February 16, 2013

On the Radar Teen: Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: Sports Books that Slam Dunk the Competition

Sport pages

With the kick-off of a new school year comes the kick-off of football season. Sports activities fill our students’ days and nights with competition and energy. Thankfully, there are great new sports-themed books (football and more) to grab their attention even in the midst of strong opponents. You’ll note that all of these authors are big names in YA lit, which will help grab the attention of your tween and teen readers.

On the Radar—Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: New Science Nonfiction Supports Common Core

Book cover of underwater animals

During the last ten years, researchers have learned that elementary students are more likely to read and hear fiction in their classrooms more than informational text. However, if you ever visited an elementary school library, you’d see that far more nonfiction is circulated on average than fiction. Kids love to see the photographs and learn more about their world. Consequently, those books have the commonly known disease of the banana-peel spine. They’ve been read so much their spines are literally peeling off the book. With an increase in emphasis on informational text due to adoption of Common Core State Standards, nonfiction circulation is bound to increase. These new nonfiction releases will satisfy the standards while feeding your starved-for-information students and patrons.

On the Radar: Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: Sports Books Score Touchdowns

Dinosaurs playing football

With the onset of September comes the roar of the crowd—the football crowd. From Pop Warner leagues to professional sports, there are plenty of games to attend or watch. Whether on the bleachers, in the field, or cheering from the living room couch, here are some new titles to fill in the gap during half-time.

On the Radar: Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: A Look Back at Revolutionary War Heroes

Book cover: silohuette of girl with noose

Every anniversary of 9/11, we often remember heroes—past and present. Some are elected officials or military personnel. Others are everyday folks who decided to take a stand or try something different. Still, other heroes remain nameless but made an impact, nonetheless. The following books are full of heroes from the American Revolution. Perfect for reading in a history class, most of these are short, informational works with well-researched back matter that shouldn’t be missed.

On the Radar Teen: Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: New Offerings from Favorite Authors

Pinned2

When the font of the author’s name is larger than the title, that’s an author you should know. This fall’s releases include many of our favorite writers whose names overshadow the title on the book jacket. From romance to edgy fantasy, high school readers should have some strong competition for the spending of their time. I’m betting that print (or the digital version) wins.

On the Radar: Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: New Books for Back- to-School

Book cover: girl's legs on a limb with 3 chickens

The start of a new school year is the perfect moment for taking chances—trying out for cheerleading, going against the crowd, or learning how to get along with your new teachers. This fall’s releases are all that and more. Read these school stories and keep them close to your newly sharpened bouquet of pencils.

On the Radar Teen: NSTA Selects Outstanding Science Trade Books for Teens

Temple Grandin

Every year, the National Science Teachers Association compiles a list of outstanding science books for kids in grades K to 12. Featuring fiction and nonfiction selections, this year’s topics range from the natural world to mathematics to engineering. And the latest selections, which support the Common Core guidelines, also include stories about oil, the hydrogen bomb, plant hunters, and an autistic scientist. Teen readers will be enlightened as they uncover the ever-broadening field of science and the opportunities that it offers them.