Synergy: Little Women

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) is a novel originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869. In this semi-autobiographical novel, readers follow the four March sisters from childhood to womanhood. Alcott’s books were a critical success and continue to be popular with young readers today. The recently released movie has brought a renewed interest in the story.

Read the recently published children's book on this topic, then learn more at the website:

LITTLE WOMEN: THE OFFICIAL MOVIE COMPANION by Gina McIntyre explores the author, the movie, and the legacy of Little Women. The book includes perspectives from the movie’s director and discussions about how young women today can relate to the characters.

Go to LITTLE WOMEN MOVIE <https://www.littlewomen.movie/>

ARC Courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Book Review: Falcon Wild

FALCON WILD by Terry Johnson is an adventure story about two teens and a raptor lost in the wilderness.

After a car accident, Karma and Cooper along with a falcon called Stark become lost in the Montana wilderness. While seeking help, the three learn to trust one another in order to survive the harsh, rugged conditions.

Librarians will find this novel popular with middle grade youth who enjoy friendship stories and outdoor adventures. In addition to the engaging story, readers will enjoy the abundance of information about falconry.

Published by Charlesbridge on September 12, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Believarexic

BELIEVAREXIC by J.J. Johnson is a powerful autobiographical YA novel tracing a teen’s experience being hospitalized for treatment of eating disorders.

JJ appears to be a normal teenager. She does well in school and she takes dance lessons. She parties with her friends, but she doesn’t appear to be “out of control”. However, JJ knows she has a problem and decides that it’s time to face her inner-demons. Set in 1988, the story follows JJ as she enters a treatment facility for a combination of bulimia and anorexia.

What makes this real-world story particularly compelling is that the story comes directly out of the author’s journals. In addition, the author weaves informational pages into the story for those interested in the specific of her treatment and recovery. It concludes with notes directed at reader who might be suffering from eating disorders.

The thick volume combines a journal style with a free-verse and first person narrative approach making it interesting and quick and appealing to read.

Librarians will find this to be an excellent choice for youth wishing to learn more about the experiences of a teen with eating disorders. Combine it with nonfiction works for a display featuring adolescent risks and preventions.

The novel’s website is an excellent resource for those wishing to learn more about eating disorders and the origins of the novel. It includes links to online resources, the author’s journals, and other bonus materials.

To explore the author’s website, go to http://www.believarexic.com/.

Published by Peachtree Publishers on October 1, 2015.

App Review: Loose Strands

LOOSE STRANDS by Darned Sock Productions is an amazing e-book app for children. Demonstrating the full potential of the interactive reading environment, this full-length fantasy novel for middle grades will keep young people engaged for days.

The gorgeous artwork combined with the perfectly matched introductory music and animations makes this an interactive novel that children will cherish.

The story revolves around Roland Bartholomew Dexter the Third, a boy who lives with his parents in a mysterious barbershop. Trapped in world filled with hair, censored books, and realistic dreams, young Roland discovers the reality of his universe while readers unlock pages of this amazing book.

The instructions page informs readers to “follow the strands of hair” to move forward and backward through the story. Clicking the screen replays the animation. On some pages, readers have their choice of which direction to follow the strand of hair. Readers can also save bookmarks as they go. Much like a Choose-You-Own-Adventure book, readers decide their own fate. The story provides suggestions and hints along the way. There’s something incredibly fun and engaging about swiping different directions to reveal each new electronic page in this exciting adventure.

Readers are in control of this mesmerizing story that includes 20 hidden pages, 3 hidden diaries, and the option to explore Roland’s village. A built-in map allows readers to track their reading experience, explore Roland’s house, and revisit areas of the story. In some cases, readers see the consequences of their choices when options and pages disappear from the map.

Much more than your standard adventure, the story explores complex concepts about life choices, decisions, and consequences both in the real and imagined world. While readers are making decisions about how they will explore the story, the characters are making their own connections.

I’ve read dozens of interactive novels over the past several years, however this is the ultimate reading experience combining nonlinear reading, optional adventures, simple gaming, and a compelling story into one visually stunning app.

To download the app for iPad, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/loose-strands/id867732804…
To download the app for Android, go tohttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details…