Synergy: Exploring Space Science

SPACE SCIENCE includes a broad range of disciplines from astronomy and astronautics to geology and life science. Space exploration is the study of everything from the upper atmosphere through the expanding universe.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for children:

SPACE ON EARTH: HOW THINKING LIKE AN ASTRONAUT CAN HELP SAVE THE PLANET written by Dave Williams and Linda Pruessen shares innovations designed for the International Space Station that have inspired sustainable solutions on Earth. Each of the five chapters focuses on a different type of inspiration including water, air, food, waste, and energy. The book’s conversational approach and use of compelling examples are likely to attract science readers. Illustrations by Sho Uehara bring the technological innovations to life through drawings, diagrams, and photographs. ARC courtesy of Annick Press.

BIG BANGS AND BLACK HOLES written by Jérémie Francfort and illustrated by HERJI is a work of graphic nonfiction exploring the science and history of physics. This science adventure for young adults uses easy to understand text and informative visuals to share complex ideas about our universe. ARC courtesy of Helvetiq. 

CURIOSITY: THE STORY OF A MARS ROVER by Markus Motum is a picture book introducing young readers to the famous NASA mission. Retro illustrations combined with a fast-paced, science-rich narrative will attract young readers. Back matter includes additional information, a timeline, and a glossary. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Exploring the Polar Regions

The POLAR REGIONS around the geographical poles in the North and the South. Dominated by ice and icy waters, these areas receive less intense solar radiation than other parts of the Earth.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for children:

POLAR: WILDLIFE AT THE ENDS OF THE EARTH written by L.E. Carmichael and illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler explores life in the polar regions. Told through the passing of each month in a year, this engaging nonfiction picture book examines how life survives in these harsh areas of the world. Each theme includes the stories of creatures in both the Arctic and Antarctica. Back matter includes a glossary and resources. ARC courtesy of Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

MISSION: ARCTIC written by Katharina Weiss-Tuider and illustrated by Christian Schneider is a scientific adventure examining the changing North Pole. Using a scrapbook approach, middler readers learn about an Arctic expedition, climate research, and the future of climate change. Photographs, infographics, and an array of other visually-rich illustrations are the key to this book’s success. ARC courtesy of Greystone Kids. 

POLAR BEAR written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann tells the story of a polar bear family emerging from hibernation. This beautifully illustrated picture book shares the daily life, habitat, and challenges of life in the Arctic. ARC courtesy of Neal Porter Books.

GLACIERS ARE ALIVE written by Debbie S. Miller and illustrated by Jon Van Zyle uses stunning two-page spreads to explore life on a glacier. Picture book readers follow a glacier as it flows from the mountain to the ocean. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge Publishing.

Synergy: Celebrating Mail

MAIL are items sent, carried, or delivered by a postal system. Many types of transportation may be used in transporting bags and boxes of letters, packages and other items. Maps and postal routes increase the efficiency of mail.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for children:

WHO’S GOT MAIL? by Linda Barrett Osborne explores the history of the postal service in the United States. Short chapters, interesting side-bars, engaging primary source visuals and the nonfiction narrative format bring this history of the U.S. Postal Service to life. Of particularly note is the emphasis on diversity and less-known facts. Back matter extends the experience. ARC courtesy of Abrams. 

SPECIAL DELIVERY by Polly Faber is a picture book tracing a book’s journey around the world from printing and shipping to sales. Children will be attracted to the bright colors and use of flowchart type infographics. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

FROM HERE TO THERE: A FIRST BOOK OF MAPS by Vivian French examines the world of maps and mapmaking. When her play date invitation includes a map, Anna decides to learn more about maps and how they are made. Readers are encouraged to make their own map. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Synergy: Celebrating Trees

TREES are a woody perennial plant consisting of a single tall stem or trunk and bearing lateral branches. A root system anchors the tree and stores nutrients. These long living plants often serve as keystone species supporting a variety of other life.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for children:

COOL GREEN written and illustrated by Lulu Delacre is a picture book exploring thirteen of the world’s most amazing trees. Told through the eyes of a landscaper and his grand daughter, the narrative celebrates the world of trees. Of particular note is the use of mixed media including natural elements such as tree needles woven into the illustrations. The book concludes with an author’s note, glossary, and additional information about the highlighted trees. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

TREES: HAIKU FROM ROOTS TO LEAVES by Sally M. Walker and illustrated by Angela Mckay combines science, history, and haiku to tell the story of trees. This richly illustrated picture book concludes with background information, an author’s note, a glossary, and suggested readings. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

THE TREE AND THE RIVER written and illustrated by Aaron Becker is a magnificent, wordless picture book visualizing ecology and civilization through the lens of nature and humankind. Although set in an alternative world, the relationships in this imagined universe are thought-provoking for readers of all ages. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

THE BIG TREE by Laura Knetzger is a comic for beginning readers. While mourning the loss of a tree, friends learn about new beginnings in nature. ARC courtesy of Holliday House, Pixel Ink, and Peachtree.

BIG TREE written and illustrated by Brian Selznick tells the epic story of two Sycamore seeds. While demonstrating the power of life across time and space, this imaginative adventure is at its literal roots a story of hope. ARC courtesy of Scholastic Press.

Lesser-known Stories from the World War II Era

Timely Take-aways for Life-long Learners:
Lesser-known Stories from the World War II Era

Several new books explore the lesser-known stories of prisoners, survivors, resistance fighters, scientists, and other amazing individuals of the World War II era.

The Island of Extraordinary Captives
Simon Parkin, 2022, Scribner, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Themes: History, Modern, Holocaust, 20th Century
At the beginning of WWII, a British internment camp was established to detain asylum seekers the government feared might be spies. Prisoners included intellectuals, artists, musicians, and others considered possible enemy aliens.
Take-aways: Teachers will find this lesser-known true story to be an interesting example to be taught alongside a discussion of the Japanese Internment in the United States.

The Last Survivor
Frank Krake, 2022, Lyons Press Themes: History, World War II, Biography, 20th Century
This translated edition tells the story of Wim Aloserij who survived three concentration camps and a maritime disaster.
Take-aways: Individual stories bring history alive for students. Use Aloserij’s experiences to help young people understand the ongoing challenges of life during wartime. Ask them to learn about a less-known individual’s experiences in war.

The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line
Mari Eder, 2021, Sourcebooks Themes: History, World War II, Women, 20th Century
Meet fifteen women who challenged traditional expectations to become pilots, scientists and ultimately heroes and role models.
Take-aways: Use this stories to inspire young women and demonstrate the challenges faced by women during this time period.

Lethal Tides
Catherine Musemeche, 2022, William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Themes: History, Biography, Women
Explore the life and achievements of Mary Sears, the first oceanographer of the Navy. Her efforts in gathering and analyzing ocean data averted disasters in the WWII Pacific theater.
Take-aways: The essential role of women scientists during wartime is often overlooked. Use this engaging biography to show the importance of this woman’s scientific contributions.

Resistance
Halik Kochanski, 2022, Liveright, an imprint of W.W. Norton Themes: History, War & Conflict, World War II
This comprehensive examination of resistance movements during World War II shares little-known stories from the many occupied nations.
Take-aways: Use this book to share examples of the impact of resistance movements in their many forms during World War II.

The Diary Keepers
Nina Siegal, 2023, Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins Themes: History, War & Conflict, World War II, Holocaust
Based on more than two thousand Dutch diaries, Siegal shares the untold story of ordinary citizens during World War II revealing struggles often overlooked.
Take-aways: Use the new perspectives and first-person accounts to help students better understand the complexities of World War II and the Holocaust in the Netherlands.

In the Garden of the Righteous
Richard Hurowitz, 2022, Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Themes: History, World War II, Holocaust
Exploring the stories of ten courageous individuals who risked their lives to save others, this engaging work celebrates lesser-known heroes. In addition, the book stresses the importance of altruistic behavior in today’s society as well.
Take-aways: Teachers can use the book’s examples to discuss parallels to moral responsibilities today.

Jews in the Garden
Judy Rakowsky, 2023, Sourcebooks Themes: History, World War II, Holocaust
This real-life detective story follows two cousins seeking to uncover the truth behind the loss of family members during the Holocaust. This work of investigative journalism reveals the previously untold role of the Polish government in a Holocaust coverup.
Take-aways: Teachers will find this fast-paced nonfiction narrative to be an engaging way to learn how World War II history is still being uncovered today.

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: Adventures in the US

The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is a country containing fifty states, a federal district, five territories, nine outlying islands, and 326 Indian reservations.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to the topic. Explore these recently published nonfiction picture books for children:

The “Only in” the 50 States series written by Heather Alexander and illustrated by Jen Taylor features weird and wonderful facts about each state. Each two-page spread highlights a place, historical topic, natural area, or other interesting feature. From amazing natural landscapes to fascinating cities and rural areas, this engaging series celebrates the unique aspects of each state.

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA is the first book in this new nonfiction series. Through interesting illustrations, fascinating facts, and intriguing infographics, readers learn about the sports, food, plants, animals, history, and key people of the Golden State.

ONLY IN TEXAS highlights the interesting features of the Lone Star State. This second book in the 50 States series explores the culture, history, and nature of the second-largest US state. Topics include cultural landmarks and traditions, natural landscapes, products, and history through facts, illustrations, and infographics.

Related books include ONLY IN AMERICA and 50 ADVENTURES IN THE 50 STATES.

ARC courtesy of Wide Eyed Editions, part of a Quarto Group.