Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives. DVD. 17:22 min. Spoken Arts. 2013. ISBN 0-8045-8140-1. $50; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 0-8045-4239-2: $29.95.
Gr 2–6–Thomas Alva Edison and his inventive mind had a huge impact on society, perhaps more than most people realize. This is the focus of Gene Barretta’s book (Holt, 2012.) In the DVD, the author provides a live-action introduction, taking viewers toEdison’s workshop and showing many of his inventions. This provides a nice segue into the book itself, which is read by Steve Chiamadia while Barretta’s warm and humorous cartoon illustrations are scanned iconographically. The presentation is fascinating because it focuses less onEdison’s life than on his legacy. AtEdison’s lab, students are introduced to an invention and then shown how it impacts us today. The connections that are made are enlightening as viewers learn how Edison was instrumental in the technology that led to modern-day movies, batteries, tattoos, vending machines, and much more. Barretta also emphasizes the work involved, and howEdisonlearned from his failures as well as his successes. This fascinating presentation provides unique insights and thought-provoking connections.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary,Federal Way, WA

ConstitutionUSAwith Peter Sagal. 2 DVDs. 4 hrs. Prod. by TPT National Prods. and Insignia Films. Dist. by PBS Dist. 2013. ISBN 978-1-60883-901-8. $29.99.
Gr 9 Up–Sagal, the find-humor-in-our-everyday-lives NPR host, broadly examines our Constitution in both historical and contemporary contexts in a manner that will transfix viewers. Metaphorically traversing the country on a red, white, and blue Harley-Davidson, his goal is to recount the perspective of the document’s development as well as to examine it in terms of today’s critical issues. “A More Perfect Union,” the first segment, describes the intriguing manner in which our federal system of government was determined and issues facing us today as a result of federal, state, and local control questions. “It’s a Free Country” studies the Bill of Rights, and the controversies surrounding those individual freedoms in today’s society are detailed. The Fourteenth Amendment, passed after the Civil War to guarantee equal protection for individuals and groups, and its subsequent landmark impact is the focus of “Created Equal.” Finally, Sagal leads a discussion about the vitality of this remarkable document from the perspective of the 21st-century social and political milieu in “Built to Last.” The nicely paced presentation uses a variety of presentation techniques, such as graphics and humor, to connect with today’s students. There’s also an effective balance of commentary from constitutional scholars as well as ordinary citizens impacted by this document. Several bonus sections add to its usefulness, particularly commentary by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Each chapter includes the scene selection option. English language subtitles and a Spanish language audio are optional. Both classroom teachers and media professionals will find this a popular addition to every school’s collection.–Dwain Thomas, formerlyLakeParkHigh School,Roselle,IL

Gr 12 Up–If only Petr Ginz had survived World War II, his contribution to literature, art, and humanity would have enriched the world. Such is the sentiment viewers are likely to feel after watching this unique biography of a Czech boy living during the Nazi occupation. Petr lived in Prague, attended a school for exceptional children, read Jules Verne and H. G. Wells, and created illustrated literary fantasies all before he was transported to Auschwitz in 1944 and murdered at age 17. Despite deepening Nazi intrusions into Jewish life, Petr managed to create optimistic diaries and novels festooned with artwork. Cleverly disguised as “written by Jules Verne, illustrated by Petr Ginz,” he self-published the allegorical tale Ka-Du, a story about a mechanical monster designed to help its evil creators conquer the world. Clearly meant to parallel Nazi activity, Petr finished his masterpiece just before being deported to the Terezin Ghetto. There, he continued writing and drawing, even creating a cryptic code to record events. His life is retold by his surviving younger sister and through creative animation based on his original art. Black-and-white footage, stills, and family photos add to this affecting story. John Califra’s musical score sets the tone for this documentary about an intellectual youth undaunted by the Holocaust. Winning awards inJerusalem,Atlanta, andToronto, this film is an entertaining and powerful testament to a persistently positive and talented young man. An excellent choice for history, art, music, and social ethics classes.–Robin Levin,U.S.HolocaustMemorialMuseum Teacher/Fellow,Ft. Washakie,WY

LMNO Peas. DVD. 6 min. with tchr’s. guide. Weston Woods. 2013. ISBN 978-0-545-57155-5. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-575-57156-2: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-575-57154-8: $29.95.

PreS-Gr 1–Keith Baker’s incredibly inventive occupation-based alphabet book (Beach Lane, 2010) has been beautifully designed and hilariously interpreted by premier animators, Soup2Nuts. You will never look at little green peas the same way again! Tiny round pea people cavort about with delightful vocals by Crystal Taliefero and backup singers, including the Oakview Elementary Choir. The peas literally animate the alphabet, illuminating different activities and jobs for each of the 26 letters, beginning with acrobats, astronauts, and artists. They humorously demonstrate actions and occupations like climbers and campers; painters, poets, and plumbers; quitters and quarterbacks. The DVD is punctuated by infectious rhythms and rhymes that young children will want to emulate again and again. Baker’s colorful letters are constantly swarming with unique pea people. Turn on the read-along subtitles so students can follow the highlighted letters and words easily. A teacher’s guide is included, as is an outstanding interview with the author/illustrator. “We are peas! The alphabet peas! Now tell us, please, who are you?” This perfect lead-in invites teachers and kids to follow the pattern with other veggies. Never has the alphabet been more entertaining.–Lonna Pierce,MacArthur & Thomas Jefferson Schools,Binghamton, NY

Gr 9 Up–Filmmaker Ken Burns turns his well-documented talents to a more contemporary topic: the beating and rape of a white woman inNew York’sCentral Parkduring racial and class strife in the late 1980s. The news media applied incredible pressure on the city’s embattled police force to solve the crime which resulted in charges made against five Hispanic and black young men who were in the park that night. After each served prison sentences for the crime despite only meager circumstantial evidence and coerced confessions, another man’s admission of guilt was supported by evidence. This moving documentary of what came to be called “The Central Park Jogger Case” tells the story from the perspective of the five men with a rich mix of archival video and personal commentary from all those involved—public officials, media professionals, attorneys, and historians. This thorough review, typical of Burns’s celebrated style, makes an historical event understandable and relevant. Particularly effective are the commentaries by four of the five victims of what was generally considered to have been society’s compulsion for quick “justice” at the time and its resultant effect on racial relations nationwide. Some street language is used, but it is hardly offensive and fits naturally into the speakers’ milieu. The options of chapter selection as well as English and Spanish subtitles enhance the value of this resource for both classroom and library settings.–Dwain Thomas, formerlyLakeParkHigh School,Roselle,IL

Gr 8 Up–Three friends take off in a hybrid car to tourAmericain order to discover how we are saving or destroying our planet. In short segments filled with interviews, music, and often stunning scenery, the trio finds innovative green technologies and lifestyles that are being implemented across the nation. They travel to 50 states over the course of a year, and their experiences include visiting a living roof in Chicago, a mud home inNebraska, homes and other structures built with all types of recycled materials inNew Mexico, wind farms inTexas, a project inNew Jerseywhere packaging materials are made from garbage, and more. They interview many well-known and ordinary citizens who are working to save the planet and seeking to live green. Pertinent environmental problems and issues are also studied, including water usage, oil drilling, wetlands, rising sea levels, fossil fuel dependence, and sustainability in all aspects of our daily lives. One of the most moving segments occurs during the team’s visit inWest Virginiawith Larry Gibson, a well-known leader in the fight against mountaintop removal mining. Everywhere there are questions and viewers are asked, “How are we going to do it?” “How are we going to save the planet?” Filled with hope and humor, this production demonstrates that we can create solutions through community and individual efforts. Classes across the curriculum can utilize this program.–Patricia Ann Owens, formerlyIllinoisEasternCommunity Colleges,Mt. Carmel,IL

K-Gr 8–Twenty-three fascinating experiments conducted by former NASA rocket scientist, Jason Gibson, are demonstrated in a simple, easy-to-understand manner. For each one, viewers are given a materials list, step-by-step instructions complete with live-action demonstrations and explanations on how to conduct the activity, what results to expect, and the science behind it. Common household items are used, requiring little advanced preparation. Each experiment can be accessed individually, allowing selection according to curriculum needs. Once it has been completed, Gibson provides the scientific explanation for the reactions in basic terms. Among the exciting experiments are: Color Changing Milk, Exploring Air Pressure, Lemon Battery, Unburnable Money, Matchstick Speedboat, Balloon in a Candle Flame, Simple Lava Lamp, Soda Can Fizz, and Build a Motor. This incredible resource provides simple-to-understand and easy-to-perform science activities that are a must-have for all elementary and middle school collections, public libraries, and home schoolers.–Linda M. Teel,EastCarolinaUniversity,Greenville,NC

Les Miserables. DVD. approx. 3 hrs. Entertainment One Home Video. 2013. ISBN unavail. $19.98.

Gr 6 Up–In this made-for-TV adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic story, ex-criminal Jean Valjean seeks a better life for himself, but his efforts are dogged by the relentless Inspector Javert. With the young orphan Cosette at his side, Valjean flees toPariswhere, years later, civil unrest divides the city. Amidst the turmoil, Cosette meets and falls in love with the young noble Marius, Valjean’s true identity is revealed, and Javert is faced with an ideological dilemma that ultimately leads to his demise. In the end, Valjean proves to be the man he has always wanted to become. Gerard Depardieu brings Valjean to life with an intensity and fierceness that closely resembles the character Hugo created. Depardieu expresses his character’s inner struggles with passion, depicting Valjean’s quest for redemption with conviction. John Malkovich’s Javert oozes sinister intent and embodies the man’s obsessive desire to destroy Valjean with single-minded ferocity. When the two actors share the screen, their chemistry is palpable, thanks to writer Didier Decoin, whose screenplay retains the novel’s dynamic characters and moral ambiguities. The movie’s pacing and the strong supporting cast round out a superb production. Both fans of the novel and those new to the story will not be disappointed.–Audrey Sumser,CuyahogaCountyPublic Library,Mayfield,OH

The Ant and the Grasshopper. DVD. 8 min. Weston Woods. 2013. ISBN 978-0-545-57136-4. $59.95; CD, ISBN 978-0-545-57138-8: $12.95; CD with hardcover book, ISBN 978-0-545-57140-1: $29.95.

PreS-Gr 2–The ant is hard at work when she hears the lively music of the grasshopper and his bug band. The music heartens her and gives her the energy to toil on. Upon meeting the grasshopper, she’s enchanted by his tuneful ways and invites him and his fellow musicians into the ant colony so their music can bring joy to everyone. This story by Rebecca Emberley and Ed Emberley (Roaring Brook, 2012) turns Aesop’s fable on its ear and celebrates the joy of community and music. Emberley’s vivid collage illustrations lend themselves perfectly to animation, and the exuberant jazz music takes listeners straight toNew Orleans. The DVD also contains a read-along option, but it covers large portions of the illustrations, even if only briefly. Stick with the regular viewing mode and enjoy a story that is vibrant both in word and picture.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary,Federal Way,WA

Fun Foundations for Handwriting. DVD. 81 min. The TV Teacher. 2013. ISBN unavail. $30.

PreS-Gr 4, special needs–A technique known as “video modeling” is used to prepare all students to write their letters successfully. Developed by occupational therapist Marnie Danielson, visual demonstrations and rhythmic chants teach students (and teachers or parents) exercises to build gross motor skills, fine motor skills, focus and attention, and advanced handwriting skills. Each short segment features Miss Marnie leading a small group of students through a series of engaging games, such as “Obstacle Course,” “Save the Fish,” and “Tennis Ball Bob.” Each five-minute game is an ingenious way to build muscles that children with special needs or those with normal development must use to hold a pencil properly or develop hand strength. Clever short songs and chants make the experience pleasant, while addressing specific needs. “Push, Pull, Breathe” and “Squeeze & Breathe” are perfect to settle down and focus young children before story time. This practical program would be ideal for classrooms, homes, occupational therapists, student teachers, and professional development. Since the activities are brief, they can transform those tricky, transitional moments while addressing the needs of diverse students. More information—including research, results, and free downloads—is available on the publisher’s website (thetvteacher.com). Impressive, creative, and entertaining, this DVD could help improve the writing of all youngsters and be a groundbreaking resource for educators.–Lonna Pierce,MacArthur & ThomasJeffersonSchools,Binghamton,NY

My Garden.

PreS-Gr 2–Based on the charming book by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow, 2010), this is a delightful introduction to gardens. The young girl in the story helps with the family garden, which involves a lot of work for what she sometimes considers to be questionable results. (She does NOT like carrots.) Yet, as she works her imagination takes flight, and the garden she dreams of grows seashells, flowers that change colors, things that glow in the dark, and crops that would render you speechless with their size. The story circles back to reality, with a touch of whimsy thrown in, as no one truly wants to abandon their dreams—and—well, what if…? Henkes’s vivid and child-friendly illustrations are charmingly animated for this presentation as Cassandra Morris reads the story in a young voice that captures its mood perfectly. A read-along option is provided. This exceptional program will tie in naturally with plant and garden units, and serve as a seed for growing interesting creative writing assignments.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary,Federal Way,WA