Congratulations to Enslow's latest book raffle winner!

Bridge Elementary School in Massachusetts is the latest winner of Enslow's book raffle!

Congratulations to Bridge Elementary!

Library Media Connection review

The five titles in the Inventors at Work! series were recently reviewed in the November/December 2014 issue of Library Media Connection.

Written for upper elementary readers, these inventors created items that are used by or familiar to young readers. All of these titles are available in library bound, paperback, or eBook formats, and can be purchased through your preferred vendor, local bookstore, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.

An excerpt from the review is below:

"Readers learn about the lives of the inventors and what drove them. Young readers are encouraged to explore their own ideas and are told how to research their own inventions."

Booklist review in October 1, 2014 issue

Are You Misusing Other People's Words? What Plagiarism Is and How to Avoid It was reviewed in the October 1, 2014 issue of Booklist.

Here is a snippet from the review:

"...Francis provides a very clear definition, complete with examples...The seriousness of plagiarizing is driven home by real-world examples from students, politicians, and journalists...The overall message is one that will resonate with any student who has ever been tempted to take an intellectual shortcut."

Part of the Got Issues? series, the six titles in this series tackle contemporary issues, allowing readers to create their own opinions. Other topics include food allergies, bullying, addiction, copyrighted material, and obesity. All of the titles in this series are available in library, paperback, and eBook formats. They can be found through your preferred vendor, local bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Booklist review of Jealous Girl

The October 1, 2014 issue of Booklist includes a review of Jealous Girl? Girls Dealing with Feelings.

An excerpt from the review:

"...this guide is peppered with enough anecdotes, scenarios, and quizzes to keep a reader engaged, and a chapter on irrational jealousy could no doubt be invaluable to a girl struggling with a toxic friendship or relationship. A solid installment on wellness for teens."

This title (and the others in the Girls Dealing with Feelings series, are available in hardcover, paperback and eBook formats. They can be purchased through your preferred vendor, local bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Fast Wheels! reviewed in Library Media Connection

The six titles in the Fast Wheels! series, part of Enslow's Speeding Star imprint, were reviewed in the October 2014 issue Library Media Connection.

An excerpt from the review:

"Chapters have young race fan appeal in a clear, readable format...Racing enthusiasts will gravitate to these books, as will reluctant readers."

This high-interest reluctant reader series includes background information on the vehicles in each title, includes the type of training needed to build, modify, maintain, and drive these vehicles.

This series is available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook formats, and can be obtained through your preferred vendor, local bookstore, speedingstar.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Library Media Connection review of Handy Health Guides

The October 2014 issue of Library Media Connection contains a review of Enslow's series on health, Handy Health Guides. Written for the middle school reader, this 12-title series covers asthma, sleep, burns, diabetes, dyslexia, headaches, and more.

Here is an excerpt from the review:

"This series provides ample contextual scientific vocabulary development and is perfect for Common Core reading in science and health."

Correlated to the Common Core and available in library, paperback, and eBook formats, these titles can be found through your preferred vendor, local bookstores, enslow.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Library Media Connection review of Inspiring Collective Biographies series

Library Media Connection's October 2014 issue includes a review of the six titles in the Inspiring Collective Biographies series. Each title in this middle school series focuses on men and women of a certain renown or in certain fields.

Here is an excerpt:

"...the editing is excellent, the writing style is crisp and inviting."

These titles are available in library, paperback, and eBook formats, and can be found through your preferred vendor, independent bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Review of Zombie Zappers

Library Media Connection has reviewed the four titles in the Zombie Zappers series in their October 2014 issue. Here is an excerpt of the review:

"Part mystery, part science fiction, and very humorous, each book in the series has a different angle where the characters try to find out what is turning people into zombies...The series is great for lower level readers, it will hold their attention."

This title is available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook formats, and can be purchased through your preferred vendor, local bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Starred review in Library Media Connection

Genius Inventors and Their Great Ideas, a series in the Enslow Elementary imprint, was given a starred review in the October 2014 issue of Library Media Connection.

Here is an excerpt from that review:

"In this fantastic series, each book covers a general overview of the subject’s childhood and their goals…The series would be a great opener for a biography unit, genius hour, invention convention, or science fair."

These titles are available in library, paperback, and eBook formats and are available from your preferred vendor, local bookstores, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Pure Poetry series reviewed

Library Media Connection has reviewed Pure Poetry, Enslow's series for middle school and high school students, in its October 2014 issue.

Here is an excerpt from that review:

"The focus is on the poems and not the poet…This nonfiction series meets several of the reading standards for the Common Core."

This series is available from your preferred vendor, enslow.com, independent bookstores, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. 

Book Festivals Sept 25 through Sept 28

There are a number of festivals taking place this upcoming weekend.

On Friday, September 26, through Sunday, September 28, the Baltimore Book Festival will take place.

The Boston Teen Author Festival will be on Saturday, September 27 at the Cambridge Library. The event is free, however you are asked to sign up at BTAFworkshop@gmail.com.

The Chappaqua Children's Book Festival will be on Saturday, September 27 at Bell Middle School at 10 am.

The Florida Heritage Book Festival takes place September 25 through September 27 in St. Augustine, Florida.

The Young Reader's South Dakota Festival of Books takes place September 25 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. At this is the inaugural event, the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, author Kate DiCamillo and other authors will speak with young readers, their teachers, and their family members.

ScholarShare will be taking place this weekend in Sacramento, CA from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday. 

Book Festivals September 20 and 21

There will be two festivals this weekend. On September 20, the Princeton Children's Book Festival will take place in Princeton, NJ, from 11 am to 4 pm. There will be more than 80 authors and illustrators attending, with presentations.

From 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday, September 21, if you happen to be in or near Brooklyn, NY, then visit the Brooklyn Book Festival which will be taking place at the Brooklyn Borough Hall and Plaza.

School Library Journal review of The Disappearing

The September 2014 issue of School Library Journal includes a review of The Disappearing, a book in Enslow's Speeding Star imprint. This title is the first book in a trilogy.

"What Tim overhears near the end of the story will leave readers at the edge of their seats and sets up a second installment of this paranormal, science fiction series...Torres succeeds in her mission: to hook reluctant readers and keep them reading."

The above excerpt is from the review. This title is available from your preferred vendor, local bookstores, enslow.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. It is available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook formats.

Congratulations to our latest raffle winner!

Enslow would like to congratulate Pointe South Middle School in Georgia for winning our raffle for $100 in free books!

Library Media Connection review of Spirit of a Mountain Wolf

In its August/September 2014 issue, Library Media Connection reviewed Spirit of a Mountain Wolf, a book in Enslow's Scarlet Voyage imprint. Here is an excerpt of the review:

"The story maintains a pace that reluctant readers can easily follow. Readers will gain new insight of slavery and prostitution through the eyes of a child...Novice readers will enjoy the exploration of how social and religious practices shape Pakistan's way of life."

This title is available from your preferred vendor, local bookstore, enslow.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. This title is available in hardcover, paperback and eBook formats.

Review of Paint Me a Monster

Library Media Connection reviewed Paint Me a Monster in its August/September 2014 issue. Here is an excerpt:

"This book is a tremendous coming-of-age story...The book is written in very short chapters that illustrate particular incidents in Rinny's life; it makes for a quick and compelling read. Baskin has a unique voice."

This title, part of Enslow's Scarlet Voyage imprint, is available from your preferred vendor, local bookstores, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Interview with Paint Me a Monster author Janie Baskin

Janie Baskin's acclaimed YA novel, Paint Me a Monster has just been released in softcover!  To commemorate the event, we have a Goodreads Giveaway going on right now (see the bottom of the post), and we interviewed Ms. Baskin about the writing of Paint Me a Monster and about being an author.  Check it out!

Scarlet Voyage: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Janie Baskin: Mrs. Burkham, my third grade teacher, had a class project—to make an anthology about the seasons. Each student needed to submit at least one poem; I submitted a dozen!  I loved poetry and Mother Goose nursery rhymes, and this was my chance to create my own.  After that, writing and drawing were some of my favorite playmates, though I didn’t formally write stories until high school.  Each letter I wrote home from summer camp (and I wrote every day) or a thank you note for a gift, turned out to be a little story. 

               Writing eventually took a back seat to illustrating and making art until my first illustrated book was published. Because I was interested in writing picture books, it seemed a natural progression to learn to write so I could both write and illustrate.

SV:  How did you begin your writing career?

JB: As I mentioned, I was a fine artist and illustrator who loved to write. Both fields require similar characteristics to succeed:  imagination, curiosity, attention to detail, and the willingness to work hard and be patient. After publishing as an illustrator, the challenge to become a skilled writer and author became the next rung to reach. I involved myself in a number of writing organizations, including a community writing program called Off Campus Writer’s  Workshop ( OCWW) and an independent critique group. The workshop introduced us to published authors who shared their expertise, and encouraged participants to write and submit their work for critique. Joining The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators offered an array of opportunities to learn more about writing and the book world.  At one of the OCWW meetings I heard that Vermont College offered an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. It was the only school in the country that offered such a specific degree. I sent in samples of my writing, got accepted and worked like crazy cakes to learn as much as my brain could hold.

SV: What inspired you to write Paint Me A Monster?

JB: Good question. What I had learned about writing is that you just have to write- you have to start somewhere even if that start later takes a turn in a totally different direction. My advisor told me to “write what you know, dig deep and don’t be afraid to get messy.”  I knew how fun and how hard it sometimes was to grow up in my family. I knew about life with a sister and brother, and I knew about going to an all girls’ school where completing homework assignments was like scaling Mt. Everest.

These kernels and my advisor’s push to “ keep digging deeper” inspired “Paint Me A Monster.”

SV: What is the one message you want readers to take away from Paint Me A Monster?

JB: It’s my hope that readers will turn the last page of Paint Me A Monster” with more compassion and understanding than they had when they turned the first page. If I could give my readers anything it would be the message that “you are not alone”, that life isn’t about “doing it yourself “.  It’s a collaborative effort; and because it is, what we think may be unworthy, or unable to change, can transform if we’re not afraid to ask for help.

SV: How did you go about researching and planning for writing Paint Me A Monster?

JB: Much of the book is based on reality and then fictionalized so the need for research was limited. When I came to something that needed to be researched, for example, what it is a high school counselor does, and how he might do it, I’d make a note that this information needed refining. This allowed me to continue writing without worrying about details. It’s easy to procrastinate during the writing process and not always so easy to return to the emotional and mental place a scene may require.

For smaller items like the kind of car that might have been driven in a specific year, research would have been immediate.

  

Sources for research included: reading the books my protagonist and her peers might have read, consulting with Chambers of Commerce for a variety of cities, speaking with professionals in health related fields, consulting books about issues such as eating disorders, and child abuse, reviewing my teaching and child development text books, and of course from thinking  a lot about personal experiences and sometimes reenacting them.

SV: Where there any particular obstacles you encountered while writing this book?

JB: There were no particular writing obstacles; however, getting the time line accurate was a challenge.  I did think about what effect the story might have on family members. I was concerned that people who know my family might erroneously assign truth to parts of the story.

SV: What is your typical day of writing like?

JB: Before I describe my routine, it’s important to say that much writing is done while I amble about. Perhaps I am taking a walk, driving, or reading for pleasure. I call this purposeful ambling. It’s the time ideas are generated, re-worked, and produce other ideas.

               I have two basic work scenarios. In the first, I wake up early, workout, return home, clean up (sometimes), eat something and write for about three hours. Then I break for lunch, look at e-mail, make calls that can’t wait, then go back to writing for three more hours.

The second scenario occurs when a brainstorm happens while I’m sleeping. I get up, write it down, and because I am so excited, often go into my studio and flesh out the concept. I write until there is no more to say at the time. Then I get up and start the day.

SV: What is your favorite YA book?

JB: The Once and Future King by T.H. White.  I first read this book when I was a freshman in high school and can still visualize Merlin, Wart (Arthur), Guenivere and the other unique characters in their full glory. This couldn’t happen if the writing and tale had not been so enchanting. The idea of growing younger and turning into a fish or bird in order to learn a lesson still astounds me. I still wish I could have Arthur’s experiences and a Merlin-like mentor.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Paint Me a Monster

by Janie Baskin

Giveaway ends September 21, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Library Media Connection review of Zoom In On....

The August/September 2014 issue of Library Media Connection has a review of the four titles in the Zoom In On... series.

The following excerpt is a review of Bizarre Bugs, Body Invaders, Crime Scenes, and House of Horrors.

"There is just enough information to satisfy youngsters' curiosity and give adults the shivers. All volumes are well-designed with short paragraphs explaining colorful illustrations. Short captions appear with all pictures."

These titles are available in both library and paperback formats.The books can be purchased through your preferred vendor, local independent bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Book Festivals taking place over the Labor Day weekend

The Decatur Book Festival will take place August 29 through August 31 at Decatur square. Per information on the website, all of the booths for the 2014 festival have been sold out! The Festival even has a blog. There are more than 600 participating authors, including award-winners, best-sellers, and others who are just getting started.

The 2014 Library of Congress National Book Festival will take place on Saturday, August 30, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Honorary chairs for this event are President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.

If you will be in the area of either of these events, please attend!

Civil Rights series reviewed in School Library Journal

School Library Journal has reviewed five of the six books in The Story of the Civil Rights Movement in Photographs series in its August 2014 issue. Here is an excerpt from that review:

"The black, white, and red design give the book a slick, professional look...these books...provide a nuanced, well-organized perspective on the time period."

Written for the middle school student, these titles explore pivotal moments during the Civil Rights Movement through gripping primary source photographs. Supplemented by text boxes and captions, the events and key people involved are explained.

All of these titles are available in library, paperback, and eBook formats. They can be purchased through your preferred vendor, independent bookstores, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Queen: Ruth Wakefield and Her Yummy Invention LMC Highly Recommended

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Queen: Ruth Wakefield and Her Yummy Invention.  978-1-7660-4242-1. Library Media Connection (LMC) Highly Recommended.  Series review: "Readers will learn about the lives of the inventors and what drove them."

School Library Journal review of Zoom In On Insects series

A review of the six titles in the Zoom In On Insects series appears in the August 2014 issue of School Library Journal. Here is an excerpt of that review:

"...these close-up images will engage children—particularly Grasshoppers and Dragonflies."

Geared toward the elementary reader, all of the titles in this series are available from your preferred vendor, independent bookstores, enslow.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. They are available in library, paperback, and eBook formats.

School Library Journal review of new Scarlet Voyage title

The August 2014 issue of School Library Journal includes a review of Lost Republic. Here is an excerpt from that review:

"This work provides vast opportunities to discuss and compare the ethical issues of a tech-dependent world vs. one dependent on natural resources. Readers will enjoy this epic time travel adventure."

This title (and all titles in Enslow's Scarlet Voyage imprint,) are available through your preferred vendor, enslow.com, independent bookstores, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Giveaway! The Briny Deep Mysteries

In anticipation of The Briny Deep Mysteries Trilogy's 9/1/2014 release, we're listed giveaways on Goodreads for each book in the series!  There's 10 copies of each book available, so the chances of winning are great!  Check out the giveaways below:

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Disappearing

by Jennifer Torres

Giveaway ends August 31, 2014.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Return

by Jennifer Torres

Giveaway ends August 31, 2014.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Battle

by Jennifer Torres

Giveaway ends August 31, 2014.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Interview with author of The Briny Deep Mysteries trilogy

The new sci-fi/mystery trilogy, The Briny Deep Mysteries, is coming out September 1st, and it's going to be filled with twists and exciting turns that will keep middle graders reading!  To learn more about the writing of this exciting trilogy, we sat down with author Jennifer Torres:

Enslow Publishers: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Jennifer Torres: Since I was very young, I’ve always loved getting lost in a good book. Reading really fueled my imagination. I especially loved to read mysteries and stories about fantastical places. As I got older the idea of creating my own magical lands through writing was so exciting I just had to pursue it.

Enslow: How did you begin your writing career?

Torres: I began writing in journals as a child. My friends and I would also write scripts and plays and then share them with each other to review – and sometimes to act out.  After finishing school, I became a newspaper reporter and columnist. Over the years I worked as freelance journalist, writing for local and national magazines and newspapers. I’ve also written seven non-fiction children’s books, but THE BRINY DEEP MYSTERIES is my debut into middle grade fiction – and truly the kind of writing I’ve always wanted to do. 

Enslow: What inspired you to write “The Briny Deep” trilogy?

Torres: All the books I read growing up captured my imagination with incredible, edge of your seat stories that often involved secret passageways, doorways to other lands, or a compelling mystery seemingly beyond explanation. When I created the town of Briny Deep, I wanted to construct a place that had never existed before, populate it with a cast of amazing characters, and weave a spellbinding mystery that would engage and captivate readers in the same way I was as a child.

Enslow: Where there any particular obstacles you encountered while writing this book?

Torres: My ten year old was a bit of an obstacle because she wanted to use my laptop all the time to play her computer games. I tried to stick to an early morning schedule of writing – way before she woke up, so I didn’t have to wrestle her for it.

Enslow: When do you write best?

Torres: During the week, I like to get up early while it’s still dark outside and everyone else in the family is asleep. I brew a big cup of coffee and try to get a few hours of writing in. I feel most creative in the morning. But I also love to write when it’s raining outside or a storm is brewing. It really sets the mood for me.

Enslow:  If you weren’t a writer, what might you be doing instead?

Torres: I would be a detective or a private investigator.  I grew up wanting to solve mysteries. My childhood friend and I even opened our own “detective agency” – her dad built it for us in her backyard and we kept “files” on everyone in the neighborhood.

Enslow: What is your favorite children’s book?

Torres: I have so many books that I loved when I was growing up. My top three books would have to be; The Phantom Tollbooth, Harriet the Spy (she kept notes on everyone in her neighborhood too,) and A Wrinkle in Time.  Middle Grade books are my very favorite genre. The kind of books with secret passageways, time portals, and hidden paths to magical lands are the best.

Enslow: What kind of experience do you hope your readers have with “The Briny Deep” trilogy?

Torres: I want them to go on a thrilling ride, filled with fun twists and turns through the town of Briny Deep. As they read the series they should feel like they are on an adventure – and a quest for answers that keeps them excitedly reading until the wee hours of the morning, and leaves them with a true awareness of how much magic and wonder can be found inside a book.



Look for The Disappearing, The Return, and The Battle on SpeedingStar.com, or with your favorite bookseller.  

Review of Pure Poetry titles in VOYA

The August 2014 issue of VOYA has a review of three of the Pure Poetry titles. Beauty Poetry, Death Poetry, and Love Poetry were reviewed in the issue. An excerpt is below:

"The poem's form, meaning, and poetic devices are thoroughly discussed line by line, using expositive, yet enjoyable, language and examples that allow for students' comprehensive understanding of the work."

These titles are available in library, paperback, and eBook formats, and can be purchased from your preferred vendor, independent bookstores, enslow.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

New YA novels available soon as paperbacks

On September 1, Enslow's Scarlet Voyage imprint will release six of its hardcover titles in paperback.

Paint Me a Monster, Spirit of a Mountain Wolf, and What We Did for Love were reviewed by Kirkus, with Paint Me a Monster receiving a starred review. Code Name Komiko was included as a Junior Library Guild Selection. Freak City and In the River Darkness were both reviewed by Library Media Connection.

All of these titles are currently available as hardcover editions, as well as eBooks. They can be purchased through your preferred vendor, independent bookstores, enslow.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

World War I title

World War I started on July 28, 1914 with Austria declaring war on Serbia, and ended on November 11, 1918, with Germany signing an armistice with the Allies. Enslow's history series, The United States at War, includes a title on World War I, written by Zachary Kent. Life on the homefront, the introduction of modern warfare, destroyed empires, countries that disappeared from the map, and much more are included in this title.

Other titles in the series include the American Revolution, the Civil War, the Vietnam War, and World War II. This entire series is correlated to the Common Core Standards.

Available in library and eBook formats, these titles can be found through your preferred vendor, local bookstores, enslow.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

New fiction baseball series coming in September

Enslow Publishers, through its Speeding Star imprint, will be releasing a four-title fictional series about baseball. The Baseball Geeks Adventures, written for the reluctant reader, includes funny dialogue and humorous scenarios, while also recounting fun and fascinating baseball lore. These books combine mystery/adventure and sports fiction into one book.

These titles will be available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook formats, and can be purchased through your preferred vendor, local bookstores, enslow.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

New YA science fiction novel available soon

Lost Republic, part of Enslow's Scarlet Voyage imprint and written by Paul B. Thompson, is available for pre-order and will be arriving in Enslow's warehouse soon.

In 2055, the future has arrived and the past is departing as the last steamship in the world prepares to cross the Atlantic on its final voyage. Alongside, a great glittering solar-powered vessel sails, too—a beautiful ship filled with beautiful people. On board the steamer are eight teens—some dreamers, some desperate—for whom the last voyage of the S.S. Sir Guy Carleton is only a step on a longer journey.

Soon the ship is far out to sea, and every layer of modern technology fails. Each teen must rely on their own special skills to survive—but where? What is the strange island in the Atlantic, where no island exists? Who are the men who speak an ancient tongue who capture the survivors of the stricken ship? With every breath a new mystery appears, and the desperate dreamers of the Carleton must find a way to live, or escape, the Lost Republic.

This science fiction/fantasy novel for YA readers will be available from your preferred vendor, enslow.com, bookstores, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Book Festival this weekend

Going to be in the area of Lincolnville Beach, Maine, this weekend? The Beyond the Sea Book Festival will be taking place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 25-27.

New and secondhand books, as well as jewelry, textiles, food, stationery, home goods, and art, among other things will also be on display and available for purchase.

New Hip Hop series

As part of its fall 2014 list, Enslow is adding a series to its Speeding Star imprint. Hip-Hop Moguls, written for the reluctant reader, is a five-title series. The books in this series include a discography, as well as a list of awards given to each musician. These top-selling artists will keep your reader wanting to read and find out more!

The musicians covered in this series include 50 Cent, Eminem, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Ludacris. These titles are available in hardcover and paperback from your preferred vendor, independent bookstore, enslow.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Birthday of Ida B. Wells-Barnett

Who was she? Ida B. Wells-Barnett was an important and influential journalist at a time when few women had careers. She wrote articles about unfair laws and how African Americans were being hurt. She brought violence against African Americans to the attention of the American people through newspaper articles.

Written by Patricia and Fredrick McKissack, this elementary-level title is perfect for the beginning reader. This title, and the rest of the titles in the Famous African Americans series, are correlated to the Common Core College and Career Readiness Standards, and are available from your preferred vendor, enslow.com, local bookstores, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Congratulations to June's book raffle winner!

We would like to congratulate Clay Center Carnegie Library in Kansas for winning our monthly raffle of free books!

Thank you for meeting us at ALA!

We just want to thank those of you who stopped by our booth. Soon we will announce the four winners of our raffle. Each of those winners will receive a 30 book collection of nonfiction K-12 books.

Book Festival June 28

The Frederick Book Festival will take place this Saturday, June 28, from 10 AM to 6 PM at the Hampton Inn in Frederick, Maryland.

There will be children/middle grade authors, young adult authors, and adult authors of different genres. Last year's event was attended by over 100 authors.

The festival is free, however the organizers ask that you register.

Learning how to play soccer

With the World Cup taking place, and soccer being the sport to watch these days, Enslow's book, Soccer Skills, teaches the basics of soccer, using action shots of professional players.

This 48 page title, written for the reluctant reader, discusses dribbling, passing, heading, styles of defense, throw-ins, corners and direct kicks, defending a shot while goalkeeping, and many more topics. There is also a diagram listing the different positions and where they are on the field in relation to their teammates.

This title, and the other five titles in the How to Play Like a Pro series, are correlated to the Common Core College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards. The other books in the series cover baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, and hockey. All of these titles are available from your preferred vendor, local bookstores, enslow.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Stephanie Kwolek has passed away at the age of 90

Stephanie Kwolek, the American chemist who invented Kevlar®, has passed away.

Countless lives have been saved using products made with Kevlar®, a superstrong fiber invented by Stephanie Kwolek. From bullet-resistant vests to brake pads, her efforts have made the world a safer place.

Written for the upper elementary reader, this title (and the others in the Genius Inventors and Their Great Ideas series) are available in library, paperback, and ebook formats, and can be purchased through your preferred vendor, local bookstores, enslow.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Enslow at ALA/Las Vegas Booth 204!

Enslow Publishers is proud to continue its decades-long ALA Annual Conference participation this year. You'll find company President Mark Enslow and National Accounts Manager Tim Hoey at the Enslow booth #204. We'll have a daily 30-book raffle, ARCs and samples to take with you, and advance information about our exciting Fall 2014 nonfiction and fiction books!

See you at ALA/Las Vegas! The exhibition events begin on Friday, June 27th and conclude on Monday, June 30th.

Upcoming book festivals

The Nantucket Book Festival will take place this weekend, from June 20th to the 22nd. There are lots of free events, as well as some that require purchased tickets. Some of the events requiring a purchased ticket are already sold out.

If you will be on Nantucket this weekend, attend the festival!

World Cup, Lionel Messi Books Score with Young Readers

The 2014 World Cup, the globe's premier international soccer tournament, began with the excitement of a brilliant Lionel Messi goal. The Argentine striker, considered among the world's best soccer players, is among the Latin stars appearing in the month-long event. Messi is also appearing in two Enslow Publishers' titles this season. Our Speeding Star imprint, designed to encourage young boys to read, features the 48-page Soccer Star Lionel Messi. Author John Albert Torres' well-written text, amplified by excellent color photographs, is an ideal choice for reluctant readers and for those young readers searching for an exciting, quick read on the player.

Enslow's repertoire also features a biography of the South American soccer sensation titled Lionel Messi: A Soccer Star Who Cares. Author Kimberly Gatto's 48-page, full-color biography includes Messi's positive activities in "giving back," as well as fascinating details about his early life and current career.

Both titles are available in library-bound, paperback, and e-book formats. Buy them now from Enslow Publishers, from your preferred vendor, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon.com.

Titles reviewed in VOYA's June 2014 issue

Three titles in the African-American Icons series were reviewed in the June 2014 issue of VOYA. An excerpt of the review is below:

"The writing is rich and engaging...Readers interested in popular culture are sure to be inspired by the impressive lives of these celebrities who happen to come from humble means."

The books cited in the review are:
Chris Rock: A Biography of a Comic Genius
Jennifer Hudson: A Biography of an American Music Idol
Sean "Diddy" Combs: A Biography of a Music Mogul

These titles are available from your preferred vendor, enslow.com, local bookstores, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

New crafts series for fall 2014

Enslow Elementary will be publishing a series of four titles, Fun and Festive Crafts for the Seasons, for fall 2014. Each 48 page book looks at a different season and gives step-by-step instructions on creating different crafts while learning about that particular season. Each title has eight crafts, including puppets and masks made out of various objects and materials.

All four books (and the crafts inside of them) were written and created by Randel McGee. These titles will be available in library and paperback formats. You can pre-order them through your preferred vendor, your local bookstore, enslow.com, amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Review of Chris Rock title in Booklist

Chris Rock, one of the latest titles in the African-American Icons series, was recently reviewed in the June 1 & 15, 2014 issue of Booklist.

An excerpt of the review is below:

"Drawing on multiple interviews with Rock himself, this biography celebrates the candor and honesty of this often controversial comedian."

This title, one of 12 titles in the African-American Icons series, was recently published by Enslow Publishers. Written by Marty Gitlin for the middle school reader, this title, and the others in the series, spotlight the personal and professional accomplishments of inspirational African Americans.

All of the titles in this series are available in library, paperback, and eBook formats. They are available from your preferred vendor, enslow.com, local bookstores, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Zoom In on Insects reviewed in latest issue of Booklist

Enslow's Zoom In on Insects series, new for spring 2014, was recently reviewed in the June 1 & 15, 2014 issue of Booklist.

Here is an excerpt from the review:

"The Zoom in on Insects! series does just what good science books for a young age group should: offer facts in short but easily understandable texts. Clear and engaging photos help whet readers' appetites to learn more. The titles follow a pattern, introducing habitats, body parts, and how the titular subject evolves…The best part of the series is the wonderfully crisp photos…"

The books cited in the review are Zoom In on Bees, Zoom In on Butterflies, Zoom In on Grasshoppers, and Zoom In on Bugs. The other two titles, Zoom In on Dragonflies and Zoom In on Fireflies were listed as "also recommended from this series."

These titles, written for the elementary reader by Melissa Stewart, are available in library, paperback, and eBook formats, and are available from your preferred vendor, local bookstore, enslow.com, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.