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.