By Laura Lutz

Needless to say, publishers want to get the word out about their hottest upcoming titles. One way to achieve this is through previews to educators, but these are often available only to those who either live in New York City or attend conferences. More publishers, however, including Simon & Schuster and Scholastic, are previewing their books online, making the whole process more accessible to all.

I recently viewed Scholastic’s online preview for Fall 2013 and—great news—you can watch it, too. It’s a star-studded list and here are some of the titles that have me pretty excited for the coming months:

Starting with the picture books, Robie Harris’s When Lions Roar sounded really lovely and sweet.  It’s a story about dealing with your fears, something that so many young children grapple with. Chris Raschka’s illustrations feature muted colors (compared to some of his other work) and white space to give the book a comforting feel.  Editor David Saylor says that the story “will make the scary things go away.”  While we librarians sometimes often grow weary of such statements, this book likes like it will offer comfort to little kids facing a big world.

For major “wow” factor, there’s Train by Elisha Cooper, which features all manner of trains as they travel through the U.S.  A sure hit for transportation fans.

Hiding Phil by Eric Barclay is among a number of animal stories in the picture book category.  Phil is an elephant that three kids want to keep as a pet—if only they can keep their parents from finding out.  A great storytime read-aloud.  Trouper by Meg Kearney, illustrated by E.B. Lewis, is a story about a three-legged dog, who wants to be adopted. This poignant tale is based on Kearney’s real-life dog, Trouper, who was saved from a kill shelter.

Get ready for the Dream Teams of children’s literature. The Green Bath is the lively, final collaboration between author Margaret Mahy and illustrator Steven Kellogg; editor Arthur Levine calls it “brilliantly bubblicious.”  Ready for another How Do Dinosaurs… story?  How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague addresses temper tantrums and the “terrible twos.”  I could almost hear the drumroll when The Birthday Queen was presented. A new book from Don and Audrey Wood, it’s incredibly vibrant and eye-catching.

Next up was the early reader category.  Pam Muñoz Ryan is launching a new series based on a previous picture book character, Tony Baloney: School Rules.  With a focus on school adventures and sibling relationships, this is a fun, rhyming read.  You all should know about another new series: Discover More Readers. This nonfiction set addresses multiple levels on multiple topics and is right in line with the Common Core.

Next on the docket: graphic novels. The Lost Boy by Greg Ruth features black and white art with a creepy feel that recalls Dave McKean’s work in The Graveyard Book.  Dogs Of War by Sheila Keenan and Nathan Fox features three short stories about canines at work in three different conflicts. Finally, The Silver Six, by A.J. Lieberman and Darren Rawlings, is about a group of orphans who escape to an uninhabited moon while being chased by a ruthless henchman.

As for middle grade, there are some intriguing new titles.  Perennially popular Gordon Korman launches a new series, The Hypnotists: Book 1, which is about a kid who is a true mind-bender.  And look out, Star Wars fans. Jeffrey Brown’s Star Wars: Jedi Academy is a cool mash-up of Jedi fandom and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  Matthew J. Kirby’s The Lost Kingdom is a reimagining of Colonial America that combines Kirby’s love of Jules Verne’s stories and the legend of a Welsh prince. Sounds fascinating, right?

One of my favorite presenters, though—and I think you’ll agree once you see the video—is editor Barry Cunningham booktalking The Wolf Princess by Cathryn Constable.  He describes it as “a little bit of The Little Princess, a little bit of The Thief Lord, and certainly a book for the book huggers.”  At which point, he hugs the book.  Librarian hearts will swoon.  Once past that, you’ll realize that this is a book about a young girl’s journey to Russia to discover her heritage; it’s all romance, beauty, and adventure.  This one could be top of my list.

Serafina’s Promise by Ann E. Burg sounds particularly moving.  Set in a rural village outside of Port-au-Prince, it’s a novel in verse about a girl who must overcome great odds to pursue her dream of being a doctor.  Editor Tracy Mack rightly says that this book teaches empathy through the power of story.

In the Young Adult category, Walter Dean Myers has created a prequel to his books Fallen Angels and Sunrise Over Fallujah. It’s Invasion, a World War II story about two unlikely friends. Using primary source photos, The Nazi Hunters, by Neal Bascomb, will surely appeal to fans of Steve Sheinkin’s Bomb. Bascomb’s true story about government agents searching for escaped Nazi war criminals reads like a spy novel.  And in more nonfiction, James L. Swanson brings history alive for teens with “The President Has Been Shot!” about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Fans of Kristin Cashore and Tamora Pierce, look out for Sorrow’s Knot by Erin Bow, which features strong, smart women who must dig deep to overcome adversity.  Speaking of Tamora Pierce, her prequel to The Will of the Empress, Battle Magic, is on this list as well.

Editor David Levithan gave a compelling booktalk for Jeff Hirsch’s Darkest Path, stating that Hirsch “amazingly, keeps thinking of new ways that our world can go wrong.”  In this case, America is in its second Civil War with battle lines drawn across religious affiliations.  It sounds completely gripping.

This being YA, romance is in the air. (but no love triangles that I could tell, hallelujah).  Natalie Standiford’s The Boy On The Bridge is about an American college student who travels abroad to Cold War era Russia and falls in love. Torn, set in modern-day, war-ravaged Afghanistan, sounds like a difficult read, though also a romantic one.  David Massey shares a story about a cross-cultural romance with a touch of magic realism, illuminating hope in dark times.

These are just the highlights, so make sure to check out the preview for yourself. The e-catalog is also available. There you’ll find information about format, prices, publication dates, and more. Happy reading.

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the U.S. publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Scholastic is sponsoring a contest to give public libraries the opportunity to win a Harry Potter party pack. To enter, librarians are asked to describe in up to 500 words how they would host a Harry Potter celebration that would also acquaint a new generation of children with the beloved series. All entries must be submitted by July 17. On July 31st, Harry Potter’s birthday, 15 winners will be announced. Parties will be held on August 27—the date when new paperback editions of the full series will be released with cover art by author/artist Kazu Kibuishi.

The winning libraries will receive 100 copies of the new edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, a paperback boxed set of all seven Harry Potter books signed by Kibuishi, a $100 gift card to fund the library’s Harry Potter celebration, and a Harry Potter kit with stickers, name tags, bookmarks, and more.

“Throughout the past 15 years, librarians have introduced millions of children to Harry Potter, and helped young readers discover the joy of reading,” said Ellie Berger, president of Scholastic Trade Publishing. “Today we celebrate librarians, the magic of Harry Potter, and all the future readers who are getting ready to start their journey to Hogwarts.”

Summer Reading Challenge for Latino Students

During the summer months, students can lose important literacy skills they learned during the school year. Libraries, summer camps, youth groups, and cultural centers planning programs this summer can register their group for the Latino Children’s Summer Reading Program, sponsored by Google and launched by Latinas for Latino Literature (L4LL). The program runs through August 12. Register for free online, and receive reading lists featuring Latino books for all ages, reading logs, bilingual student pledges in which readers agree to read at least eight titles, and certificates of achievement. Once registered, each group will be entered to win a Google Hangout with Latina poet Margarita Engle or author/illustrator Lulu Delacre. Hangouts will take place in July.

To incorporate the program into your class or camp, print the summer reading packets for students. Have them sign the pledge at the beginning of the program, and give them logs to take home to record the number of books they have read. At the end of the program, ask the students to write a book report on one of the books that they have read or one of the books that you’ve read together as a class, or ask them to give an oral presentation. Give all the students certificates of achievement at the conclusion of the program.

Latinas for Latino Literature was created in 2012 by four Latina bloggers in response to the New York Times article, “For Young Latino Readers, an Image Is Missing,” in which the author notes that Hispanic children now make up about a quarter of public school enrollment, but most books for young readers don’t have characters who are non-white Latino children.

School Library Journal

In the fourth entry of the series, de la Peña focuses on the Mayan culture and ties Sera’s past and future to ancient Mexico. The author of several young adult novels including Ball Don’t Lie and Mexican Whiteboy (both Delacorte), and the award-winning picture book, A Nation’s Hope (Dial), de la Peña was the closing keynote speaker at SLJ’s Public Library Leadership Think Tank, held April 5 at the New York Public Library. Listen to him discuss Curse of the Ancients, libraries, and his path to reading in this audio recording of his speech.

To receive a signed ARC of Curse of the Ancients by Matt de la Peña, leave a comment below. The first 25 people to do so will be contacted by SLJ for mailing information. The book is set to publish on June 4, 2013.

Ava Nadel and Sonia Manzano
Photos by Ed Gourdine

An audience of 230 budding writers and their loved ones greeted Sonia Manzano with cheers and excited whispers on March 22, welcoming the celebrated Latina actress and 15 Emmy Award-winning screenwriter as the special guest speaker for the opening event of Girls Write Now’s CHAPTERS Reading series. Best-known as “Maria” from the long-running PBS show Sesame Street, Manzano has recently added acclaimed young adult author to her list of many accomplishments: her Revolution of Evelyn Serrano (Scholastic, 2012) garnered a Pura Belpré Honor.

After a clip of Sesame Street “Maria” milestones, the crowd was treated to a reading from Manzano’s historical fiction novel, which is set in1969 Spanish Harlem. The book’s backdrop includes the rising popularity of Young Lords Party—a Puerto Rican activist group. The author shared with the crowd that the title character’s struggles were modeled after the feelings and issues she herself experienced during this tumultuous time.

“The story of Evelyn trying to choose between her more traditional mother and her radical grandmother came from my own self-conscious feelings about being Latin at that time,” Manzano said. “I felt invisible, because I wasn’t being reflected in society.” She went on to give writing advice and words of encouragement and empowerment.

Mentor Pam Bayless and teen writer Suleyma Cuellar performing her poem, “Is There More to Life?”

The first of an ongoing reading series, this debut night of CHAPTERS included 18 teen participants, who read their best poems, personal essays, short stories, or excerpts from longer works to a group of teachers, friends, family members, and mentors. The selections ranged in tone, from the poignant subway ride reflection, “Not Just a Stranger” by Mariah Teresa Aviles, to the morbidly funny paranormal romance, “Luca” by Mennen Gordon. Many of the performances were a collaborated effort and featured not only the mentees, but included mentors as well.

Now in its 15th year, Girls Write Now is the first organization in the country with a writing and mentoring model exclusively for girls. It pairs talented, at-risk public high school students with women mentors in all areas of writing professions. It also boasts a 100 percent high school graduation and college attendance rate, and many of these young women have writing honors such as the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards already under the belts. Some of the mentees go on to become published writers, like CHAPTERS emcee and poet Jeanette Anderson, whose work has appeared in The Broome Review and Mslexia.

Sponsored by Open Road Media, and supported by Writers House LLC, Penguin, and Random House Children’s Books, the CHAPTERS series continues with stellar authors like Adele Griffin on April 19, Gayle Forman on May 17, and Marcia Ann Gillespie on June 14. All of the readings will be hosted held Scholastic headquarters and occur from 6pm to 8pm ET.

ROSENTHAL

]]> http://www.slj.com/2013/02/books-media/reviews/preschool-to-grade-4/pick-of-the-day-exclamation-mark/feed/ 0 http://www.slj.com/2013/01/books-media/scholastic-plans-39-clues-baldacci-webcast-at-smithsonian-american-history-museum/ http://www.slj.com/2013/01/books-media/scholastic-plans-39-clues-baldacci-webcast-at-smithsonian-american-history-museum/#comments Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:01:37 +0000 SLJ http://www.slj.com/?p=28529 Scholastic today announced that it plans to offer a free, behind-the-scenes video tour of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, featuring author David Baldacci as a guide. The “Decoding History” virtual field trip, to air on March 5 at 1:00 PM ET/10:00 AM PT, coincides with the release of Baldacci’s new book for young readers, “The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers: Day of Doom,” the latest title in the bestselling Scholastic series.

During the webcast—which will be globally accessible—Baldacci will present some of the most fascinating artifacts in the Smithsonian’s national collections, including the Lewis and Clark compass (which is featured in Baldacci’s 39 Clues book), Abraham Lincoln’s pocket watch, and the original Star-Spangled Banner, the flag that inspired Frances Scott Key to compose our national anthem. Viewers will also “meet” renowned museum curators and explore some of the most mysterious moments in American history.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the joint program between the powerhouse combination of Scholastic and the Smithsonian,” Baldacci says. “History and books, what could be better? Each entertains and educates. And The 39 Clues series and the Smithsonian do both, splendidly.”

Day of Doom will be the sixth and final book in the multi-platform series of books, collectible cards, and an online game that debuted in September 2008 for ages 8-12.

Prolific and bestselling author David Baldacci‘s first book, Absolute Power, was published 1996; he has since written more than 25 novels, plus two titles for young readers in the Freddy and the French Fries series. He was inducted into the International Crime Writing Hall of Fame in 2011.

David Baldacci. Credit: Travis Riggs, Creative Edge Studios.

“Scholastic is honored to have author David Baldacci as part of our groundbreaking and innovative 39 Clues team and we couldn’t be more excited that he has agreed to lead our exclusive webcast,” says Ellie Berger, President, Scholastic Trade. “We are also thrilled to collaborate with the renowned institution, Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, on this unique and educational virtual tour that will reach countless classrooms and libraries around the globe and is a perfect way to merge history, mystery, and storytelling.”

According to the company, the webcast will help teachers meet the “Speaking & Listening” Common Core Standards for English and Language Arts. There are currently more than 15 million copies in print worldwide of the series and more than 2 million registered users for the online game.

A movie is currently in development with Dreamworks.

“We are seeing that kids today are drawn to both print books and ebooks, yet e-reading seems to offer an exciting opportunity to attract and motivate boys and reluctant readers to read more books,” says Francie Alexander, Chief Academic Officer, Scholastic. “While many parents express concern over the amount of time their child spends with technology, nearly half do not have a preference of format for their child’s books. The message is clear—parents want to encourage more reading, no matter the medium.”

According to the study—the fourth biannual report from Scholastic and the Harrison Group, a marketing and strategic research consulting firm—the number of kids who have read an ebook has reached 46 percent, compared with only 25 percent in 2010, while 49 percent of parents feel their kids do not spend enough time reading books for fun, an increase from only 36 percent in 2010. Overall, 72 percent of parents show an interest in having their kids read ebooks, the survey found.

The findings reveal the potential for ebooks to motivate boys, who are more commonly known to be reluctant readers, to read more, Scholastic says, noting that one in four boys who has read an ebook says he is now reading more books for fun.

Ebooks may also be the key to transition moderately frequent readers (defined as kids who read one to four days a week) to frequent readers (those who read five to seven days a week), Scholastic says; according to the study, 57 percent of moderately frequent readers who have not read an ebook agree that they would read more if they had greater access to them.

Even so, the love of and consistent use of print books is evident, Scholastic says, with 58 percent of kids ages 9–17 saying they will always want to read books printed on paper even though there are ebooks available, a slight decline from 66 percent in 2010 This reveals “the digital shift in children’s reading that has begun,” Scholastic says.

The study also looked at the influences that impact kids’ reading frequency, and parents ranked extremely high, Scholastic says. According to the study, having a reading role-model parent or a large book collection at home has a greater impact on kids’ reading frequency than does household income. Plus, building reading into kids’ daily schedules and regularly bringing home books for children positively impacts kids’ reading frequency.

Scholastic also notes that the study shows kids prefer ebooks to print books when they do not want their friends to know what they are reading, and when they are out and about/traveling, but kids prefer print books for sharing with friends and reading at bedtime. Overall, kids are more likely to finish a book that they choose themselves, regardless of whether the format is digital or in print.

The study was conducted by Scholastic and managed by Harrison Group, a YouGov Company. Survey data were collected by GfK, and the source of the survey sample of 1,074 pairs of children age 6-17 and their parents was GfK’s nationally representative KnowledgePanel®.

Spirit Animals is set in the fantasy world of Erdas, where children who come of age go through a ritual to determine if they have a “spirit animal,” a rare bond between human and beast that bestows great powers to both. The series focuses on four kids from different cultures who undergo an annual ritual and discover that they have been chosen for a greater destiny. Each book in the series will unlock expanded gameplay on the immersive Spirit Animals online game site, where kids can customize unique heroes, choose spirit animals, and go on quests to help save Erdas.

“Readers are transported into a whole new fantasy realm with Spirit Animals,” says Ellie Berger, president of Scholastic Trade. “This is 21st century storytelling at its best. We cannot be more excited about introducing this epic series to kids everywhere.”

Brandon Mull is the bestselling author of the Beyonders and Fablehaven series. Award-winning Maggie Stiefvater is bestselling author of The Shiver Trilogy, The Scorpio Races, and The Raven Boys.

Spirit Animals joins Scholastic’s first forays into the multi-platform space, The 39 Clues, a mystery series of books, collectible cards, and an online game that debuted in September 2008, and Infinity Ring, a travel adventure series for readers ages 8–12 that debuted in August 2012. The 39 Clues: Unstoppable, a spin-off cycle from the original series, launches in October.

She was “completely thrilled” when she found out she had won. At her library, there are a “ton of holds” on Captain Underpants and the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers (Scholastic, 2012), the ninth book in the graphic novel series, she told SLJ.

Pilkey’s visit will be scheduled for some time in the spring, by which time fans will likely have devoured the tenth adventure, Captain Underpants and the Revolting Revenge of the Radioactive Robo-Boxers, due in January from Scholastic.

What does Kelley-Chase, also a reference librarian, expect from Pilkey’s visit? “My suspicion is that he’s going to be fabulous,” she said, adding, “My kids have grown up reading ‘Captain Underpants.’”

Hurricane Sandy benefit:

Literacy Campaign

Books for kids in need: Scholastic, The UPS Store, and Marine Toys for Tots are launching a holiday literacy drive that’s part of Scholastic’s literacy campaign, Read Every Day, Lead a Better Life. The aim of the campaign is to “help all children experience the love of reading and owning a book,” including those who lost books due to Hurricane Sandy that devastated the East Coast. There are a number of ways that families can help.

When you download Storia, Scholastic’s teacher-recommended children’s ereading app, you will receive five free ebooks. For every additional ebook you purchase on Storia through December 31, Scholastic will donate a children’s book to a child in need through Toys for Tots Literacy Program (they’ve committed to donating a minimum of 50,000 books).

You can also donate to the Toys for Tots Literacy Program by purchasing a donation card or donating online at The UPS Store Facebook page. Furthermore, the UPS Store that raises the most money during the holidays will get 500 books for families in their community.

Awards

Life changer: The chances are that you know a K–12 school district educator or employee who exemplifies excellence, positive influence, and leadership. Well, it’s time to nominate them for the Life Changer of the Year Award sponsored by National Life Group (National Life Insurance Co.). School employees and administrators can nominate full-time educators, teachers, principals, or any member of the school’s staff.

Winners will be selected on the basis of their ability to make a difference in the lives of students and their ability to positively add to the development of the school’s atmospheres. They must also be a leader in their activities at the school and/or district level, have a proven record of excellence at the professional level, and be committed to producing a nurturing atmosphere. Be sure to check out the official rules and complete the nomination form. Nominations can be made through January 25.

The grand prize winner will receive $5,000 with a matching award going to their school. The first runner-up will receive $3,500 with an equal amount awarded to their school. The second runner-up and their school will each get $2,500. There will also be seven LifeChanger awards—the employee and the school will each receive $1,500.

And the Winner Is…

Service to the community: Five libraries and five museums were presented with the 2012 National Medal for Museum and Library Service by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) at a ceremony at the White House on November 14. The Medal winners are selected from nominations of institutions nationwide that “demonstrate innovative approaches to public service, exceeding the expected levels of community outreach” and make a difference for individuals, families, and the communities. Anyone can nominate a library or museum for the National Medal, including the institutions employees, board members, community members, and elected officials.

This year’s honorees include Bootheel Youth Museum, Malden, MO; Contra Costa County Library, Pleasant Hill, CA; Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC; Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago, IL; Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City, NY; Museum of Contemporary Art, N. Miami, FL; Naturita Community Library, CO; Pacific Science Center, Seattle, WA; Park View High School Library Media Center, Sterling, VA; and Shaler North Hills Library, Glenshaw, PA. Make sure to check out just how these institutions have reached out to the communities they serve. “By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and embracing new ideas and approaches, these award winners have challenged the conventional notions of what a library or museum can and should be,” said First Lady Michelle Obama.

Industry News

Infobase Learning has acquired Learn 360, an interactive media-on-demand service from AIM Education. The Learn360 platform is a subscription service used by more than 25,00 schools that offers digital video titles, video clips, speeches, images, songs, research articles, and more from over 60 educational producers. Infobase provides digital reference content to schools and libraries under brands such as Facts On File, The World Almanac, Chelsea House, and Films Media Group. “This acquisition greatly expands our existing reach within the elementary, middle, and high school markets,” noted Mark McDonnell, president and CEO of Infobase Learning. “Learn360’s extensive multimedia assets and virtual classroom platform complement Infobase’s award-winning digital reference products.”

On the move: Maria Modugno joined Random House as editorial director, picture books for the Random House and Golden Books for Young Readers Group on November 26. Modugo’s career includes numerous positions at Little, Brown Children’s Books where she published such classics as I Love You Like Crazy Cakes (2000 by Rose Lewis and Jane Dyers and oversaw Marc Brown’s “Arthur” series. She also was editorial director of children’s books at Harcourt Brace Jovanovich. She is leaving her position as vice president/editorial director at HarperCollins Children’s Books where she acquired and edited books such as Victoria Kann’s Pinkalicious (2006) and Rob Scotton’s Splat the Cat (2008).

Informational texts: XBOOKS is a nonfiction language arts program from Scholastic for middle school students that offers informational texts in both print and digital formats that cover science and social studies topics. XBOOKS is an interactive program that features print and online components to build student proficiency in reading, writing, and thinking critically about informational texts. The collection, developed and written by master teachers Dr. Jeffrey Wilhelm and Laura Robb, aligns with Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and is divided into five high-interest areas: Strange, Medical, Forensics, Total War, and Tyrants. For each strand, there’s a lead book, three reader’s choice books that can be used for small group or independent reading, and five stretch texts for students to expand their knowledge and reading comprehension. Multimedia content on the XBOOK website includes five introductory strand videos, book preview videos, class blogs, quizzes, interactive, and games. Among the titles are N.B. Grace’s It Came from the Swamp, D.B. Beres’s Sticky Evidence, Anna Prokos’s DNA Doesn’t Lie, and Candy J. Cooper’s Reporting from Iraq. Scholastic is offering a free trial. A one-year classroom site license (30 seats) provides access to all the print components as well as the digital learning platform.

Save the Date

Children’s literature program: The Port Washington (NY) Public Library is offering a yearlong series of special events to celebrate its 120th anniversary, including two focused on children’s literature. On November 4, 2012 at 1:30 pm, “Past, Present and Future: Insiders Look at Children’s Literature in the 21st Century will be presented as a discussion led by author/artist Jane Zalben. Among the panel of librarians, authors, artists, and publishers are Rita Auerbach, Sandra Jordan, Leonard Marcus, Renee McGrath, Neal Porter, Laura Vaccaro Seeger, and Caroline Ward. This illustrious group will examine questions about the future of children’s literature, such as: What is the influence of multimedia and electronic publishing? Where is the book in all this? How will professionals provide children with literature that inspires a lifelong love of reading? A reception and book signing will follow the discussion. In addition, there will be an exhibition of original art by renowned children’s book illustrators Brian Floca, Roxie Munro, Jerry Pinkney, Sergio Ruzzier, Amy Schwartz, Laura Vaccaro Seeger, Jane Zalben, and others in the library’s main gallery from November 1 to 30.

Calling All Authors

YA mystery novels: The Poisoned Pen Press has created its first imprint, The Poisoned Pencil, dedicated to publishing mysteries for young adults. They are looking for manuscripts from authors of traditional and cross-genre novels featuring protagonists between the ages of 12 and 18. If you have written a YA mystery novel of 45,000 to 90,000 words, The Poisoned Pencil would like to hear from you. Authors, both adults and teens, are encouraged to submit their manuscript to the publisher for consideration. What to avoid: serial killers, excessive gore or horror, vampires or other heavy supernatural, sci-fi, or fantasy content. According to the editors, the publisher encourages “off-beat approaches and narrative choices that reflect the complexity and ambiguity of today’s world.” Check out the submission guidelines that provide information about content, cover letter, synopsis, and manuscript requirements.

Now Playing

World cinema: During International Education Week, November 12-17, 2012, Global Film Initiative (GFI) is offering high schools in the United States and Canada free access to screen their Global Lens world cinema series in the classroom. The Global Film Initiative was created to promote cross-cultural understanding through the medium of cinema. The Global Lens series is comprised of more than 75 award-winning feature films from around the world. By simply emailing GFI at education@globalfilm.org, you can make your school part of this event. And, in addition to screening the films, your school will get the actual DVDs for free. The films, such as Buffalo Boy (Vietnam) and The Kite (Lebanon) are narrated in their native language with English subtitles.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Department of Education “to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.”

Technology Grants

Video contest: By entering Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow contest, your school can win a technology grant worth thousands of dollars. The contest, open to 6th–12th grade public school teachers across the United States, asks teachers and their students to create a video to answer the challenge: “Show how STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) can help improve the environment in your community.” There are two parts to the challenge. First, teachers must fill out an application by October 31, and answer the following questions: How would you use the project to raise student interest in science, math, or the environment? How would you engage your students to enthusiastically participate in this project? Describe the school’s students’ need for technology. Seventy-five teachers chosen as semi-finalists will receive the tools necessary to make their video: a Samsung camcorder, a Samsung laptop, an Adobe Element bundle, and a quick start guide provided by Adobe. Teachers must use the products provided to produce the video—and the package is theirs to keep. The top 15 videos will be voted on by consumers, select Samsung employees, and a panel of education experts. Five schools will win technology grants worth $110,000 and be honored at an awards ceremony; ten schools will win technology grants worth at least $40,000.

Adhering to the long-established format, Samurai blends scenes of the current English-speaking cast with action footage from the Japanese TV series Super Sentai, presents a slew of creatively attired oddball villains, and incorporates combat action (both hand-to-hand and mega-size) with delightfully cornball élan. Classic good versus evil tropes are underscored by themes stressing the importance of discovering and utilizing one’s unique abilities, helping others, and working together as a team. The show has an average audience of 2 million weekly viewers, and the franchise is gearing up for its next incarnation to coincide with the series’ 20^th anniversary.

Trained and guided by the wise Mentor Ji, the Samurai squad consists of quiet yet fearless leader Jayden, accomplished swimmer and swordsman Kevin, big-sisterly Mia, free-spirited Mike, sweet-natured Emily, and computer-whiz Antonio. Though they seem like ordinary teens, they have learned to master the ancient symbols of power that give them control over the basic elements—fire, water, sky, forest, earth, and light—allowing them to morph into amazing warriors, wield mighty Spin Swords, and pilot giant robot vehicles. The evil Master Xandred, leader of the Nighlok monsters that inhabit the Netherworld, is on the rampage, and the danger only worsens when the sinister Serrator enters the fray. In order to continue to protect humankind from evil, the teens must unlock the mysteries of the past and attain a new level of power as Super Samurais.

Nickelodeon’s dedicated website includes brief character bios, a lengthy selection of video clips, and several online games. Kids (or perhaps their nostalgic parents) can also visit the “Power Rangers” official website to browse through a season-by-season history of the show, print out activity and coloring sheets, and access special 20^th anniversary downloads and information.

Book Tie-ins

Power Rangers fans will be delighted to discover books about the familiar characters on library shelves. The Official Guide (Scholastic, 2012; K-Gr 4) introduces the teen warriors with double-pages spreads that include full-color photos (in and out of costume), a brief bio, and list of characteristics (weapon, element, etc.). A lengthy bad-guys section highlights numerous Nighlok creatures (including the half-human guitar-playing Dayu, the glue-gob-emitting Epoxar, and the gluttonous Skarf) with large-size images and short descriptions. Other segments offer explanations of the Samurai morphing sequence and various battle modes as well as the rangers’ particular weapons, power discs, and Zords (magical animal-spirit robots that fold down to tiny size or transform into gigantic MegaMode vehicles). The volume ends with brief recaps of “Epic Battles.” Written in straightforward language, the book is packed with colorful images, and kids will enjoy taking a closer look at the characters and the details of their world.

Two staple-bound paperbacks illustrated with large-size photos recount specific adventures. When a dangerous Nighlok hits the Blue Ranger (Kevin) with a mind-control ray and orders him to attack his compatriots, it becomes difficult to tell if he’s a Friend or Enemy?, but the other teens come to his aid. The New Ranger (both Scholastic, 2012; PreS-Gr 2) describes the arrival of Antonio, a seemingly ordinary guy who is destined to become the sixth member of their squad (“Go, Gold!”). Filled with battle action, both stories also emphasize teamwork and looking out for one another, and the brief sentences, simple language, and action-packed images make them suitable for sharing aloud or for beginning readers.

Three easy chapter books pair longer narratives with photos from the show that support the text with visual clues. Rangers Unite describes how Jayden, son of another Red Ranger lost long ago in battle, first assembles his team and inspires them to work together to defeat the Nighlok. The crew is ready and Armed for Battle, as they take on the frightening Scorpionic and his powerful Whirlwind Scythe. As Master Xandred and his minions grow stronger, the squad learns how to utilize the Black Box, enabling them to take their combined powers to the next level and defeat their foes with a super Samurai Strike (all Scholastic, 2012; K-Gr 4). The tales’ quick-paced narratives are sprinkled with dialogue and Power Rangers terminology that will strike a chord with viewers. The photos depict the characters in both their civilian personas and in their costumed warrior mode, showcasing an abundance of sword-slashing, spear-swinging, fireball-flinging action.

Graphic Novel Series

Papercutz recently launched the franchise’s first-ever graphic novel series with Power Rangers Super Samurai #1: “Memory Short” (2012; Gr 1-5). This original adventure begins with a section of full-color photos and brief descriptive text introducing the show’s characters and premise. The six teens are enjoying an outdoor rock concert when Master Xandred launches his latest evil plan, sending Oblivitor to make the crowd forget about the Power Rangers in order to destroy their hope and allow misery to flourish. However, the monster mistakenly zaps Jayden, wiping out his memory. While fighting off attack after attack, the team attempts to break the spell by recounting past events and getting the Red Ranger back up to speed before it’s too late.

The crisp dialogue is supported by bright-hued illustrations that clearly delineate the events, with black lines and swirling colors adding excitement and motion. The perspective zooms in to highlight important moments or underscore a character’s emotions, and pulls back to provide a broader view of the battle scenes. Touches of kid-pleasing humor and themes of trust, working together, and taking one’s responsibilities to heart are nestled within the action. The vibrant artwork draws youngsters into the story, aiding their comprehension and encouraging them to translate the text, making this a good choice for emergent or newly confident readers, while older fans will appreciate the book’s sophisticated look. The next installment in the series will be published in October.

Publication Information

LANDERS, Ace. Power Rangers: Super Samurai: Official Guide. Scholastic. 2012. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-545-44747-8.

_____.  Power Rangers: Samurai: Friend or Enemy? ISBN 978-0-545-39005-7.

_____. Power Rangers: Samurai: Armed for Battle. ISBN 978-0-545-39010-1.

_____. Power Rangers: Super Samurai: Samurai Strike. ISBN 978-0-545-40322-1.

EASTON, Marilyn. Power Rangers: Samurai: The New Ranger. ISBN 978-0-545-39008-8.

SANTOS, Ray. Power Rangers: Samurai: Rangers Unite. ISBN 978-0-545-39011-8.

ea vol: Scholastic. 2012. pap. $3.99.

PETRUCHA, Stefan. Power Rangers Super Samurai #1: “Memory Short.” illus. by Paulo Henrique. Papercutz. 2012. Tr $10.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-332-5; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-331-8.