Technology Review: Pixabay

PIXABAY provides access to over a million free images and videos available online.

Providing access to images and videos labeled with the Creative Commons CC0 license, this resource makes it easy to locate and use a wide range of resources.

Users can locate photos, vector graphics, illustrations, and videos. An advanced search option provides more detailed searching. Although the search results display sponsored images in addition to free materials, the sponsored images don’t distract from the free materials. Images can also be accessed by category such as animals or sports.

Students can access the visual resources through the website or download the app through the App Store or Google Play.

Librarians will find this to be an effective tool for students working on class projects. Although Google offers a similar search for free images, this resource provides different and additional results.

To explore the website, go to https://pixabay.com/.

Technology Review: 101 Videos

101 VIDEOS from National Geographic on YouTube explore natural and historical phenomena from around the world.

Containing nearly 60 short videos, this National Geographic series focuses on fascinating topics from around the world.

Each three to seven minute segment explores a different topic. Recent programs include Ancient Rome, Ancient Egypt and The Protestant Reformation. Science topics include Climate, Lunar Eclipse, the Sun, and the Human Body.

Librarians will find this series provides an excellent introduction to key topics from the curriculum. Mine the resource for history and science topics. Suggest that teachers use the videos as springboards to classroom activities. Or, use each video at a library learning station to draw attention to nonfiction books connected with the theme.

To visit the website, go to https://goo.gl/GMEkKQ.

Book Review: Hey, Baby!

HEY, BABY! by Stephanie Warren Drimmer introduces children to a collection of pictures, poems, and stories exploring animal babies.

From mountains and plains to oceans and seas, each of the eight chapters explores animal babies from a different region of the world. Anecdotes and short stories are told through poems, folktales, short narratives, and descriptive passages along with fact boxes and high-quality photographs. The book concludes with a map, additional resources, and an index.

Librarians will find this adorable collection to be popular with children of all ages. Parents would find this coffee-table sized book useful for short, bedtime reading, while teachers could use excerpts for information reading activities. The index provides easy access to particular animals for students doing reports on animal babies.

Published by National Geographic Children’s Books, an imprint of Random House on November 14, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: SolveMe Mobiles

SOLVEME MOBILES provide a fun and engaging way to explore math and problem-solving.

Designed to support algebraic reasoning, this interactive experience presents users with colorful puzzles that help algebra and pre-algebra students strengthen their skills at solving equations for unknown values.

The project contains two sections: play and build.

The Play section asks users to imagine a hanging sculpture. Participants can explore three levels of built-in puzzles, share their own puzzles, list saved puzzles, and like favorites. A variety of tools are available including an electronic hand, pencil, and eraser.

The Build section provides tools so users can create their own mobiles by selecting and placing shapes of specific colors. These puzzles can be saved and shared. The website also provides information for parents and teachers.

Librarians will find this appealing website to be a fun addition to the library along with the math classroom. Consider building the interactive activity into a learning station or maker space featuring books and manipulatives to explore math puzzles.

To learn more, go to http://solveme.edc.org/mobiles/.

App Review: Truss Me!

TRUSS ME! from Scientific Monkey is an inexpensive app that teaches students to design structures.

Available at both the App Store and Google Play, this physics-based simulation experience helps users learn how truss structures work through fun interactive experiences. The program applies state-of-the-art techniques used by aerospace, mechanically and civil engineers to simulate real-world designs.

Librarians will find that this fun app provides an excellent introduction to the physics of truss structures. Combine the app with a maker space area that provides hands-on materials for trying out designs. Also, incorporate it into the STEAM program in the engineering area.

To learn more, go to http://www.scientificmonkey.com.

Technology Review: Anchor

ANCHOR is an app and website for creating podcasts.

This free resource allows users to record high-quality audio programs, then easily share their work. Available in both the App Store and at Google Play, this podcasting tool is also available in a web-based format. Although a sign-in is required, the resource is free for both short and long form audios.

Librarians will find this to be a useful tool for teachers and students wishing to create their own podcasts. Use it across content areas for engaging audio projects.

To learn more about the app, go to https://anchor.fm/

Book Review: The Witch Boy

THE WITCH BOY by Molly Ostertag is a middle-grade graphic fantasy about magic and individual differences.

Aster has grown up in a world where girls learn magic and boys become shape-shifters. As he reaches maturity, Aster realizes that he wants to learn magic even though it’s forbidden in his society. Encouragement from an outsider, helps him gain the courage to trust himself and face his fears.

Librarians will be drawn to messages of inclusion and courage. Middle-grade children will enjoy the high-quality color illustrations and fast-paced story. Use the absorbing story, world-building, and well-developed characters to draw in new graphic novel readers.

Published by Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic on October 31, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Making North America

MAKING NORTH AMERICA is an interactive map from NOVA that explores geological sites across the continent.

Designed for grades 6-12, this interactive tool involves students in geology and history through an interactive experience.

The project begins with an introduction video, then users can choose the explore, expedition, or water options.

The Explore section asks users to click on a map to explore geological sites or experience a video sky tour. Within each area, users follow geologists as they explore geological features.

The Expedition section contain three treks that ask users to search for clues about how North American was formed. The treks begin with a video, then involve students in engaging activities that involve clicking, dragging, and making choices.

The Watch section provides complete videos of three NOVA episodes: origins, life, and humans.

Librarians will find this to be an excellent addition to the earth science program. The visual and interactive features will keep students actively engaged in learning. Divide a class into three teams each exploring a different trek. Then, ask them to come together and share their experience.

To visit the resource, go to http://www.pbs.org/…/nova/assets/swf/1/explore-north-america.

Website Review: Scholastic Student Activities

STUDENT ACTIVITIES from Scholastic has been providing high-quality web and whiteboard activities for decades.

Hundreds of activities are available across disciplines. Activities are organized by grade level (PreK-K, 1-2, 3-5, 6-8). Categories include games, computer lab, interactive whiteboard, listen and read, and writing activities. While many of the activities are associated with Scholastic products such as books, most can be used without special supplies.

Librarians will find endless ideas for the K-8 curriculum. Mine this website for classroom connections. Of particular note are the “listen and read” activities.

To visit the website, go to https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/student-activities/.

Website Review: Games

GAMES from the National Museums Scotland contains dozens of interactive games for children focusing on topics from history to science.

While some of the games have educational value such as building a wind farm and designing a clinical trial, others are simply for fun such as monkey business lunch.

Librarians will want to mine this website for curriculum related games. For instance, Morse Code for the STEM curriculum and Discover Ancient Egypt for the history curriculum.

To visit the website, go to https://www.nms.ac.uk/explore?type=13119.

Book Review: Disappeared

DISAPPEARED by Francisco X. Stork tells the powerful story of siblings navigating a world of kidnapping and crime in Juarez, Mexico.

When her best friend is kidnapped, Sara uses her skills as a journalist to attract attention to her friend’s case despite death threats to herself and her family. At the same time, Sara’s brother Emiliano faces the question of whether to take the easy path into the world of crime or work hard to establish a legal business. Stork’s well-developed characters and authentic situations will draw young adults into this suspenseful story.

Librarians will find this to be a popular addition to the growing number of thoughtful, coming-of-age novels focusing on timely issues related to crime and politics along the American-Mexican border. Although the setting is different than Stork’s other novels, fans will quickly become immersed in this fast-paced thriller.

Published on September 26, 2017 by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Scholastic. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Chicago Project

THE CHICAGO PROJECT is an interactive, immersive project exploring Chicago’s history.

Incorporating photo, film, and sound elements, this website currently shares four stories. The Century of Progress project is a virtual reality experience connected with the 1933 World’s Fair. The Valentine’s Day Massacre uses photos and documents to bring an historical site to life through virtual reality. The Eastland Disaster explores a famous ship disaster through historical photos and newsreel film in an augmented and virtual reality environment. Finally, the Spaces project examines famous architectural photography.

Librarians will find this website serves multiple uses. First, it provides an excellent example of virtual reality, augmented reality, and multimedia. Second, it provides a fascinating way to explore history.

To visit the website, go to http://chicago00.org.

Digital Spotlight: Pioneering Women of American Architecture

PIONEERING WOMEN OF AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE profiles fifty women how have made significant contributions to architecture in America.

Contents: The easy-to-access collection is organized alphabetically by last name, chronologically by lifetimes, and pictorially through architectural drawings and photographs. Each entry includes background information, a well-researched biographical article, illustrations depicting the architect and her work, and a bibliography.

Classroom Connections: Teachers will find that high-quality articles to be useful for informational reading activities. Consider using the collection while studying pioneering woman across disciplines.

Featured Digital Objects:
Van Rensselaer https://goo.gl/J1UYGo
Huxtable https://goo.gl/CEJUnD
Maxman https://goo.gl/Qpn5vx

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

Digital Spotlight: Shakespeare Documented

SHAKESPEARE DOCUMENTED is a comprehensive online exhibition documenting items published during his lifetime.

Contents: A collaboration among the Bodleian Libraries, British Library, Shakespeare Trust, UK National Archives, and others, this collection includes nearly 500 primary source materials, this online project shares manuscripts that refer to Shakespeare during his lifetime, books printed during his lifetime, Stationers’ Register entries, printed editions of works, and documents connected to family members.

Classroom Connections: What makes this collection unique is the focus on his socio-economic status and profession during his lifetime. Use this collection to help students better understand Shakespeare’s daily life.

Featured Digital Objects:
Lawsuits https://goo.gl/uQCeR9
Personal Property https://goo.gl/n2EF4F
Contemporary Accounts https://goo.gl/3B5DDb

To visit the collection, go to http://shakespearedocumented.org/.

Book Review: Dog Man Series

DOG MAN is a new series of graphic novels for children by Dav Pilkey featuring a dog-headed police officer.

Like Captain Underpants who was created by George and Harold, Dog Man is an unusual superhero made by a pair of friends. In the first book, this “crime-biting canine” is created when a police officer and his police dog are combined to save both lives. The resulting new superhero has some quirks, but he quickly gets to work capturing criminals like Petey the Cat and other evil doers. Two additional books including Unleashed and A Tale of Two Kittens explore stories featuring evil Petey the Cat. The latest addition to the series introduces Dog Man’s new sidekick Cat Kid. Together they become an effective crime fighting team.

Librarians will find a huge following for this hilarious new series. With endless jokes focusing on the relationship between dogs and cats, this new series will appeal to pet lovers along with fans of Captain Underpants.

Published by Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Type Terms

TYPE TERMS is a website explaining terminology related to typography.

The website’s entry page displays the word “terminology” with active links for over a dozen key terms. Each link provides an animated visual and a definition. Users can then return to the menu or navigate forward or backward through additional terms.

Librarians will find this website an interesting addition to the computer science curriculum. Weave the website into a lesson focusing on word processing, page layout, and typography.

To visit the website, go to https://www.supremo.tv/typeterms/.

Website Review: Unfairy Tales

UNFAIRY TALES is a collection of animated stories exploring the plight of Syrian refugees.

Produced for UNICEF, the website contains three sections: Malak and the Boat, Mustafa Goes for a Walk, and The Story of Ivine and Pillow. In addition, videos show the children telling their stories.

Librarians will find this website to be useful in talking with children about issues regarding child refugees. Students will be particularly interested in how the children narrated the stories themselves.

To visit the website, go tohttps://www.unicef.org/em…/childrenonthemove/unfairytales/en.

Website Review: I Spy (with my Five Eyes)

I SPY (WITH MY FIVE EYES) is an interactive website documentary focusing on global privacy issues.

This engaging documentary explores the tensions among citizens, governments, and intelligence groups related to government surveillance. Specifically, it examines the Five Eyes Alliance surveillance program established during the Cold War that continues today. Each of the five interactive video chapters focuses a specific aspect of government surveillance such as cyberwarfare and the search for terrorists. Each video includes interactive elements such as embedded questions and additional content. Further information is also available.

Librarians will find this interactive documentary to be an effective way to teach high school students about global privacy issues. Social studies teachers will also be interested in weaving the content into their social issues and history curriculum.

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

Book Review: Bizzy Mizz Lizzie

BIZZY MIZZ LIZZIE by David Shannon is a timely picture book that encourages children to “stop and smell the flowers”.

Bizzy Mizz Lizzie is so busy that she never stops to relax. When Mizz Lizzie’s over-scheduled life catches up with her, she learns a lesson about the importance of taking a break to enjoy the simple things in life.

Librarians will find this colorfully illustrated picture book to be useful in classrooms to address the importance of a balanced life. Pair it with a discussion about making choices.

Published by Scholastic on October 10, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Black in History

BLACK IN HISTORY is a blog that highlights the accomplishments of influencers.

This attractive, and easy-to-use website features Black Americans from the past and present. Each entry includes a name, photo, overview, and short biographical sketch. An archive provides easy access to all the entries. Tags are used for each entry making the blog easy to search. In addition, readers can filter entries by subject such as medicine and music. Users are encouraged to submit their own entries.

Librarians will find this website to be a useful addition to Black History Month activities. However more importantly, it provides resources about influential Black Americans that can be woven into the history curriculum as a whole. Encourage children to write their own short entries and submit them to the blog.

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

Book Review: 2018 Young Explorer's Adventure Guide

THE 2018 YOUNG EXPLORER’S ADVENTURE GUIDE edited by Sean and Corie Weaver is the fourth book in this annual anthology.

Containing 24 science fiction stories for middle grade readers, this short story collection includes a wide range of topics from robots to space travel. Many of the stories include diverse characters and connections to contemporary themes.

Librarians will find this anthology to be useful in introducing readers to new authors including both established writers along with newer authors. Of particular note are the many stories featuring female and diverse characters.

Published by Dreaming Robot Press on December 5, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: The Hidden Dangers Project

THE HIDDEN DANGERS PROJECT teaches children about the importance of clean water around the world.

The interactive website contains four stories focusing on clean water hazards including the bacteria monster, trash monster, metal monster, and chemical monster. Each section includes text, images, video, and interactive elements. The project also features a case study video discussing the project, a downloadable experience, and a 360 video.

Librarians will find this to be an effective resource in teaching about clean water. Collaborate with both social studies and science teachers for an interdisciplinary unit focusing on this global issue.

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

Website Review: The Breadwinner

THE BREADWINNER is an interactive website and film based on the popular children’s book.

The story focuses on the journey of a young girl who gives up everything to help her family and reunite with her father. The website contains a movie trailer, an exploration of the story and its characters, a study guide, and an area where users can read stories and share their experiences.

Librarians will find the website and film to be excellent companions to the original book. Weave the book, movie, and website into both the language arts and social studies curriculum.

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

Book Review: The War I Finally Won

THE WAR I FINALLY WON by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is a sequel to the award-winning novel THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE.

This coming-of-age, historical fiction novel picks up shortly after the first book ends as Ada prepares for surgery on her club foot. While dealing with the ongoing stress of war, Ada finds comfort in her horse, her brother, and her new family and friends. Lessons from her painful past help her deal with tragedy and also help others along the way.

Librarian will find both the original and the sequel to be a wonderful way to help children experience World War II. This sequel provides enough backstory that it can stand alone for class activities. Consider using both books along with other World War II novels in a literature circle exploring the war from different perspectives.

Published on October 3, 2017 by Dial. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Word Counter

The WORD COUNTER is a website tool that counts words for social media posts.

Users type or paste in words. The statistics are then shown in a sidebar including characters, words, sentence, paragraphs, and pages in real time. The generator also shows word density and graphs text length against Twitter, Google, and Facebook post standards. A blog and FAQs provide additional information.

Librarians will find this a useful tool for their own social media posts as well as part of a lesson focusing on social media.

To visit the website, go to https://wordcounter.io/.

Website Review: Interland

INTERLAND: BE INTERNET AWESOME is an engaging web-based game teaching digital safety.

Produced with Google along with Internet safety organizations, this series of games helps children learn to make smart decisions about their use of Internet. The game explores a series of worlds focusing on Internet skills such as sharing with care, dealing with fake information, securing data, cyberbullying, and open communication with parents. In addition to the games, educational materials are available for teachers. Links are also included to more resources.

Librarians will find the game approach popular with students. Teachers will enjoy the standards-aligned curriculum materials focusing on digital citizenship.

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

Website Review: Progressive Punctuation

PROGRESSIVE PUNCTUATION is a website showcasing fascinating punctuation marks.

This easy-to-use website features old and new punctuation that never became part of standard practice. Users move forward and back through examples that include a description, inventor, year, location, and appropriate uses of the marks. The resource explores how punctuation is used to bridge the gap between verbal language and written language. The project is intended to encourage conversations about written communication. Users can even download a font containing the punctuation marks.

Librarians will find that this website is a hit with English teachers. Use the website as a creative way to introduce punctuation rules. Encourage students to discuss their favorite punctuation marks and invent their own.

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

Book Review: What If You Had Animal Eyes?

WHAT IF YOU HAD ANIMAL EYES!? By Sandra Markle is a fascinating nonfiction picture book examining the science of eyes.

Each book in the series includes the same elements. Eleven, two-page spreads introduce animals and facts about their eyes. Comparisons are then made with human eyes. The book concludes with benefits of human eyes, the science of eyes, and how to maintain healthy eyes.

Librarians will find the “What If You Had” series to be fun way to explore animal characteristics. Use the six books small groups. Then, use the Build Your Wild Self website at http://www.buildyourwildself.com/ to extend the experience through both science and creative writing.

Published by Scholastic on September 29, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: The Life of the Blue Whale

THE LIFE OF THE BLUE WHALE is an interactive museum experience featuring the skeleton of a huge whale.

Produced by the Natural History Museum in London, the website explores the history of whales, whaling, and the museum’s exhibits. The website is divided into three sections. The Ocean examines the era of whaling and the science of whales. The Hintze Hall section explores the huge whale skeleton on exhibit at the museum. Finally, the Collection area examines the history of the museum and the whale skeleton.

Librarians will find this interactive website to be an interesting way to explore whales, whaling, and history through the lens of a museum setting.

To visit the website, go to http://www.nhm.ac.uk/bluewhale/.

Website Review: Wonder

WONDER is a website exploring resources associated with the award-winning children’s book.

The website contains sections exploring the books, the movie, the characters, and the author. A teacher section links to educational resources including curriculum materials, and teacher-created materials. Information about the “Choose Kind” campaign are also available. Users can also download the free app containing daily affirmations.

Librarians will find this website to be a useful resource in extending the book and movie experience.

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

Website Review: Curious Critters Club

CURIOUS CRITTERS CLUB is a set of technology resources focusing on the quest for fictional creatures.

This technology-rich project includes a website, apps, and interactive books. Users participate in a mission to help scientists find new creatures. Participants become members of the Curious Critters Club and explore a world filled with 25 fictional characters. The website is available in both English and French. An app involves users in an augmented reality adventure. Two interactive story apps are also available including CALL OF THE GIANT EAGLE and THE MYSTERY OF THE CADDY.

Librarians will find the website an engaging way to introduce fictional creatures to children. Involve youth in writing about the characters and creating their own. Use the resources to tie storytelling with mythology and cultures from around the world.

To learn more, go to http://curiouscrittersclub.com/en/experience.

Book Review: Beatrice Zinker, Upside Down Thinker

BEATRICE ZINKER, UPSIDE DOWN THINKER by Shelley Johannes is the first book in a new chapter book series exploring friendship and social issues.

Beatrice is a fun-loving child who loves to do everything upside down. However, she’s disappointed when her best friend shows up to school with a new look and a new friend. She must find a way to fix her friendship without losing herself.

Librarians will find this easy-to-read chapter book perfect for readers who enjoy stories of friendship, school, and home. Many children will empathize with a girl who likes to be “upside down” and the book’s frequent, quirky illustrations will keep children reading.

Published by Disney/Hyperion on September 19, 2017. ARC courtesy fo the publisher.