App Review: DIY Sun Science

DIY SUN SCIENCE is a science app designed to help families and educators learn about the sun through hands-on activities.

Designed by NASA and The Lawrence Hall of Science at UC-Berkeley, the app features multimedia information about sun science and thirteen hands-on activities.

The app’s inviting interface encourages users to conduct investigations using common household items, explore images and videos, or view live images of the sun.

The Activities section is divided into sunny day activities and projects that can be done any day. Each investigation begins with a question such as “What does the sun look like over time?” or “Can you spot the sunspots?”. Each activity includes a brief overview, age level, time commitment, materials, and step-by-step instructions. It concludes with an explanation of the science behind the activity, related videos, and other information.

The Images + Videos section provides to image galleries and short video clips on topics such as the dynamic sun, studying the sun, and Sun-Earth connections. It also sun videos from the past 48 hours.

The Sun Observatory section shows lives images of the sun from a NASA satellite. A slider is used to compare features as seen in different wavelengths. Students can explore different ways to look at the sun, learn more about the sun, and solve sun a puzzle.

Librarians will want to work with classroom science teachers to integrate this stunning app into the STEM curriculum.

Many of the activities and resources can also be accessed through a website at http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/do_sci…/diy_sun_science.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/diy-sun-science/id836712493….

Book Review: Stonewall: Breaking Out in the Fight for Gay Rights

STONEWALL: BREAKING OUT IN THE FIGHT FOR GAY RIGHTS by Ann Bausum is a powerful and timely work of nonfiction for today’s teens.

Bausum’s compelling narrative begins in the summer of 1969 at a bar in Greenwich Village, New York. What begins as a police raid on the Stonewall Inn soon erupts into riots in the street and cheers of “gay power.” In the days following the raid, emotions continued to run high as frustrated LGBT citizens began to organize. The raid had become a symbol of the oppression felt by thousands of gay and lesbian community members in the city. The rest of the book describes the gay pride movement of the 1970s, the impact of AIDs in the 1980s and 90s, and the changing public attitudes of the 2000s. The book concludes on an optimistic note focusing on the LGBT community’s rainbow symbol of diversity and unity.

Bausum is known for her carefully researched books focusing on social justice. From carefully describing the oppression experienced by generations of gay individuals to clearly explaining the tireless work of gay advocates, Bausum does a masterful job helping today’s young people understand how decades of struggle led to recent societal changes. In the book’s author notes, Bausum explains her motivation for writing a book about the gay rights movement at this point in American history. Her timing is perfect.

Librarian who have been waiting for an up-to-date LGBT history will be quick to add this outstanding work of nonfiction to their library collections. Filled with first hand accounts, historical quotes, and primary source documents, social studies teachers will find this book to be an excellent addition to their social justice curriculum.

Look for STONEWALL to appear on many “best of nonfiction” lists for 2015.

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

Published by Viking on May 5, 2015.

Technology Review: Mindsuckers

MINDSUCKERS by Matthew Twombly presents three incredibly cool graphic novellas from National Geographic.

The website begins with the first story, but an upper-right, sidebar-menu provides access to all three surprising stories.

Users scroll down a series of screens to experience the beautifully illustrated and well-narrated science-rich experiences. In addition to the narration, nature sounds contribute to the experience.

ON SINISTER POND features the amazing life cycle of a flatworm. From a snail spewing flatworm larvae to a parasite-carrying heron, children will enjoy all the gory details of science.

FEARLESS RAT examines a parasite-infected rat caught by an unsuspecting cat. Children will never look at a cat and mouse the same way again.

THE STING OF DOOM tells the story of a cockroach who falls victim to a jewel wasp. Again, children will enjoy the sinister scene.

Librarians will find the three stories an excellent way to draw youth into the science section of the library. Share the stories as a large group, then immerse youth in books about parasites, leeches, bloodsuckers, and other freeloading creatures.

Read a feature article titled “Mindsuckers: Meet Nature’s Nightmare”. In addition to another story, the page also provides access to a photo gallery, video, and the three macabre graphic novellas for youth. Go tohttp://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/…/11/mindsuck…/zimmer-text.

Go to National Geographic at http://nationalgeographic.com/mindsuckers/

Book Review: We Dig Worms!

WE DIG WORMS! by Kevin McCloskey is an adorable informational book for beginning readers. From sea worms to earthworms, the simple narrative follows a child’s exploration of the world of worms.

Designed for children 3 and older, this highly illustrated book is designed for kindergarten and first grade readers. While some of the all-caps sentences may be difficult for beginning readers, the mixture of traditional picture book and comic presentation formats will appeal to young children.

The appealing illustrations created on recycled paper bags and printed on brown paper pages make the look and feel of the book distinct. The compelling visuals encourage youth get down on the ground an observe nature closeup. Important science facts are seamlessly woven into the short narrative. The different perspectives of birds, children, and earthworms all add to the appeal of the informational text. Scientifically correct diagrams add information of interest to older readers as well as younger children.

The back endpages explain how to read comics with children and the book website provides Common Core connections and a student activity sheet.

Go to the publisher’s book website at http://www.toon-books.com/we-dig-worms.html

To find other Level One books, go to http://www.toon-books.com/.

Published by Toon Books, Spring 2015.

Tech Review: DuoLingo

DUOLINGO is a free and easy-to-use website and app for language learning. From Spanish and French to Hebrew and Klingon, users can choose from dozens of languages.

Students begin by creating a log-in so the system can track progress. Next, users can jump right into the basic lessons or take a placement test.

The first section provides tips and notes to orient learners new to the language. Each highly interactive lesson incorporates attractive visuals to support learning and reinforces text with audio support. Users are provided with detailed, corrective feedback to support learning. Interaction includes clicking, typing, and recording audio. Progress through the lesson is shown on a status bar. At the end of each lesson, weekly progress is shown and an option is provided to review.

Users are encouraged to set daily goals to keep motivated. A reward system is used to encourage participation. Users are invited to compete with their friends through Facebook.

In addition to the lessons, the tool provides other types of support including a personal word list, activities, and the opportunity for discussion. The Immersion option involves users in reading articles from the web. It’s even possible to upload documents to increase reading comprehension.

Although the format is slightly different on the app and website, they’re both equally easy to use.

Librarians will find this to be an excellent supplement to the school’s language classes.

To get started, go to https://www.duolingo.com

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/duolingo-learn-lang…/id570060128…

Book Review: Grace

GRACE by Kate Parkinson features a young ballerina who dreams of dancing, but lacks the form and finesse to be successful.

In this adorable picture book, young Grace is told to “Give up, Grace” by her ballet classmates. Discouraged, she goes home and draws a picture of a cat finding solace in the arts. She soon realizes that she has a talent and joy for painting. Her ballet classmates applaud her drawings and she becomes the set designer for their performance. It’s unlikely she’ll become a professional designer, but she’ll continue to enjoy dancing.

The front endpapers feature a cat demonstrating the five ballet positions immediately drawing in young readers. The large-print, easy-to-read font presents sentences that are perfect of beginning readers. The attractive illustrations include a diverse group of characters with memorable facial expressions that will connect with young children.

Librarians and classroom teachers will appreciate the simple but important message. The large, simple drawings are perfect for a read-aloud experience followed by a drawing and dancing activity.

Look for other early readers in Holiday House’s I Like To Read Books collection.

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

Published by Holiday House in 2015.

Website Review: HowToSmile.org

The HOWTOSMILE.ORG website allows educators to search, collect, and share high-quality science and math (STEM) activities.

Developed in cooperation with inquiry-based learning organizations including science centers and museums, the National Science Foundation funded project is an excellent place to identify STEM activities for libraries and classrooms.

Currently listing over 3500 science and math activities, the website is easy to search and use. A topics list includes mathematics, chemistry, energy, cooking, ocean literacy, climate, life sciences, and astronomy. Within each of these major categories, users can identify activities by Common Core standards.

Both a basic and advanced search are provided to facilitate the quest for activities. Search results display the project title, description, cost, age range, learning time, subject, preparation time, resource type, language, and source institution. A direct link is also provided to the activity. Users can also share the resource through social media.

Of particular note is the option to search based on diversity including accessibility; culture, ethnicity, and gender; learning style support; and special needs including limited English proficiency, low literacy level, or learning disabled.

A wide range of resource types are included such as mobile apps, demonstrations, exhibits, experiment/labs, field trips, games, lessons, models, and simulations.

Users can create a free account to store their searches and favorite activities. Participants are encouraged to provide feedback, make lists, and post useful comments. Participation is rewarded with badges.

Use the website blog for an effective way to keep up-to-date on recent listings and suggested activities and events.

To begin exploring, go to http://howtosmile.org/.

Book Review: Undertow

UNDERTOW by Michael Buckley tells the story of a clash of civilizations and the families caught in the middle.

Thousands of evolved sea creatures have landed on the shores of Coney Island. Met with fear and distrust, many citizens from the governor to street gang members want to drive them back into the sea. However, others prefer them to quickly acclimate themselves and join society. This near-future fantasy will keep readers wondering whether intelligent beings from different species can live together or will explode into violence. The exciting conclusion sets readers up for the next book in this highly anticipated dystopian fantasy trilogy.

UNDERTOW is likely to have broad appeal with young adult audiences. With just a hint of cross-creature romance reminiscent of the Twilight series and enough violence and conflict for dystopian lovers, this fast-paced novel is sure to be a hit.

Librarians will find this book to be perfect for book clubs or class discussions. From racial (or in this case species) discrimination and class wars to bullying, Buckley examines real-world social issues within the context of a fantasy environment. Teachers will identify endless social studies and history tie ins.

Keep in mind that Michael Buckley is known for his children’s books. While UNDERTOW is not inappropriate for middle grades, it’s clearly aimed at the young adult audience.

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

To find out about the trilogy, go to http://undertowtrilogy.tumblr.com/. Be sure to watch the movie trailer.

Published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Young Reader on May 5, 2015.

Tech Review: Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab

The Lizard Evolution Virtual Lab is an amazing science website and app from Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s (HHMI) BioInteractive project.

Developed by a team of scientists, educators, graphic artists, and film makers, the website and app provides a virtual space for exploring the evolution of the anole lizards in the Caribbean.

Containing nearly 3 hours of instructional content, the app includes four modules including ecomorphs, phylogeny, experimental data, and dewlap colors. In each module, students are involved with questioning, collecting data, making calculations, analyzing information, and discussing results. Videos, images, maps, illustrations, and other visual content accompany the text presentation.

Engaging activities are woven into the materials such as dragging lizards into categories and labeling groups; measuring lizards and recording the results; building and analyzing a phylogenetic tree; and analyzing the color and brightness of lizards using a scale. Progress through the modules is tracked and users can print out their results.

Educator materials are providing including a summary and learning objectives, key concepts, and suggestions for using the lab with students. Other useful materials include additional resources and a glossary. In addition to the virtual lab itself, the project website also includes a six-page worksheet that can be downloaded as a PDF file and printed.

Librarians and classroom teachers will enjoy having two ways to access this content. First, users can go to the project website and use the browser version. Second, users can go to iTunes and download the app for mobile devices.

Both the website and the app are intuitive and easy-to-use. They contain the same content, so students could use either virtual lab for the same experience.

The Virtual Bacterial ID Lab and the Stickleback Virtual Lab are also available through HHMI.

For the website, go to http://www.hhmi.org/biointeractive/lizard-evolution-virtual-lab.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/lizard-evolution-vi…/id955217861…

Published by BioInteractive in 2015.

Book Review: Nellie Bly and Investigative Journalism for Kids

NELLIE BLY AND INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM FOR KIDS by Ellen Mahoney is an engaging exploration of the muckraking era beginning in the late 1800s.

Using Nellie Bly as the focus, this outstanding informational book explores the life of this well-known investigative journalist while teaching readers about the art and science of journalism. In addition to Bly, the book also features other key muckrakers from the era including Jacob Riis, Ida Tarbell, Ida B. Wells, and Upton Sinclair. It concludes with connections to modern times.

Alluring quests are woven throughout the book. These 21 fun activities help readers learn the basics of journalism. Youth are involved in investigations such as finding the 5Ws and conducting an interview, writing assignments such as writing a short story and sending a letter, and multimedia experiences such as designing a board game, creating a comic strip, and building a diorama.

The compelling narrative will immerse readers in history and bring alive the experience of these important journalists. The highly visual text incorporates a timeline, digital reproductions of primary source materials, period illustrations, and historical photographs. The use of sidebars, captions, famous quotes, and an attractive layout add to the appeal.

Librarians are always looking for engaging works of nonfiction to tie with Common Core informational reading experiences. The combination of an appealing narrative, primary source materials, and creative activities makes this a “must purchase” for school librarians. Add this to your social studies reading list for 2015.

This outstanding work of nonfiction is sure to inspire a new generation of investigative journalists.

Published by Chicago Review Press on May 1, 2015. Reviewed through NetGalley.

Website Review: The Brain Scoop with Emily Graslie

THE BRAIN SCOOP WITH EMILY GRASLIE is an amazing YouTube Channel sponsored by The Field Museum in Chicago.

Described as the “chief curiosity correspondent”, Graslie shares new episodes every other Wednesday that feature fascinating items in The Field Museum collection. From insects and sharks to fossils and biomechanics, a wide range of topics are explored. The purpose of the channel is to share the behind-the-scenes work of natural history museums including both the research and collection aspects.

The entry page features the latest episode along with a list of the most recent videos. The most popular vides are also listed.

The “playlists” area of the channel is organized by popular topics. Viewers can choose from over 100 individual episodes or explore a category like Prep Lab Adventures or Ask Emily!

The high-quality videos run from 3 to 15 minutes and feature the enthusiastic narration of Emily Graslie. Designed to appeal to watchers of all ages, the tightly edited episodes are likely to appeal to the middle-grades as well as high school viewers.

Librarians will be happy to see that this is an ads free, education channel. With over a quarter million subscribers and over 10 millions views, THE BRAIN SCOOP is a video series you don’t want to miss.

For more information, check out the social media feeds including Tumblr, Google Plus, Facebook, and Twitter.

To extend the experience, follow their Tumblr blog at http://thebrainscoop.tumblr.com/.

To learn more, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/thebrainscoop.

Book Review: Nimona

NIMONA by Noelle Stevenson is a quirky new graphic novel fantasy based on the popular web comic.

A young shapeshifter teams up with a super villain to wreak havoc on the Institute of Law Enforcement. Set in a world reminiscent of a Renaissance faire, the story combines kingdoms, dragons, and sword fights with videophones and modern hospitals. The addition of sharks, countdowns, and explosions add to the irreverent atmosphere. Filled with witty humor and symbolism, sophisticated teen readers will enjoy the subversive tone from beginning to end.

The beautifully rendered, full-color graphics will immediately attract graphic novel fans, while the wicked humor and well-paced plot will keep them reading. The complex character development and memorable approach to world building make this graphic novel special.

The unconventional blend of old with new is sure to attract young adult readers. Librarians will find a broad audience for this book that includes lovers of both bizarre superheroes and unusual medieval kingdoms. Look for this book on the YA graphic novel “best of” lists for 2015.

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

Published by HarperTeen on May 12, 2015.

App Review: Metamorphabet

METAMORPHABET by Vectorpark is an engaging, interactive alphabet app.

An astounding educational tool for young children, users are invited to interact with the letters of the alphabet revealing fun transformations. This unique app makes extraordinary use of the touchscreen interface encouraging children to tap, touch, drag, spin, and twist letters.

Users begin by exploring the letter A. Without the need for instruction, children quickly realize that they can interact with the letter activating words, sounds, and animation. Soon an option, in the form of a star icon, is provided for jumping into the next letter, B. Although each letter contains a different organic design and response to touch, there’s enough consistency that users will become familiar with the triggers. Once a letter has been explored once, it’s available through an icon in the upper left corner of the screen.

The letter, words, animations, and sounds are all connected making each letter a mini-story experience. Librarians and teachers will find METAMORPHABET to be an excellent addition to their app collections.

To learn more about the publisher and their apps, go to http://vectorpark.com/.

Book Review: The Novice

THE NOVICE by Taran Matharu is the first book in the outstanding new SUMMONER fantasy trilogy.

Since Harry Potter’s reign more than a decade ago, many fantasy school series have come and gone. However, few have displayed the character development and depth of world building necessary to make them stand out. THE NOVICE is an exception. Although the first book incorporates an academy for young summoners, this trilogy takes a much broader look at the conflict among humans, dwarfs, elves, and orcs.

After stumbling upon a scroll that releases a frisky salamander demon, fifteen-year-old Fletcher sets out on his own and soon discovers an academy that helps him train as a summoner. Along with his dwarf and elf friends, he uncovers the evil plans of a group of nobles seeking personal gain.

Themes of class and species inequality make the storyline particularly compelling for teen readers. With just enough action and violence to keep readers on the edge of their seats, the plot moves quickly leaving readers thirsty for the next book.

Librarians will find a huge audience for this adventure fantasy. Because of its broad appeal, look for The Novice on youth “best of fantasy” lists this year.

A prequel is also available on Kindle called Origins. Readers will also enjoy Rory (Book 0.5). Start reading it at Wattpad.

Newcomer Taran Matharu has become known for his works posted at an online community called Wattpad. For those who enjoy fan fiction, there are already nearly 50 Summoner Fan Fiction stories available online. To learn more, go to his page at http://www.wattpad.com/user/TaranMatharu.

Published by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan. Available May 5, 2015.

App Review: The New Immigrants: NYC 1880-1924

THE NEW IMMIGRANTS: NYC 1880-1924 by Vanguard Direct and the New York Department of Education invites users to explore the immigrant experience in America.

This outstanding history app is divided into six sections: a new beginning, the migration process, tenement life, earning a living, nativism, and assimilation and cultural preservation.

Users begin by scrolling down to the first topic, a new beginning. Or, they can click on one of the six sections. Each section provides an overview along with a sidebar containing three areas to explore. The sidebar options reveal a primary source document and an explanation. Users can then swipe through additional examples, choose the information icon for related materials, reveal questions and prompts geared at particular grade levels, save materials to a collection, or use the crop tool to zoom and crop an area of the screen.

Navigation is very intuitive making the app easy to explore and use. The images and other elements are high-quality. Students can create a collection of their materials, print or email PDFs from their collections, and use the search tool to explore related documents.

Teaching materials are provided for elementary, middle school, and high school levels. They include document based performance tasks along with instructional strategies and activities.

Social studies teachers and librarians will enjoy the focus on the carefully curated primary source collection of over 100 artifacts woven into the app including documents, newspaper articles, cartoons, photos, audio, video, and more. The New Immigrants app deals with a broad spectrum of topics from the journey and hardships to the triumphs of the immigrant experience. As such, it should work well in a classroom situation where it’s important to explore multiple perspectives and experiences.

Librarians will find this to be an excellent addition to the school’s history app collection. There’s a need for an app like this on every topic in American history!

To download the app, go to iTunes. 

Book Reviews: Star Wars Day... May the Fourth Be With You!

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU… Star Wars Day is an excellent time of year to refresh your library’s Star Wars book collection. Did you know there are over 500 Star Wars themed books available? In anticipation of the new Star Wars movie coming out in December, many youth will be seeking out books.

Jeffrey Brown’s Darth Vader and Son; Vader’s Little Princess; and Goodnight, Darth Vader; and Darth Vader and Friends (April 2015) are funny books that explore what would happen if Darth Vader had raised Luke and Leia.

Jedi Academy books include Star Wars: Jedi Academy, Return of the Padawan, and The Phantom Bully (June 2015). This humorous trilogy that mixes text with comics focuses on a boy named Roan who attends the Jedi Academy. Also look for Attack of the Journal in August 2015.

The LEGO Star Wars books are popular with the primary and middle grades. The 24 page books tell stories featuring LEGO mini-figures for younger children. The new 64 page LEGO Star Wars Chapter Books are longer and include Yoda’s Secret Missions and Vader’s Secret Missions (April 2015).

DK is a publisher known for their Star Wars books. The DK Readers Star Wars books for grades 2-4 and DK Adventures: LEGO Star Wars for grades 3-7 include new books coming out Summer 2015. Look for three new DK books published in April 2015 including Ultimate Star Wars (April 2015), LEGO Star Wars in 100 Scenes, and LEGO Star Wars Characters Encyclopedia Updated. Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know will be available September 2015.

Chronicle Books has published three new books (April 2015) for preschool children called Star Wars Epic Yarns.

Star Wars books include a wide range of topics. For instance, Star Wars Crochet (May 2015) shows readers how to crochet Star Wars characters with yarn.

For young adults, William Shakespeare’s Star Wars Trilogy by Ian Doescher is an amazing retelling of Star Wars in the style of Shakespeare. The trilogy includes A New Hope, The Empire Striketh Back, and The Jedi Doth Return.

Marvel is introducing lots of graphic novels in the Summer and Fall of 2015 beginning with Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope on May 5, 2015.

For some other Star Wars fun, check out The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger along with the other interesting books in this series.

With Disney producing the new movie, look for Disney books and other movie tie-ins. For younger children look for the World of Reading Star Wars books for ages 6-8 and Star Wars: The Original Trilogy Stories for ages 3-5. The Star Wars Rebels books include both 32 page books for children and 144 page chapter books for older children.

To learn more about Star Wars Day celebrations, go to http://www.starwars.com/may-the-4th.

Website Review: National Bike Month

May is National Bike Month. Established in 1956, this special month is intended to showcase the benefits of bicycling.

Visit THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS website. It provides lots of ideas for getting involved with bicycling for exercise and fun.

The “Reasons to Ride” page provides background information, an infographic, and a place where you can submit your reasons for riding.

The “Plan a Bike Month Event” page contains an amazing downloadable guide for organizing activities at your school.

The “Bicycle Commuting Data” page focuses on the many people who ride to work and school. You can download an interesting report containing lots of infographics. Use this as part of an informational reading experience with students.

Other areas of the website focus on building bike-friendly communities, bike safety, and advocating for bicyclists.

To learn more, go to http://bikeleague.org/bikemonth

Book Review: The League of Beastly Dreadfuls

THE LEAGUE OF BEASTLY DREADFULS by Holly Grant is the first book in a new Victorian era fantasy series featuring quirky characters, creepy settings, and a daring escape.

After being told that her parents have been in an accident, Anastasia is forced to live with two strange old ladies that claim to be her long lost great aunts. She is soon immersed in a demented world of mystery and suspense with a hint of horror. This bizarre fantasy will appeal to children who enjoy witty, dark humor.

From the bizarre characters to the weird settings, Grant’s colorful descriptions will immerse readers into her wacky world. The author has filled the pages with off-the-wall elements including invented, Victorian era book titles, signs, and artifacts.

Librarians will easily find an audience for this far out fantasy. Aimed at the middle grades, children will enjoy the peculiar story and unconventional writing style. Fans of Roald Dahl, Trenton Lee Stewart, and Lemony Snicket will be attracted to the dry, dark humor and look forward to the next book in this new series.

The series website contains book club questions, a name generator, silly Victorian horoscopes, and lots of other fun activities that can be printed out.

To learn more about the book and the author, go to the series website at http://beastlydreadfuls.com.

Published by Random House for Young Readers on April 28, 2015.

App Review: Recycling is Fun

RECYCLING IS FUN by Charles Ghigna is an adorable informational app focusing on ways children can recycle.

The bright, attractive visuals and basic animation are geared specifically to young readers. The font is clear and easy to read. Each word is highlighted as it’s read aloud.

The “Auto Play” option automatically moves through the book as an animated slideshow with audio narration. Starting and stopping are the only controls.

The “Read to Me” option allows users to control movement forward and backward through the story. In addition to the audio narration and animation, this option also provides an interactive element involving children in activities such as finding items on the screen. Young readers can click the text to have it read aloud again and again.

The “Talking Time” option provides activities associated with the recycling theme. Users can record their voice, play with story items, search for missing items, and play a heart game.

Readers will enjoy the easy, engaging, rhyming verse. Adults will appreciate the clear message about recycling. Librarians will want to add this to the growing number of quality informational reading apps for young children.

For lots of Capstone interactive storybook apps, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/capstone/id695087570.

Published by Capstone Young Readers in 2015.

Book Review: The Way Home Looks Now

THE WAY HOME LOOKS NOW by Wendy Wan-Long Shang follows Peter Lee as he struggles with the accidental death of his brother, his mother’s overwhelming grief, and his traditional Chinese father’s role as Little League baseball coach. Set in 1972, this outstanding work of realistic fiction masterfully addresses key societal issues of the times including Vietnam War protests, political connections with Taiwan, and the Women’s Movement from a child’s perspective.

Realistic fiction for middle-grades tends to be polarized between humorous school stories and deadly serious issues tomes. Shang masterfully balances the popular topic of baseball with a compassionate examination of family grief and social issues of the 1970s. Few books effectively address the impact of the women’s movement on everyday life in America. Shang is successful in weaving this theme throughout the work without being preachy.

With a Lexile measure of 650L but an interest level through middle school, the author provides a easy-to-read book that can be enjoyed over many grade levels. Librarians can look forward to a broad audience for this book. Baseball lovers will be attracted to the action sequences, while history fans will enjoy the references to life in the 1970s. Teachers will enjoy using this book as part of a shared class experience.

Shang was awarded the Asian Pacific American Literature award for The Great Wall of Lucy Wu. Look for THE WAY HOME LOOKS NOW to be on the short list for this year’s award.

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

Published by Scholastic on April 28, 2015.