Book Review: Dreamstrider

DREAMSTRIDER by Lindsay Smith is a fascinating young adult fantasy featuring spies, romance, and the intersection of dreams and nightmares.

Livia lives in the tunnels under Barstadt. When she shows potential as a dreamstrider, she’s offered the chance to leave her old life behind. Livia is taught to inhabit a sleeper’s body and access their consciousness for the purposes of espionage. Soon she becomes involved in a struggle that involves politics and religion in both the waking and dream worlds.

Smith uses vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue to keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Librarians will find Dreamstrider to have crossover appeal between readers seeking thought-provoking fantasy world building and those who enjoy espionage and thrillers.

Published by Roaring Brook on October 6, 2015. ARC from publisher.

Book Review: First & Then

FIRST & THEN by Emma Mills combines teen romance, football, and blended families for an engaging, contemporary novel.

Devin leads a typical teen life. She has a crush on her best friend and is uncertain about life after high school. However when Devon’s cousin Foster joins the family, he shakes things up. Although he’s social inept, Foster’s talent as a kicker has drawn interest from the star football player. Devin soon learns that there are many ways to experience love.

Whether examining the fine line between friendship and romance or exploring the anguish of parental abandonment, Mills skillfully reflects the issues facing today’s teens.

Librarians will find a large audience for this book among lovers of realistic fiction. While some readers will be drawn to the Jane Austen references, others will be attracted to sports connections.

Although this is Emma Mills’ debut novel, she’s well-known for her vlog Elmify.

Check out the vlog at https://www.youtube.com/user/elmify.

Published by Henry Holt and Co. on October 13, 2015. ARC courtesy of Edelweiss.

Website Review: MinutePhysics YouTube Channel

The MINUTEPHYSICS YouTube Channel website provides fascinating, focused science videos.

Each fast-paced, one-minute video introduces a topic and provides lots of examples. The illustrator uses simple marker drawings mixed with interesting photographs to bring each concept to life.

By weaving in facts with humor, even the most reluctant student will enjoy the experience. Because the videos move very quickly, most students will need to view the clips multiple times to catch all the details.

Librarians will want to mine the YouTube channel and match the videos with the science curriculum. Use the search tool to find specific topics of interest.

To visit the website, go to https://www.youtube.com/user/minutephysics.

Book Review: Illuminae

ILLUMINAE by Amie Kaufman is a fast-paced science fiction novel using transcripts, instant messages, and other interesting means to tell an amazing outer space story.

Katy and Ezra are survivors of an attack on their remote mining colony. With the enemy in hot pursuit, a virus wreaking havoc, and an unstable artificial intelligence system in charge of the nuclear weapons, the two teens must use all their skills and resources to escape alive.

The first heart-pounding book in the new Illuminae Files series sets the stage for what’s likely to be a popular new young adult science fiction series. The author’s skillful use of fictional documents to convey the action will be attractive to many readers.

With so much of the fantasy market consumed with dystopian works, librarians will find a huge audience for this science fiction novel. This YA adventure also fits right into the resurgence of interest in science fiction works like Star Wars and Star Trek works.

To learn more about the author, go to http://amiekaufman.com/
To learn more about the series, go tohttp://www.randomhouse.com/teens/illuminae/.

Published by Random House for Young Readers on October 20, 2015. ARC from the publisher.

App Review: Travel the Silk Road

TRAVEL THE SILK ROAD is an interactive learning app that immerses users in world history.

Developed by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, this learning game asks users to follow the historic Silk Road exchanging goods as they travel from city to city. Each of the five cities along the way provides clues on what to trade. Players follow a map to each city and view images from the city before choosing whether to trade items such as mirrors, bamboo, or silk. If students make poor trading choices, they must go back and try again.

Librarians will find this app to provide an interesting kickoff activity or culminating experience related to the study of the Silk Road. Break students into small groups and involve them in exploring the products of each city along the silk road prior to playing the game.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/travel-the-silk-road/id942509501….

Book Review: Crenshaw

CRENSHAW by Katherine Applegate tells the heart-breaking story of a boy on the brink of homelessness and his relationship with an imaginary cat.

Jackson and his family have been homeless before, so when Jackson hears his parents arguing about money he fears the worst. When Jackson lived in his family’s minivan after he was in first grade, a giant imaginary cat named Crenshaw first appeared. Crenshaw’s back to help Jackson through this latest crisis even though Jackson thinks he’s too old for an imaginary friend.

Written for the middle grades, Applegate’s authentic look at the working poor and the stress of living “on the edge” is presented in an age-appropriate manner. Readers will empathize with the characters and enjoy the comic relief of the imaginary cat who just wants to help.

Librarians will find Applegate’s fans flocking to read her latest book. Readers will not be disappointed. The painfully honest story will help young readers better understand the realities of homelessness.

Published by September 22, 2015 by Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: The Professor Garfield Toon Book Reader

THE PROFESSOR GARFIELD TOON BOOK READER website contains eleven amazing graphic books for beginning readers along with matching toon creator tools.

Readers begin by choosing on a book of their choice. Clicking on the right or left side of the screen moves the reader through the pages. Arrow buttons are also available. An option is provided that reads the story aloud to the child.

The Cartoon Maker section for each book provides easy-to-use tools for creating cartoon blocks that incorporate objects and props from the story. The youth projects can be saved and printed.

A teacher section includes lots of ideas for using comics in the classroom. The books also contain optional music and are available in English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese.

Librarians will find this free website an excellent way to introduce primary-aged children to the graphic book format.

To access the website, go tohttp://www.professorgarfield.org/toon_book_reader/index.html.

Book Review: Night of the Living Worms

NIGHT OF THE LIVING WORMS by Dave Coverly is the first book in the new Speed Bump & Slingshot Misadventures series.

With potty humor and endless puns, this wacky new series will keep chapter book readers howling. Speed Bump never gets up early enough to get the worm. However one day, Speed Bump along with his sidekick Slingshot decide to get up before dawn. The pair soon discover that the worms have something awful planned for Speed Bump’s brother Early Bird. Our heroes save the day, but their reward doesn’t turn out to be the treat Speed Bump expected.

The book’s combination of sketches, speech bubbles, and attractively displayed text will drawn in young readers.

While some of the jokes may be missed by younger children, librarians will find that the wacky illustrations and silly story will appeal to the target audience. Add this to the library’s collection of humorous chapter books for the primary grades.

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

Published by Christy Ottaviano Books from Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan on October 20, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Tech Review: Weed to Wonder

The WEED TO WONDER app and website explores how a common Mexican weed was transformed into a modern food and fuel known as corn.

Developed by the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the fascinating story is told through a series of tutorials that include text along with over 150 photographs, maps, diagrams, and videos. The materials are divided into six sections including an introduction, domestication, hybrid vigor, genome sequencing, jumping genes, and biofortification.

Designed for middle and high school levels, librarians will find this app/website to be a good addition to their growing “interactive e-book” collection.

To explore the website, go to http://www.weedtowonder.org/.

To download the app, go tohttps://itunes.apple.com/au/app/weedtowonder/id524811954….

Website Review: Hungry Hiker

HUNGRY HIKER: BUILD-A-MEAL is a short, interactive web-based game from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

Users begin by learning about the elements of a balanced meal. Then, players are asked to create a healthy meal. Feedback is provided for users who need aren’t able to build a plate to the required specifications. Students have unlimited opportunities to build a health plate.

Librarians will find this to be a quick and easy web-based interactive to use with students. Place it on a laptop in a healthy eating display along with books and plastic food items where youth can practice building healthy meals.

To try the website, go to http://apps.dmns.org/nutrition/.

Website Review: Hour of Code

HOUR OF CODE week is an annual event in December encouraging young people to explore computer science. However, the resources are available year round.

Organized by Code.org, the website has helped millions of people learn the fundamentals of computer science.

For those wishing to spend an hour as part of the annual celebration or any time of year, go directly to the hour of code section. Themes include Minecraft, Star Wars, Frozen, Classic Maze, Flappy Code, Infinity Play Lab, Play Lab and Artist.

The Computer Science Fundamentals section is divided into four courses with options for ages 4 through 18. An accelerated course is also available for ages 10 through 18.

Galleries show stories, games, and art created by users. Registered users can choose to Make an App or Draw Something. Then, save it for later exploration and saving.

The website is an effective way to promote computer science at home or at school. The short activities would work great in a classroom or library setting. Set up a library station that includes the website along with fiction books such as Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang and nonfiction works exploring tools such as SCRATCH.

To Learn an Hour of Code, go to https://code.org/learn.

To go to the Code Studio, go to https://studio.code.org/.

Book Review: Human Body Theater

HUMAN BODY THEATER by Maris Wicks provides an amazing visual introduction to human anatomy.

Designed for middle school youth, this work of graphic nonfiction is organized into eleven acts using a theater theme. Hosted by a skeleton, the author takes readers through the body systems layer by layer. The author effectively balances visually-rich diagrams with accurate, scientific narratives to provide a level of depth appropriate for the audience.

Tweens and teens working on science reports will find the Table of Contents useful in identifying chapters on each of the body systems. Youth will also use the glossary and bibliography as reference sources.

Librarians will find a broad readership for this engaging work of nonfiction. This book would be an excellent addition to a growing collection of graphic nonfiction options for middle school youth. Consider developing a display to feature works of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) graphic nonfiction.

To learn more about the author/illustration, follow his blog at http://dotsforeyes.blogspot.com/.

Published by First Second, an imprint of Macmillan on October 6, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

App Review: Ripped Apart

RIPPED APART from The National Museum of American History is an engaging Civil War mystery app.

Based on real people and events from history, this app-based simulation game immerses youth in a fascinating photography history collection. Participants take on the role of a Smithsonian intern solving cases. Using historical photographs, users must decipher documents to solve authentic problems. The game examines various perspectives as players learn about the causes and key players in the Civil War. In addition, users can experiment with 19th century photography using their mobile device’s camera.

The project website contains interesting information about the real-world stories that serve as the basis for the engaging simulation.

Designed for young adults, librarians will find this app to be a fun way to explore primary source materials and learn about American history. Collaborate with the history teacher to connect library and history standards related to primary source documents and information inquiry in history.

Teachers may need to provide some guidance in the use of the simulation because no in-app directions are provided.

To learn more about the project and download the app, go to http://americanhistory.si.edu/ripped-apart.

Book Review: Finder Coal Mine Dog

FINDER: COAL MINE DOG by Alison Hart is the latest in the DOG CHRONICLES historical fiction series.

Set in 1909, young Thomas is forced to go to work in the coal mines to help support his family. Thomas takes his dog named Finder into the mines to help pull carts in the mine. When a mining accident traps Thomas and others in the mine, Finder leads them to safety.

Told from Finder’s perspective, the simple narrative is reminiscent of children’s books from the past. The pencil sketches add interest to the story.

Designed for the middle grades, librarians will find lots of curriculum connections including child labor, mining hazards, and black lung disease. The book includes diagrams of the coal mine as well as details about the history associated with the story’s themes.

Children who enjoy dog stories may also like the other books in this series including Darling: Mercy Dog of World War I and Murphy: Gold Rush Dog. Ranger in Time by Kate Messner is another recent historical fiction series featuring dogs for middle grade readers.

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

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

Tech Review: National Aquarium

THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM app and website provide fascinating information about thousands of animals.

Sponsored by a nonprofit focusing on the world’s aquatic treasures, the website features a high-quality encyclopedia, webcams, and educational information.

The searchable Animals encyclopedia includes high quality photographs and information about thousands of creatures along with a link to the exhibit where this animal is found.

Their blog contains informative stories about science, conservation, and animals.

The teacher section includes printable booklets and fact sheets.

While the app doesn’t provide the detailed encyclopedia found at the website, it does provide a guide for visits and fun facts about the animals.

To visit the National Aquarium website, go to http://aqua.org/

Go to the Animals section of the National Aquarium website athttp://www.aqua.org/explore/animals.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/a…/national-aquarium/id933624749….

Book Review: The Marvels

THE MARVELS by Brian Selznick is an amazing journey that crosses hundreds of years.

This middle school novel is told as two stories: one through drawings and the other through prose. From a 1766 shipwreck through multiple generations working in a London theatre, the first half of the book takes a visually stunning look at a family of actors through 1900. The written section of the book begins nearly a century later with a runaway named Joseph who goes to live with his uncle in a mysterious house. Exploration of this strange home reveals clues to Joseph’s past and family. The book concludes with a visual exploration of the house and an author’s note discussing the fact and fiction behind this fascinating children’s novel.

Selznick does an amazing job immersing readers in the world of 18th-century London and the literature of the time. Careful readers will notice the many connection between the visual story and Joseph’s world. Youth will enjoy the authentic emotions expressed by the array of characters.

Librarians will find that fans of Brian Selznick’s unique approach to storytelling will be captivated by this latest work. However, the book may be overwhelming for some children. Consider starting them with Selznick’s earlier works to prepare them for the many visual and text clues that make his books so complex and captivating.

To learn more about the book, go to http://themarvels.scholastic.com/.
To learn more about the book and the author, go to http://www.themarvelsthebook.com/.

Published by Scholastic on September 15, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Learn. Genetics

LEARN. GENETICS from the Genetic Science Learning Center provides high-quality, interactive information about genetics as well as the foundational science related to genetics topics.

Sponsored by the University of Utah, the website is divided into the areas of genetics, cell biology, ecology, human health, neuroscience, and science tools. Each section provides fascinating tutorials and interactives related to core concepts.

The Genetics section begins with a tour of basic genetics. Then, examines specific aspects of the field such as characteristics of inheritance and epigenetics. In addition, it explores practical applications such as pigeon breeding.

Each resource includes interesting information and visuals. Most incorporate interactive elements to keep students interested.

Librarians will find many connections to the science curriculum. Consider working with the science teacher to select specific sections that might be used to introduce or reinforce a science lesson.

To visit the website, go to http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/.

Technology Review: Quandry

QUANDARY is both a web and app-based learning game for middle grade students that promotes critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Exploring concepts related to ethical decision-making, users are immersed in a futuristic colony on the planet Braxos. Colonists must make decisions about the future of the colony based on facts, opinions, and alternative solutions. The game contains three episodes addressing different types of dilemmas. In Lost Sheep, colonists must weigh the value and threat of a native predator. In Water Wars, the community must deal with issues of water pollution and cooperation. In Fashion Faction, colonists must consider the pros and cons of conformity.

The scenarios are presented using an attractive, graphic-novel style approach. Participants can explore the perspectives of a dozen different characters by reading their cards contains text and animation. Users sort these cards into three categories: fact, solutions, or other opinion. To proceed students must correctly sort the cards. Users work their way through a series of problems and solutions to come to a conclusion that addresses the dilemma.

Librarians will find that the game can be associated with reading, listening, and speaking standards. Skills related to critical thinking, perspective-taking, and decision-making can be directly connected with the Standards for 21st Century Learners.

The website contains teacher support materials to facilitate discussions related to the game.

To try the web-based version, go to http://www.quandarygame.org/
To download the app version, go to https://itunes.apple.com/WebObj…/MZStore.woa/…/viewSoftware….

Book Review: United States Encyclopedia

The UNITED STATES ENCYCLOPEDIA from National Geographic Kids takes a visually stunning look at America’s people, places, and events.

The attractively presented reference book begins with a chronology of U.S. history containing maps, timelines, graphs, and photographs. Sidebars feature key people, places, and events. This section ends with a look at Washington D.C.
Next, the book provides an in-depth exploration of the regions of the United States including the Northwest, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West. Each section begins with a map and overview of the region. Then, details about each state are provided including a timeline, map, and key facts.
This fascinating reference source concludes with an examination of the U.S. territories along with facts, figures, lists, and key historical documents. In addition, resources, a glossary, index, credits, and a map key are provided.

Librarians will find that this visually-appealing reference book to be popular with middle grade students. Use it as the focus for a display focusing on regions of the United States. Students doing projects on states and regions will find lots of interesting background information to jumpstart their projects. However, they’ll need to go elsewhere for in-depth information about their state or region.

Published by National Geographic Kids on September 22, 2015. ARC provided for review.

Book Review: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton

THE REMARKABLE STORY OF GEORGE MOSES HORTON POET by Don Tate tells the inspiring story of the first southern African-American man to become a published author.

George Moses Horton grew up as a slave working on a farm in North Carolina. After learning to read he began to compose poetry. Although his slave owner refused to set him free, he was able to write and sell his poetry professionally until he was emancipated during the Civil War.

Tate’s attractive illustrations include verses that flow across many pages bringing Horton’s words alive for readers.

Librarians will find this picture book to be an excellent addition to their biography collection. Combine it with other author biographies in a library display. Or, include it in a collection of biographies related to slavery.

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

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