Synergy: Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Anita Chisholm (1924-2005) was the first African-American United States Congresswoman. Elected in 1968 to serve an area of Brooklyn, New York, she was an outspoken advocate for race and gender issues. She ran for President in 1972 citing the need for Democratic candidates that represented the needs of minority and inner-city poor voters.

Read the recently published nonfiction biography for youth then learn more at the website.

SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT! by Tonya Bolden shares the life story of Shirley Chisholm. Through nineteen short chapters, the author is effective in telling the extraordinary life of this ground breaking politician and activist. Along with a forward written by Stacey Abrams and a full-color photo collage, the narrative features engaging short stories that weave key quotes with key historical figures and events.

SHIRLEY ANITA CHISHOLM is represented in the History, Art and Archives section of the United States House of Representatives website. The page included a comprehensive article about her political life.

To visit the page, go to https://bit.ly/3AgzHMJ.

ARC courtesy of National Geographic.

Synergy: City

A city is a large, densely populated human settlement. These places generally have a central authority that facilitates operations such as sanitation and transportation. Some cities are part of a larger, continuous urban landscape called a metropolis. In some cases, large cities are divided into neighborhoods or boroughs. For instance, Manhattan is the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the website.

FOUR STREETS AND A SQUARE: A History of Manhattan and the New York Idea by Marc Aronson is a work of nonfiction for middle grades and young adults. Using photos, drawings, and other primary source materials, along with an engaging narrative, Aronson provides a fascinating examination of the evolution of four streets and a square within Manhattan. Of particular note are the many ways the author addresses common legends and challenges traditional thinking about the long history of the city. He takes care in providing multiple viewpoints and lesser known examples. Throughout the book, he includes snapshots that provide a timeline of key events.

RESOURCES from Marc Aronson provides useful online materials to immerse readers in each chapter. From maps and video clips to photo collections and entire websites, this useful supplement will bring the book alive for readers.

To explore the links, go to https://bit.ly/3Ku4Ssz.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning

From Ferdinand Magellan and Sir Francis Drake to lesser-known scientific explorers and even an unknown mariner, a batch of new nonfiction works share previously overlooked stories set during the age of discovery. These titles expand our thinking about the people and missions that jumpstarted maritime travel and commerce.

In Search of a Kingdom: Francis Drake, Elizabeth I, and the Perilous Birth of the British Empire

Laurence Bergreen, Mar 2021, Custom House, an imprint of Harper Collins

Themes: World history, Maritime history, British empire, Age of Discovery

IN SEARCH OF A KINGDOM is an engaging nonfiction narrative exploring Francis Drake, his major voyages of exploration, and his relationship with Elizabeth I.

Take-aways: Educators will find the relationships among the key players along with the specifics of Drake’s expeditions to be helpful in understanding the bigger picture of piracy, enslaved people, diplomacy, and the quest for fame and riches during this period.

Conquering the Pacific: An Unknown Mariner and the Final Great Voyage of the Age of Discovery

Andrés Reséndez, Sep 2021, Mariner Books, an imprint of Harper Collins

Themes: World history, Spanish history, Maritime history, Age of Discovery

CONQUERING THE PACIFIC shares an amazing account of a mid-16th century Spanish expedition that crossed the Pacific Ocean and returned. Launched from a secret port in Mexico, the crew included a Black mariner who captained the small, lead ship.

Take-aways: Of particular interest are the many examples of navigational techniques necessary to successfully cross this challenging ocean.  In addition, the book details encounters with the Pacific Islanders and an assortment of near-disasters.

Latitude: The True Story of the World’s First Scientific Expedition

Nicholas Crane, Oct 2021, Pegasus Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster

Themes: World history, Maritime history, Expeditions, Age of Discovery

LATITUDE is a fast-paced nonfiction narrative tracing the adventures of a dozen eighteenth-century European scientists who made important discoveries about global navigation and other amazing achievements.

Take-aways: STEM educators will find this true story of scientific discovery to be an engaging way to teach youth about perseverance and the quest for knowledge.

Straits: Beyond the Myth of Magellan

Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, Mar 2022, University of California Press

Themes: World history, Maritime history, Expeditions, Age of Discovery

STRAITS revisits the life of Ferdinand Magellan separating the fact from fiction through surviving primary sources while providing useful insights and context.

Take-aways: Historically, textbooks have glossed over the life of Magellan and portrayed him as the hero of the age of discovery. This work is effective in providing a more realistic and comprehensive examination of this historical figure.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Hurricane

A hurricane is a strong tropical cyclone that typically forms over large bodies of warm water such as the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. Winds move in a circular pattern around a central, clear eye. These storms can cause high winds, heavy rain, flooding, and even tornados.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the website.

THE DEADLIEST HURRICANES THEN AND NOW by Deborah Hopkinson explores the most catastrophic hurricanes in American history. Using fast-paced narratives, graphics, historical photos, and pull-out boxes, the author examines the science, history, and destructive impact of these weather events. 

THE DEADLIEST is a new series from Scholastic sure to engage young readers. Other titles include The Deadliest Diseases Then and Now and The Deadliest Fires Then and Now.

HURRICANES IN HISTORY from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shares information about notable storms such as the Galveston Hurricane of 1900. Each example includes an overview of the key details of the hurricane along with an interactive map showing its path.

Visit the website at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/history/ 

ARC courtesy of Scholastic.

Synergy: Black Panther Party

The Black Panther Party was a political organization formed in the 1960s. Known for both their community activism and controversial approaches to promoting civil rights, the group promoted self-defense and challenged police brutality. Their Ten-point Program advocated for social justice, but their message was often overlooked by the media in favorite of a focus on member violent conflicts and criminal activities.

Read the recently published, award-winning nonfiction history for youth then learn more at the website.

REVOLUTION IN OUR TIME: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People by Kekla Magoon puts this controversial organization and its members within the larger context of Black American history. Providing an accurate and balanced examination of this influential black movement group, the book is a “must read” for teens grappling with today’s issues of social justice. Primary source documents and images are effectively woven into the engaging narrative. Useful end matter includes information about key people, a time line, glossary, and further readings.

BLACK PAST is a website dedicated to providing reliable and accurate information about African American history to promote constructive change. The website contains sections focusing on African American history and global African history along with main and special features. Resources including 101 African American firsts, genealogy materials, office holders, and STEM innovators. A search for Black Panther Party leads to several useful articles and resources.

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

BLACK PANTHER PARTY COLLECTION website includes video footage from the 1960s and 1970s related to the Black Panther Party’s Oakland Chapter.

To visit the video collection, go to https://bit.ly/3GCocl6.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Fiction: Wakers

WAKERS by Orson Scott Card is the first book in the new Side-Step trilogy set in multiverses. As a clone in an alternative universe, Laz struggles to survive in a barren world with a pack of dogs and a sleeping companion. He must solve the mystery of his existence and figure out how to move among parallel worlds. Fans of Card will enjoy the new universe and novice readers will be quickly drawn into his intriguing world-building. Adults and teens alike will enjoy the fascinating premise, compelling characters, and deep science.

ARC courtesy of Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: Fungi, Herbs, and Human Connections

Fungi, Herbs, and Human Connections

The fascinating world of fungi and herbs is the topic of several new works of nonfiction. From updates in mycology to the traditions of ginseng gathering, these titles explore an often overlooked area of science and agriculture.

The Secret Life of Fungi: Discoveries From a Hidden World
Aliya Whiteley, Sep 2021, Pegasus Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Themes: Science, Life sciences, Nature, Mycology

THE SECRET LIFE OF FUNGI shares the joys of nature, mushrooms, and mycology. Whether detailing medicinal uses of mushrooms or describing microfungus that eat plastic, each short essay begins with a drawing followed by an engaging story filled with humor and relatable anecdotes.

Take-aways: Both teen readers and educators will connect with the author’s passion for her subject. Making the science fun and the facts friendly, science teachers will find many timely examples of fungi in agriculture, medicine, and other allied fields. 

The Hidden Kingdom of Fungi: Exploring the Microscopic World in Our Forests, Homes, and Bodies
Keith Seifert, Apr 2022, Greystone Books
Themes: Science, Life sciences, Nature, Mycology

THE HIDDEN KINGDOM OF FUNGI introduces the fascinating world of mycology. Divided into three sections: the hidden kingdom, the fungal planet, and the mycelial revolution, each chapter explores meaningful examples of our relationship with fungi from the famous potato famine in Ireland to new research in DNA.

Take-aways: As a career scientist, the author is effective in making the science of fungi accessible to non-experts. Educators will find his focus on human connections and building a sustainable future useful. Young adults interested in the mycology will be engaged by the science, the hands-on stories, and the timely examples.

Ginseng Diggers: A History of Root and Herb Gathering in Appalachia
Luke Manget, Feb 2022, The University Press of Kentucky
Themes: Social Science, Agriculture, Food

GINSENG DIGGERS traces the history of Appalachia’s ginseng trade and how the root along with related medicinal plants became a global commodity. Using country store archival records and other primary sources, Manget describes the gathering culture and use of public lands through history with emphasis on the American Civil War era.

Take-aways: Rather that focusing on the science of ginseng plant, the author explores the economic, environmental, and medical impact of this valuable herb. Both science and history teachers will find useful examples that connect this extraordinary plant with the local gathering culture and the global botanical drug trade over time.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb