Happy Birthday Walter Dean Myers!

Biographies for middle school readers are a popular topic for reports. Enslow's new biography series geared toward those readers includes a book about Walter Dean Myers. What started as a way to be able to read

aloud to classmates despite having a speech impediment, turned into a career. Writing has earned him numerous prizes and awards. He first started writing poetry, which was published in literary magazines in 1961. His first book, a picture book, was published in 1969.

Other people featured in this series include Oprah Winfrey, Toni Morrison, Will Smith, Halle Berry, and Maya Angelou. Titles in the African-American Icons series are over one hundred pages each and are available in both library and paperback bindings. These titles are also available as multi-user eBooks.

These books are available from your preferred vendor, your independent bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Kyle Busch debuts new look for his No. 18 M&M Toyota at the Coca-Cola 600 this weekend.

Many fans and teammates love Kyle Busch for his ability to win and his straightforward personality. What many do not know is that he also runs a foundation to help underprivileged kids, in addition to volunteering his time to assist charities, like Habitat for Humanity, run by other NASCAR drivers

This weekend Kyle Busch will continue to drive his No. 18 M&M’s Toyota for the Coca-Cola 600. But there will be one slight difference in the car's paint scheme. The familiar M&M characters will be wearing construction gear to reflect Joe Gibbs Racings’ partnership with Habitat for Humanity. You can see before and after photos of the car here.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3589-8

To learn more about Kyle Busch read, Kyle Busch: Gifted and Giving Racing Star from our Sports Stars Who Give Back series for grades 7–9. This book is also available as an eBook!

Learn About Booker T. Washington

With skills like farming, carpentry, and sewing, Booker T. Washington believed that blacks could find acceptance in the racist white society of the late 1880s. His school became a leading educator of African Americans, and he became a powerful national figure, advising business owners and even presidents. Though many considered Washington the most important black leader of his time, some other black leaders criticized his accommodating "Uncle Tom" views. In simple language, the McKissacks clarify Booker T. Washington's philosophy, accomplishments, and place in history.

Booker T. Washington: African American Leader from our Famous African Americans series for grades K–3 is available from Enslow, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. Now available in library, paperback, and eBook editions!

Looking forward to the American Country Music Awards this weekend?

Stars like Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift will be appearing and performing at the 48th Annual American Country Music Awards this Sunday evening. Who is your favorite nominee?

 

ISBN: 978-1598452075

ISBN: 978-1598452860

P.T. Barnum and James A. Bailey join forces for "The Greatest Show on Earth"

In the spring of 1881 P.T. Barnum and James A. Bailey opened their new show, the largest circus ever seen, and the first three-ring circus in history. A hippodrome track circled the edge of the arena. At night, arc lights powered by a steam generator lit up the rings and the sideshows.

When Jumbo the Elephant arrived in the United States on April 8, 1882, crowds lined up to see this seven-ton animal perform at the circus. Only one man could deliver such a giant attraction to audiences—P. T. Barnum. A master of entertainment and showmanship, Barnum introduced Americans to wild acts and curiosities at the American Museum and the Barnum & Bailey Circus. His keen understanding of advertisement and promotion helped invent the modern world of "show business." Author Tom Streissguth explores the life of this innovative entertainer from his early days in the lottery business to his creation of the first three-ring circus.

P.T. Barnum: "Every Crowd Has a Silver Lining" is available from Enslow, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or  through your preferred vendor.

Happy Ferris Wheel Day!

Library Binding ISBN: 978-0-7660-2845-6
Grades 5–6

Library Binding ISBN: 978-0-7660-3964-3
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-4644-0132-9
Grades 1–2

Chicago was chosen to have the 1893 World's Fair. The fair's planners wanted to impress the crowds that were sure to attend. Just four years earlier, the 984-foot Eiffel Tower had been built for the Paris World's Fair. The tower was like an iron bridge to the sky. American civil engineers competed in a nationwide contest for an idea to outdo the French Eiffel Tower.

The boldest ideas were for taller towers. Then one engineer had a different idea. George Ferris drew plans for a 250-foot wheel that could carry over two thousand people high into the sky.Some people think George Ferris got his idea for the Ferris Wheel by watching a water wheel, like this one, near his home.

Mr. Ferris gave the World's Fair directors his drawings for his giant wheel. But the directors decided against a wheel for the fair. They were sure it could not survive Lake Michigan's strong winds.

In November 1892, the World's Fair directors still had nothing to beat the Eiffel Tower. They finally agreed to let George build his wheel but with his own money. George found some wealthy investors who said the 250-foot wheel should be called the Ferris Wheel.

When the fair finally opened on May 1, 1893, George's wheel was not finished. But on June 10, the crew began hanging the thirty-six carriages. Finally, at three o'clock on June 21, 1893, George's Ferris wheel opened for business. A ride on the Ferris Wheel cost fifty cents, which was also how much it cost to get into the fair.

Because George dared to dream big and follow his dream, today millions of people all over the world have a great time riding Ferris wheels.

Today, the London Eye in London, England is one of the world's most famous Ferris wheels. About ten thousand people ride it each day. Currently, the world's largest observation wheel is the Singapore Flyer.

But world's largest Ferris wheel may be coming to New York City's Staten Island waterfront with construction to possibly begin in early 2014.  The proposed wheel would stand at approximately 625 feet.

Justin Bieber on SNL

So while Justin Bieber may not have received a Grammy nomination you will still be able to watch him this weekend as he hosts an all-new Saturday Night Live AND performs as musicial guest. A first for Justin. Unbeliebable!

Happy Golden Birthday Justin Timberlake

A successful musician and actor, Justin Timberlake turns 31 on the 31st which makes it his "Golden Birthday" this year. 

Justin at a Glance:

Full name: Justin Randall Timberlake

Birthday: January 31, 1981

Nickname: JT

Height: 6 feet 2 inches

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite food: Breakfast cereal

Enjoys: Golfing, skiing, and snowboarding

Favorite sport: Basketball

Collects: Sports jerseys and sneakers

Fears: Snakes, sharks, and spiders

For more fun facts about Justin Timberlake and his successful career, check our Justin Timberlake: Breakout Music Superstar  from our Hot Celebrity Biographies series available in both library binding and in paperback from Enslow, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your preferred vendor.

Watch for more celebrity biographies coming this fall. The list is sizzling with stars like Adele, Demi Lovato, Drake, Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Logan Lerman!

The answer is....

Walter Dean Myers!

Drawing upon his own struggles and experiences, Myers has written award-winning novels such as Hoops, Scorpions, and Slam!–realistic stories that appeal to readers of all backgrounds and cultures. Today, Walter Dean Myers is a New York Times bestselling and critically acclaimed author who has garnered much respect and admiration for his fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for young people. Winner of the first Michael L. Printz Award, he is considered one of the preeminent writers for children.

Walter Dean Myers: A Biography of an Award-Winning Urban Fiction Author from our African-American Icons series is available just in time to celebrate Black History Month.

Available from Enslow, Barnes and Noble, Amazon or your preferred vendor.

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.

Did You Guess Maya Angelou from Our Word Cloud Clue?

Maya Angelou: A Biography of an Award-Winning Poet and Civil Rights Activist is just one of the six titles from our new series African-American Icons that will be published January 1, 2013, just in time for Black History Month. Although not yet released, this series has already received lots of attention and requests for Advanced Reader Copies from reviewers. Other titles in the series include:

Halle Berry: A Biography of an Oscar-Winning Actress

Oprah Winfrey: A Biography of a Billionaire Talk Show Host

Toni Morrison: A Biography of a Nobel Prize-Winning Writer

Walter Dean Myers: A Biography of an Award-Winning Urban Fiction Author

Will Smith: A Biography of a Rapper Turned Movie Star

Click here to reserve your copies today. Pre-Orders also available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 Opens Today

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 opens in theaters today. Did you know that author, Stephenie Meyer was simply writing for her own entertainment when she expanded what started out as a dream into the full-length story of Bella and Edward? Being an author had never even crossed her mind. Fans can read more about Stephenie Meyer in our biography, Stephenie Meyer: Author of the Twilight Saga from our Authors Teens Love series. Read a review of the book here.

Makes a great gift for Twilight fans!

Available from Enslow Publishers, Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

Monster: KISS Album #20

With the release of their 20th album, Monster, KISS has proven that they're masters of rock, more now than ever:  Despite the band's polished, over-the-top stage act, they recorded Monster on tape.  Unlike most new albums, recorded digitally and processed to perfection, Monster has that edgy, slightly imperfect sound reminiscent of the golden age of rock.

If you're a long time KISS fan and want to share KISS with the new generation, or if you ran into the new album and just discovered KISS, check out KISS: I Want To Rock and Roll All Night by the award-winning children's author, Aileen Weintraub.

This book is also available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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.

Author J.K.Rowling

ISBN: 978-0-7660-2708-4

In 1990, on what was normally a forty-minute train ride to the northern city of Manchester, a four-hour delay provided enough time for Rowling to dream up a story that would change her life. She visualized a scrawny black-haired boy with glasses who did not know he was a wizard. In that one train ride, Rowling thought up many of the characters that would people his world.

She didn't have a pen, so she just sat and thought about her boy-wizard idea for the whole train ride. That evening, she started working on the first Harry Potter book.

The Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling have delighted children and adults worldwide. However, some people contend that they endorse witchcraft, and they think children should not read them. In J.K. Rowling: Banned, Challenged, and Censored from our Authors of Banned Books series, author Joan Vos MacDonald provides a brief biography of Rowling, analyzes the Harry Potter books, and explores both sides of the argument over censorship.

The Summer Olympics are finally here!

Looking forward to watching the opening ceremonies? Don't forget to view the Summer Olympic schedule ahead of time so you don't miss any of your favorite events or athletes.

Let the games begin!

Jesse Owens won four gold medals for track and field during the Summer Olympics in 1936 in Berlin, Germany 

Roger Waters On Rock-Opera Tour

Rogers Waters brings his new production of the "The Wall" which he recently performed at Yankee Stadium. The tour runs through July 21. At 68 years old, Mr. Waters uses updated themes from the 1979 Pink Floyd album with current events in this musical production.

About Roger Waters:
Bass guitarist and vocalist George Roger Waters was born on September 6, 1943, in Great Bookham, England. He was the youngest of two sons born to Eric Fletcher Waters and his wife, Mary Waters. Eric Fletcher Waters was a member of the British air force fighting in World War II. Just a few months after Roger was born, his father was killed in action in the battle of Anzio, Italy. Mary Waters was a piano teacher. One of her students was Syd Barrett, who became friends with Roger.

Roger reportedly had unhappy experiences at school. He would later call on those experiences to write the lyrics for what would become some of the most memorable Pink Floyd songs. As a teenager, Roger took an interest in music. Yet after graduation from Cambridge High School for Boys, he enrolled at Regent Street Polytechnic School in London in 1962 to study architecture. Waters rented a house from an architecture professor. Barrett, his childhood buddy, was in London studying art. They become roommates for a while. Waters soon grew more interested in music than in architecture, and he often jammed with Barrett and other friends. Waters taught himself bass guitar since Barrett was a better guitarist.

After Barret left Pink Floyd, Waters became the band's main lyricist. His sources of inspiration included the friend he lost to drugs and mental illness, and the heroic father he never knew.

For more about Rogers Waters and the band, Pink Floyd, check our book Pink Floyd: The Rock Band, an unauthorized biography from our Rebels of Rock series. 

A FREE Educator Guide can be download. This book is available in library binding and paperback. Check it out today!

Look What's In the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum Library!

Enslow is excited to find out that Black Sabbath: Pioneers of Heavy Metal by Brian Aberback from our Rebels of Rock series can be found in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum library.

Library ISN: 978-0-7660-3379-5
Library and School Price: $23.95
List Price: $31.93
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-59845-212-9
Paperback Price: $9.95

Black Sabbath, the band that created heavy-metal music, could not envision making rock history when the band formed in Birmingham, England, in the late 1960s. Back then, the poor and working-class young men of Black Sabbath were hoping to simply make a living playing music so that they could escape a life confined to boring factory work. Black Sabbath’s journey from Birmingham to the big time is a remarkable story of highs and lows, of fallout and reconciliation. Their music and their aggressive, rebellious nature have inspired and influenced countless bands in a number of rock genres, from hard rock and heavy metal to punk to rap.

Happy 50th Birthday Mr. President!



Celebrating Barack Obama in Pictures
ISBN:  978-0-7660-3651-2

     President Barack Obama will be celebrating his 50th birthday today with a toast in the Blue Room of the White House with senior members of his staff, and tonight he will be celebrating with family and friends.  A great way to join in celebrating the 44th President of the United States is with Enslow's Obama Family Photo Album Series, whose titles include:  First Lady Michelle Obama in Pictures, Celebrating President Barack Obama in Pictures, Celebrating the Inauguration of Barack Obama in Pictures, and Celebrating the Obama Family in Pictures.  All these titles, authored by Jane Katirgis feature color photos that showcase the lives of the members of the first family as well as Obama's inauguration.     
     President Obama was born on August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii when this American state was less than two years old!  Read more about this amazing President's life with two more Enslow titles:  Barack Obama, part of Enslow's African-American Heroes series and Barack Obama: "We Are One People", part of Enslow's African-American Biography Library.

Barack Obama:  Interest Level-Grades K-3
24 pages, $21.26
Author:  Stephen Feinstein

Barack Obama:  "We Are One People":  Interest Level-Grades 6 and up
160 pages, $31.93
Author:  Michael A. Schuman

The Obama Family Photo Album Series-Interest Level-Grades 3-4
32 pages, $22.60
Author:  Jane Katirgis

New Michael Phelps Video Game Released

Have you heard? Olympic medalist, Michael Phelps is now part of the virtual pool. His new video game, Michael Phelps: Push the Limit, was released earlier this week. The game was developed by Blitz Games and published by 505 Games for use with the Kinect system for Microsoft's Xbox 360. My kids love the Kinect games and I can see this one being both fun and challenging. It's also a great way to bring more attention to the sport of swimming.

Young readers can learn more about Michael Phelps in our book, Michael Phelps: Swimming for Olympic Gold for grades 5–9 available in both library binding and paperback. A free educator's guide is also available through our web site.