Book Review: Like Vanessa

LIKE VANESSA by Tami Charles tells the story of an African American eighth-grader pursuing her pageant dreams.

Set in 1983, Vanessa Martin is thrilled when Vanessa Williams is crowned the first black Miss America. When her music teacher encourages her audition for the school’s pageant, she’s reluctant. However, over time she develops the confidence to compete. Told through first person narratives along with beautiful poetry and journal entries, readers will be drawn into Vanessa’s quest.

Librarians will find a large audience for this story of family and friendship. The elements of poverty, racism, and family secrets add depth to the story. Of particular note is the evolving relationship between Vanessa and her music teacher.

Published on March 13, 2018 by Charlesbridge. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Pottermore's Hogwarts

POTTERMORE’S HOGWARTS is a section of the website that immerses users in the world of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts.

Users are able to explore Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry including the castle’s exterior, Forbidden Forest, and Quidditch pitch. Users click one of the 100 hotspots to learn more about a particular area. Many of the hotspots contain excerpts from specific books connected with the location, while others provide new insights into the series.

Librarians will find this website a fun way to extend the Harry Potter series reading experience. Explore the project as part of an after-school reading club.

To visit the website, go to https://my.pottermore.com/hogwarts.

Book Review: Eruptions, Earthquakes, and Emissions

ERUPTIONS, EARTHQUAKES, & EMISSIONS is an interactive visualization exploring global volcanism over time.

Published by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the amazing interactive allows users to see the earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and sulfur dioxide levels from 1960 to 2017. User can click on the map for more details about particular events.

Librarians will find this website provides an effective way to show students the location of these activities along with changes over time. Ask students to select a particular time period or location to explore in-depth.

To visit the website, go to https://volcano.si.axismaps.io/.

Book Review: Plant, Cook, Eat!

PLANT, COOK, EAT! is a practical and appealing children’s cookbook by Joe Archer and Caroline Craig.

This outstanding informational book explores the process of planting, harvesting, and preparing a wide variety of vegetables. Each short chapter focuses on a different question, activity, tool, plant, or preparation. The colorful pages, illustrations, and photographs add to the appeal. The short chunks of informational text provide depth without overwhelming the pages. The cookbook concludes with further information, a glossary, and index.

Librarians will find that this interesting book provides practical garden techniques along with realistic recipes that appeal to children. Students will find the first section of the book useful for general science and research projects. The second half of the book focuses on growing and consuming specific vegetables. Include this book in a display focusing on gardening and healthy eating.

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

Review Review: Seven Things to Know About Climate Change

SEVEN THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE is an informative visualization for all ages.

Published by National Geographic, this easy-to-understand visualization focuses on seven key ideas related to climate change. Each fact contains text, data, and visuals to support its statement. In addition to the visual, a link is provided to the project’s climate hub with further information.

Librarians will find this website to be an effective way to introduce key concepts related to climate change. Ask each student to explore one of the seven facts in-depth and share that they find with their science class.

To visit the website, go to https://www.nationalgeographic.com/…/seven-things-to-know-…/.

Website Review: Origami Yoda

The ORIGAMI YODA website provides resources associated with Tom Angleberger’s books and characters.

Set up as a blog, the website includes news and information about the author’s books and characters. In addition, users can explore information about the author and his books. Videos provide step-by-step origami instructions. Lots of examples of origami projects are available along with the option to submit original designs. In addition, a newsletter is available for educators.

Librarians will find the website provides lots of ideas and resources for book-related activities. Create a makerspace featuring the books along with materials for making origami projects. Include nonfiction books on paper folding along with related titles.

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

Website Review: Guide to North American Birds

The GUIDE TO NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS from Audubon provides high-quality information about birds.

Based on well-respected field guides, the website contains information about hundreds of birds. Users can search for a particular bird or explore by taxonomic family or region. For each entry, students can read facts, explore a gallery of photos, listen to birdsong, and video a map.

Librarians will find this website to be a valuable resource for student researchers. Ask students to compare what they find at the website with information found in a print guide or on Wikipedia.

The resource is also available as an app through the App Store or Google Play.

To visit the website, go to https://www.audubon.org/bird-guide.

Book Review: Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World

IVY ABERDEEN’S LETTER TO THE WORLD by Ashley Herring Blake is a powerful work of contemporary realistic fiction for the middle grades.

When twelve-year-old Ivy’s house is destroyed by a tornado, her notebook is lost. As drawings from her notebook begin to reappear, she wonders whether she’s strong enough to reveal her secret crush. Blake’s portrayal of the preteen experience is authentic and readers are likely to sympathize with her dilemma and choices.

Librarians will find this book to be a strong addition to the collection. The contemporary setting and realistic LGBT theme will be a draw of middle grade readers. This tender story is a good choice for all children, but particularly those dealing with the challenges of first love.

Published on March 6, 2018 by Little, Brown for Young Readers, an imprint of Hachette. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: BugGuide

BUGGUIDE is a website focusing on insects, spiders, and related creatures.

This online community of naturalists shares information about creatures originating in the US and Canada. The website provides identification, images, and information. Users can click on a guide of interest or request help with identifying a specimen. A forum provides opportunities for interaction.

Librarians will find this website a useful tool for science students. Whether identifying creatures or discussing the benefits of niche, online communities, this science-based website is a useful resource.

To visit the website, go to https://bugguide.net.

Tech Review: Aquation

AQUATION: THE FRESHWATER ACCESS GAME is an educational game exploring water science issues.

Published by the Smithsonian Institute, this learning game teaches science students about management of global water resources. Participants are asked to develop strategies and make decisions about water science topics such as water desalination plants, natural disasters, and water pipelines. Players begin by choosing a game piece, then select whether they wish to play the tutorial or the game.

Librarians will find that students enjoy learning about water science through this educational game. A text alternative is available for teachers wishing to use a short story connected with the game to jumpstart a water science unit.

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

To play the game or download the app, go to https://ssec.si.edu/aquation.

Website Review: ABC Education

ABC EDUCATION is a website based in Australia that provides free educational resources.

Designed for all grade levels, the website contains thousands of videos, games, and educational programs. It’s organized into sections including resources, games, topics, articles, comps, STEM, behind the news, and learning English. In addition, users can go directly to materials aimed at teachers, students, and parents. Along with the website resources, dozens of apps are available.

Librarians will find that although the learning materials are mapped to the Australian Curriculum that they can easily be adapted for use in North American classrooms.

To visit the website, go to http://education.abc.net.au.

Book Review: Paddle Perch Climb

PADDLE PERCH CLIMB: BIRD FEET ARE NEAT by Laurie Ellen Angus is an engaging informational book examining birds and their feet.

Angus uses attractive collage illustrations and simple text to explore seven birds with different foot characteristics such as strong feet for running and flexible toes for picking. The book concludes with an overview of key science facts about each bird along with other useful information for both students and teachers.

Librarians will find this informational book to be useful in the life science curriculum. Feature it in a display with other books exploring the physical features of animals such as those by Steve Jenkins.

Published on March 1, 2018 by Dawn Publications. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Junie B Jones

The JUNIE B JONES website features activities based on this popular book character.

Published by Penguin Random House, this interactive website features books, games, activities, characters, and information about the author and illustrator. Children can join a kid’s club. Sections for teachers and parents explore ways to ideas and suggestions to connecting children with books.

Librarians will find this website useful when introducing Junie B. Jones to children. Use the resources in a book display or establish your own book club.

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

Website Review: The Colossal Squid

THE COLOSSAL SQUID is an educational exhibition from the Museum of New Zealand.

This online project is divided into sections including anatomy, the deep, the squid files, build a squid, exhibition, and resources. The anatomy section contains an interactive lesson and short articles, images, and videos. The deep area explores the ocean in Antarctica including an interactive, articles, images, and videos. The squid files provides materials associated with a scientific expedition. The build-a-squid interactive is a fun way to review. The exhibition and resources section provides access to a virtual tour and lots of learning activities.

Librarians will find this website has a variety of fascinating activities to engage young scientists. Associate the website with the water and life science curriculum. Or, use it in a program featuring sea creatures.

To visit the website, go to http://squid.tepapa.govt.nz/.

Website Review: Storytime from Space

STORYTIME FROM SPACE is a a project connecting children with astronauts for reading and science activities.

This nonprofit educational project provides cross-content curriculum materials related to space science. The website contains science demonstrations and a video library. Astronauts at the International Space Station have recorded themselves reading children’s books about space.

Librarians will find this website a motivating way to engage reluctant readers. The videos are an excellent way to help children connect the science they learn in the classroom with the real-word of space travel.

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

Book Review: Bird Guide of North America

BIRD GUIDE OF NORTH AMERICA by Jonathan Alderfer is a useful companion to National Geographic’s field guide.

Unlike the field guide, this bird book isn’t simply a listing of birds for use in identification. Instead, it features key birds specific regions and habitats including eastern and western backyard birds, city street and parks, farms and fields, beach and bay, southern swamps and bayou, river and marsh, prairie and plains, deserts, and western mountains. Each chapter explores the habitat, features several birds, and provides mini-profiles of a few more. Chapters also focus on birds in peril and rock star birds. The book also contains a useful map and information about attracting birds such as building a bird feeder.

Librarians will find this book useful for youth doing reports on particular regions or habitats. Younger students will appreciate the focus on just a few birds in each area, while older youth may seek out more comprehensive bird guides for added bird varieties and details. Children who enjoy browsing nonfiction books will appreciate the colorful photographs and other illustrations.

Published on March 1, 2018 by National Geographic Kids. ARC courtesy of the publishers.

Website Review: Trucktown

TRUCKTOWN is Jon Scieszka’s website featuring his popular truck characters.

Users can choose to explore the adult or children’s section of the website. The adult section provides information about the series, the creators, and the books including text, images, and short videos. The teacher/librarian section provides reproducible PDF activities for students. The children’s section contains interactive experiences from the book Smash! Crash, Trucktown games, and lots of online activities.

Librarians will find this website to be full of fun activities. Set up a Trucktown in the library including toy trucks, books, printed activities, and a computer featuring the website.

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

Website Review: The Museum of the World

THE MUSEUM OF THE WORLD is a collaborative project of The British Museum and Google Cultural Institute.

This interactive timeline allows users to scroll through history as they examine artifacts. The resources are organized by regions of the world including Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Artifacts are also clustered into themes including arts and design, living and dying, power and identity, religion and belief, and trade and conflict. Users click on an object to learn more. In addition to a photo and text, explorers can play audio, examine the artifact’s location on a map, and view related objects.

Librarians will find this website useful when working with social studies and history teachers on themes connected with geography and social issues. Use the artifacts to jumpstart inquiries related to the project themes such as power and identity or trade and conflict.

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

Website Review: National Women's History Museum

The NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MUSEUM contains exhibits and educational resources focusing on women and their history.

The museum website contains a content section that includes exhibits, articles, resources, and stories. The project uses text, images, audio, video, and interactives to share the rich history of women. The students and educators area provides learning materials including resources, biographies, key topics, and information about National History Day.

Librarians will find this to be a useful starting point for youth working on projects associated with women’s history. Use it to help students select research topics or locate lesser-known stories about the women’s movement.

To visit the website, go to https://www.nwhm.org/.

Website Review: Species in Pieces

SPECIES IN PIECES is an interactive exhibition featuring thirty of the world’s most interesting, but endangered species.

This database allows users to browse through the animals or select a specific creature to examine. Rather than showing photographs, the project uses CSS polygons to visualize each animal. For each creature, users can read basic facts, explore statistics, watch a video, and explore a conservation website.

Librarians will find this exhibition to be an engaging way to start an investigation of endangered animals. Ask students to explore the exhibit, then select one of the animals to examine in-depth. Help learners use subscription databases, books, and other resources to gather the latest information about their creature.

The CSS polygons found on this website will fascinate students and teachers alike. Use this website to jumpstart a coding activity where students create their own animal images.

To explore the website, go to http://species-in-pieces.com.