Timely-Takeaways for Lifelong Learners: George Melendez Wright

Timely-Takeaways for Lifelong Learners

Emory, Jerry (2023). George Melendez Wright: The fight for wildlife and wilderness in the national parks. University of Chicago Press.

Celebrating the life and work of George Melendez Wright, this well-researched biography traces Wright’s vision for science-based wildlife management. Wright’s work set the standard for National Park Service policies and American conservation practices today. Because he died early in this career, it’s taken almost a century for him to become know to the general public.

Using primary source documents including field notes, letters, interviews, the author skillfully weaves together Wright’s personal and professional life. A champion of science-based wildlife management and conservation, Wright was trained as a field scientist. Many of Wright’s approaches were ahead of his time. His innovate work changed how natural resources are managed in national parks. Although many of his recommendations weren’t adopted until decades after his death, his wildlife studies conducted in the 1930s are still referenced today. His field studies were used to establish science-based wildlife management practice.

Emory’s conversational approach makes this compelling biography enjoyable to read. Whether exploring Wright’s early family life or his adventures conducting wildlife surveys, Emory builds an engaging narrative that helps readers understand his passion for both family and wildlife conservation and the tragedy of a life and career cut short. 

Timely Take-aways for Life Long Learning: American History

From the Revolutionary War era to the San Francisco Earthquake, several works of adult nonfiction explore topics related to American History.

1789: George Washington and the Founders Create America by Thomas Allen

Overview: Learn how the United States federal government was brought into being through the leadership of George Washington and the Founders.

Take-aways: The logistics of establishing the federal government and implementing the Constitution are often overlooked in history textbooks. 

ARC courtesy of Roman & Littlefield Publishers.

American Visions: The United States, 1800-1860 by Edward L. Ayers

Overview: Explore 19th century voices that defied the status quo and challenged traditional practices.

Take-aways: Use these visionaries to explore the role of dissent and importance of diverse perspectives during the decades following the American Revolution.

ARC courtesy of W.W. Norton & Company.

Flee North by Scott Shane

Overview: Tells the story of abolitionist Thomas Smallwood who bought his freedom, then led hundreds of enslaved people to new lives in the North.

Take-aways: Use this lesser-known abolitionist to help students understand the role of satirical newspaper columns in documenting mass escapes and mocking slaveholders.

ARC courtesy of Celadon Books, an imprint of Macmillan

The Iron Dice of Battle: Albert Sidney Johnston and the Civil War in the West by Timothy B. Smith

Overview: Tracing the life of the highest-ranking American military officer to die in combat during the Civil War, this new biography explores both the man and the soldier.

Take-aways: Since he died early in the war, the impact of Johnston’s death on Confederate leadership is often overlooked. Use this recent scholarship to update course materials.

ARC courtesy of LSU Press.

The Last Outlaws: The Desperate Final Days of the Dalton Gang by Tom Clavin

Overview: Tells the true story of four brothers and their gang who moved from horse thieves to bank and train robbers in the late 19th century.

Take-aways: True crime is always popular with students. Use the story of the Dalton Gang as a reflection of the final years of the Wild West.

ARC courtesy of St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of Macmillan.

The Longest Minute: The Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906 by Matthew J. Davenport

Overview: Drawing on a wide range of primary source documents, learn about one of the most devastating disasters in American history.

Take-aways: Students are fascinated by natural disasters. Use this combination of history and science to build an interdisciplinary approach that shares the devastating impact of the earthquake and fire on the largest city in the American west at the time.

ARC courtesy of St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of Macmillan.

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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

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

Timely Take-aways for life-long Learners: Strong Women Around the World

From a planetary scientist to a pirate’s wife, several new autobiographies and biographies explore the lives of lesser-known women through history. Whether using her position as first lady to support educational projects or solving crimes on the high seas, these nontraditional women left powerful legacies.

A Portrait of the Scientist as a Young Woman: A Memoir
Lindy Elkins-Tanton, May 2022, William Morrow, HarperCollins
Themes: Memoir, Science, Women

Elkins-Tanton overcame a traumatic childhood and ovarian cancer to become the principal investigator on a major space exploration project. Her engaging story shares personal connections with science and how these experiences lead her to find meaning in life.

Take-aways: Teachers will find useful examples that demonstrate how to nurture a passion for science in students, particularly young women.

A Woman of Adventure:
The Life and Times of First Lady Lou Henry Hoover
Annette B. Dunlap, June 2022, Potomac Books and Longleaf Services
Themes: Biography, First Ladies, Women

While supporting her husband’s political career and the needs of her family, Lou Henry Hoover was still able to promote educational opportunities for women. This engaging biography shares the fascinating life and powerful legacy of this less-known first lady.

Take-aways: Students are likely familiar with first ladies such as Eleanor Roosevelt. Use this biography to demonstrate the achievements of first lady Lou Henry Hoover.

Woman, Captain, Rebel:
The Extraordinary True Story of a Daring Icelandic Sea Captain
Margaret Willson, January 2023, Sourcebooks
Themes: Biography, Maritime History, Women

This fast-paced, well-researched biography tells the story of Captain Thurídur Einarsdóttir, a woman who fought for human rights as Iceland’s most famous female sea captain. Whether solving a robbery or challenging social norms, this powerful woman fought for underrepresented Icelanders.

Take-aways: Women’s stories are underrepresented in the world history curriculum. Feature the story of Captain Thurídur Einarsdóttir to demonstrate the ongoing struggles of women in nontraditional roles.

The Pirate’s Wife: The Remarkable True Story of Sarah Kidd
Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, Dec 2022, Hanover Square Press, HarperCollins
Themes: Biography, Maritime History, Women

During the Golden Age of Piracy, socialite turned legendary accomplice Sarah Kidd fought behind the scenes in support of her infamous pirate husband. This work of narrative nonfiction connects this resourceful woman to the larger story of pirate wives.

Take-aways: Traditional pirate stories overlook the role wives played in support of their swashbuckling husbands. Weave this example into the broader context of the Golden Age of Piracy.

In Search of Amrit Kaur: A Lost Princess and Her Vanished World
Livia Manera Sambuy, Mar 2023, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Macmillan
Themes: Biography, World History, Women

Livia Manera Sambuy traces the forgotten story of H. H. Amrit Kaur of Mandi, a woman who left her family for personal freedom and spoke out for women’s rights.

Take-aways: Teachers are always looking for less-known stories and perspectives.

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

Timely Take-Aways for Life-long Learning: History of the American West

Several new histories of the American West shed light on lesser known individuals and new ways of thinking about this fascinating time period and location.

Birthing the West: Mothers and Midwives in the Rockies and Plains
Jennifer J. Hill, March 2022, Bison Books, Longleaf Services   
Themes: American West, History, Women

Childbirth is an overlooked event that dramatically impacted the economic and cultural development of the American West.

Take-aways: From the changing role of midwives and physicians to the transition of births from homes to hospitals, teachers can use this book to help students better understand woman and families in the West.

The Widowed Ones: Beyond the Battle of Little Bighorn
Chris Enss, June 2022, TwoDot                               
Themes: Biography, American West, History, Women

Told through diaries and other primary sources, THE WIDOWED ONES shares the story of seven officers’ wives whose husbands died at the Battle of Little Bighorn providing a unique look at western life.

Take-aways: History is often told from the soldier’s perspective. This text provides useful examples of the impact of military service on families.

Peace and Friendship: An Alternative History of the American West
Stephen Aron, July 2022, Oxford University Press     
Themes: American West, History, Revolutionary Era

This refreshing collection of inspiring stories focuses on instances of peace and good will often overlooked in favor of a focus on conflict and violent ends.

Take-aways: Students sometimes feel like history is just one conflict after another. Use anecdotes from this text to stress historical episodes that ended in cooperation, alliances, and peace. 

Continental Reckoning: The American West in the Age of Expansion
Elliott West, February 2023, University of Nebraska Press                     
Themes: American West, History

This engaging work of nonfiction shares both the physical transformation of the West along with the deep impact on the people who were displaced and those that reshaped the land.

Take-aways: This sweeping narrative highlights key events within the larger national and global contexts. These contexts are essential in helping students understand the significance of this pivotal period and place.

The Summer of 1876: Outlaws, Lawmen, and Legends in the Season that Defined the American West
Chris Wimmer, June 2023, St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of Macmillan   Themes: American West, History

Wimmer uses the 100th anniversary of the nation to explore key figures and events in American frontier mythology. These interrelationships provide fascinating insights into a changing nation.

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

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning

Several new works of nonfiction explore the long history of planet Earth including the relatively recent impact of humans and other animals. Each provides a unique perspective and context for investigation.

A Brief History of Earth

Andrew H. Knoll, Apr 2021, Custom House, an imprint of Harper Collins

Themes: Natural history, Science, Earth science

A BRIEF HISTORY OF EARTH takes readers on a 4.6 billion-year journey through the science of our planet with chapters exploring the chemical, physical, biological, oxygen, animal, green, catastrophic, and human Earth. Of particular note are the excellent illustrations, conversational writing style, and balance of anecdotes with facts.

Take-aways: Educators will find the connections to climate change useful within the larger context of earth history. This book would be a good choice for an AP content-area reading assignment.

A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth

Henry Gee, Nov 2021, St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of Macmillan

Themes: Natural history, Life science, Evolution

A (VERY) SHORT HISTORY OF LIFE ON EARTH provides a quick overview of how life evolved on Earth in a dozen short chapters. The first seven chapters explore early life, to dinosaurs leaving five chapters for mammals, primates and human evolution.

Take-aways: This primer on evolution would be of particular interest to science students and teachers seeking an engaging work of nonfiction for leisure reading.

A Natural History of the Future: What the Laws of Biology Tell Us About the Destiny of the Human Species

Rob Dunn, Nov 2021, Basic Books, an imprint of Hachette Book Group

Themes: Natural history, Nature, Ecology

A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE FUTURE explains how Earth has become a human ecosystem. Focusing on ecology and evolution, the author skillfully explains the history of humans and their impact, climate change, and the need for action.

Take-aways: Educators will find the timely topics useful in curriculum updates.

A History of the World in 100 Animals

Simon Barnes, May 2022, Pegasus Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster

Themes: World history, Animals

A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 100 ANIMALS explores dozens of animals that have had a close relationship with humans across the millennia. From the honeybee to the giant squid, Barnes examines the connection between humans and the other creatures that inhabit the Earth. Each animal is presented through a short, conversational essay.

Take-aways: This interdisciplinary work blends history, culture, art, and life science. Of particular note are the outstanding full-color illustrations, short quotes from literature, and engaging anecdotes that bring the animals to life. Students of all ages enjoy learning about animals. Educators will find fascinating examples to engage students across the curriculum. Use an animal essay as a springboard to inquiry or writing.

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

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

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: Medieval Life

New Takes on Medieval Life

New works of nonfiction bust myths about the people and progress of the Middle Ages by providing new perspectives on this often misunderstood time period.

The Middle Ages: A Graphic History
Eleanor Janega, Sep 2021, Icon Books
Themes: graphic history, European history, Middle Ages, Medieval

THE MIDDLE AGES is a highly illustrated history of Medieval times. Combining engaging visuals with a conversational approach, this graphic history provides a useful overview with many specific examples and lots of fun along the way.

Take-aways: Rather than a dark period in history, Janega stresses that Medieval times featured art, culture, and intellectual development. Contains lots of ideas for reluctant learners and useful examples. 

Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages
Dan Jones, Nov 2021, Viking/8 Titles
Themes: Europe history, Middle Ages, Medieval

POWERS AND THRONES explores a thousand years of medieval history. Divided into four parts: imperium, dominion, rebirth, and revolution, each section explores key individuals, transformational events, and enduring themes

Take-aways: Of particular note is Jones’ global approach to this time period while maintaining a mostly western lens. Young adults will enjoy the author’s conversational approach and themes of interest to contemporary readers.

The Bright Ages: A New History of Medieval Europe
Matthew Gabriele & David M. Perry, Nov 2021, Harper Collins
Themes: European history, Middle Ages, Medieval

THE BRIGHT AGES casts a new light on well-known people and events of the European Middle Ages. The book begins with the story of a Roman woman artisan and concludes with a debate about the prospects of the New World.

Take-aways: Gabriele and Perry help readers understand why long-held beliefs about the backward nature of the dark ages need to be replaced by an understanding of the time period that includes a broader, more diverse, and more inclusive view.

Medicine in the Middle Ages: Surviving the Times
Juliana Cummings, Dec 2021, Pen and Sword History
Themes: Medical history, Middle Ages, Medieval

MEDICINE IN THE MIDDLE AGES describes the perils of medieval life and how these people approached healing. Rooted in the work of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, medieval medicine was linked to both the Catholic Church and the social status of patients. Explore the birth of hospitals and the horrors of war.

Take-aways: Educators will find this book useful in helping their students understand the challenges faced by both the rich and poor of the middle ages. From science and social studies to history, this book takes a multi-disciplinary approach to exploring the connection among religion, torture, plagues, medicine, and disease.

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

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: Auschwitz

 

The Sisters of Auschwitz: The True Story of Two Jewish Sisters’ Resistance in the Heart of Nazi Territory

Roxane van Iperen, August 2021, HarperCollins

Themes: history, Jewish, World War II, Holocaust

The Auschwitz Photographer: The Forgotten Story of the WWII Prisoner Who Documented Thousands of Lost Souls

Luca Crippa, Maurizio Onnis, Jennifer Higgins (translated by)

September 2021, Sourcebooks

Themes: history, biography, survival, World War II, Holocaust

The Dressmakers of Auschwitz: The True Story of the Women Who Sewed to Survive

Lucy Adlington, September 2021, HarperCollins

Themes: history, Jewish, World War II, Holocaust

Since the end of World War II, many nonfiction works have shared the horrific atrocities of Auschwitz. However, three recent titles explore the Holocaust from unusual perspectives including a photographer, dressmakers, and sisters. These powerful stories chronicle the variety of ways prisoners were able to survive.

THE SISTERS OF AUSCHWITZ shares the story of two sisters who joined the Dutch Resistance. From publishing an underground newspaper to hiding refugees, they were working at a resistance center when betrayed and sent to Auschwitz.

THE DRESSMAKERS OF AUSCHWITZ examines the experiences of seamstresses who survived the gas chambers by creating high fashion dresses for elite Nazi women. At the same time, these brave women played a role in camp resistance.

THE AUSCHWITZ PHOTOGRAPHER tells the true story of Wilhelm Brasse who recorded the horrors of the deadliest concentration camp in WWII. He was first assigned to the photographic identification unit and later to Josef Mengele’s horrific laboratory. He survived by taking 50,000 photographs over a five year period.

Let’s explore seven timely take-aways for life-long learners:

1. Jewish sisters Janny and Lien Brilleslijper were active in the Dutch resistance. They were with Anne Frank and her family on the train to Auschwitz.
2. The High Nest is an example of a secret refuge near Amsterdam that served as an important safe house during World War II.
3. The Upper Tailoring Studio was a fashion workshop housed at Auschwitz and created to cater to the wives of SS officers and Berlin’s wealthy Nazis.
4. Two dozen women prisoners sewed elegant gowns from fabrics and clothing plundered from across Europe.
5. Wilhelm Brasse was able to save thousands of photographs that provided evidence of Nazi atrocities including human experiments.
6. Upon entering Auschwitz, identity portrait photographs were taken of each prisoner including from the front and each side.
7. From nurses and dressmakers to photographers, those who were selected to work at Auschwitz were more likely to survive than other prisoners.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning

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, Teacher Librarian: The Journal for School Library Professionals

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: Geology

How the Mountains Grew: A New Geological History of North America John Dvorak August 2021 Pegasus Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Themes: Science, Nature, Ecosystems, Geology, Geologic History, Mountains

Tracing the geologic history of Earth, HOW THE MOUNTAINS GREW by John Dvorak skillfully weaves common knowledge and established theories with new research findings. The well-established theory of plate tectonics changed our perception of how our continent was formed. However, recently uncovered evidence demonstrates that scientists are just beginning to understand the complexity of our changing landscapes.

This epic story of the geological history of North America celebrates our rapidly changing knowledge of Earth’s past. Of particular note to Earth Science teachers and geology buffs, this engaging narrative also appeals to readers interested in broader areas of science from astrophysics to climate change. From young adults to seniors, Dvorak’s conversational style will be popular with leisure readers.

Let’s explore seven timely take-aways for life-long learners:

1. In the 1960s, the theory of plate tectonics became widely accepted. However, it was not able to explain the existence of the Black Hills or the diamonds of Arkansas. The intertwining of geology with other traditional and emerging sciences is needed to trace the entire span of geological history.
2. On August 17, 2017, the first gravitational waves were detected in the direction of the constellation Hydra. This confirmed the collision of neutron stars. These collisions are responsible for most of the heavier elements in the universe such as gold and silver. Prior to this discovery, these collisions were purely theoretical.
3. In 2015, the International Commission on Stratigraphy determined that the 4.030 billion year old Acasta Gneiss found in the remote Northwest Territories of Canada represents a major milestone in geologic history marking the beginning of the Archean Eon. It’s considered to be the oldest known rock on Earth.
4. Luis and Walter Alvarez published a paper in 1980 hypothesizing that an extraterrestrial body caused the mass extinction of the dinosaurs. In 2016, a scientific drilling project penetrated the seafloor identifying the Chicxulub impact crater.
5. In geodynamics, delamination is the loss of the lowermost lithosphere from its tectonic plate. Asthenosphere rises to replace the sinking lithosphere. This process causes uplifts and sometimes volcanism playing an important role in the continuing “growth spurt” of mountains such as the Sierra Nevada. Seismic tomography allows geoscientists to generate images from the crust to the core. 5) In 2019, delamination was found through seismic tomography in the Appalachian Mountains.
6. In 2019, a fossilized forest containing palm-like trees was found near Cairo, New York demonstrating that complex forests existed at least as early as 388 million years ago.
7. Although working groups at the major geological societies have not yet recognized the Anthropocene as the current geological epoch, the term as been used informally for a couple decades. The benchmarks for this new epoch include the impact by humans on the natural world. From human-made rock such as concrete and bricks to plastic fragments, human have already made profound changes in the rock record.

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

Book Review: The Nature Fix

THE NATURE FIX: WHY NATURE MAKES US HAPPIER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE CREATIVE by Florence Williams examines why humans need to experience nature.

Written by a journalist, this appealing work of nonfiction weaves together scientific findings with interesting observations about life in nature. With stories from Asia and Scotland to the United States, readers will be drawn to the universal need for time with nature.

Librarians will find this book appeals to a number of audiences including those who enjoy books about science, psychology, creativity, nature, health, and the outdoors, so it would be useful to include it on reading lists across genres. Although written for adults, it is likely to appeal to young adults as well.

Published by W.W. Norton and Company on January 31, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Fizz

Professional development doesn’t require a costly workshop or expensive consultant. Instead, look to new books across disciplines for ideas to help you grow as a library professional. 

FIZZ: HARNESSING THE POWER OF WORD OF MOUTH MARKETING TO DRIVE BRAND GROWTH by Ted Wright explores the promise and pitfalls of using conversations between customers to promote products and services. Although aimed at the business community, this book has lots of implications for librarians too. Let’s explore the book chapter by chapter.

Influencers. Seek out influential users and provide them with a powerful message to share. In the case of libraries, think about how to get your key youth in each social group and teachers sharing that message. Where influencers lead, others will follow. They need the right story at the right time. Wright provides lots of suggestions for identifying and making use of these key people.

Two-Ounce Culture. Wright suggests providing samples and freebies to draw interest. In other words, you need to get books into the hands of teachers and youth. If you can get people to visit your website to find a cool new resource, they’ll return on their own. Get them to try something new like your iPads, then reintroduce them to your traditional resources.

What Makes You Talkable. A product or services needs a story that can be shared. What makes people love the library? How can you turn this into a story that people will want to share? Wright suggests that the story needs to be interesting and authentic.

Strategic Corporals. Wright suggests that you need to recruit and train brand ambassadors who will share your story. Wright suggests looking for people who are interested in new things, like to share stories with friends, and are intrinsically motivated. Who hangs out in your library? Who attends your book clubs? These are people who make great ambassadors.

Patience. Once everything is in place, Wright notes that it take patience to wait and watch for word of mouth marketing to work. In addition, it’s important to measure the impact of this type of marketing.

Big Data. Rather then just relying on local marketing efforts, Wright suggests looking at big data. In the library setting this means following national research from organizations like ALA and PewInternet. He suggests looking for patterns in the data and comparing this to what’s happening locally.

The last section of the book explores topics such as ways to saving money, dispelling marketing myths, and ideas for talking to administrators about marketing.

Although not specifically aimed at the library profession, Fizz contains some great ideas for using word of mouth marketing regardless of the setting. While most of the strategies aren’t particularly new, they are presented in a way that’s enjoyable and easy to follow.

NetGalley ARC used for review