Spielberg's New "Lincoln" Movie Opens Door for Reading Opportunities

The new blockbuster movie, Lincoln, opens three days after Election Day. Director Steven Spielberg's film explores the final months of the 16th president's life and actions. The chances are strong that many young patrons and students will attend the film, and want to know more about the events and personalities depicted.

This provides a wonderful opportunity for librarians, teachers, and parents to encourage young viewers to become young readers. Enslow Publishers has a number of age-appropriate titles that focus on Lincoln, slavery, and states' rebellion against the federal government.

200 Years with Abraham Lincoln: One Man's Life and Legacy explores the Great Emancipator's compelling story. Author Helen Koutras Bozonelis's efficiently presented, well-written 64-page book is enhanced with useful illustrations and photographs. The title also include additional source materials and other reference information. The book is available from Enslow in a library-bound edition for $20.95; that price includes a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price. It is also available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Meanwhile, young readers curious about Steven Spielberg can consult Enslow's biography of him. Author Laura B. Edge's 128-page book, part of Enslow's "People to Know Today" series, offers a page-turning account of Spielberg's life and professional accomplishments. Steven Spielberg: Director of Blockbuster Films is available from Enslow  in a library-bound edition for $23.95; that price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price for the title. This book is also available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Today is Hilary Duff's birthday

Known for both her singing and acting, did you know that Hilary Duff also works with charities? She is involved with Blessings in a Backpack, a group that provides backpacks (with food inside) for students to eat over the weekend. Since many students across the country participate in local school lunch programs, they do get lunch during the school week, however they may not have enough food at home to eat over the weekend. Students take the filled backpacks home and then return the empty backpacks on Monday to be filled again for the following weekend.

Another one of her favorite charities is Kids With a Cause. This group encourages children to help children. It teaches the principles and practices of philanthropy to children and teens in the entertainment industry.

She also works with charities that help animals. She and her sister, Haylie, like to encourage people to adopt pets at local animal shelters.

Interested in learning more about Hilary Duff? Available in both library and paperback versions, this biography is great for grades 6 and up.