News & Features

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the prestigious Caldecott Award, bestowed annually to the “artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.” Here's a look at a few books about past and recent recipients.

As the authors of new title on inquiry and literacy note, "simply reading about science" cannot replace the "actual doing of science." Here are a few new titles that offer guidance and suggestions on incorporating hands-on and project-based learning in science and other classrooms.

The very language of the Common Core State Standards calls for librarians’ key skills: research; equipping students to access, evaluate, and synthesize information; and strengthening literacy. Paige Jaeger, a coordinator of school library services in Saratoga Springs, NY argues that librarians can build a strong case for a seventh shift in the CCSS: research.

The Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN) of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) has announced the finalists for the 2013 Amelia Elizabeth Walden Book Award for Young Adult Fiction. No surprises here - just some tough decisions to make. Former winners include Lauren Myracle (Shine, Amulet), Francisco X. Stork (The Last Summer of the Death Warriors, Scholastic) and Kristin Cashore (Fire, Penguin).

Launched in 2010 by the Dizzy Feet Foundation to encourage Americans to dive into dance for fun and exercise, National Dance Day takes place on Saturday, July 27. Featuring wiggle-inducing picture books, eye-dazzling nonfiction, and even a graphic-novel autobiography, this list provides a sampling of the wealth of materials available to inspire and inform young dancers and celebrate the joy of movement.

In this month's column, the lives and work of scientists both past and present feature prominently.

As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, two noteworthy titles focus on another nation and its struggle for freedom from British rule: India. Whether drawing comparisons to our country's fight for independence, learning about Mohandas Gandhi or India for the first time, these books will open readers' eyes to an important period in this nation's history.

With her aunt's wedding day fast approaching, 16-year-old Ann Gilardi is determined to lose '45 pounds.' In her effort to do so, she learns more about herself−and her family−than she expected. Author K. A. Barson talks about the genesis of the book.

Packed with child appeal, these tantalizingly creative titles will fortify reading skills and engender enthusiasm for literature, as they challenge readers' imaginations.