Book Review: Around America to Win the Vote

AROUND AMERICA TO WIN THE VOTE by Mara Rockliff tells the true story of two women and a kitten who set out on a 10,000 journey to promote a women’s right to vote.

In 1916, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke departed New York City on a journey across America. Their cross country crusade was intended to show that women could do anything and should have the right to vote.

The book concludes with background information, source notes, and a bibliography.

Librarians will find this compelling story useful for teachers introducing the idea of the women’s movement to young history students.

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

Published by Candlewick on August 2, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: A Visual Introduction to Machine Learning

A VISUAL INTRODUCTION TO MACHINE LEARNING is a web-based, interactive infographic explaining how data sets are used to create machine learning models.

As users scroll down the web page, they are taken step-by-step through the process of understanding machine learning using the example of distinguishing homes in New York from homes in San Francisco. Using visually rich charts, diagrams, and other illustrations, users explore the fundamentals of machine learning.

Librarians will find this easy-to-use website provides an excellent introduction to a complex topic associated with the mathematics and computer science curriculum. Pair it will books associated with statistical thinking and computer science. Also, weave it into the data literacy curriculum.

To visit the website, go to http://www.r2d3.us/visual-intro-to-machine-learning-part-1/.

Book Review: Lucy

LUCY by Randy Cecil tells three overlapping stories that come together for a heart-warming finale.

Told in four acts through through different perspectives, this sweet story explores the lives of a lonely dog, a young girl, and an aspiring juggler.

The clever storytelling approach, sparse text, and grayscale illustrations all come together for an unusual reading experience.

Librarians will find this highly-illustrated book popular with dog lovers. Both beginning readers and older children will enjoy the repetition and compelling conclusion.

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

Published by Candlewick on August 2, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Tony Baloney Yo Ho Ho, Halloween

TONY BALONEY YO HO HO, HALLOWEEN! by Pam Munoz Ryan tells the story of a young penguin who looks forward to the Halloween parade.

Tony Baloney is so excited about his Halloween costume that he wants to show it off in the days leading up to the parade. However when Halloween arrives, Tony has a problem. The humorous story is balanced with a useful lesson.

Edwin Fotheringham’s large characters and bright colors will appeal to young readers.

Librarians know that holiday books are popular year-around. Feature all the Tony Baloney books in a display to promote this new series or include it in a Halloween display. With four, short chapters, beginning chapter book readers will enjoy the length.

Published by Scholastic on June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Octopus Escapes Again!

OCTOPUS ESCAPES AGAIN! by Laurie Ellen Angus is an informational adventure following an octopus seeking dinner.

This fascinating story features an octopus on a quest for food. Along the way, readers learn about the habitat and behaviors of this amazing sea creature including how it uses clouds of ink, jet propulsion, and camouflage as defense. Woven into the narrative are interesting facts about the octopus. The book concludes with additional information and learning activities.

The author/illustrator’s use of large, easy-to-read text along with colorful, collage techniques will be appealing for many young readers.

Librarians will find this nonfiction narrative to be popular with students and teachers seeking high-quality information along with an engaging story. With both alliteration and repetition, the author’s lyrical approach makes this a good read-aloud choice.

Published by Dawn Publications on September 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Pirate's Perfect Pet

PIRATE’S PERFECT PET by Beth Ferry tells the tale of a ship captain seeking the perfect pet.

According to the Perfect Pirate Captain checklist, a ship should have a pet so the captain and his crew set off on a quest for animals. The captain considers a wide range of farm and zoo animals before making a selection at the pet emporium.

Librarians will find this picture book to be useful for read-aloud activities. The colorful illustrations and diverse cast will attract the attention of young readers. The active dialog will keep listeners interested in the story. Teachers may find the book to be a fun way to kick off a unit on pets.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.bethferry.com/.
To learn more about the illustration, go to http://www.myerspaints.com/.

Published Candlewick on August 2, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Histography

HISTOGRAPHY is a website visualization of world history that can be explored many different ways.

After opening the website, users are presented with a timeline containing dots representing historical events from the last four hundred years. Clicking a dot presents an event, date, and image along with a link to a Wikipedia article. Clicking related events, show users historical points that are connected to the original article.

By clicking on the timeline, users can select from eras covering decades or millions of years such as Middle Ages or Age of Reptiles . Users can also explore the resources by choosing selected events from categories such as art, disasters, and discoveries. Resources can also be accessed by selecting from editorial stories.

Librarians will find that students are fascinated by this interactive visualization. Use it to motivate young historians and help them explore history. Incorporate the website into a lesson focusing on timelines and categories of history.

To visit the website, go to http://histography.io/.

Book Review: Rise of the Lioness

RISE OF THE LIONESS by Bradley Hague tells the true story of the decline of predators, the last lioness, and hopes for ecosystem renewal in West Zambia.

This work of nonfiction is organized into five chapters exploring the collapse and rebuilding of lions in Liuwa Plain National Park. The book begins with an exploration of life in the African plains. Next, readers explore the decline of the predator population as a result of animal conflict, human war, and other causes. Next, the book describes the plans for restoration and the rebuilding process. The lioness known as the Lady of Liuwa serves as an example of the struggles experienced by the lion population during this process. The book concludes with an afterword, glossary, and index.

Librarians will find this book popular among middle grade students who enjoy animals particularly lions, along with those interested in wildlife conservation. This book would be an excellent way to introduce students to the ecosystems and the interconnected lives of plants, animals, and humans in a healthy environment.

Published by National Geographic on September 13, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: The Truth

TRUTH is a website designed for young adults focusing on the issue of teen smoking.

The website kicks off with anti-smoking public service announcements and connections to social media.

The Facts section provides text, visuals, charts, graphs, infographics, interactives, videos, and other information connecting specific topics and issues with smoking. Users are invited to react to the information to extend the experience.

The Truth Events section features activities around the world related to anti-smoking efforts. It also include interactive elements such as a quiz related to pets and tobacco.

The About section provides an overview of the website and cause. The Take Action section section encourages users to sign up for more information. Social media links extend the experience.

Librarians will find this website to be an effective resource for anti-smoking campaigns and lessons. Create a display that features the public service announcements along with health information, and books related to the anti-tobacco theme. Collaborate with the health, science, and social studies teachers for a school-wide campaign.

The Truth Initiative website is available for additional educational materials and health information.

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

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

Book Review: This is the House that Monsters Built

THIS IS THE HOUSE THAT MONSTERS BUILT by Steve Metzler is a silly and slightly spooky adaptation of the popular “House that Jack Built” story.

This fun picture book shares the story of the creepy creatures that build a spooky house on a hill. When kids show up for “trick or treat,” they scare a vampire and set off a final round in this Halloween story.

Librarians will find this book to be a hit around the Halloween holiday. The predictable story would work well for read-aloud experiences. The whimsical illustrations have just the right balance of silly and scary for younger readers.

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

Published by Scholastic on June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: The Chauvet-Pont D-Arc Cave

THE CHAUVET-PONT D’ARC CAVE website explores a 36,000 year old archaeological site in France.

Users begin with a virtual tour of the original cave. The 360 degree exploration includes clickable areas for further investigation of each hall. The information boxes include photographs, diagrams, maps, and other information. The video section provides access to a series of short chips taken inside the cave.

After the introduction, the website is organized into four chapters. The Discover the Cave section allows users to zoom-in on cave drawings, learn about the location, explore the human presence, examine research, and learn about the history of the cave. The Cave Replica explores the cavern, the grand project, and the scientific and artistic restitution elements. The Other Perspectives section features people associated with the cave. The Resources section includes a media library, links, bibliography, and a glossary. The website also includes a map.

Librarians will find this website to be a fascinating way to help youth learn about early world history and archaeology.

To visit the website, go to http://archeologie.culture.fr/chauvet/en/.

Book Review: The Worst Breakfast

THE WORST BREAKFAST by China Miéville and Zak Smith is an unconventional picture book designed for ages 3-7.

The engaging story features two siblings discussing their memories of bad breakfast experiences. The book’s colorful illustrations explode onto the page as a simple discussion turns into a fantasy food adventure.

Librarians will find this book a unique addition to their collection. The lyrical text is filled with descriptive words that will easily slide off the tongue of enthusiastic readers. The use of dialog boxes featuring a different text color for each character makes this adorable book perfect for peer reading experiences.

Although designed for young children, older youth will enjoy the story and illustrations too. The familiar situation is perfect for jumpstarting class discussions and writing activities.

Published by Akashic Books on October 4, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: That's Not Cool

THAT’S NOT COOL is a teen website designed to increase awareness of digital dating abuse.

This interactive website provides suggestions for what teens should do if they’re being pressured, controlled, or disrespected in digital spaces. With lots of connections to social media and personal stories, the website is intended to support teens in need.

A Cool Not Cool game is intended to help young adults make good decisions in relationship situations.

The Speak Up area encourages users to ask questions and explore answers.

The Adult Allies section provides resources to help educators working with teens.

The TNC Channel provides call-out cards, retro videos, and arcade-style games related to the topic.

Librarians will find that this website is an effective way to draw attention to issues related to digital dating abuse. Connect the resource to units related to digital citizenship.

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

Book Review: Rocks, Minerals & Gems

ROCKS MINERALS & GEMS by Sean Callery and Miranda Smith contains over 1,000 examples of amazing geologic features to explore.

Designed for the middle grades, this photo-rich informational book features major sections on minerals, rocks, and gems. After a gallery to kickoff the section, each two-page spread explores a particular item such as copper or limestone. In some cases, the pages provide in-depth scientific information along with popular examples. Throughout the book, the author has woven in fascinating stories set in locations around the world. The book concludes with a glossary and index.

Librarians will find that young people enjoy browsing this book as well as using it as a reference work.

Published by Scholastic on July 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Cancer

CANCER: THE EMPEROR OF ALL MALADIES is a three-part PBS series and website with lots of online content.

The About the Film section explores the information about the film and it’s producers.

The Our Story Wall section shares stories from people’s whose lives have been impacted by cancer.

The Media Gallery section provides access to digital shorts, full episodes, and film clips.

The History of Cancer Timeline section visualizes key events before 1940, 1940-1970, 1970-today, and tomorrow.

The Producers’ Blog shares information about updates related to the program and the second screen option provides supplemental information to go with the film.

The Classroom section features video, trivia, infographics, discussions, and other resources to supplement the films.

Librarians will find that this amazing three-part series provides high-quality information useful for health, science, and social studies classrooms.

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

Book Review: LEGO ADVENTURE Nonfiction series

A LEGO ADVENTURE IN THE REAL WORLD series by Scholastic are adventures exploring topics such as history, science, and nature.

These short works of nonfiction feature LEGO minifigure character explorers. In addition to providing factual information about the setting, the books also provide LEGO building ideas and tips. Each book includes photos, LEGO drawings, and other color illustrations. Lots of speech bubbles and sidebar are sure to keep young readers interested.

DINO SAFARI and DEEP DIVE are two new Level 2 reader adventures. These thirty-two page books contain short chapters featuring fascinating facts. They conclude with LEGO building ideas, a vocabulary list, and index.

PLANETS and KNIGHTS & CASTLES are designed for fluent readers. These sixty-four page books contain short chapters with detailed information. The book concludes with a glossary and index.

Librarians will find titles available for both beginning readers as well as fluent readers, so children have options as they grow as readers. The LEGO minfigure adventures are sure to ignite the imagination of young builders. Create a LEGO display in the library’s makerspace featuring building ideas along with the books.

Librarians should be aware that the beginner readers titles include 30 stickers.

Published by Scholastic June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Gemini

GEMINI by Sonya Mukherjee explores the lives of conjoined twins dealing with issues of identity and finding their own paths.

Seventeen-year old Clara and Hailey have vastly different ideas about their future after high school. Through alternating stories, these conjoined twins share their perspectives in this unusual coming-of-age story.

Librarians will find curious teens attracted to this story of unusual siblings. The combination of well-developed characters and an engaging examination of a rare medical condition blend for a unique experience.

To learn more about the author, go to https://sonyamukherjee.com/.

Published by Simon & Schuster on July 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Technology Review: Interactive Constitution

INTERACTIVE CONSTITUTION is a free app allowing users to explore the full text of the U.S. Constitution.

This nonpartisan resource is easy to use. After clicking the “Explore It” button, students select from the Articles and Amendments tabs to read sections of the Constitution of interest. Annotated text is provided with the first 15 Amendments along with common interpretations. The Matters of Debate statements focus on areas of disagreement as discussed by leading scholars. For Amendments 16-27, full annotated text and interpretations from Annenberg Classroom are provided.

The About section provides white papers with background information about the Constitution and how it should be interpreted and applied.

Librarians will find this app useful for high school government classes. What makes it unique is the focus on presenting varied perspectives on key issues.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/interactive-constit…/id1147260877.

Book Review: Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion

LITTLE RED AND THE VERY HUNGRY LION by Alex T. Smith is an adorable and sometimes hilarious picture book retelling of a classic fairy tale.

This fractured fairytale based on Little Red Riding Hood tells that story of a young African American girl and her encounter with a lion while on the way to her Auntie’s house. Although the lion has a sinister plan, Little Red has other ideas.

Children of all ages will enjoy the whimsical illustrations and engaging text.

Librarians will find this humorous fairy tale popular with young children. However, it will also be of interest to older youth exploring fractured fairytales as part of a language arts unit. Children will enjoy comparing this adaptation with other versions they’ve read.

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

Published by Scholastic on July 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the published.

Website Review: 78 Coins

78 COINS is an interactive website that shows why we’re probably not alone in the universe.

This interactive story takes users through a series of slides that discuss the probability of rolling all “heads” or “tails” with 78 coins. As users flip through the story, they learn about chance and the findings of astronomers.

Librarians will find this simple interactive to be a fascinating introduction to both probability and the nature of the universe. Use it to jumpstart a discussion of aliens and feature the library’s fiction and nonfiction works associated with the possibility of alien life.

To visit the website, go to http://www.joshworth.com/dev/78coins/.