Happy Birthday J.R.R. Tolkien

Born John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, on this day in 1892, he is best known for his original worlds and creatures, many of whom appear in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings stories. Through a thorough exploration of his life and work, Edward Willett brings to life the inner workings of the mind of J.R.R. Tolkien who made fantasy writing what it is today. 

This book includes an "In Your Own Words" section. which draws on several interviews with Tolkien, a timeline, a major works and a selected additional works list, as well as "Words to Know" and a "Further Reading" list. You can preview this book on google books.

J.R.R. Tolkien: Master of Imaginary Worlds from our Authors Teens Love series is available from Enslow, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your preferred vendor.

Idol Janis Joplin

Since the Season Finale of American Idol airs tonight, we thought we would highlight our title, Janis Joplin: "Take Another Little Piece of My Heart"  from our American Rebels series. For grades 9–12, author Edward Willett gives a comprehensive biography of legendary singer Janis Joplin, from her childhood singing in the church choir to her adolescent rebellions with the local beatniks through her drug and alcohol use and her amazing musical success. With a powerful and soulful voice, Janis blazed a trail for other female rockers during her short and eventful life.

Launch Career, College Planning with Enslow's "Wild Science Careers" Series

What's "wild" about science careers? Quite a lot, as readers discover in Enslow Publishers' intriguing "Wild Science Careers" series. Students fascinated by rain, wind, and the sea gravitate toward the meteorological careers discussed in Storm Scientist: Careers Chasing Severe Weather. Those who wonder what's inside the planet could consider becoming volcanists, as Lava Scientist: Careers on the Edge of Volcanoes details. For those who enjoy exploring the edgy boundaries of the life sciences, Disease-Hunting Scientist: Careers Hunting Deadly Diseases examines what it takes to be a scientific player in this field.

Each title in the full-color, library-bound "Wild Science Careers" series includes a glossary, useful chapter notes, a further reading list, and an index. Each book in this six-book ensemble is available to schools and libraries directly from Enslow Publishers for $23.95. This price includes the 25% school/library discount off Enslow's list price for each title.

Today would have been Janis Joplin's birthday

Had this legendary singer lived, she would have turned 68 today.

Her powerful and soulful voice blazed a trail for other female rockers. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Janis found her place in life was onstage. She sang with Big Brother and the Holding Company, a band from San Francisco. She became a household name after the Monterey Pop Festival.

Despite her early death, her accomplishments and influence are felt throughout the music industry today. She continues to be an inspiration to musicians everywhere.

Another event in history

In 1968, Johnny Cash recorded a live concert at Folsom Prison in California. When he took the stage, he solidified the public's perception of him as a rebel who followed his own path.

Part of the American Rebels series, Johnny Cash: "The Man in Black" talks about his growing up in poverty in Arkansas, the death of his older brother, his difficult relationship with his father, and more. Written for high school students, this biography will keep Johnny Cash fans reading!

Alma Flor Ada and J.R.R. Tolkien

What do these two famous authors have in common? They both share January 3rd as their birthday. Alma Flor Ada was born January 3, 1938 and J. R. R. Tolkien was born January 3, 1892.
Enslow is celebrating the fact that we have great biographies on both of these popular authors.

From our Authors Kids Love series, Alma Flor Ada: An Author Kids Love is 48 pages for grades 3–4. Written by Michelle Parker-Rock all of the titles in this series include new information from personal interviews.

Our J.R.R. Tolkien: Master of Imaginary Worlds from our Authors Teens Love series is 128 pages and perfect for readers in grades 6–up. Each title in this series includes the author's perspective of the writer's craft as well as personal interviews and insightful quotes about each author.

Enslow celebrates two amazing authors on their birthdays!

On Sept. 21, 1937

On this day in 1937, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien was published.

Born John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, this author is best known for his original worlds and creatures, many of whom appear in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings stories.

Through a thorough exploration of his life and work, Edward Willett brings to life the inner workings of the mind of this author who made fantasy writing what it is today. Photographs and Internet addresses are included.

Today is the 40th anniversary of the death of Jimi Hendrix

James Marshall Hendrix was the greatest electric guitarist in the history of rock-n-roll music. By experimenting with the electronic elements of the guitar, he created a signature style that was unmistakable—one that has not been matched since his untimely passing at age twenty-eight in 1970. In Jimi Hendrix: "Kiss the Sky", author Edward Willett examines the life and career of this legendary pioneer of contemporary music.

Today would have been Andy Warhol's birthday

Andy Warhol NEW!"Everyone Will be Famous for 15 Minutes"
Author: Edward Willett
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3385-6
Publication Year: 2010
Interest Level: Grades 9-12
Page Count: 160

"Paintings are too hard. Machines have less problems…" In the 1960s, Andy Warhol became the most famous creator of a new style of art called pop art, which transformed mass-produced items of popular culture into fine works of art. From Campbell's Soup cans to photographs of Marilyn Monroe, Warhol's willingness to use anything and everything from the mass media in his work expanded the range of subject matter available to artists. His avant-garde films, artistic usage of American icons, and unconventional social life made him a controversial figure, both greatly admired and deeply reviled. A trendsetter rather than a trend-follower, a dispassionate observer of both the seamy and celebrity sides of life, Warhol was a true American rebel.

On this day in 1967

The three-day Monterey International Pop Music Festival - which catapulted Jimi Hendrix, the Who and Janis Joplin to stardom - opened in northern California.

On this day in 1789

Captain William Bligh of the HMS Bounty arrived in Timor in a small boat.

On this day in history

Janis Joplin debuted on stage at the Avalon ballroom in San Francisco.

On this day in history

The crew of the British ship Bounty mutineed, setting Captain William Bligh and 18 sailors adrift in a launch in the South Pacific.

Read about the famous case and the movies it inspired.