Monday, February 22, 2021

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.

Monday, February 15, 2021

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

Monday, February 08, 2021

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.

Monday, February 01, 2021

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.