September 19, 2013

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The YALSA Hub Reading Challenge, Shiny and New

The Hub Reading Challenge logo

Have you heard about “The Hub Reading Challenge,” sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)? As reported in SLJ’s Good Comics for Kids blog, YALSA is hosting an expanded, new and improved The Hub Reading Challenge for 2013. This is how it works: you have until June 22 to read as many titles as you can from YALSA’s official challenge list. Once you hit the 25 book mark, you’re eligible to submit a reader’s response for any of the titles you’ve read. Sure, there’s a prize, and you can earn a badge too!

Media Mania—Magic and Mayhem: Mesmerizing Fairy Tale Retellings for Teens

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Told and retold through the centuries, ever-evolving and repeatedly re-envisioned, folk and fairy tales continue to captivate imaginations. In fact, unwavering interest in these stories have sparked an onslaught of media offerings. Take the opportunity to booktalk or display a selection of splendid retellings of folk and fairy tales written for teens. The genre’s integral themes of transformation, self-realization, burgeoning independence, and first love are ready-made for a young adult audience, and these titles utilize a variety of writing styles, settings, and storytelling tones to explore timeless motifs in imaginative and appealingly contemporary ways.

The Literary Equation: USBBY’s Outstanding International Books connect kids worldwide

Illustration by Aurélia Fronty from
I Have the Right to Be a Child (Serres), Groundwood.

Stories connect people who live in different places, during different times, or who have different interests. Books tell stories in words, pictures, or both all the world over.

On the Radar: Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: K-8 Books on African Americans Who Inspire

book cover of African American slaves

Since 1976, every U.S. president has designated February as Black History Month. From slavery to civil rights, and science to music, the following books for young readers honor the accomplishments of African Americans.

On the Radar: Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: New Releases for Your Nonfiction Shelves

Book cover of girl and boy w/ clothing for diff temperatures

Good nonfiction titles rise to the top as librarians focus their content needs to meet the Common Core State Standards. New releases by our favorite authors and illustrators include an environmental bilingual poem, a picture-book biography, a fact-filled science title, and a narrative account of a bird’s 7,200 mile migration.

Why Did It Happen? Books to Help Kids Cope with Tragedy

Black Rabbit on paint drizzled background

While there are no books that specifically address the events that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14, there are a few titles that will ease young fears and offer listeners hope. Here you’ll find a few recommendations from School Library Journal’s Book Review staff.

On the Radar: Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: Great Graphic Novels to Use in Your Common Core Classroom

Captive Prince

These graphic novels that include tales of space travel, American history, and more, will entertain middle grade readers while also satisfying Common Core standards.

Healthy Lifestyles: A Balancing Act | Focus On

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It seems as though not a day goes by without the media covering a story about children’s health. Fast-food restaurants decide to list the nutritional information of their entrees. School districts ban soft-drink vending machines in their cafeterias. Childhood obesity is at epidemic levels.

On the Radar: Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: Mysteries for Elementary Sleuths

Boys surfing on blue cover

Start with a missing object, ask a few questions, throw in some red herrings and what do you have? An unputdownable mystery! This fall’s releases offer openers and new entries in fun whodunit series, and standalones that will keep your patrons sleuthing for clues.

On the Radar: Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: Graphic Novels and the Common Core

Book cover with erupting volcanoes

If you’re looking for official justification for the purchase of graphic novels, look no further than the Common Core State Standards. In grades 6 to 12, students will be required to apply the Reading standards to a variety of text types and formats, including graphic novels. Today’s graphic artists and writers provide a plethora of titles for beginning readers to adults. Check out these new titles that will strengthen your collection and thrill your readers.

On the Radar: Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: Cast Your Vote for These Presidential Titles

Babymouse

Though Election Day is behind us, it’s never too late for a president-related story, whether it’s a light graphic novel or enlightening poems.

Population Shifts Through the Centuries | Nick’s Picks

Arrival

Throughout the ages, individuals and groups have migrated, emigrated, fled, and been forcibly removed from their homelands. When teaching about the movement of people through history, books can offer students a variety of perspectives.

Larger Than Life: Biography | Series Made Simple Fall 2012

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Readers of this season’s biographies can expect to travel through time to meet characters from long ago, investigate various careers by meeting stars of today, and be inspired to invent and create.

Packs, Pods, and Prides: Animals | Series Made Simple Fall 2012

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This season’s animal titles are thoughtfully designed to support Common Core State Standards with good use of nonfiction text features and subject-specific vocabulary. Whether students are requesting books for research or for recreational reading, the abundant photographs and conversational narratives ensure that they will be engaged and will come away with increased background knowledge. Several series explain classification and interaction within a species’ habitat, environment, or group. While many of the animals highlighted are old favorites, students [...]

Endless Discoveries: General Science | Series Made Simple 2012

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In 1894, physicist Albert Michelson wrote:“The more important fundamental laws and facts of physical science have all been discovered, and these are now so firmly established that the possibility of their ever being supplemented in consequence of new discoveries is exceedingly remote.

Urban Legends and Ancient Tales: Mythology, Folktales, and the Supernatural | Series Made Simple Fall 2012

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The number of new titles featuring the Greek and Roman gods proves that they are just as popular as ever. Whether discussing mythology in terms of the stars, with biographies of the gods, or in a graphic-novel format, the classics remain current. North American folklore has also not been left behind, with several new titles on figures from tall tales and folk customs. Finally, urban legends, lost worlds, the paranormal, and tales of strange creatures round out the selections. [...]

Creature Magnetism: Animals | Series Made Simple Fall 2012

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There’s no denying that children are drawn to the library’s 590 shelves, making it essential to acquire new material. However, it’s important to choose judiciously from the many series published each year. Are you looking for a fresh outlook or design? A sensational subject to attract reluctant readers? Replacements for much-handled books on popular creatures, such as sharks or dinosaurs? This year’s offerings include all of the above, as well as several quality choices [...]

The World Inside and Around You: Life Science | Series Made Simple Fall 2012

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From understanding how their own bodies function to observing plants, animals, seasonal changes, and weather phenomena, students devote much of their time learning about topics featured in these series. Close-up photos, clear visual presentations, and lively texts will engage readers with some sets. Others will be perused only if assigned. Although there are solid choices to update or supplement collections, purchase of entire series may not always be necessary, depending on available resources.

Preschool-Grade 4

BALLEN, Karen. [...]

Numbers Everywhere: Mathematics | Series Made Simple Fall 2012

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With the implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS), the need for informational books has increased; math volumes must satisfy both the language arts informational text standards and the mathematics standards.

Great Gadgets: Machines, Tools, and Technology | Series Made Simple Fall 2012

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From kindergartners with truck obsessions to high school students researching the latest inventions, books on technology are always in demand. Some notable topics appear in this fall’s crop of books: simple machines and tools, amazing vehicles, and the development of technology over time.