Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning

Several new works of nonfiction explore the long history of planet Earth including the relatively recent impact of humans and other animals. Each provides a unique perspective and context for investigation.

A Brief History of Earth

Andrew H. Knoll, Apr 2021, Custom House, an imprint of Harper Collins

Themes: Natural history, Science, Earth science

A BRIEF HISTORY OF EARTH takes readers on a 4.6 billion-year journey through the science of our planet with chapters exploring the chemical, physical, biological, oxygen, animal, green, catastrophic, and human Earth. Of particular note are the excellent illustrations, conversational writing style, and balance of anecdotes with facts.

Take-aways: Educators will find the connections to climate change useful within the larger context of earth history. This book would be a good choice for an AP content-area reading assignment.

A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth

Henry Gee, Nov 2021, St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of Macmillan

Themes: Natural history, Life science, Evolution

A (VERY) SHORT HISTORY OF LIFE ON EARTH provides a quick overview of how life evolved on Earth in a dozen short chapters. The first seven chapters explore early life, to dinosaurs leaving five chapters for mammals, primates and human evolution.

Take-aways: This primer on evolution would be of particular interest to science students and teachers seeking an engaging work of nonfiction for leisure reading.

A Natural History of the Future: What the Laws of Biology Tell Us About the Destiny of the Human Species

Rob Dunn, Nov 2021, Basic Books, an imprint of Hachette Book Group

Themes: Natural history, Nature, Ecology

A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE FUTURE explains how Earth has become a human ecosystem. Focusing on ecology and evolution, the author skillfully explains the history of humans and their impact, climate change, and the need for action.

Take-aways: Educators will find the timely topics useful in curriculum updates.

A History of the World in 100 Animals

Simon Barnes, May 2022, Pegasus Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster

Themes: World history, Animals

A HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN 100 ANIMALS explores dozens of animals that have had a close relationship with humans across the millennia. From the honeybee to the giant squid, Barnes examines the connection between humans and the other creatures that inhabit the Earth. Each animal is presented through a short, conversational essay.

Take-aways: This interdisciplinary work blends history, culture, art, and life science. Of particular note are the outstanding full-color illustrations, short quotes from literature, and engaging anecdotes that bring the animals to life. Students of all ages enjoy learning about animals. Educators will find fascinating examples to engage students across the curriculum. Use an animal essay as a springboard to inquiry or writing.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Green Book Guidebooks

The Negro Motorist Green Book was a guide book produced for African American travelers. Published during the era of Jim Crow laws between 1936 and 1966 when discrimination and segregation were widespread, the books helped travelers identify businesses and services friendly to African American visitors.

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

OVERGROUND RAILROAD by Candacy Taylor tells the story of the Green Book, a guide for African American travelers in mid-20th century America. This young adult adaptation traces the history of the Green Book and the courage of both travelers and businesses that stood up against racial segregation. Filled with stunning photographs, fascinating interviews, and engaging narrative, this compelling work of youth nonfiction brings the barriers and hazards faced by Black travelers to life for middle grade readers. The book includes an author’s note, endnotes, bibliography, timeline, and index.

NAVIGATING THE GREEN BOOK from the New York Public Library invites readers to visualize a trip using the Green Books and view a map of data from the books. Users can also browse 21 volumes of the Green Books from 1937 to 1964.

To visit the website, go to http://publicdomain.nypl.org/greenbook-map/.

THE NEGRO MOTORIST GREEN BOOK is an online exhibit from the Smithsonian Institution. Users can learn about the Green Book, examine an online exhibit, and explore stories of people who used the Green Book.

To visit the website, go to https://negromotoristgreenbook.si.edu/.

ARC courtesy of Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS Kids.

Synergy: Mars

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun. Although several uncrewed spacecraft have explored this small planet, a human mission to Mars is likely in the next decade.

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

PACKING FOR MARS FOR KIDS by Mary Roach answers questions about space travel and life in space. This young readers adaptation contains all the humor and information found in the adult version while focusing on topics of interest to middle grade readers. From floating in space to toilet training, Roach shares both personal experiences and historical examples as she immerses readers in the practical aspects of a mission to Mars and beyond.

The MARS EXPLORATION PROGRAM website from NASA Science shares information and discoveries gathered from robotic orbiters, landers and mobile laboratories. Visitors can explore past, present, and future missions.

To visit the website, go to https://mars.nasa.gov/.

The HUMAN RESEARCH PROGRAM website from NASA explores the methods and technologies to support safe, productive human space travel. It includes links to useful resources about upcoming missions.

To visit the website, go to https://www.nasa.gov/hrp.

ARC courtesy of Norton Young Readers, an imprint of W. W. Norton.

Synergy: Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Anita Chisholm (1924-2005) was the first African-American United States Congresswoman. Elected in 1968 to serve an area of Brooklyn, New York, she was an outspoken advocate for race and gender issues. She ran for President in 1972 citing the need for Democratic candidates that represented the needs of minority and inner-city poor voters.

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

SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT! by Tonya Bolden shares the life story of Shirley Chisholm. Through nineteen short chapters, the author is effective in telling the extraordinary life of this ground breaking politician and activist. Along with a forward written by Stacey Abrams and a full-color photo collage, the narrative features engaging short stories that weave key quotes with key historical figures and events.

SHIRLEY ANITA CHISHOLM is represented in the History, Art and Archives section of the United States House of Representatives website. The page included a comprehensive article about her political life.

To visit the page, go to https://bit.ly/3AgzHMJ.

ARC courtesy of National Geographic.

Synergy: City

A city is a large, densely populated human settlement. These places generally have a central authority that facilitates operations such as sanitation and transportation. Some cities are part of a larger, continuous urban landscape called a metropolis. In some cases, large cities are divided into neighborhoods or boroughs. For instance, Manhattan is the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City.

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

FOUR STREETS AND A SQUARE: A History of Manhattan and the New York Idea by Marc Aronson is a work of nonfiction for middle grades and young adults. Using photos, drawings, and other primary source materials, along with an engaging narrative, Aronson provides a fascinating examination of the evolution of four streets and a square within Manhattan. Of particular note are the many ways the author addresses common legends and challenges traditional thinking about the long history of the city. He takes care in providing multiple viewpoints and lesser known examples. Throughout the book, he includes snapshots that provide a timeline of key events.

RESOURCES from Marc Aronson provides useful online materials to immerse readers in each chapter. From maps and video clips to photo collections and entire websites, this useful supplement will bring the book alive for readers.

To explore the links, go to https://bit.ly/3Ku4Ssz.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning

From Ferdinand Magellan and Sir Francis Drake to lesser-known scientific explorers and even an unknown mariner, a batch of new nonfiction works share previously overlooked stories set during the age of discovery. These titles expand our thinking about the people and missions that jumpstarted maritime travel and commerce.

In Search of a Kingdom: Francis Drake, Elizabeth I, and the Perilous Birth of the British Empire

Laurence Bergreen, Mar 2021, Custom House, an imprint of Harper Collins

Themes: World history, Maritime history, British empire, Age of Discovery

IN SEARCH OF A KINGDOM is an engaging nonfiction narrative exploring Francis Drake, his major voyages of exploration, and his relationship with Elizabeth I.

Take-aways: Educators will find the relationships among the key players along with the specifics of Drake’s expeditions to be helpful in understanding the bigger picture of piracy, enslaved people, diplomacy, and the quest for fame and riches during this period.

Conquering the Pacific: An Unknown Mariner and the Final Great Voyage of the Age of Discovery

Andrés Reséndez, Sep 2021, Mariner Books, an imprint of Harper Collins

Themes: World history, Spanish history, Maritime history, Age of Discovery

CONQUERING THE PACIFIC shares an amazing account of a mid-16th century Spanish expedition that crossed the Pacific Ocean and returned. Launched from a secret port in Mexico, the crew included a Black mariner who captained the small, lead ship.

Take-aways: Of particular interest are the many examples of navigational techniques necessary to successfully cross this challenging ocean.  In addition, the book details encounters with the Pacific Islanders and an assortment of near-disasters.

Latitude: The True Story of the World’s First Scientific Expedition

Nicholas Crane, Oct 2021, Pegasus Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster

Themes: World history, Maritime history, Expeditions, Age of Discovery

LATITUDE is a fast-paced nonfiction narrative tracing the adventures of a dozen eighteenth-century European scientists who made important discoveries about global navigation and other amazing achievements.

Take-aways: STEM educators will find this true story of scientific discovery to be an engaging way to teach youth about perseverance and the quest for knowledge.

Straits: Beyond the Myth of Magellan

Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, Mar 2022, University of California Press

Themes: World history, Maritime history, Expeditions, Age of Discovery

STRAITS revisits the life of Ferdinand Magellan separating the fact from fiction through surviving primary sources while providing useful insights and context.

Take-aways: Historically, textbooks have glossed over the life of Magellan and portrayed him as the hero of the age of discovery. This work is effective in providing a more realistic and comprehensive examination of this historical figure.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Hurricane

A hurricane is a strong tropical cyclone that typically forms over large bodies of warm water such as the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. Winds move in a circular pattern around a central, clear eye. These storms can cause high winds, heavy rain, flooding, and even tornados.

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

THE DEADLIEST HURRICANES THEN AND NOW by Deborah Hopkinson explores the most catastrophic hurricanes in American history. Using fast-paced narratives, graphics, historical photos, and pull-out boxes, the author examines the science, history, and destructive impact of these weather events. 

THE DEADLIEST is a new series from Scholastic sure to engage young readers. Other titles include The Deadliest Diseases Then and Now and The Deadliest Fires Then and Now.

HURRICANES IN HISTORY from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shares information about notable storms such as the Galveston Hurricane of 1900. Each example includes an overview of the key details of the hurricane along with an interactive map showing its path.

Visit the website at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/history/ 

ARC courtesy of Scholastic.

Synergy: Black Panther Party

The Black Panther Party was a political organization formed in the 1960s. Known for both their community activism and controversial approaches to promoting civil rights, the group promoted self-defense and challenged police brutality. Their Ten-point Program advocated for social justice, but their message was often overlooked by the media in favorite of a focus on member violent conflicts and criminal activities.

Read the recently published, award-winning nonfiction history for youth then learn more at the website.

REVOLUTION IN OUR TIME: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People by Kekla Magoon puts this controversial organization and its members within the larger context of Black American history. Providing an accurate and balanced examination of this influential black movement group, the book is a “must read” for teens grappling with today’s issues of social justice. Primary source documents and images are effectively woven into the engaging narrative. Useful end matter includes information about key people, a time line, glossary, and further readings.

BLACK PAST is a website dedicated to providing reliable and accurate information about African American history to promote constructive change. The website contains sections focusing on African American history and global African history along with main and special features. Resources including 101 African American firsts, genealogy materials, office holders, and STEM innovators. A search for Black Panther Party leads to several useful articles and resources.

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

BLACK PANTHER PARTY COLLECTION website includes video footage from the 1960s and 1970s related to the Black Panther Party’s Oakland Chapter.

To visit the video collection, go to https://bit.ly/3GCocl6.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Fiction: Wakers

WAKERS by Orson Scott Card is the first book in the new Side-Step trilogy set in multiverses. As a clone in an alternative universe, Laz struggles to survive in a barren world with a pack of dogs and a sleeping companion. He must solve the mystery of his existence and figure out how to move among parallel worlds. Fans of Card will enjoy the new universe and novice readers will be quickly drawn into his intriguing world-building. Adults and teens alike will enjoy the fascinating premise, compelling characters, and deep science.

ARC courtesy of Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: Fungi, Herbs, and Human Connections

Fungi, Herbs, and Human Connections

The fascinating world of fungi and herbs is the topic of several new works of nonfiction. From updates in mycology to the traditions of ginseng gathering, these titles explore an often overlooked area of science and agriculture.

The Secret Life of Fungi: Discoveries From a Hidden World
Aliya Whiteley, Sep 2021, Pegasus Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Themes: Science, Life sciences, Nature, Mycology

THE SECRET LIFE OF FUNGI shares the joys of nature, mushrooms, and mycology. Whether detailing medicinal uses of mushrooms or describing microfungus that eat plastic, each short essay begins with a drawing followed by an engaging story filled with humor and relatable anecdotes.

Take-aways: Both teen readers and educators will connect with the author’s passion for her subject. Making the science fun and the facts friendly, science teachers will find many timely examples of fungi in agriculture, medicine, and other allied fields. 

The Hidden Kingdom of Fungi: Exploring the Microscopic World in Our Forests, Homes, and Bodies
Keith Seifert, Apr 2022, Greystone Books
Themes: Science, Life sciences, Nature, Mycology

THE HIDDEN KINGDOM OF FUNGI introduces the fascinating world of mycology. Divided into three sections: the hidden kingdom, the fungal planet, and the mycelial revolution, each chapter explores meaningful examples of our relationship with fungi from the famous potato famine in Ireland to new research in DNA.

Take-aways: As a career scientist, the author is effective in making the science of fungi accessible to non-experts. Educators will find his focus on human connections and building a sustainable future useful. Young adults interested in the mycology will be engaged by the science, the hands-on stories, and the timely examples.

Ginseng Diggers: A History of Root and Herb Gathering in Appalachia
Luke Manget, Feb 2022, The University Press of Kentucky
Themes: Social Science, Agriculture, Food

GINSENG DIGGERS traces the history of Appalachia’s ginseng trade and how the root along with related medicinal plants became a global commodity. Using country store archival records and other primary sources, Manget describes the gathering culture and use of public lands through history with emphasis on the American Civil War era.

Take-aways: Rather that focusing on the science of ginseng plant, the author explores the economic, environmental, and medical impact of this valuable herb. Both science and history teachers will find useful examples that connect this extraordinary plant with the local gathering culture and the global botanical drug trade over time.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Oxygen

Oxygen is a chemical element required by animals. When an animal breathes, it takes in oxygen. Animals need oxygen to survive. 

Read the recently published nonfiction picture book for youth then learn more at the website.

BLOWHOLES, BOOK GILLS, AND BUTT-BREATHERS by Doug Wechsler is an engaging picture book describing how animals get their oxygen. Part of the HOW NATURE WORKS series, this title features photographs along with high quality diagrams. Specific animals are used to highlight different ways creatures breath and use oxygen.

HOW DO ANIMALS BREATHE? Is a one-page overview from the New Mexico Museum of Art that explains breath taking.

To read the document, go to https://bit.ly/3IgNpSO

BREATHING IN ANIMALS is a short video explaining the different organs animals use for breathing.

To view the video, go to https://youtu.be/cPOl1CYvNKo

ARC courtesy of Tilbury House Publishers, an imprint of W. W. Norton.

Synergy: Protest Art

Protest Art includes the wide range of creative works produced by activists. Designed to inform, educator, and persuade, these works of art are intended to stir emotions and promote action in citizens as part of social movements.

Read the recently published work of nonfiction for youth then learn more at the website.

THE ART OF PROTEST: Creating, Discovering, and Activating Art for your Revolution by De Nichols is designed to inspire youth to explore art from around the world and create their own. Using colorful illustrations and well-known examples from throughout history, the author explains the importance of art in social movements, the creation or protest art, the power of youth leadership, and the future of this art form.

THE 25 MOST INFLUENTIAL WORKS OF AMERICAN PROTEST ART SINCE WORLD WAR II is an article from the New York Times discussing the impact of protest art through specific examples.

To read the article, go to https://nyti.ms/33mEIaK 

ARC courtesy of Big Picture Press, an imprint of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Farm Security Administration

The Farm Security Administration (FSA) was part of the Great Depression-era New Deal program. The FSA became famous for its photography program that depicted rural poverty. Between 1935 and 1944, about 175,000 black-and-white images were generated by the eleven photographers. Dorothea Lange and Gordon Parks were among the photographers.

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

PICTURING A NATION by Martin W. Sandler shares the story of the FSA photographers who brought the challenges of rural living alive for America. Filled with stunning photographs and quotes from both the photographers and others, the book features many lesser-known images to help young people understand the impact of the Farm Security Administration’s photography program. After introducing the program, the book explores photographs from each region and concludes with an overview of each photographer.

The FARM SECURITY ADMINISTRATION digital collection at the Library of Congress shares thousands of historical photos along with articles and essays about the FSA-OWI photographic unit.

To visit the black and white collection, go to https://bit.ly/3FBBZHi

To visit the color collection, go to https://bit.ly/3Igrbjs

ABOUT THE FSW is a video from the Library of Congress that introduces the Farm Security Administration collection.

To watch the overview, go to https://youtu.be/00UaD8_UpkE

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: Medieval Life

New Takes on Medieval Life

New works of nonfiction bust myths about the people and progress of the Middle Ages by providing new perspectives on this often misunderstood time period.

The Middle Ages: A Graphic History
Eleanor Janega, Sep 2021, Icon Books
Themes: graphic history, European history, Middle Ages, Medieval

THE MIDDLE AGES is a highly illustrated history of Medieval times. Combining engaging visuals with a conversational approach, this graphic history provides a useful overview with many specific examples and lots of fun along the way.

Take-aways: Rather than a dark period in history, Janega stresses that Medieval times featured art, culture, and intellectual development. Contains lots of ideas for reluctant learners and useful examples. 

Powers and Thrones: A New History of the Middle Ages
Dan Jones, Nov 2021, Viking/8 Titles
Themes: Europe history, Middle Ages, Medieval

POWERS AND THRONES explores a thousand years of medieval history. Divided into four parts: imperium, dominion, rebirth, and revolution, each section explores key individuals, transformational events, and enduring themes

Take-aways: Of particular note is Jones’ global approach to this time period while maintaining a mostly western lens. Young adults will enjoy the author’s conversational approach and themes of interest to contemporary readers.

The Bright Ages: A New History of Medieval Europe
Matthew Gabriele & David M. Perry, Nov 2021, Harper Collins
Themes: European history, Middle Ages, Medieval

THE BRIGHT AGES casts a new light on well-known people and events of the European Middle Ages. The book begins with the story of a Roman woman artisan and concludes with a debate about the prospects of the New World.

Take-aways: Gabriele and Perry help readers understand why long-held beliefs about the backward nature of the dark ages need to be replaced by an understanding of the time period that includes a broader, more diverse, and more inclusive view.

Medicine in the Middle Ages: Surviving the Times
Juliana Cummings, Dec 2021, Pen and Sword History
Themes: Medical history, Middle Ages, Medieval

MEDICINE IN THE MIDDLE AGES describes the perils of medieval life and how these people approached healing. Rooted in the work of ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, medieval medicine was linked to both the Catholic Church and the social status of patients. Explore the birth of hospitals and the horrors of war.

Take-aways: Educators will find this book useful in helping their students understand the challenges faced by both the rich and poor of the middle ages. From science and social studies to history, this book takes a multi-disciplinary approach to exploring the connection among religion, torture, plagues, medicine, and disease.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Africa

Africa is the world’s second-largest continent covering 20% of the Earth’s land area. With the world’s youngest population, it accounts for 16% of the world’s population. Its human history can be traced back at least 200,000 years. Recorded history arose in Ancient Egypt and later in Nubia, the Sahel, the Maghreb, and the Horn of Africa.

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

AFRICAN ICONS by Tracey Baptiste tells the story of ten people who shaped African history. From ancient civilizations to the sixteenth century, each profile represents a key individual who made a unique contribution. Each short chapter begins with a full-color portrait, then shares the fascinating true story of a visionary leader or thinker. A map identifies the location of each story, provides a timeline of regions, and features key innovations.

AFRICA’S GREAT CIVILIZATIONS is a PBS series exploring the history of Africa. Featuring Henry Louis Gates, Jr., the six hour series examines two hundred thousand years of history.

To visit the website, go to https://to.pbs.org/3CBvhAA.

ARC courtesy of Algonquin Young Readers, an imprint of Workman.

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.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: Drawing

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning:
Drawing

Whether seeking ideas for building confidence in young artists or exploring new how-to-draw series, several new drawing books are available for educators.

Drawing Workshop for Kids: Process Art Experiences for Building Creativity and Confidence
Samara Caughey, Apr 2021, Quarry Books, an imprint of Quarto Group
Themes: Art, Techniques, Drawing, Creativity

DRAWING WORKSHOP FOR KIDS shares both warm-up drawing activities along with drawing workshops to inspire children to explore and develop their own style.

Take-aways: Children benefit from both quick, exploration-type assignments as well as longer drawing workshops.

Drawing is for Everyone 
Kateri Ewing, Jul 2021, Quarry Books, an imprint of Quarto Group
Themes: Art, Techniques, Drawing, Creativity

DRAWING IS FOR EVERYONE builds drawing skills and confidence through 21 lessons with pencil, colored pencil, and ink.

Take-aways: Ewings suggests building both seeing-based and abstract drawing skills through engaging in a daily habit and following four guiding principles.

The Urban Sketching Handbook Series

Panoramas and Vertical Vistas: Techniques for Drawing on Location from Urban Perspectives, Mario Linhares, Sep 2021, Quarry Books/Quarto Group

Understanding Light: Portraying Light Effects in On-Location Drawing and Painting, Katie Woodward, Dec 2021, Quarry Books/Quarto Group

Themes: Art, Techniques, Drawing

THE URBAN SKETCHING HANDBOOK series provides artists with practical instruction focusing on creative techniques, tips, and advice for on-location sketching. Each title focuses a different sketching technique.

Take-aways: It’s useful to investigate how specific techniques are reflected in the works of masters when building sketching skills in new areas.

Ten-Step Drawing Series

Everyday Things: Learn To Draw 60 Ordinary Items in Ten Easy Steps!

Justine Lecouffe, Sep 2021, Walter Foster Pub.Quarto Group

Manga: Learn To Draw 30 Manga Characters & Animals in Ten Easy Steps! Chie Kutsuwada, Sep 2021, Walter Foster Pub./Quarto Group

Themes: Art, Techniques, Drawing

The TEN-STEP DRAWING series provides easy-to-follow instructions that encourage new artists to start drawing. Books in the series focus on drawing animals, flowers, people, nature, dogs, cats, and more. 

Take-aways: This simple, step-by-step approach is likely to increase the success of reluctant students, while teaching basic drawing techniques.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Giant Panda

Giant Pandas are a black and white bear native to South Central China. They eat bamboo shoots and leaves. Governments and organizations have worked together to ensure this vulnerable species is able to survive in the wild and in captivity.

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

BEI BEI GOES HOME: A PANDA STORY by Cheryl Bardoe tells the true story of a rare giant panda born at the National Zoo in Washington DC. The fast-paced narrative incorporates full-color photos and side-bar panda facts to engage readers. The picture book concludes with additional information about pandas.

The GIANT PANDA CAM page from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo provides feeds from two video cameras. In addition, still and video images are also available.

To visit the live cams, go to https://s.si.edu/3CBHwwX.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Entertainment, an imprint of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Architecture

Architecture is the art, science, and practice of designing and constructing structures such as buildings, bridges, and outdoor spaces.

Read the recently published work of nonfiction for youth then learn more at the website.

ADVENTURES IN ARCHITECTURE FOR KIDS by Vicky Chan is the second book in the new Design Genius Jr. series. The book features 30 design projects for children. Each hands-on activity explores a different aspect of STEAM discovery and learning associated with the architecture theme including general construction, architecture and history, landscape architecture, sustainable architecture, and city planning. Each project provides an overview, materials and tools needed, step-by-step instructions with photographs, and notes.

Architecture at Home is a web-based project from the Center for Architecture featuring two dozen, hands-on architecture activities for children. These short, easy design projects use readily available materials. Each project includes an overview, videos, step-by-step instructions, and a downloadable PDF.

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/2ZKb0u4.

Use the book and website in a makerspace exploring architecture themes.

ARC courtesy of Rockport Publishers, an imprint of the Quarto Group.

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning: Popular Science Topics

Timely Take-Aways for Life-Long Learning
Popular Science Topics

New works of popular science nonfiction are examining fascinating scientific themes through entertaining stories. Educators will find these useful in identifying timely examples for their classrooms.

Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law
Mary Roach, Sep 2021, W.W. Norton & Company
Themes: science, social science, nature, biology, philosophy, wildlife

FUZZ explores the science of human-wildlife interaction and conflict. Combining the disciplines of human behavior and wildlife biology, Roach shares fascinating and often humorous examples of the challenges of human-nature coexistence.

Take-aways: Roach’s conversational style is always popular with young adults and educators alike. From connections with bears and elephants to monkeys and trees, each chapter shares a short, engaging narrative that helps readers understand the complex relationships between nature and humans.

Blue: In Search of Nature’s Rarest Color
Kai Kupferschmidt, Jul 2021, The Experiment, an imprint of Workman
Themes: science, physics, optics, light, color

BLUE take readers on an adventure around to globe to identify examples of this rare color in minerals, animals, and plants. It also examines the science behind the color blue and its impact on human life.

Take-aways: Occurring less frequently in nature than other colors, blue is a color associated with both science and social science topics.

Pump: A Natural History of the Heart
Bill Schutt, Sep 2021, Algonquin Books, an imprint of Workman
Themes: science, life science, biology, circulation, heart

PUMP shares the evolutionary history of circulation and specifically the heart. Weaving together scientific observations with cultural connections, Schutt examines the history of this organ through amazing stories and examples.

Take-aways: Use examples from PUMP to help youth see how our understanding of the circulatory system has evolved over time.

Weirdness!: What Fake Science and the Paranormal Tell Us About the Nature of Science
Taner Edis, Nov 2021, Pitchstone Publishing, Independent Publishers Group
Themes: science, scientific theory, pseudo-science, paranormal


WEIRDNESS! celebrates the importance of science in a world of fake news, social media, and conspiracy theories. Edis describes the critical role of science, while exploring the bizarre beliefs that have become prevalent in today’s society.

Take-aways: Use Edis’ examples to jumpstart meaningful discussions about the importance of science and need to understand the “weirdness” in our world.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Black Seminole People

The Black Seminole people are the descendants of Seminole Indians combined with free Blacks and escaped enslaved people of African lineage. Although Florida had been a refuge for freedom-seeking enslaved people, the Black Seminole people ultimately migrated to Oklahoma, Texas, and Mexico in the mid 1800s.

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

A MAN CALLED HORSE by Glennette Tilley Turner tells the true story of a man of Seminole and African descent who lead his people from Florida to a new home in the West during the 19th century. This well-researched biography reflects the many roles of John Horse from counselor and army captain to conductor on the Underground Railroad. Told through short, visually-rich chapters, Turner follows John Horse’s quest while also providing the larger context of the challenges facing the Black Seminole people. The book concludes with the lasting legacy, additional information, timeline, author’s note, notes, and bibliography.

Rebellion: John Horse and the Black Seminoles is an online project telling the story of John Horse and the Black Seminoles.

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

Florida’s Underground Railroad: The Black Seminoles is an online article from Florida Memory describing how runaway slaves fled south into Florida during the 18th and early 18th centuries. 

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/3waqPX8.

Black Seminole Indians by Tracé Etienne-Gray is an online article tracing this ethnic group from Florida to their migration to Oklahoma, Mexico, and Texas.

To read the article, go to https://bit.ly/2Yaxowe.

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Reads, an imprint of ABRAMS.