Tech Review: BumperDucks

BUMPERDUCKS is a middle school game designed to teach physical science.

This educational game from Smithsonian Education teaches students what happens when two objects collide and how mass impacts the acceleration of an object. Participants must help a duck avoid obstacles to reach tasty treats across a pond. Users can either play the game or explore the sandbox. In sandbox mode, users can manipulate the objects to experiment with how they work or build puzzles.

Librarians will find this to be a fun way to engage science students through game playing. Work with teachers to develop meaningful physical science activities within the sandbox feature. Include the game as part of a physical science display along with makerspace activities and nonfiction science books.

The game is available online or through the App Store or Google Play.

To visit the website or download the app, go tohttps://ssec.si.edu/bumperducks.

Website Review: America on the Move

AMERICA ON THE MOVE is a program from the National Museum of American History.

This fascinating website contains exhibitions, collections, themes, games, and learning resources connected with the history of transportation. The exhibition section features a timeline exploring how changes in transportation impacted America. The collection area provides access to more than a thousand artifacts and photographs. In the theme area, students can explore resources by topics such as communities and technology.

The website features three interactive games including a matching game, a driving through time game, and a movie director game. Each game examines a different aspect of transportation history.

Librarians will find this website to be a fun way to explore the history of transportation. The learning resources section provides exhibit and classroom guides, a reading list, and web links.

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

Book Review: The Constellations

The CONSTELLATIONS by Claudia Gray is a thought-provoking science fiction adventure series exploring the relationship between a soldier and a robot.

In the first book DEFY THE STARS (2017), readers are introduced to teen soldier Noemi who stumbles upon a sophisticated robot named Abel. Although enemies, they work together to save Noemi’s planet of Genesis.

In the second book DEFY THE WORLDS (2018), a deadly plague threatens Genesis. Noemi and Abel once again must work together to save the universe. A cliffhanger at the end of this book establishes intriguing questions for the next book in this series.

Librarians will find an audience for this series among young adults who enjoy the combination of science fiction and adventure with a hint of romance. Exploring topics such as immortality and tolerance, the series is deeper than the standard YA options.

Published by Hachette. ARCs courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Draw a Stickman

DRAW A STICKMAN is a website that encourages users to contribute drawings to a dynamic story.

Users begin by choosing an episode. The player then draws pictures that become part of an animated story. The stories can be downloaded and shared. A gallery is available for ideas. An app version is also available.

Librarians will find this to be a fun way for students to apply their skills at drawing and creative writing. It’s also a effective way to practice mousing and track pad drawing skills.

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

Website Review: Fancy Nancy

FANCY NANCY is a website featuring the popular children’s book character.

Sponsored by HarperCollins Children’s Books, the website features information about the books, author, and illustrator along with activities. The party tips and activities section contains endless ideas for hosting library events. The reading tips articles focus on ways to build vocabulary and make reading fun. Dozens of printable activities are available for download. Five online games and three mobile apps are currently available.

Librarians will find lots of ideas for library events and promotions featuring Fancy Nancy. Build a display containing books, printouts, apps, and online games.

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

Tech Review: Twine

TWINE is an open source tool for writing and sharing interactive stories.

This easy-to-use tool allows users to create simple, non-linear stories. Users can either download the software or use the online version. Computer science students can extend the experience by applying simple programming skills. The stories are published to HTML so they are easy to share.

A Q&A area, live chat, cookbook of examples, and wiki reference documentation provide assistance for users.

Librarians will find that this tool allows students to the create choose-your-own-adventure stories, interactive fiction, and games across the curriculum. English teachers will find this to be a motivating tool for creative writing activities, while computer science teachers will discover many uses related to applying coding skills.

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

Website Review: C-SPAN

C-SPAN is a public service providing audio and video access to proceedings related to public policy.

Providing over a quarter million hours of content, this free service includes regular series along with the proceedings of Congress, the Executive Branch, and the US Supreme Court. Series include American History TV, Book TV, and more. Viewers can check their regular schedule of events or search by key word. Users can also narrow their search by videos, clips, people, organizations, mentions, and bills.

Librarians will find this video library to be an excellent resource across the curriculum. Use videos to jumpstart questioning related to public policy and social issues. For classroom resources, go to C-SPAN Classroom for bell ringers, lesson plans, and more.

To visit the website, go to https://www.c-span.org/.
To vist C-SPAN classroom, go to https://www.c-span.org/classroom/.

Book Review: Leaf Litter Critters

LEAF LITTER CRITTERS by Leslie Bulion contains nineteen poems exploring science topics related to decomposers and forest ecology.

Each two-page spread features a short poem, a science note, and a colorful illustration. The book concludes with a glossary, poetry notes, science investigations, a size comparison, and an infographic.

Librarians will find the combination of science and poetry useful for STEAM activities. The colored pages and attractive illustrations will draw student interest. Don’t let this fun book get lost in the poetry section. Work with teachers to integrate it into an elementary, cross curriculum activity.

Published by Peachtree Publishers on March 1, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Cassandra Clare

CASSANDRA CLARE’s website and blog contains lots of ideas for young authors.

The website includes writing advice, resources, answers to common questions, and book information. In addition to the website, the author connects with readers through social media including her blog, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Librarians will find that Cassandra Clare’s social media feeds are an excellent way to introduce teens to how authors use social media to connect with their readers. She uses each feed in a different way. For instance, her Pinterest boards focus on clothes, decorating, and book research ideas. She shares writing ideas on her blog.

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

Website Review: E-Butterfly

E-BUTTERFLY is an international, citizen science project focusing on biodiversity, conservation, and education.

The website includes background information about the project and a place to submit observations. The data section provides species maps, summary tables, flight time charts, lists for comparison, observation lists, and species profiles. A Help area contains answers to frequently asked questions.

Librarians will find this project to be an effective way to get youth involved with a real-world science project. Combine the website with books and other resources as part of a STEM learning learning center. Create a butterfly garden in an outdoor space at your school to attract butterflies for the project.

To visit the website, go to http://www.e-butterfly.org/.

Website Review: Shel Silverstein

SHEL SILVERSTEIN’s website contains resources and information about this well-known children’s author.

In addition to information about the author and his books, the website includes a section on fun resources including engaging, animated videos of his poems. Of particular note are the learning resources areas containing downloadable lesson plans, event kits, and drawing booklets.

Librarians will find the videos to be a useful way to introduce this poet. These narrated animations bring the poems alive and help children understand the rhythm of poetry reading.

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

Book Review: Votes for Women

VOTES FOR WOMEN by Winifred Conkling tells the true story of the suffrage movement in America.

This well-researched, fast-paced nonfiction narrative explores the women that fought for their right to vote. This engaging story explores the successes and failures along with well-known and lesser-known events. The Preface begins with the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, but the rest of the book transports readers back in time exploring the key people and events that lead to that final vote. The book concludes with key primary source documents, a timeline, bibliography, notes, and an index.

Librarians will find this comprehensive account to be a welcome addition to the nonfiction collection for middle and high school students. The author’s use of primary sources throughout the book make it an excellent choice for evidence-based inquiries. The author’s engaging, conversational style will draw readers who enjoy narrative nonfiction for leisure reading.

Published by Algonquin Young Readers, an imprint of Workman on January 17, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Rockalingua

ROCKALINGUA is a music-based Spanish learning program for children.

The website is divided into five sections: videos, games, songs, worksheets, and picture dictionaries. Although a subscription-based option is available, many learning materials are available for free. The activities encourage repetition and include listening, speaking, reading, and writing elements.

Librarians will find this website to be a fun way to get elementary children started with Spanish language learning. Combine the website with picture books written in Spanish as well as language learning books.

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

Website Review: Steve Jenkins

STEVE JENKINS’ website explores the works of this popular author and illustrator of children’s books.

The website is divided into sections focusing on books and making books, science, and the author. A gallery and links are also provided. Of particular note are the video and pages that discuss the process of making books.

Librarians will find Jenkins’ essay about science useful for talking with children about his nonfiction books and why these types of books are important. Use the galley to inspire children to connect science with nonfiction writing and illustration.

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

Website Review: Royal Institution Games

INTERACTIVE GAMES from The Royal Institution contains dozens of educational games and quizzes exploring science topics.

Users can choose from interactives related to chemistry, engineering, human body, microsites, natural world, and physics. From fighting insect attacks and battling predators to building a skeleton and acting as a forensic scientists, students have many opportunities to apply science knowledge in engaging environments. Students can takes quizzes on topics such as anatomy, DNA, and the periodic table.

Librarians will find these fun games to be useful in learning centers as well as integrating into the STEM curriculum. Fill a learning center with nonfiction STEM books along with a tablet for game playing.

To visit the website, go to http://www.rigb.org/education/games.

Book Review; The Hazel Wood

THE HAZEL WOOD by Melissa Albert is a dark fantasy suspense for young adults.

Alice and her mother are unlucky in life and move frequently. When her mother disappears, Alice must immerse herself in the dark world of her recently dead grandmother’s supernatural world. Filled with strong and sometimes abrasive female characters and lots of twists, Alice along with her acquaintance Ellery must visit the creepy Hazel Wood estate in search of answers.

Librarians will find a following for this book among teens who enjoy fairy tale fantasy, contemporary mysteries, and dark thrillers. Fans of Alice in Wonderful and teens who enjoy literature will enjoy discussing the many literary connections.

Published by Flatiron, an imprint of Macmillan on January 30, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Kevin Henkes

KEVIN HENKES’ website contains information and resources about this popular children’s author and illustrator.

The website includes author and book information, along with resources for adults and short videos. Children will enjoy the questions and answers section along with the book pages featuring his popular characters including Chrysanthemum and Lilly.

Librarians will find dozens of downloadable teaching guides and student activities to accompany many of Henkes’ books. Of particular note are four videos featuring the author discussing his books.

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

Website Review: Journey North

JOURNEY NORTH is a collaborative project website involving youth in tracking migrations and seasons.

This citizen science project is celebrating its 25th year. The program provides an easy way to involve children in real-world, real-time science projects. Teachers can choose from 20 different projects each year. While some projects run during a particular season, others are year-round. The website provides teaching and learning materials for educators along with news, maps, and an opportunity to report sightings.

Librarians will find this online project to be a wonderful way to get the entire school involved with citizen science. Set up a science learning station in the library to serve as the headquarters for the project. Include a map, books, and other materials to engage learners in science.

To visit the website, go to http://www.learner.org/jnorth/.

Website Review: Laurie Halse Anderson

LAURIE HALSE ANDERSON’s website contains resources for students and educators.

Anderson’s website contains a biography, book list, blog, and educator materials. To extend the experience, explore her social media feeds including Instagram, Facebook, Tumbler, and Twitter.

Librarians will find her writing advice of interest to young adults. Weave it into an English lesson connecting books, authors, and writing. Be sure to check out her resources connecting the Hamilton musical with her books. Finally, Anderson’s page on censorship contains useful resources and links to weave into the curriculum.

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

Book Review: This is Not a Love Letter

THIS IS NOT A LOVE LETTER by Kim Purcell tells the heart-wrenching story of a teen dealing with the disappearance of her boyfriend.

When her boyfriend disappears, Jessie immediately suspects foul play. As the story unfolds, readers explore issues from their interracial relationship to mental illness and addiction. Told as a letter to her missing boyfriend, readers become immersed in the local community and are challenged to look beyond racism for answers.

Librarians will find this interracial love story to be popular with a youth who enjoy contemporary, realistic fiction. The compelling mystery and authentic characters make this an engaging young adult thriller.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on January 30, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.