Synergy: Grand Prix Racing

Grand Prix racing is a motorsport competition that began at the turn of the 20th century in France. Today, it’s known as formula racing.

Read the recently published books, then learn more at the websites:

THE RACERS by Neal Bascomb is a young readers’ adaptation of the adult title FASTER. It tells the true story of how an outcast driver, an American heiress, and a legendary car beat Hitler’s best. The combination of fascinating characters, world history, and racing will appeal to a broad audience. This well-research title incorporates historical photos, maps, and detailed race information. Teens with an interest in racing may prefer to read the adult edition.

To learn more about Rene Dreyfus, go to https://bit.ly/3j0YMCX.

To learn more about Lucy O’Reilly-Schell, go to https://bit.ly/2YtvZNO

To watch a video from the 1938 Grand Prix de Pau, got to https://youtu.be/LgiYUlEcTlE.

To watch a discussion with the author, go to https://youtu.be/5wUXihroUEk.

ARC courtesy of Focus, an imprint of Scholastic.

Synergy: Tulsa Race Massacre

On May 31 and June 1 1921, a mob of armed, white people attacked homes, looted businesses, and burned the African American community of Greenwood Oklahoma. As many as three hundred black people were killed and thousands were left homeless. The police did nothing to protect the community and the incident was suppressed until recently.

Read the recently published picture book for youth, then learn more at the website:

UNSPEAKABLE written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Floyd Cooper retells the true story of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. Using easy to understand text and engaging illustrations, the story takes readers on a journey before, during, and after the tragic event. An author’s note provides additional information and historical photos.

The CENTER FOR RECONCILIATION website provides a virtual tour including text, images, and videos telling the story of the people, place, and massacre. A Curriculum Resource section provides survivor portraits, stories, historical photos, and learning resources.

To learn more, go to https://www.jhfcenter.org/.

To view photos from the Tulsa Historical Society and Museum, go to https://bit.ly/39x68L8

ARC courtesy of Learner Publishing Group.

Synergy: Ely S. Parker

Ely Samuel Parker (1828-1895) was born to a prominent Seneca family. He was a sachem, interpreter, civil engineer, Civil War general, and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. He may be best known for helping to draft the surrender documents at Appomattox Courthouse. At that time, he was both the highest ranking Native American in the Union Army and the Grand Sachem of the Iroquois Confederacy.

Read the recently published biography for youth, then learn more at the websites:

ONE REAL AMERICAN: THE LIFE OF ELY S. PARKER by Joseph Bruchac tells to story of a 19th century Native American who made significant contributions in both tribal and federal government. The author weaves historical photographs and other primary resources into this well-researched narrative. Through short, engaging chapters, readers learn about Parker’s challenges and accomplishments. The back matter includes a useful timeline.

ONE REAL AMERICAN from the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage Historic Site is a video featuring storyteller and author Joseph Bruchac who shares insights into Ely Parker’s life as well as Parker’s relationship with Grant.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/sP7_M1pHWbc.

ELY PARKER: A REAL AMERICAN from the Appomattox Courthouse National Historic Park website provides links to primary sources associated with Parker including sketches, letters, and books.

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/2NLSmfi.

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Aztec Mythology

 

Aztec mythology is a collection of stories rooted in the Aztec civilization of central Mexico. This Mesoamerican culture flourished from the 14th through the early 16th century. The stories include a creation myth and accounts of numerous Aztec deities.

Read the recently published children’s picture book, then learn more at the website:

FEATHERED SERPENT AND THE FIVE SUNS by Duncan Tonatiuh is a Mesoamerican creation myth featuring Quetzalcóatl, the feathered serpent. The book concludes with an author’s note exploring the history of the story along with a glossary and bibliography.

MYTHOPEDIA is an authoritative web-based resource exploring myths around the world. The Aztec Mythology section examines the gods and goddesses, creatures and creation myths of the Aztec civilization. Each article explores the history along with providing examples of artwork and modern references.

To visit the website, go to https://mythopedia.com/aztec-mythology/.

ARC courtesy of Abrams.

Synergy: DNA

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a material found in the cells of all living things. It determines what a living thing looks like and how it functions. Sections of DNA information are called genes.

Read the recently published nonfiction picture book for youth, then learn more at the website:

GROW: SECRETS OF OUR DNA by Nicola Davies is an informational picture book describing how living things grow. It describes DNA as a set of instructions used to create a human body as well as other living beings.

YOURGENOME is a website where students can learn about DNA, genes, genomes, and the implications for our health and society. Designed by the Wellcome Genome Campus, users can explore videos, activities, interactives and a glossary. Sections of the website focus on the cell, methods and technology, targeting disease, society and behavior, and animals and animals.

To visit this online project, go to https://www.yourgenome.org/.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick.