Synergy: World War II Spies

Espionage involves obtaining secret information. Spies help agencies uncover this confidential information. During World War II, strategists conducted a wide range of top-secret operations to help in the war effort.

Read the recently published middle grade book on this topic, then learn more at the website:

SPIES, LIES, AND DISGUISE by Jennifer Swanson tells the true stories of daring tricks and deeds that won World War II. From code-talkers to secret missions, each chapter tells the story of a different event or action. The work of middle grade nonfiction balances primary source documents such as historical photographs with black and white drawings. Covert clues, side bars, and other boxes provide detailed information and engage readers. The book concludes with notes, a bibliography, and further information.

The UK’s National Archives Secrets & Spies website contains information about codes and ciphers, spies, and activities for young code breakers. In addition to information about World War II, the website also explores the broader history of espionage through time.

Visit the Secrets & Spies at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/spies/.

ARC courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Synergy: José de la Luz Sáenz

José de la Luz Sáenz (1888-1953) was a teacher, civil rights activist, and co-founder of the League of United Latin American Citizens. The published diary of his World War I observations and experiences as a Mexican-American solider has become well-known.

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SOLDIER FOR EQUALITY by Duncan Tonatiuh is the winner of the Pura Belpré Award and the Robert F. Silbert medal. Featuring Tonatiuh’s unique illustrations, this biographical picture book explores the life and accomplishments of José de la Luz Sáenz. This Mexican-American activist overcame prejudice to become a World War I hero and advocate for equality. The book concludes with an author’s note, timeline, bibliography, glossary, and index.

The José de la Luz Sáenz page at the Texas State Historical Association provides an in-depth examination of this author and activist.

Visit the Texas State Historical Association <https://bit.ly/37VD1gk>

ARC Courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Endangered Insects

When people think of endangered species, insects are often overlooked. From bees and butterflies to beetles, many species of insects are becoming endangered or extinct. The disappearance of species can have a serious impact on ecosystems.

Read the recently published middle grade book on this topic, then learn more at the website:

BUGS IN DANGER by Mark Kurlansky is a work of nonfiction that examines vanishing bees, butterflies, and beetles. This fascinating middle grade book focuses on the decline of species in recent years. The book concludes with a bibliography and index.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service lists dozens of insect species that are endangered. Readers can read about specific beetles, butterflies, damselflies, dragonflies, flies, moths, skippers, stoneflies, and bees.

Visit the Environmental Conservation Online System at https://bit.ly/3c7UWnm.

ARC courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.

Synergy: Little Women

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) is a novel originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869. In this semi-autobiographical novel, readers follow the four March sisters from childhood to womanhood. Alcott’s books were a critical success and continue to be popular with young readers today. The recently released movie has brought a renewed interest in the story.

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LITTLE WOMEN: THE OFFICIAL MOVIE COMPANION by Gina McIntyre explores the author, the movie, and the legacy of Little Women. The book includes perspectives from the movie’s director and discussions about how young women today can relate to the characters.

Go to LITTLE WOMEN MOVIE <https://www.littlewomen.movie/>

ARC Courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Drawing Aliens

People have been imagining what aliens might look like for generations. Are they little green men or otherworldly figures? No one knows, but children love to speculate.

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RALPH MASIELLO’S ALIEN DRAWING BOOK is part of Masiello’s popular drawing series that provides easy-to-following instructions for drawing. Whether sketching robots and flying saucers or the Multimouthed Martian, kids will have hours of fun with this engaging how-to picture book. The book concludes with suggested readings and websites.

Use NASA’S SPACE PLACE to bridge the gap between fantasy and reality. The website contains dozens of hands-on activities to explore space science topics.

NASA’s SpacePlace <https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/>

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.