Website Review: The Great War Archaeology

THE GREAT WAR ARCHAEOLOGY website explores the work archaeologists are doing to learn more about World War I in France (1914-1918).

This amazing website is divided into five sections titled Called Up to the Front, Archaeological Remains, Day-to-Day Life, Day-to-Day Death, and Underground War and Technical Innovations. Each section provides short text segments, historical photos, maps, video, and other interesting materials.

In addition to the core materials, the chronology section provides an interactive timeline of events along with useful primary source documents and information. The links area provides websites where users can find out more about World War I. Finally, the glossary defines key terms and locations.

Librarians will find the archaeology focus a unique way to explore World War I topics and primary sources. This approach may also attract students who are drawn to the scientific and technical aspects of studying history. Foreign language teachers should note that the website is available in French and German in addition English.

To explore the website, go to http://archeologie1418.culture.fr/en/.

Book Review: Everything series

National Geographic’s EVERYTHING series contains over a dozen books that will jumpstart the exploration of science and history topics.

Topics include Birds of Prey, Insects, Dolphins, Mythology, Sharks, Ancient Egypt, Sports, Soccer, Dinosaurs, World War I, Big Cats, and Robotics. Two new titles include EVERYTHING VIKINGS and EVERYTHING SPACE.

EVERYTHING VIKINGS includes both historical and fantasy representations of Vikings. It begins with a history of key individuals and the Viking life. Next, it explores famous vikings and the Viking Gods. The book ends with Viking games and fun facts. The colorful photographs, diagrams, maps, and graphics will draw in readers of all ages.

EVERYTHING SPACE begins by exploring the space in our neighborhood then branches out to examine the secrets of the universe. Space programs and heroes are featured along with an exploration of facts vs fiction. The book is filled with fascinating diagrams, infographics, photos, charts, and other appealing visuals.

Librarians will find that this entire series will fly off the shelves. Each short, highly visual book is chuck-full of fascinating facts that will ignite the imagination.

EVERYTHING VIKINGS and EVERYTHING SPACE are published by National Geographic Kids on September 8, 2015.

Website Review: Eat: The Story of Food

The EAT: THE STORY OF FOOD website from the National Geographic Channel provides an engaging look at all aspects of food in life.

Users can choose from six areas to explore including Sugar Rushes, Guilty Pleasures, Carnivores, Baked & Buzzed, Hooked on Seafood, and Food Revolutionaries.

Each section includes short narratives, slide shows, expert videos, tips, recipes, and other connections associated with the theme. Many of the informational pieces contain connections to science and history. Each section is also a video program that can be viewed on the National Geographic Channel.

Librarians will find that this website provides a wonderful opportunity for thematic projects and interdisciplinary approaches. Assign small groups to explore a particular section and report back to the group with their questions. Use this as an opportunity to jump-start personal inquiries into areas of interest.

Pair this website with books by Mark Kurlansky such as Cod and Salt. Or, connect with books like The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan. Look for other thematic books in your collection on food related topics such as the history of sugar.

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

Website Review: Smithsonian's History Explorer

THE SMITHSONIAN’S HISTORY EXPLORER website provides access to high-quality teaching and learning materials.

The Lesson & Activities section contains hundreds of standards-based educational resources. Users can search by key words and filter results by grade, resource type, historical era, and cross curricular connections.

The Interactives & Media area features audio, video, and interactive resources such as 3D tours, learning games, and tutorials.

The Museum Artifacts element uses an object-based learning approach applying artifacts from the Smithsonian’s collection.

The Themes section explores major topics from American history such as immigration, civil rights movement, westward expansion, and War of 1812.

The Books area features selected children’s books that represent particular historical eras. These titles can be organized by reading level.

The Teacher Resources provides materials to help educators teach with primary resources. This section also links to a variety of professional development materials and opportunities.

The Web Links area links to over one hundred useful websites related to American History. These websites are specifically aimed at K-12 youth.

Librarians will find many opportunities to connect classroom teachers with standards-based activities and resources. Specifically seek out those materials that stress inquiry-based learning and primary sources.

To visit the website, go to http://historyexplorer.si.edu.

Book Review: The Thing About Jellyfish

THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH by Ali Benjamin is the touching story of a seventh-grade girl dealing with the death of a friend.

When Zu learns of her friend’s accidental drowning, she slowly withdraws and stops talking. Through flashbacks, we learn the story of their friendship and why she’s haunted by guilt. In her quest for solace and answers, she dives into an exploration of jellyfish in the hopes of solving the mystery of Franny’s death. Although she shuns family and friends with her single-minded quest, they’re understanding and supportive.

By exploring the death of a friend from the perspective of a bewildered child, Benjamin provides interesting insights into the confusion and devastation distinct to young grievers.

Although written for the middle grades, librarians will enjoy the authentic storyline that bridges into young adult interest. The mixture of chapter introductions focusing on the scientific method, fascinating information about jellyfish, and heart-wrenching flashbacks sets this novel apart from other works of realistic fiction on the topic of dealing with the death of a friend. With lots of opportunities for thought-provoking discussions, this well-written work of realistic fiction would be a great choice for literature circles.

Look for this title to appear on Newbery short lists. It’s a winner!

Learn more about the author at http://alibenjamin.com.

Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Hachette on September 22.

App Review: Chemcrafter

CHEMCRAFTER is a science game app from the Chemical Heritage Foundation.

This creative app lets users build a chemistry lab and try out fun experiments. Users drag and drop combinations of chemicals to create amazing reactions. The Chem-o-convertor measures energy released and unlocks new levels. Users collect tools and chemicals to expand their experiments. Characters help guide users through different types of chemical reactions.

Although designed as a game, the app is a great way to spur interest in science. Involve students in logging their results and learning more about the chemicals and reactions used in the game. Create a display of nonfiction books that students can use as resources to learn more about the chemicals and experiments experienced in the games.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chemcrafter/id839552862.

Book Review: If You Love Honey

IF YOU LOVE HONEY by Martha Sullivan is an amazing informational science picture exploring connections in nature.

Each page of the story begins with some variation of “if you love…, then you…”. Readers are taken through a series of connected flora and fauna starting with honey and ending with children at a picnic. Supplemental information on each page describes the importance of each aspect of nature including insects, birds, and soils.

In addition to the narrative, readers will enjoy additional information and activities at the end of the book including an I-Spy game; information about pollination and honey; and bee activities.

While many science books for children focus on a single topic or gloss over the big picture, this beautifully illustrated picture book manages to pack in dozens of essential science concepts into an engaging narrative.

Librarians will find lots of connections to the science curriculum. Use this book to kick off an exploration for each of the creatures in the story. Create a display that includes nonfiction books on bees and honey.

To download activities to accompany the book, go tohttp://www.dawnpub.com/activities/honey/.

Published by Dawn Publications on September 1, 2015.

Book Review: What in the World? Look Again

WHAT IN THE WORLD? LOOK AGAIN from National Geographic Kids is the second book in a new series that contains dozens of fascinating photo puzzles for middle grades children to ponder.

As readers work their way through this colorful book, they’re faced with eight different types of puzzles.

The “What in the World?” puzzles ask children to use photos and written clues to find the answers to questions.
The “Real or Fake?” activities involve youth in deciding if a photo is real or fake.
The “Take a Look!” puzzles ask children to find items in a photo on a list.
The “Up Close” photos involve youth in matching extreme close-up photos with other images.
The “Hidden Animals” activities ask readers to find animals hidden in their natural habitats.
The “Optical Illusion” puzzles involves readers in looking at images different ways.
The “Double Take” photos ask children to find differences between two photos.
The “More Challenges” activities extend the experience with additional experiences to extend brain power. Answers can be found at the end of the book along with other resources to explore.

Librarians will find this new series to be a popular alternative to the “I Spy” books. The visual mysteries will provide endless opportunities for problem-solving fun. Use the book to kick off a digital photography project. Get youth involved with creating their own visual photo puzzles.

Published by National Geographic Kids on September 8, 2015.

Website Review: NASA's GeneLab

NASA’s GENELAB website explores cutting-edge biology experiences conducted in space.

The resource begins with a fascinating video that examines how the GeneLab is used to conduct unique scientific studies.

The Discoveries section features news and information about the data being collected, the strategic plan, and specific experiments.

The Data section links to the GeneLab Data System 1.0 website. This open-access, online searchable data repository houses information collected from space biology experiments. Users can browse sample data sets. This area is just getting started, so more research will be available in the future.

Useful for secondary students interested in cutting-edge science, librarians will find a wealth of interesting resources. This website provides “real world” examples of space biology work so students can see how experiments are conducted in space. Although the science is likely to be beyond secondary student understanding, it may provide the foundation for further exploration.

To visit the website, go to http://genelab.nasa.gov/.

Book Review: Honor Girl

HONOR GIRL: A GRAPHIC MEMOIR by Maggie Thrash tells the story of first love at an all-girl summer camp.

Maggie spends her summers at Camp Bellflower in Kentucky. From music to target shooting, she experiences the typical drama of summer friendships. However, the summer she turns 15, Maggie falls for a 19-year-old camp counselor. Camp rumors and melodrama don’t diminish her experience of first love.

Using flashbacks to her time in summer camp, the author skillfully weaves a story of self-discovery and young love. She also reminds readers that it’s impossible to revisit the past. Although the book explores a lesbian relationship, Thrash’s portrayal of teen angst and struggles with sexuality are universal themes.

The colorful drawings will appeal to the young adult audience. Librarians will find HONOR GIRL to be a popular addition to the growing number of quality graphic memoirs for young adults.

Learn more about the author at http://www.maggiethrash.com/.

Published by Candlewick on September 8, 2015.

App Review: Robots

ROBOTS is an interactive reference app exploring over 150 real-world robots.

This award-winning app provides a complete reference guide to the topic of robotics. The engaging app contains hundreds of animations, photos, videos, and articles.

Users select a robot to explore from thumbnail images of 158 robots from 19 countries around the world. Users can examine a 360 degree view of the robot, participate in interactive animations, review technical specifications, read articles, and view photos and videos.

Librarians will find that this app appeals to both beginners as well as experienced robot enthusiasts. Include the app in a display with toy robots, LEGO robots, and books related to the topic.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/robots-for-ipad/id566581906.

Book Review: Seven Dead Pirates

SEVEN DEAD PIRATES by Linda Bailey is a humorous paranormal adventure about a boy who helps a gaggle of ghosts retake their pirate ship from a local museum.

After Lewis’s great grandfather dies, the shy eleven-year-old and his family moves into his great-grandfather’s creepy seaside mansion. Lewis soon discovers that the ghosts of seven pirates live in the secluded tower that’s now his bedroom. These spooky characters aren’t interested in haunting. Instead, they want to steal their pirate ship from the history museum and set sail for the pirate utopia known as Libertalia.

Perfect for a Halloween month read-aloud, this middle grades fantasy is full of paranormal fun and emerging friendships. Children will easily empathize with Lewis and his motley crew of apparitions. This book will quickly become a popular part of the library’s Halloween book display.

Librarians will also find the book to be a great focal point for a pirate themed event. Need ideas? Go to the Talk Like a Pirate website at http://www.talklikeapirate.com.

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

Published by Tundra, an imprint of Random House on September 8, 2015.

Website Review: The War of 1812 in the Chesapeake

THE WAR OF 1812 IN THE CHESAPEAKE is an amazing interactive battlefield map website.

Users can choose to enter one of four battles including the Battle of St. Leonard Creek, the Battle of Bladensburg, the Battle of North Point, or the Battle of Baltimore.

Each experience begins will a short video that presents background information. Then, users explore an interactive map that provides information about the “big picture” of war, clickable dates that feature key events, and map extras that give users access to battle map PDFs and other information. Clicking on a particular event or location presents videos, images, maps, and additional information.

The maps provide users the option to view a historic, modern, or overview map. Tools also allow users to zoom in and out of the map scene.

Librarians will find this website to be an excellent way to engage learners in American history.

To explore the resource, go to http://1812battles.org.

Book Review: The Hired Girl

THE HIRED GIRL by Laura Amy Schlitz is an engaging work of historical fiction aimed at tweens.

Set in 1911, fourteen-year old Joan runs away from her oppressive home in rural Pennsylvania hoping to reinvent herself as a hired girl in the city of Baltimore. Pretending to be an eighteen-year-old named Janet Lovelace, she lands a job as a housekeeper in a Jewish home. As she strives to learn more about her Catholic heritage, she also becomes familiar with Jewish tradition.

Most young readers will enjoy the conversational style of the diary format. With a hint of flirty romance and a focus on period clothing, librarians will find that the book is of more interest to girls than boys. However, it will have a wide readership among youth who enjoy reading the classics and are attracted to a protagonist who has a passion for reading.

Many works of fiction for youth avoid conversations about religion, however this novel is filled with thought-provoking discussions of culture, philosophy, and religion including concerns about anti-semitism and the role of religion in society.

Published by Candlewick on September 8, 2015.

Special Event: National Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH.

The Homeland Security website provides lots of ideas for raising awareness about cybersecurity including weekly activities throughout the month.

The STOP-THINK-CONNECT resource guide features lots of activities and resources to teach youth about online safety. The website contains campaign ideas, resources for students and teacher, and tips. They also have useful handouts, presentations, discussion questions, and PSAs for different grade levels.

Librarians can connect this special event with the Standards for 21st Century Learners and digital citizenship.

The StaySafeOnline website provides information for students and teachers about online safety. The website provides information about this special month as well as resources, a glossary, and videos.

To learn more, go to http://www.dhs.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month.

Visit the Stop-Think-Connect website at http://www.stcguide.com/.

Visit the StaySafeOnline website at https://www.staysafeonline.org.

Book Review: Lilliput

LILLIPUT by Sam Gayton is a sequel to the classic Gulliver’s Travels fantasy adventure.

Young Lily is kidnapped from the beach near her home by a giant named Gulliver. They return to London where Lily is kept prisoner in a birdcage. Gulliver plans to show the world that his adventures were real and that tiny people actual exist. However with the assistance of a friend, Lily escapes and enlists the cooperation of others to help her return to Lilliput.

Written for the middle grades, children will enjoy this fast-paced story. Even those not familiar with Gulliver’s Travels will easily understand the premise. The beautiful pencil illustrations add to the appeal.

Librarians will find lots of fans among children who enjoy “tiny people” stories.

Published by Peachtree Publishers on September 1, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Lizard Radio

LIZARD RADIO by Pat Schmatz is a thought-provoking dystopian novel exploring issues of identity, diversity, socialization, and the power of free will.

Set in an alternative universe, foster-child Kavali is sent to an agricultural camp for teens. Encouraged to conform and become part of the cooperative society, Kavali struggles to find her place. Is Kavali a human or lizard, a samer or bender, a he or a she? Her journey of self-discovery will have readers asking questions about the nature of reality and one’s place in the universe.

The fast-paced story and fascinating use of vocabulary will quickly immerse young adult readers in Kavali’s world. By weaving in elements of mysticism and the paranormal, Schmatz keeps readers wondering about the nature of reality in this parallel world.

Librarians tired of the same-old dystopian adventures will find Schmatz’s character-driven story refreshing. The gender-questioning protagonist will appeal to many coming-of-age youth who struggle with issues of identity.

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

Published by Candlewick on September 8, 2015.

Website Review: Be An Engineer

The BE AN ENGINEER website explores the profession of engineering.

Sponsored by ExxonMobil, the website is focused on the interests of secondary students and contains three sections.

The Why Engineering section provides information about engineering as a profession, types of careers including aerospace, agricultural, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer hardware, computer software, electrical and electronics, environmental, geological, industrial, materials, mechanical, nuclear, and petroleum, related disciplines, and the importance of diversity. Along the way, users can read about notable engineers like Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla.

The Engineering in Action area explores stories of innovative thinkers in the area of engineering, amazing feats of engineering, news and events, and engineering champions.

The Become an Engineer section explores the education needed to become an engineer and tools and resources to learn more about this career path.

The colorful photos, interesting videos, and short paragraphs of content will appeal to teen readers.

Librarians will find this website to be a useful addition to STEM resources. Feature the website along with books about engineering careers and nonfiction books focusing on engineering topics.

To explore the website, go to http://www.beanengineer.com/.

Book Review: The Secret Mission of William Tuck

THE SECRET MISSION OF WILLIAM TUCK by Eric Pierpoint is an action-packed historical fiction novel aimed at the middle grades.

Set during the American Revolution in 1781, twelve-year-old William Tuck volunteers as a drummer boy. However, a chance encounter with a dying soldier plunges him into the world of couriers and spies. Along with a teenaged girl named Rebecca, they travel hundreds of miles to deliver a secret message that could turn the tide of the war.

Filled with familiar historical figures, battles, and locations, this engaging story focuses on the brutality of war and the courage of one young boy. Although the main characters are fictional, the author does an amazing job weaving in historical facts and immersing readers into the time period.

Librarians will be impressed by how the book deals with issues related to slavery, spies, prison ships, and the medical aspects of war in addition to the classic battle scenes. Use this book as an opportunity to share nonfiction works related to the Revolutionary War. This title would also be an excellent addition to a literature circle focusing on historical fiction of the American Revolution.

While many of the popular works about the American Revolution are aimed at the young adult reader, this book is perfect for middle grade readers who are just beginning to learn about this important period in American history. Use it as an entry to the wealth of books designed for older readers.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.ericpierpoint.net/.

Published by Sourcebook Jabberwocky on September 1, 2015.

App Review: NOVA Elements

The NOVA ELEMENTS app is a fun way to learn about the periodic table.

Based on the PBS NOVA series, the app provides users three options: explore, play, and watch.

The Explore option includes an interactive periodic table users can explore that provides definitions, images, and background information.

The Play option involves users in playing a game related to the periodic table.

The Watch option shows the two-house NOVA program, “Hunting the Elements”.

Librarians will find this to be a useful app to supplement classroom instruction on the topic of the periodic table.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nova-elements/id512772649.