Website: Global Oneness Project

The GLOBAL ONENESS PROJECT uses stories as a tool sharing world culture.

This standards-based, interdisciplinary project includes stories and lessons that address universal themes such as diversity, hope, empathy, and responsibility. These themes are connected to authentic global issues such as climate change, water scarcity, and sustainability. The website contains a free library of multimedia stories, films, photo essays, and article along with curriculum and discussion guides.

Librarians can use this website as part of a school-wide project. Share the stories and lessons with teachers, then build a plan for creating a “Global Oneness” display in the library sharing student work based on the universal themes.

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

Book Review: Illegal

ILLEGAL by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin is a graphic novel examining a child refugee’s struggle to survive.

Alternating between past and present, this full-color graphic novel follows the quest of a Ghanaian refugee trying to reconnect with his siblings in Europe. As the fast-paced story unfolds, young readers are exposed to the horrific realities of crossing hostile borders and trying to survive in unbearable conditions.

Don’t miss the backmatter that effectively connects the fictional story to the real lives of refugees.

Librarians will find this middle grade book to be an excellent addition to the library’s growing collection of books about refugees. Feature it in a display exploring immigration issues. Work with English and social studies teachers to build an interdisciplinary unit weaving in this timely title.

Published by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky on August 7, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website: Picular

PICULAR is a search tool for colors.

This fascinating search engine connects users with the world of color. Users enter a search term to see colors related to the word such as oceans or frog. Users can click on the color number to copy the number. Or, they can click the image icon for an image connecting the word and image.

Librarians will find this to be a useful website for talking with youth about search tools. Also, connect this tool to the art and computer science curriculum.

Students involved with design or coding activities will find the numbered colors useful in programming, while art students enjoy exploring the connection between words and colors.

To visit the website, go to https://picular.co/.

Website: Tinkercad

TINKERCAD from Autodesk is a free online collection of 3D design and engineering tools created for students.

This easy-to-use app helps students apply 3D design, electronics, and coding skills. Users can begin using the tool immediately. Or, they can explore the gallery for ideas. Learning tools are built into the software. Lessons are available to teach 3D design, electronics, and coding skills.

Librarians will find these tools provide a fun way to introduce design and engineering concepts. The tools provide an easy introduction to 3D design.

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

Website: Global Math Project

The GLOBAL MATH PROJECT is a community of mathematics teachers sharing their joy of math.

In addition to celebrating Global Math Week each year, the website contains six learning experiences including teaching guides and handouts. Links are also provided to dozens of “exploring dots” learning resources.

Librarians will find this website to be a great place to connect math teachers with learning resources. It’s also an opportunity to participate in the Global Math Week activities.

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

Book Review: Food Fight!

FOOD FIGHT! by Tanya Steel tells the story of who ate what and why through the ages.

This highly illustrated work of nonfiction begins with an introduction and food safety tips. The book traces the history of food from prehistoric times to an imagined future on Mars. A food timeline, recipes index, and subject index conclude the book.

This engaging book includes short narratives, photographs and other images, infographics, mini-timelines, sidebars, lists, embedded quizzes, and recipes for each time period.

Librarians will find this attractive book popular with youth who enjoy browsing highly illustrated works of nonfiction. Seek readers among students writing food history reports or those who enjoy learning about food and recipes. Of particular note are the 30 recipes. Teachers will find lots of ideas for bringing history alive for their classes.

Published by National Geographic Kids on September 11, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website: Kapwing

KAPWING is an easy-to-use, online image and video production tool.

Users have access to dozens of online tools and editors to create simple graphics and videos. For instance, the meme maker allows users to create a simple online image with text overlay. Editors include a video montage maker, video collage, video filters, and video converter. Tools allows users to resize, loop, trim, and rotate videos. Users can apply templates or build projects from scratch. A blog provides useful news and information. Resources are provided for educators. Tutorials are also available.

Librarians will find this tool useful for working with students of all ages. Keep in mind that a Google or Facebook account is needed for the free account. A small watermark is placed on materials created with the free account.

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

Digital Spotlight: Web Cultures Web Archive

The WEB CULTURES WEB ARCHIVE from the Library of Congress documents online culture.

Contents: Part of the American Folklife Center, this web archive documents the way cultures have developed and changed online. The digital resources include dozens of archived websites. In most cases, the items are stored in the webarchive format. A search tool and tips are provided along with featured items.

Classroom Connections: Librarians will find this website to be an interesting way for students to explore the impact of online culture. Involve youth in evaluating and debating the inclusion of various websites in the collection.

Featured Digital Objects:
Internet Meme Database: https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0009692
Urban Dictionary: https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0004130
Emojipedia: https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0010500

To visit the collection, go to https://www.loc.gov/…/web-cultures-w…/about-this-collection/.

Book Review: The Assassination of Brangwain Spurge

THE ASSASSINATION OF BRANGWAIN SPURGE by M. T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin explores the endless battle between elf and goblin kingdoms.

Told through a combination of illustrated sequences, letters, and short narratives, this unusual fantasy novel follows an elfin historian on his quest to survive in goblin territory. Packed with non-stop action, bizarre situations, and cultural misunderstandings, this novel is a unique combination of political satire and fantasy adventure.

Librarians will find readers among young adult readers who enjoy dark fantasy and social commentary. The quirky characters and witty humor will strike a cord with teens who may not understand all the underlying themes, but who will enjoy the outlandish situations. Recommend it for youth who enjoy a balance of witty, thought-provoking themes and goofy fantasy.

Published by Candlewick Press on September 25, 2018. ACR courtesy of the publisher.

Website: OASIS

OASIS is the Openly Available Sources Integrated Search (OASIS) tool that provides easy access to open content teaching and learning materials.

OASIS provides an easy-to-use interface for accessing open content from 72 different sources. Resources can be accessed by subject or using the advanced search tool. Educational materials include learning modules, courses, books, learning objects, audiobooks, videos, and more. In addition, the license for use is clearly marked.

Librarians will find this search tool to be a quick way to access high-quality, open access educational materials. Of particular note are the many resources focusing on information literacy.

To visit the website, go to https://oasis.geneseo.edu.

Website: Timegraphics

TIMEGRAPHICS is a timeline maker for all ages.

Users can easily create public timelines that incorporate text, images, and media. The tool can be integrated into Google Services and exported into other programs and services. Timelines can be downloaded and include a watermark with the free version.

Librarians will find this online tool to be useful across the curriculum. Weave it into storytelling and history projects.

To visit the website, go to https://time.graphics/.

Website: Pencil Code

PENCIL CODE is a free, online programming language editor for kids.

Users can jump right in by clicking the “Let’s Play” button. Or, explore activities in the areas of art, music, or adventure. Users can also explore shared student projects.

Teaching and learning resources are available including manual and a code book. An online guide is also available.

Librarians will find this tool to be a fun way to explore coding skills with students. Weave the editor and online resources into computer, math, art, music, and writing activities.

To visit the website, go to https://pencilcode.net/.

Book Review: Fly with Me

FLY WITH ME by Jane Yolen along with Heidi, Adam, and Jason Stemple is a celebration of birds through pictures, poems, and stories.

Filled with the colorful photographs and illustrations you would expect from National Geographic Kids, this large, attractive book examines all aspects of the world of birds. Sections include the topics of birds, bird history, state birds, bird song, bird viewing, bird migration, endangered birds, bird records, birds in art, birds in story, and citizen science.

Libraries will find bird lovers fascinated by the breadth and depth of this beautifully illustrated work of nonfiction. The book is equally effective when browsed or read cover to cover. Of particular note are the unusually perspectives such as birds in art, music, and stories.

Published by National Geographic Kids in October 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website: World's Largest Lesson

The WORLD’s LARGEST LESSON introduces students to sustainable development goals.

The website contains resources for introducing the seventeen global goals including lessons, videos, comics, and reproducibles. In addition, resources are available that address specific goals such as an activity focusing on making wise food choices. Users can also locate materials by type such as animated films and comics. Finally, social media resources provide lots of ideas showing what other schools are doing.

Librarians will find this website to be an effective way to explore global goals. Feature the seventeen goals in a display along with books connected with each theme. Be sure to put your school on the map and share your stories.

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

Website: Total Darkness

TOTAL DARKNESS from the Science Museum Group is an online science mystery.

This engaging online interactive challenges players to apply critical and creative thinking skills to a science problem. After the electricity goes out, players explore their dark town and apply science skills to help people who are dealing with the power outage. Along the way, players discover theories about what caused the outage and apply creativity, communication, and curiosity skills to solve the mystery.

Librarians will find this interactive to be a fun way to introduce science concepts. Use it as part of a learning center along with books and science experiments.

To visit the website, go to https://totaldarkness.sciencemuseum.org.uk/.

Website: SAAM

The SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN ART MUSEUM (SAAM) website contains educational resources connecting students with American art.

SAAM’s Teacher Guides and Resources website includes teacher guides with corresponding standards and grade levels in the PDF format. Materials are available in the areas of Social Studies, Language Arts, Art and the African American Experience, Arte Latino, and Science and Art. In addition, resources are available through current and past exhibitions. Video content is also available such as artist interviews.

Librarians will find these educational resources useful across the curriculum. Sign up for an e-mail list to keep up-to-date with current resources.

To visit the website, go to https://americanart.si.edu/education/k-12/resources