Synergy: Grand Prix Racing

Grand Prix racing is a motorsport competition that began at the turn of the 20th century in France. Today, it’s known as formula racing.

Read the recently published books, then learn more at the websites:

THE RACERS by Neal Bascomb is a young readers’ adaptation of the adult title FASTER. It tells the true story of how an outcast driver, an American heiress, and a legendary car beat Hitler’s best. The combination of fascinating characters, world history, and racing will appeal to a broad audience. This well-research title incorporates historical photos, maps, and detailed race information. Teens with an interest in racing may prefer to read the adult edition.

To learn more about Rene Dreyfus, go to https://bit.ly/3j0YMCX.

To learn more about Lucy O’Reilly-Schell, go to https://bit.ly/2YtvZNO

To watch a video from the 1938 Grand Prix de Pau, got to https://youtu.be/LgiYUlEcTlE.

To watch a discussion with the author, go to https://youtu.be/5wUXihroUEk.

ARC courtesy of Focus, an imprint of Scholastic.

Synergy: Mountaineering

From climbing indoor walls to ascending the world’s highest peaks, mountaineering is a sport involving climbing and bouldering in mountains. Hazards include falling, avalanches, bad weather, and altitude sickness.

Read the recently published nonfiction book, then learn more at the website:

INTO THE CLOUDS by Tod Olson tells the thrilling and tragic stories of three expeditions to K2. This engaging work of nonfiction includes the incredible experiences of Charlie Houston and a team of climbers attempting to conquer K2 in 1953. The fast-paced text includes maps and historical photos.

The AMERICAN ALPINE CLUB documents successes, failures, and mishaps associated with mountain climbing. The KNOW THE ROPES section of their website provides websites and articles related to safe climbing.

To visit the website, go to https://bit.ly/2IuPBwb

ARC courtesy of National Geographic.

Book: Absolute Expert

ABSOLUTE EXPERT is a new, high interest series from National Geographic Kids.

From animals to sports, each title in the ABSOLUTE EXPERT series explores tips, tricks, and fascinating facts straight from experts in the field.

ABSOLUTE EXPERT SOCCER focuses on playing the game, origins of soccer, soccer around the world, and soccer in North America. Each colorful and highly illustrated chapter features expert information, suggestions, terminology, and quizzes to engage readers. Filled with photos, maps, charts, diagrams, and other visuals along with short text passages, this book is sure to connect with young soccer fans.

ABSOLUTE EXPERT DOLPHINS examines the world of dolphins, their habitat, and their connection with humans. Featuring expert advise from a marine biologist, the book uses short text passages, photographs, maps, diagrams, and infographics to convey facts about these popular sea creatures.

Other titles include ABSOLUTE EXPERT: DINOSAURS and ABSOLUTE EXPERT: VOLCANOES.

Librarians will find a high demand for this new series. National Geographic Kids knows what topics will be popular with young readers. Feature this series in a display promoting career exploration. Each book contains four chapters that would work well for a nonfiction book discussion.

Published by National Geographic Kids in May 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Digital Spotlight: National Baseball Hall of Fame

The NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME website contains a growing digital collection of photos, audio, video, and text.

Contents: Users can browse thousands of items related to the history of baseball. In addition to using the search tool, users can also browse collections including 3-D artifacts, cartoons, oral histories, scrapbooks, photo archives, World Series materials, and more.

Classroom Connections: Librarians will find this website to be a fun way to introduce digital collections. Share the website as part of a display that includes both fiction and nonfiction books about baseball.

Featured Digital Objects:
Jackie Robinson https://goo.gl/Q8RAxy
Scrapbooks https://goo.gl/S1LtG3
Oral Histories https://goo.gl/oiSb1g

To visit the collection, go to https://collection.baseballhall.org/

Book Review: Martina & Chrissie

MARTINA & CHRISSIE: THE GREATEST RIVALRY IN THE HISTORY OF SPORTS by Phil Bildner tells the story of two women striving for excellence in tennis.

In addition to tracing the history of Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert’s friendship and rivalry, this compelling picture book biography also weaves in historical information that provides a global context.

Brett Helquist’s engaging and realistic illustrations bring the competition to life for readers. The book concludes with a timelines and addition sources.

Librarians know that sports biographies are popular. With the current popularity of tennis, young women will be particularly drawn to this fierce rivalry.

To learn more about the author, go to https://philbildner.com/.
To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://www.bretthelquist.com.

Published by Candlewick Press on March 14, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Soar

SOAR by Joan Bauer tells the powerful story of a heart transplant survivor who becomes an amazing baseball coach.

Although Jeremiah isn’t allowed to run because of his heart transplant, he hasn’t given up his baseball dreams. Instead, he decides to turn his middle school baseball team into champions. Along the way, he connects with a neighbor and brings a town alive.

Librarians will find this heart-warming story to be a great addition to the library’s realistic fiction collection. Books about sports are always popular with boys, but this title crosses boundaries and its likely to inspire a wide range of readers. The focus on coaching rather than playing baseball provides a unique perspective. The robotics, steroids, and adoption subplots provide a bonus that will appeal to some youth.

Keep in mind that this title also fits well with the growing number of books exploring ways youth are overcoming disabilities.

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

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Not If I See You First

NOT IF I SEE YOU FIRST by Eric Lindstrom is an absorbing, coming-of-age story exploring friendship, trust, and the challenges of being a blind teen.

Parker’s a typical young adult dealing with the drama of school, friendships, and boyfriends. What makes this witty story fascinating is how the author deals with Parker’s blindness. The author’s compassionate, matter-of-fact portrayal of Parker’s disability makes this work of contemporary, realistic fiction unique and compelling.

Librarians will find this young adult drama to be a excellent way to introduce youth to a well-developed character who happens to be blind. Young adults will enjoy the realistic characters, authentic situations, and insights into the life of a blind high school student. Add this well-written novel to your growing diversity collection.

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

Published by Poppy, an imprint of Hachette Book Group on December 1, 2015. ARC courtesy of publisher.

Book Review: My First Book of Football

MY FIRST BOOK OF FOOTBALL by Beth Bugler and Mark Bechtel is a fun way to introduce buddying sports fans to the world of NFL football.

Published by Time Inc. Books and Sports Illustrated Kids, this colorful picture book will attract even the most reluctant reader. Following the four quarters of a game, the book features photographs of NFL players, coaches, and officials. Readers follow a young cartoon football player who follows the action and learns about the game.

From explaining basic vocabulary such as scrimmage to identifying the parts of the playing field, this well-designed book introduces and reinforces key concepts to young readers.

From the large font and speech bubbles to the bright colored background and action photos of players, children will be drawn into the informational narrative. A bit of humor enhances the appeal.

Librarians will find a large audience for this first book in the new A Rookie Book series. Although no female characters are represented, young sports fans aren’t likely to complain. However, librarians creating a sports display might want to seek out a companion book with a female character.

Published by Time Inc. Books and Sports Illustrated Kids in Fall 2015. ARC courtesy of publisher.

Book Review: Clothesline Clues to Sports People Play

CLOTHESLINE CLUES TO SPORTS PEOPLE PLAY by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook is a rhyming picture book that engages young readers in a sports guessing game.

Each two-page spread shows clothes and equipment along with text information. Readers are asked about the sport the items represents. The next page reveals the answer. The sports players represent a mixture of genders and races. Although a variety of body shapes are represented, no noticeably disabled players are included.

A companion to Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do, librarians will find that this series of informational books provides endless possibilities for classroom activities. Consider connecting this story with nonfiction books exploring each sport represented.

While some children may never have seen a clothesline, they’ll quickly understand the premise and enjoy the learning experience. The clothesline approach could be turned into an engaging hands-on, flannelboard activity.

Published by Charlesbridge on August 4, 2015. Review copy courtesy of Charlesbridge.

Book Review: Reality Check in Detroit

REALITY CHECK IN DETROIT by Roy MacGregor is the latest in the Screech Owl hockey mystery-adventure series for middle grades.

The Screech Owls are a local hockey team in a small Canadian community. In their latest adventure, the team has been invited to star in a reality TV show in Detroit. After the initial excitement wears off, they realize that stardom may not be worth the sacrifices to their team and their friendships. Where do the lies end and the authentic reality begin?

For the past 20 years, MacGregor has written engaging adventures for young hockey fans. The mystery stories are told through the eyes of the team captain, Travis Lindsay. The 26 books are available individually or in collected volumes of 4 books. Readers seeking sports fiction focusing on team building and friendships will enjoy this series.

Librarians will find that the fast-paced, easy-to-follow stories are great for reluctant readers. The storylines have a nice balance of live hockey sequences with team drama and light-hearted banter. Librarians don’t need to worry about having all the books in hand. Although the team members carry over from book to book, each book stands on its own. The plots revolve around real places and events or universal themes.

To learn more about the series, go to http://www.screechowls.com/.

Published by Tundra, February 2015.