Synergy: Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week is an annual Fall event celebrating the freedom to read. Launched in 1982, it seeks to promote awareness of book challenges and express support for intellectual freedom. The event is intended to draw attention to the harms of censorship.

Read the recently published nonfiction for young people, then learn more at the websites:

YOU CAN’T SAY THAT! compiled and edited by Leonard S. Marcus shares the experiences of thirteen authors for young people who have dealt with censorship. Each writer discusses their thoughts on free expression through interviews by the book’s compiler.

The BANNED BOOKS WEEK website is maintained by the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom and Banned Book Weeks Coordinator in partnership with a coalition of groups supporting intellectual freedom. The website contains news, promotional tools, event information, virtual read-out videos and other useful resources.

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

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Do-It-Yourself

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) involves creating, modifying, or repairing things without the help of professionals. Coined in the early 20th century in the area of home improvement, today’s DIY projects include a wide range of topics that reflect growing interest in self-sufficiency. Makerspaces are an extension of this movement that often includes technology-based projects.

Read the recently published works of graphic nonfiction for youth, then learn more at the website.

The MAKER COMICS series combines the graphic novel genre with the step-by-step instruction of a DIY book. Books include FIX A CAR, BAKE LIKE A PRO, CREATE A COSTUME, DRAW A COMIC, and GROW A GARDEN.

SURVIVE IN THE OUTDOORS by Mike Lawrence is the latest release in the MAKER COMICS series. After a brief a safety reminder, readers follow siblings who are reluctant to leave their electronic devices for an outdoor adventure. From fishing and outdoor cooking to first aid and shelter, their grandfather helps them learn the basics of survival. The book concludes with additional tips.

Other upcoming titles in the series include CONDUCT A SCIENCE EXPERIMENT and LIVE SUSTAINABLY.

INSTRUCTABLES is a website containing endless DIY projects. Major sections of the website include circuits, workshop, crafts, cooking, living, outside, and teachers. The OUTSIDE area explores a wide range of outdoor project and contest ideas. The OUTDOOR SURVIVAL projects focus on activities such as filtering water, using a compass, and building shelter.

To visit Instructables, go to https://www.instructables.com/.

ARC courtesy of First Second, an imprint of Macmillan.