Book Review: One Proud Penny

ONE PROUD PENNY by Randy Siegel and Serge Bloch tells the story of the American penny.

Told from the perspective of a 1983 penny, this informational picture book describes the general history and uses of the penny along with details about one specific penny’s “life”. The book concludes with additional information and resources.

The mix of simple line drawings with collage features add interest to the story.

Librarians will find this to be an excellent addition to the social studies collection. This concept book would be useful in lessons focusing on government, money, and mathematics.

To learn more about the author, go to http://randolphsiegel.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on January 10, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: A Bike Like Sergio's

A BIKE LIKE SERGIO’S by Maribeth Boelts provides a lesson in doing the right thing.

Ruben wants a bike like his friend, so when he finds $100 he makes plans to buy a bike. However when he sees the woman who lost the money, he decides to do the right thing and return the cash.

Librarians will find this colorfully illustrated picture book provides endless opportunities to discuss the concept of “finders keepers” with young children.

To learn more about the author, go to http://maribethboelts.com/.

Published by Candlewick on October 4, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Technology Review: Fuel Economy

FUEL ECONOMY is a U.S. government website and app focusing on fuel economy information.

Whether comparing the fuel efficiency of cars or learning about hybrids, this website full of useful information. Users can find and compare cars, learn how to save money and fuel, find out about the importance of fuel economy, calculate fuel economy, explore hybrids and electric vehicles, learn about EPA ratings, and more.

The Find-a-car app helps users compare fuel-efficient vehicles by providing fuel cost estimates, safety ratings, and other information.

Librarians will find many curriculum connections for this website and app. From a science perspective, the resources provides information about alternative fuel sources and how cars consume fuel. For math connections, explore the fuel savings calculator, vehicle cost calculator, and data sets. Think about interdisciplinary projects that connect STEM activities with informational reading and financial planning. Teens love cars, so this website and app is an excellent way to motivate young adult and connect them with real-world problems and solutions.

To visit the website, go to http://www.fueleconomy.gov/.
To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/find-a-car/id1045746520.