Synergy: Celia Thaxter

CELIA THAXTER (1835-1894) is an American author, artist, and naturalist known for her love of gardens and the islands off the coast of New England.

Read the recently published nonfiction picture book for children, then extend the experience with the websites:

CELIA PLANTED A GARDEN written by Phyllis Root and Gary D. Schmidt and illustrated by Melissa Sweet shares the life of American author, artist, and naturalist Celia Thaxter who wrote and painted about her passion for island life off the coast of New England. The book’s illustrator skillfully weaves in quotes from Thaxter’s writings and features her passion for flowers and nature, while the authors explore the key events of Celia’s life and conclusion with a useful note, timeline, and bibliography. 

ARC courtesy of Candlewick.

ABOUT CELIA THAXTER is a series of web pages from Shoals Marine Laboratory that explore the life, writing, and gardens of Celia Thaxter on Isles of Shoals, New Hampshire.

To visit the pages, go to https://www.shoalsmarinelaboratory.org/about-celia-thaxter.

CELIA THAXTER’S GARDEN INSTALLATION AT SHOALS MARINE LAB is a short YouTube video that shares the process of re-creating the naturalist’s gardens on Thaxter’s beloved island.

To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/y_3L6DmThps.

Many of Celia Thaxter’s works are available at Internet Archive including An Island Garden.

To read An Island Garden, go to https://archive.org/details/islandgarden00thax.

Synergy: Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) is an American author best known for her novel Little Women. She worked to support her family from a young age and used pen names to publish her work. Based on her childhood experiences, Little Women was published in 1868 leading to several other novels. 

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

SCRIBBLES, SORROWS, AND RUSSET LEATHER BOOTS by Liz Rosenberg tells the story of author Louisa May Alcott’s experiences living in nineteenth-century New England. Based on primary sources including journals and letters, the well-researched biography covers her entire life including her efforts with reform movements and caring for her family.

Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House website contains a photo gallery and information about the home where Alcott wrote Little Women. It also contains biographical sketches of the Alcott family members. The digital discovery section features audio, video, and educational resources.

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

ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Pura Belpré Award

 

The Pura Belpré Award is named after the first Latina librarian in the New York Public Library system. Established by divisions and affiliates within the American Library Association, the annual award is given to a Latinx author or illustrator who “best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience” in a work of children’s literature.

Read the recently published picture book biography for children then learn more at the website.

PURA’S CUENTOS by Annette Bay Pimentel is a tribute to librarian and bilingual storyteller Pura Belpré. After arriving in New York from Puerto Rico, Pura Belpré finds that the library lacks children’s books about her homeland. She decides to share the stories of her youth and ultimately writes her own children’s book. Children will be attracted to the bright colored illustrations and educators will enjoy the book as a read-aloud. The title concludes with an author’s note and biography.

The Pura Belpré Award website is maintained by ALA’s Association for Library Service to Children. The website contains information about the award and a complete list of medal and honor books.

To learn more, go to https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/belpre.

ARC courtesy of ABRAMS.

Website: Ransom Riggs

RANSOM RIGGS is a popular young adult author whose website includes books, films, and photos.

Best known as the author of the Peculiar Children series, Ransom Riggs also has an interest in film and photography. The film section of the website shares mini-documentaries and personal reflections. The photography section focuses on his passion for found photos.

In addition to his website, it’s interesting to follow Riggs on social media including Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Tumblr.

Librarians will find Riggs’ website to be popular with teens. Use it as an example of how authors reach out to their readers. Also, use it to show the author’s passions beyond books. Partner with the English teacher for a writing contest focused on Riggs’ 18 favorite found photos.

To visit his website, go to http://ransomriggs.com.

Website Review: Cassandra Clare

CASSANDRA CLARE’s website and blog contains lots of ideas for young authors.

The website includes writing advice, resources, answers to common questions, and book information. In addition to the website, the author connects with readers through social media including her blog, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Librarians will find that Cassandra Clare’s social media feeds are an excellent way to introduce teens to how authors use social media to connect with their readers. She uses each feed in a different way. For instance, her Pinterest boards focus on clothes, decorating, and book research ideas. She shares writing ideas on her blog.

To visit the website, go to http://cassandraclare.com.

Website Review: Shel Silverstein

SHEL SILVERSTEIN’s website contains resources and information about this well-known children’s author.

In addition to information about the author and his books, the website includes a section on fun resources including engaging, animated videos of his poems. Of particular note are the learning resources areas containing downloadable lesson plans, event kits, and drawing booklets.

Librarians will find the videos to be a useful way to introduce this poet. These narrated animations bring the poems alive and help children understand the rhythm of poetry reading.

To visit the website, go to http://www.shelsilverstein.com/.

Website Review: Steve Jenkins

STEVE JENKINS’ website explores the works of this popular author and illustrator of children’s books.

The website is divided into sections focusing on books and making books, science, and the author. A gallery and links are also provided. Of particular note are the video and pages that discuss the process of making books.

Librarians will find Jenkins’ essay about science useful for talking with children about his nonfiction books and why these types of books are important. Use the galley to inspire children to connect science with nonfiction writing and illustration.

To visit the website, go to http://www.stevejenkinsbooks.com/.

Website Review: Kevin Henkes

KEVIN HENKES’ website contains information and resources about this popular children’s author and illustrator.

The website includes author and book information, along with resources for adults and short videos. Children will enjoy the questions and answers section along with the book pages featuring his popular characters including Chrysanthemum and Lilly.

Librarians will find dozens of downloadable teaching guides and student activities to accompany many of Henkes’ books. Of particular note are four videos featuring the author discussing his books.

To visit the website, go to https://kevinhenkes.com/.

Website Review: Laurie Halse Anderson

LAURIE HALSE ANDERSON’s website contains resources for students and educators.

Anderson’s website contains a biography, book list, blog, and educator materials. To extend the experience, explore her social media feeds including Instagram, Facebook, Tumbler, and Twitter.

Librarians will find her writing advice of interest to young adults. Weave it into an English lesson connecting books, authors, and writing. Be sure to check out her resources connecting the Hamilton musical with her books. Finally, Anderson’s page on censorship contains useful resources and links to weave into the curriculum.

To visit the website, go to http://madwomanintheforest.com/.

Website Review: Mouse Circus

MOUSE CIRCUS is author Neil Gaiman’s website for younger readers.

Gaiman’s website is organized into the categories of books, author information, artists, extras, and videos. Of particular note is his biography and question/answers page. Children will enjoy playing online games connected with two of his books. Downloadable activities are also available.

Librarians will find useful information for introducing children to the works of Neil Gaiman. For teens, be sure to explore Gaiman’s main author website including his blog.

To visit his children’s site, go to http://www.mousecircus.com/
To visit his adult site, go to http://www.neilgaiman.com

Website Review: Roald Dahl

THE OFFICIAL ROALD DAHL website contains endless resources for teachers, adults, and children.

This attractive website contains sections about the author, activities, book and character information, and a link to a blog with up-to-date information. The author section includes stories, characters, a timeline, and archive. The “create and learn” section provides lesson plans connected with reading, writing, creating, and playing.

Librarians will be particularly interested in the author timeline and information about how and why each book was written. Use this section to inspire young authors. Explore the blog categories and tags for activity ideas based on books. Also, consider their many “Dahl Day” activities.

To visit the website, go to http://www.roalddahl.com/.

Website Review: Joan Aiken

JOAN AIKEN’s author website provides children’s with information about this popular writer.

The Wonderful World of Joan Aiken is a website celebrating the author’s fifty years as a child’s book author. The resource contains information about the the author, her books, engaging activities, resources, and a bibliography. A link to the author’s blog provides up-to-date news and information.

Librarians will find the “What Do You Like?” page to be useful in helping children select interesting books to read. Students will enjoy reading the many letters the author has received from her fans. Use it to jumpstart a “letter to authors” activity.

To visit the website, go to http://www.joanaiken.com.

Book Review: John Roland's Dragons

JOHN ROLAND’S DRAGONS by Caroline McAlister is a picture book telling the story of J.R.R. Tolkien’s life.

Young John Roland loved to dream of dragons and create secret languages. Through colorful illustrations and easy-to-read text, McAlister and illustrator Eliza Wheeler tell the story of how a young boy’s fascinating with dragons led to the creation of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings books. Through author and illustrator notes at the end of the book, readers gain insights into hidden elements of the picture book.

Librarians will find this picture book provides a nice introduction to Tolkien’s life for young children who may have heard about this famous books. Add it to the library’s growing collection of author biographies.

Published by Roaring Book Press, an imprint of Macmillan on March 21, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Mo Willems

The MO WILLEMS website celebrates the books of popular children’s author Mo Willems.

The author’s website is divided into sections that explore the author’s book characters, books, and writing activities.

Visit the Go Mo! to explore a website specifically designed for children that contains book information, fun games, an art gallery, videos, and an adult page. Featuring Willems’ beloved characters, the audio-enhanced games are age-appropriate and engaging for young children.

Visit the Pigeon Presents! website to enjoy information and activities focusing on Willems’ popular pigeon characters. Users can play games, read about books, learn about book characters, and explore teaching materials. This website also links to the new Elephant and Piggie Thank-o-Rama website that provides an introductory video, thank-you spinner, drawing video, and worksheets for printing.

Visit Mo’s Blog for up-to-date information about the author’s recent activities and upcoming books.

Visit Mo’s FAQs! for fascinating insights into the author and his works. These FAQs provide a wealth of ideas for teaching with Willems’ books.

Visit Get Mo’ Stuff! for links to cool books, videos, toys, posters, and other materials that would be useful in creating an author display in the library.

Visit The Pigeon “Tweets” to follow the author’s tweets. Youth will enjoy following the many adventures of this fascinating author.

Librarians will find this website to be an outstanding resource for introducing primary grade children to the idea of author websites. The easy-to-use format and abundant videos and activities will help youth connect the author to his works. It’s also a nice way to provide relevant examples of social media including Twitter and blogs to children.

To visit the website, go to http://www.mowillems.com/.

Book Review: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton

THE REMARKABLE STORY OF GEORGE MOSES HORTON POET by Don Tate tells the inspiring story of the first southern African-American man to become a published author.

George Moses Horton grew up as a slave working on a farm in North Carolina. After learning to read he began to compose poetry. Although his slave owner refused to set him free, he was able to write and sell his poetry professionally until he was emancipated during the Civil War.

Tate’s attractive illustrations include verses that flow across many pages bringing Horton’s words alive for readers.

Librarians will find this picture book to be an excellent addition to their biography collection. Combine it with other author biographies in a library display. Or, include it in a collection of biographies related to slavery.

Learn more about the author at http://dontate.com/.

Published by Peachtree Publishers on September 1, 2015. Review copy courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Jon Scieska

JON SCIESZKA’s author website is a wacky, wonderful place for youth to explore his life and his works.

Kick off your exploration by reading “A Welcome Message from the President”. Youth will enjoy his “annual report” too.

Jon’s Bio page contains a biographical sketch with hyperlinks to more information. Be sure to check out his interesting infographics.

The Books page provides book covers and descriptions of his works. In addition, it links to his series books including Time Warp Trio, Trucktown, and Spaceheadz.

The Guys Read website provides fun activities and information about books of interest to boys.

The Gallery features images including Scieszka’s family and information about the author’s writing process.

The News and FAQs pages provide lots of other interesting insights. There’s even an “Official Online How-to-Say-Jon-Scieszka Pronunciation Guide”.

Librarians will find endless ideas for an author display featuring Scieskza. Consider printing some of his infographics and pairing them with examples of his books. This is a great website to get reluctant readers interested in this amazing author.

To learn more, visit the website at http://jsworldwide.com/.
To visit the Time Warp Trio website, go to http://www.timewarptrio.com/.
To visit the Spaceheadz in Action website, go to http://spaceheadz.com/.
To visit the Guys Read website, go to http://guysread.com/.

Website Review: Will Hobbs

WILL HOBBS is an award-winning author of picture books and young adult novels with a rich website for young fans. Hobbs writes outdoor adventures about places in the wild. With more than twenty books published, reader fans will enjoy learning more at his author website.

The website includes a biography in the Meet Will Hobbs section. There are lots of photos embedded throughout the site. Use the website to learn about his growing up, his family, and his writing. In the Will’s Books section of the website, users can click on a book cover and read an interview about each title. The author tells where he got his ideas and shows photos of his own adventures. There is a story summary plus information about awards and audiobooks for each title.

Don’t miss the Favorite Questions section and learn more about Will’s life, family and his writing. Most of the content is aimed to his young adult readers, but there is also a section for teachers and librarians. Here he suggests some curriculum resource materials and provides contact information about having him come to speak.

Will Hobbs is a favorite of many teen readers. Librarians can use this site to promote his books and extend student’s experience with his work.

Learn more at http://www.willhobbsauthor.com/

Website Review: Author Jan Brett

JAN BRETT’s author website has been providing quality activities related to her books for nearly 20 years.

The Books section contains a complete booklist with high quality cover art. It also links to activities associated with each book.

The Activities area contains dozens of fun projects including bulletin board materials, bookmarks, certificates, alphabet resources, recipes, flashcards, and links to interactive games.

The Games pages including both computer games that can be played online and board games that can be created on paper.

The Coloring Pages provide thematic links to coloring pages that can be printed online or downloaded as PDF files.

The Murals section provides ideas and images that can be used to create murals for the library or classroom.

The videos page contains videos of Jan Brett drawing as well as her appearances and visits.

Users can use the email and printable cards pages to create communications. Or, listen to Jan Brett’s Hedge-a-Gram to hear directly from the author.

Keep up-to-date on what’s happening with Jan Brett on her blog. Participate in contests to win books and author visits. The Media and About pages provide information about the author.

This website contains endless ideas for library and classroom author and picture book activities.

Go to the website at http://www.janbrett.com/.

Website Review: The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes

THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF SHERLOCK HOLMES is both a physical and virtual exhibition focusing on the famous fictional crime investigator.

Although it would be fun to experience the traveling exhibition in personal, the website presents lots of information about author Arthur Conan Doyle and his famous detective.

The Path to Baker Street section explores those people who inspired the creation of Sherlock Holmes and the characters in the stories. Historical photographs bring the time period to life.

The Popular Fellow section features the movie and television adaptations. It also provides links to Sherlockian Societies, fan sites, and trivia.

The Footsteps of Holmes connects the fictional aspects of the stories to the real forensic science. Short videos and images highlight Sherlock’s methods.

The Sherlock in the Classroom area includes information, activities, and resources that can be used independently or in combination with a physical tour.

Create a librarian display featuring the works of Sherlock Holmes as well as a laptop with the website. Incorporate the suggested activities to make the display interactive!

To learn more, go to http://sherlockholmesexhibition.com.

Helen Adams - Thurs. Sept. 17 to Sat. Sept. 19, 2009

Helen Adams teaches online courses for Mansfield University's (PA) School Library and Information Technologies program. Formerly Helen was a school librarian and technology coordinator in Wisconsin.

Helen is an advocate for school libraries and teacher librarians; a strong leader who is active at state, regional, and national levels. She is a frequent conference presenter and has authored a number of articles and textbooks. Her latest book is Ensuring Intellectual Freedom and Access to Information in the School Library from Libraries Unlimited.

http://lu.com/showbook.cfm?isbn=9781591585398

Helen's professional interests focus mainly on issues and ideas related to intellectual freedom, privacy in school library media programs, and Internet filtering. Learn more about Helen Adams at

http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/adams.html