chapter books published the past couple years. Readers of this title are likely to enjoy the Toon Books early chapter books too.

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

Published by Henry Holt on February 16, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

App Review: Messy Mia & the Tale of Ancient Technology

MESSY MIA & THE TALE OF ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY is an interactive story and learning app focusing on old and new technology.

Designed for preschool and primary aged children, the 20 page storybook explores how technology such as televisions, phones, and music players have changed over time. The large text, engaging storyline, and attractive illustrations will keep young children interested. The app provides “Read it Myself” and “Read to Me” options. Readers are encouraged to interact with the screen using predictable icons. In addition, a “What’s That Picture?” quiz and three, short games will appeal to users and keep them involved in the story content.

Librarians will find this app an effective way to address digital literacy standards related to changes in technology.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/messy-mia-tales-sto…/id928647708…. The basic app is free, but additional resources can be purchased.

Published Avatar Generation.

Book Review: Big Friends

BIG FRIENDS by Linda Sarah is an adorable picture book that tells the story of cardboard boxes, imagination, and friendship.

Birt and Etho share a passion for turning ordinary paper boxes into imaginary worlds featuring pirates and astronauts. However when Shu joins the group, Birt becomes uncomfortable and retreats to his house. Shu and Etho find a way to bring Birt back into the fold by combining their boxes together.

The simple illustrations and pleasing rhythm of the story will appeal to young children. Youth will easily empathize with the friendship themes.

Librarians will find that this authentic story is an excellent resource to jumpstart discussions about friendship, jealousy, change, and working together. Use the book as the centerpiece of a cardboard box themed project with hands-on activities involving groups of two and three working together.

Published by Henry Holt on January 19, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

App Review: Who is the Ugliest of All?

WHO IS THE UGLIEST OF ALL? is an engaging, interactive e-book app by Joshua and Donna Wilson.

This clever story follows a girl as she prepares to go out for the evening. Her fashion choices seem strange until readers discover she’s getting ready for a Halloween party. This short, interactive picture book incorporates interesting interactions, appealing illustrations, and entrancing rhymes.

Readers move forward or backward through the story by touching the right or left side of the screen. Users can explore each story page by touching various areas of the screen. Touching the words will read the page aloud.

Librarians will find this storybook app to be an exciting addition to the growing number of holiday-themed interactive books.

To purchase the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/who-is-the-ugliest-…/id930248798….

Published by The Happy Dandelion. Advanced copy courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Titans

TITANS by Victoria Scott is a captivating near-future, science fiction, young adult novel involving high-stakes, mechanical horse racing.

Astrid Sullivan lives in a working-class neighbor near the race track where jockeys practice with their robotic horses known as Titans. Designed by and for the wealthy elite, these life-like horses have ruined the lives of many poor people who gamble on the outcome of their popular races. However math-whiz Astrid jumps at the chance to recondition an old Titan and enter it in a race that could change her life.

The heart-pounding race descriptions along with the moving stories of friendship and family will keep teen readers engaged from beginning to end. Fans of romance may be disappointed, but others will enjoy the lack of a love interest and focus on friendship instead.

Librarians will find that this book appeals to both horse and fantasy lovers. Fans of The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater will enjoy this title too.

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

Published by Scholastic Press on February 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Flu Near You

FLU NEAR YOU is an informative and educational website focusing on community health in North America.

Users can identify where flu is more prevalent and also report instances of the flu.

Using data from the CDC, the Flu Map shows flu in your local area. The map can be expanded to show all of North America. Icons show areas exhibiting flu-like symptoms, any symptoms, and no symptoms.

The About section provides information about how the data is collected and who is sharing the data.

The News section features short articles about flu, prevention, and related health issues.

Librarians will find that this focused, easy-to-use website useful in teaching data literacy. The attractive format will appeal to students and the quality content will draw in teacher users.

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