Timely Take-aways for Life-long Learning: Bird Species

From eagles and hawks to pelicans and owls, several new works of nonfiction for adults examine the lives of specific bird species. Along the way, they discuss the importance of conservation and strategies being use to save these beloved species.

The Bald Eagle
Jack E. Davis, 2023, Liveright, an imprint of W. W. Norton
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds, Eagles

This cultural and natural history of the bald eagle takes readers on a journey through time and across America. Of particularly note is how this comprehensive bird biography weaves the story of the eagle into our national narrative from science to politics across generations.

Take-aways: Packed with amazing anecdotes and inspirational stories, this fast-paced and often moving account of America’s beloved symbol provides endless examples teachers can use throughout the curriculum.

The Hawk’s Way: Encounters with Fierce Beauty
Sy Montgomery, 2022, Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds, Hawk

Combining anecdotes from his personal experiences with hawks with fascinating insights into their life and behavior, Montgomery celebrates this magnificent predator through an engaging narrative and sixteen pages of color photographs.

Take-aways: Teachers will find useful examples about falconry and raptor behavior to weave into the life science curriculum.

Brown Pelican
Rien Fertel, 2022, Louisiana State University Press, Longleaf Services
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds, Pelicans, Environmental Conservation

While exploring both the science and history of brown pelicans, Fertel places emphasis on on the connections between humans and this beloved bird.

Take-aways: Educators will find useful examples of effective and ineffective conservation efforts over time.

The Wise Hours: A Journal into the Wild and Secret World of Owls
Miriam Darlington, 2023, Tin House Books, an imprint of W. W. Norton
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds, Owls

Sharing her fieldwork from around the world, this nature writer conveys her passion for owls and the natural world. Weaving together the story of her journey to understand owls with her personal challenges, the author creates a compelling narrative connecting our two worlds.

Take-aways: Science teachers will enjoy reading about the author’s encounters with a wide range of owls in the wild.

A Wing and a Prayer: The Race to Save our Vanishing Birds.
Anders Gyllenhaal & Beverly Gyllenhaal, 2023, Simon & Schuster
Themes: Nature, Animals, Birds

This fast-paced nonfiction narrative examines the quest to stop the collapse of bird species. The journalists share stories of rescue missions from mountains and plains to coastal areas across America.

Take-aways: The book demonstrates a wide range of strategies for addressing birds on the brink of extinction. Use these examples to inspire young scientists.

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: Exploring Space Science

SPACE SCIENCE includes a broad range of disciplines from astronomy and astronautics to geology and life science. Space exploration is the study of everything from the upper atmosphere through the expanding universe.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for children:

SPACE ON EARTH: HOW THINKING LIKE AN ASTRONAUT CAN HELP SAVE THE PLANET written by Dave Williams and Linda Pruessen shares innovations designed for the International Space Station that have inspired sustainable solutions on Earth. Each of the five chapters focuses on a different type of inspiration including water, air, food, waste, and energy. The book’s conversational approach and use of compelling examples are likely to attract science readers. Illustrations by Sho Uehara bring the technological innovations to life through drawings, diagrams, and photographs. ARC courtesy of Annick Press.

BIG BANGS AND BLACK HOLES written by Jérémie Francfort and illustrated by HERJI is a work of graphic nonfiction exploring the science and history of physics. This science adventure for young adults uses easy to understand text and informative visuals to share complex ideas about our universe. ARC courtesy of Helvetiq. 

CURIOSITY: THE STORY OF A MARS ROVER by Markus Motum is a picture book introducing young readers to the famous NASA mission. Retro illustrations combined with a fast-paced, science-rich narrative will attract young readers. Back matter includes additional information, a timeline, and a glossary. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Synergy: Exploring the Polar Regions

The POLAR REGIONS around the geographical poles in the North and the South. Dominated by ice and icy waters, these areas receive less intense solar radiation than other parts of the Earth.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for children:

POLAR: WILDLIFE AT THE ENDS OF THE EARTH written by L.E. Carmichael and illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler explores life in the polar regions. Told through the passing of each month in a year, this engaging nonfiction picture book examines how life survives in these harsh areas of the world. Each theme includes the stories of creatures in both the Arctic and Antarctica. Back matter includes a glossary and resources. ARC courtesy of Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

MISSION: ARCTIC written by Katharina Weiss-Tuider and illustrated by Christian Schneider is a scientific adventure examining the changing North Pole. Using a scrapbook approach, middler readers learn about an Arctic expedition, climate research, and the future of climate change. Photographs, infographics, and an array of other visually-rich illustrations are the key to this book’s success. ARC courtesy of Greystone Kids. 

POLAR BEAR written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann tells the story of a polar bear family emerging from hibernation. This beautifully illustrated picture book shares the daily life, habitat, and challenges of life in the Arctic. ARC courtesy of Neal Porter Books.

GLACIERS ARE ALIVE written by Debbie S. Miller and illustrated by Jon Van Zyle uses stunning two-page spreads to explore life on a glacier. Picture book readers follow a glacier as it flows from the mountain to the ocean. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge Publishing.

Synergy: Celebrating Mail

MAIL are items sent, carried, or delivered by a postal system. Many types of transportation may be used in transporting bags and boxes of letters, packages and other items. Maps and postal routes increase the efficiency of mail.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for children:

WHO’S GOT MAIL? by Linda Barrett Osborne explores the history of the postal service in the United States. Short chapters, interesting side-bars, engaging primary source visuals and the nonfiction narrative format bring this history of the U.S. Postal Service to life. Of particularly note is the emphasis on diversity and less-known facts. Back matter extends the experience. ARC courtesy of Abrams. 

SPECIAL DELIVERY by Polly Faber is a picture book tracing a book’s journey around the world from printing and shipping to sales. Children will be attracted to the bright colors and use of flowchart type infographics. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

FROM HERE TO THERE: A FIRST BOOK OF MAPS by Vivian French examines the world of maps and mapmaking. When her play date invitation includes a map, Anna decides to learn more about maps and how they are made. Readers are encouraged to make their own map. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

Synergy: Celebrating Trees

TREES are a woody perennial plant consisting of a single tall stem or trunk and bearing lateral branches. A root system anchors the tree and stores nutrients. These long living plants often serve as keystone species supporting a variety of other life.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for children:

COOL GREEN written and illustrated by Lulu Delacre is a picture book exploring thirteen of the world’s most amazing trees. Told through the eyes of a landscaper and his grand daughter, the narrative celebrates the world of trees. Of particular note is the use of mixed media including natural elements such as tree needles woven into the illustrations. The book concludes with an author’s note, glossary, and additional information about the highlighted trees. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

TREES: HAIKU FROM ROOTS TO LEAVES by Sally M. Walker and illustrated by Angela Mckay combines science, history, and haiku to tell the story of trees. This richly illustrated picture book concludes with background information, an author’s note, a glossary, and suggested readings. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

THE TREE AND THE RIVER written and illustrated by Aaron Becker is a magnificent, wordless picture book visualizing ecology and civilization through the lens of nature and humankind. Although set in an alternative world, the relationships in this imagined universe are thought-provoking for readers of all ages. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

THE BIG TREE by Laura Knetzger is a comic for beginning readers. While mourning the loss of a tree, friends learn about new beginnings in nature. ARC courtesy of Holliday House, Pixel Ink, and Peachtree.

BIG TREE written and illustrated by Brian Selznick tells the epic story of two Sycamore seeds. While demonstrating the power of life across time and space, this imaginative adventure is at its literal roots a story of hope. ARC courtesy of Scholastic Press.

Lesser-known Stories from the World War II Era

Timely Take-aways for Life-long Learners:
Lesser-known Stories from the World War II Era

Several new books explore the lesser-known stories of prisoners, survivors, resistance fighters, scientists, and other amazing individuals of the World War II era.

The Island of Extraordinary Captives
Simon Parkin, 2022, Scribner, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Themes: History, Modern, Holocaust, 20th Century
At the beginning of WWII, a British internment camp was established to detain asylum seekers the government feared might be spies. Prisoners included intellectuals, artists, musicians, and others considered possible enemy aliens.
Take-aways: Teachers will find this lesser-known true story to be an interesting example to be taught alongside a discussion of the Japanese Internment in the United States.

The Last Survivor
Frank Krake, 2022, Lyons Press Themes: History, World War II, Biography, 20th Century
This translated edition tells the story of Wim Aloserij who survived three concentration camps and a maritime disaster.
Take-aways: Individual stories bring history alive for students. Use Aloserij’s experiences to help young people understand the ongoing challenges of life during wartime. Ask them to learn about a less-known individual’s experiences in war.

The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line
Mari Eder, 2021, Sourcebooks Themes: History, World War II, Women, 20th Century
Meet fifteen women who challenged traditional expectations to become pilots, scientists and ultimately heroes and role models.
Take-aways: Use this stories to inspire young women and demonstrate the challenges faced by women during this time period.

Lethal Tides
Catherine Musemeche, 2022, William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Themes: History, Biography, Women
Explore the life and achievements of Mary Sears, the first oceanographer of the Navy. Her efforts in gathering and analyzing ocean data averted disasters in the WWII Pacific theater.
Take-aways: The essential role of women scientists during wartime is often overlooked. Use this engaging biography to show the importance of this woman’s scientific contributions.

Resistance
Halik Kochanski, 2022, Liveright, an imprint of W.W. Norton Themes: History, War & Conflict, World War II
This comprehensive examination of resistance movements during World War II shares little-known stories from the many occupied nations.
Take-aways: Use this book to share examples of the impact of resistance movements in their many forms during World War II.

The Diary Keepers
Nina Siegal, 2023, Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins Themes: History, War & Conflict, World War II, Holocaust
Based on more than two thousand Dutch diaries, Siegal shares the untold story of ordinary citizens during World War II revealing struggles often overlooked.
Take-aways: Use the new perspectives and first-person accounts to help students better understand the complexities of World War II and the Holocaust in the Netherlands.

In the Garden of the Righteous
Richard Hurowitz, 2022, Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Themes: History, World War II, Holocaust
Exploring the stories of ten courageous individuals who risked their lives to save others, this engaging work celebrates lesser-known heroes. In addition, the book stresses the importance of altruistic behavior in today’s society as well.
Take-aways: Teachers can use the book’s examples to discuss parallels to moral responsibilities today.

Jews in the Garden
Judy Rakowsky, 2023, Sourcebooks Themes: History, World War II, Holocaust
This real-life detective story follows two cousins seeking to uncover the truth behind the loss of family members during the Holocaust. This work of investigative journalism reveals the previously untold role of the Polish government in a Holocaust coverup.
Take-aways: Teachers will find this fast-paced nonfiction narrative to be an engaging way to learn how World War II history is still being uncovered today.

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: Adventures in the US

The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is a country containing fifty states, a federal district, five territories, nine outlying islands, and 326 Indian reservations.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to the topic. Explore these recently published nonfiction picture books for children:

The “Only in” the 50 States series written by Heather Alexander and illustrated by Jen Taylor features weird and wonderful facts about each state. Each two-page spread highlights a place, historical topic, natural area, or other interesting feature. From amazing natural landscapes to fascinating cities and rural areas, this engaging series celebrates the unique aspects of each state.

ONLY IN CALIFORNIA is the first book in this new nonfiction series. Through interesting illustrations, fascinating facts, and intriguing infographics, readers learn about the sports, food, plants, animals, history, and key people of the Golden State.

ONLY IN TEXAS highlights the interesting features of the Lone Star State. This second book in the 50 States series explores the culture, history, and nature of the second-largest US state. Topics include cultural landmarks and traditions, natural landscapes, products, and history through facts, illustrations, and infographics.

Related books include ONLY IN AMERICA and 50 ADVENTURES IN THE 50 STATES.

ARC courtesy of Wide Eyed Editions, part of a Quarto Group.

Synergy: Adventures in Nature

 NATURE is the contents and relationships found in the material world including all life. Humans are a tiny part of the physical universe known as nature.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to the topic. Explore these recently published nonfiction picture books for children:

FIND CALM IN NATURE by Jennifer Grant is a guide for mindful young people. From being rooted to being in flow, each chapter explores a different connection with nature. Quotes, questions, and facts are presented in sidebars. Readers are asked to observe nature, then look inward. Opportunities are provided for practice and reflection.  ARC courtesy of Beaming Books, an imprint of 1517 Media.

A LITTLE DOSE OF NATURE by Alison Greenwood connects outdoor fun to happiness. Picture book readers are encouraged to get outside and experience nature. This interactive guide engages readers in 25 simply activities involving observation, creation, and reflection. ARC courtesy of Ivy Kids Eco, an imprint of Quarto Group.

ONE WORLD by Nicola Davies examines 24 hours of nature on planet Earth. This richly illustrated picture book takes readers on a sweeping adventure through the time zones exploring global biodiversity. End notes discuss what people can do to address climate change. ARC courtesy of Candlewick, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

NO WORLD TOO BIG tells the story of twelve young people fighting global climate change. Each two page spread introduces a young activist through a poem, biographical sketch, and action tip. The book concludes with useful resources about science and poetry forms. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

NATURE SCHOOL by Lauren Giordano, Stephanie Hathaway, and Laura Stroup shares ideas for inspiring a child’s love of nature. Each chapter introduces the climate, plants, and animals of a particular ecosystem along with engaging learning activities. Packed full of interesting information, the picture book’s infographics and other scientific illustrations bring nature to life. ARC courtesy of Quarry Books, an imprint of Quarto Group.

WILD CHILD: NATURE ADVENTURES by Dara McAnulty provides information and activities for young nature explorers. From gardens to woods, each chapter explores the life in a natural area and activities to immerse young people in nature. Whether making a bird feeder and observing nature from a window or dipping for life in a pond, this picture book provides a variety of approaches and activities to connect with nature. ARC courtesy of The Experiment, an imprint of Hachette Books.

Synergy: Border Barrier

A BORDER BARRIER is a fence, wall, or other structure intended to stop movement between two spaces such as countries. They are designed for defense or to prevent illegal activities such as immigration and smuggling. Unintended consequences of these structures include limiting the natural movement of wildlife.  

Read the recently published nonfiction picture books for children, then learn more at the websites:

BORDER CROSSINGS written by Sneed B. Collard II and illustrated by Howard Gray shares the story of how wildlife are impacted by the US-Mexico border wall. Specifically, the powerful picture book follows endangered ocelots who attempt to cross the border. ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge.

OCELOT from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance provides useful background information about the endangered ocelot. To read the web page, go to https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/ocelot.

THE RIVER AND THE WALL is a full-length documentary following five friends who document wildlife migration and immigration issues along the US-Mexico border. Use this video to better understand the issues as you read the suggested picture book with children. To view the documentary, go to https://youtu.be/3TK4oMtSJfI

Synergy: Digital Ethics

DIGITAL ETHICS is concerned with guidelines governing relationships between individuals and/or businesses mediated by interactive technology including social media. Issues include information privacy and security, digital divide, intellectual property, and censorship. Digital ethics address how to manage oneself in online contexts with digital technology.

Read the recently published nonfiction adaptation for young adults, then learn more at the website:

SHARE BETTER AND STRESS LESS by Whitney Phillips and Ryan Milner is a guide to thinking ecologically about social media. This young adult adaptation explores digital ethics and offers ideas for avoiding doom-scrolling by focusing attention on thoughtful use of social media. Case studies and fictional anecdotes are woven through the text to provide context and examples. ARC courtesy of MIT Teen Press, an imprint of Candlewick Press.

COMMON SENSE EDUCATION provides useful resources for teachers working with teens. The Digital Citizenship section provides useful lesson ideas associated with digital ethics. To visit the website, go to https://www.commonsense.org/education.

Synergy: Science Songs

SCIENCE SONGS are tunes with lyrics that feature science-related facts and stories.

Read the recently published nonfiction picture books for children, then learn more at the websites:

Author Susan Lendroth and illustrator Bob Kolar have teamed for a series of sing-a-long science picture books for young readers. Now available in board book format, HERE WE GO DIGGING FOR DINOSAUR BONES and HEY-HO, TO MARS WE’LL GO are the latest installments that began with OLD MANHATTAN HAS SOME FARMS.  These books are a fun way to introduce science occupations to young children using motivating and familiar tunes.

STORY TIME FROM SPACE is a YouTube channel that reads (and sings) picture books from the International Space Station. Listen to astronaut Christina Koch read Hey-Ho from space! To watch the video, go to https://youtu.be/7dtzMJipiuA.

SCRATCH GARDEN is a YouTube channel that specializes in fun and educational videos for children including STEM songs. To visit the channel, go to https://www.youtube.com/@ScratchGarden.

ARC courtesy of Charlesbridge, and imprint of Penguin Random House.

Timely Take-aways for Life-long Learners: Trees and Forests

Whether exploring the impact of climate change or the restoration of forests, several new books examine individual trees, tree ecology, and forests of the world.

The Treeline: The Last Forest and the Future of Life on Earth
Ben Rawlence, Feb 2022, St. Martin’s Press, an imprint of Macmillan
Themes: Nature, Plants, Trees

Combining storytelling with science, Rawlence takes readers on a quest to learn about the impact of climate change on the trees of the boreal forest.

Take-aways: Use the locations described in the book to engage students in a discussion about the shifting treelines around the world. 

Ever Green: Saving Big Forests to Save the Planet
John W. Reid & Thomas E. Lovejoy, Mar 2022, W.W. Norton & Company
Themes: Nature, Forests, Trees

An economist and a biologist explore the five remaining megaforests of the world and discuss what it will take to save them.

Take-aways: Of particular note is the connection between the forests and the inhabitants in each region. Involve students in an in-depth exploration of one of these forests.

A Trillion Trees: Restoring Our Forests by Trusting in Nature
Fred Pearce, Apr 2022, Greystone Books
Themes: Nature, Plants, Trees

Pearce weaves interviews with indigenous people into an exploration of forests of the world, their destruction, and their recovery.

Take-aways: Pearce’s investigation provides a wide range of ideas for forest recovery that address the many forces driving change. Involve youth in discussing these forces.

Now is the Time for Trees:Making an Impact by Planting the Earth’s Most Valuable Resource
Arbor Day Foundation, Apr 2022, Timber Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group
Themes: Nature, Plants, Trees

Filled with photographs, this book celebrates trees and the global movement to plant them.  While highlighting large-scale tree conservation programs, it also provides guidance for individuals inspired to plant trees themselves.

Take-aways: Use the examples in this book to inspire young people to become tree advocates. Ask them to select the conservation program they think will have a lasting impact.

White Pine: The Natural and Human History of a Foundational American Tree
John Pastor, Jan 2023, Island Press
Themes: Science, Natural History, Trees

From the 17th century through today, John Pastor traces the history of the white pine tree with an emphasis on restoring white pine forests and looming issue of climate change.

Take-aways: Using the white pine as an example, ask youth to trace the past, present, and future of another tree.

The Hidden Company that Trees Keep: Life from Treetops to Root Tips
James B. Nardi, Feb 2023, Princeton University Press
Themes: Nature, Science, Natural History, Trees

Featuring detailed drawings, Nardi describes the many forms of life that thrive in and around a tree. Nardi’s unique approach to the tree community is chuck-full of fascinating facts.

Take-aways: Use this book to inspire youth to focus on the life in a specific local tree.

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: Microscopic Scale

MICROSCOPIC SCALE examines the size of things that are smaller than can be seen by the naked eye. To view these objects and events requires a microscope or other specialized lens.

Read the recently published nonfiction picture book for children, then learn more at the websites:

THE UNIVERSE IN YOU: A MICROSCOPIC JOURNEY by Jason Chin takes picture book readers on a scientific adventure from the smallest bird and skin cells to atoms and molecules. Chin combines beautiful illustrations with an engaging life science story to bring the microscopic world alive for children. The book concludes with useful scientific explanations for adults reading with children. ARC courtesy of Neal Porter Books.

THE MICROSCOPIC SCALE from Science Learning Hub provides an overview of key concepts, a glossary, and related information. To visit the website, go to https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/497-the-microscopic-scale

SMALL WORLD PHOTOMICROGRAPHY from shares outstanding examples of images recorded through a light microscope. Use these images to jumpstart a discussion about microscopic scale. To visit the website, go to https://www.nikonsmallworld.com//galleries/photomicrography-competition

Synergy: Garbage

GARBAGE is material discarded by humans because it’s no longer of use. Sometimes called trash, rubbish, or waste, these objects include organic matter such as food scraps, dry goods like boxes and bottles, and consumer products made of plastic, wood, metal, glass or cloth. Garbology is the study of modern trash.

Read the recently published narrative nonfiction for middle grades, then learn more at the websites:

TOTAL GARBAGE: A MESSY DIVE INTO TRASH, WASTE, AND OUR WORLD written by Rebecca Donnelly and illustrated by John Hendrix traces the history of the trash and waste generated by humans. In addition, readers learn about the different types of garbage, how it’s managed, and what individuals can do to reduce their impact on the Earth. ARC courtesy of Henry Holt and Co., an imprint of Macmillan.

HISTORY OF GARBAGE from SWA provides a brief timeline of trash.

To read the article, go to https://swa.org/DocumentCenter/View/277/History-of-Garbage-PDF.

GARBOLOGY from BBC is an article exploring patterns in people’s waste.

To read the article, go to https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220429-garbology-how-to-spot-patterns-in-peoples-waste.

GARBOLOGY from UW video shares the work of garbologists at the University of Washington.

To view the video, go to https://youtu.be/1C2aQuK_LD4.