Scholastic

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.