Showing posts with label classroom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label classroom. Show all posts

September 06, 2013

Review of Body System Disease Investigations in Library Media Connection

978-0-7660-3945-2 Library
978-1-4644-0224-1 Paperback
The August/September 2013 issue of Library Media Connection includes a review of the five titles in the Body System Disease Investigations series.

Here is an excerpt from that review:

"Annie Biotica stars in this series as a 'Disease Scene Investigator.' In each title, Biotica walks us through one of the body systems. Five 'cases' in which the back story and symptoms of diseases attributed to that system are presented...With its colorful, concise format, this series is as delightful as gross body books come."

These five titles, with the help of a supersleuth character named "Annie Biotica," present real-life scenarios of infections, helping middle school readers experience the scientific method that medical teams and scientists use to decipher symptoms and lab test results. Each book contains five chapters, in which each chapter covers a different disease/ailment set up as a "case." This engaging and fun series makes the health and life science content more relevant to the student's own life.

The five titles are:
The Case of the Flesh-Eating Bacteria
The Case of the Infected Tick
The Case of the Rusty Nail
The Case of the Sneezy Popcorn
The Case of the Undercooked Burger

All five of these titles are available in library, paperback, and eBook versions, and are available from your preferred vendor, enslow.com, local independent bookstores, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.


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August 20, 2013

Math Word Problems? "No Problem" With Enslow Math Titles

Math word problems are increasingly appearing on high-stakes mathematics assessment tests for the Common Core and for specific state requirements. These problems, which require reasoning as well as performing mathematical operations, take considerable practice to master. Finding suitable, concise material to help students grasp these challenges is not easy.

Enslow Publishers offers a solution. Our Problem Solving and Word Problem Smarts! title provides excellent, step-by-step instructions and examples that bring clarity to mathematical issues. Author Rebecca Wingard-Nelson's 64-page work includes useful problem-solving tips and organizational suggestions that can contribute to improved performance and academic success.

Problem Solving and Word Problem Smarts!, part of Enslow's "Ace Your Math Test" series, is available in a paperback edition for $7.95. A library-bound edition is available directly from Enslow Publishers for $20.95; that price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price.

The book is also available from your preferred vendor, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

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August 13, 2013

Math Biographies for the Common Core

The Common Core embraces the notion that reading literacy is a goal in all subject areas. That direction includes mathematics. To address this idea, Enslow Publishers offers a number of age-appropriate biographies that incorporate information-rich texts on mathematicians and their contributions to the field.

For example, Enslow's "Great Minds of Ancient Science and Math" includes a biography of the Greek mathematician Euclid. Author Paul Hightower's well-written, 128-page work delivers a lively look at Euclid's life and profound contributions to understanding geometry and the reasoning underlying its axioms. The book provides an excellent text for math teachers to use for Common Core literacy development.

Hightower's The Father of Geometry: Euclid and His 3-D World is available in a library-bound format directly from Enslow Publishers for $23.95. That price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price for the title. The book is also available from your preferred vendor, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon.

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August 06, 2013

Animal Stories + Math = Enslow Common Core Success

Enslow's "Math Fun with Sebastian Pig and Friends" embraces fun reading with solid math skill development for young readers. Author Jill Anderson's and illustrator Amy Huntington's winsome six-book series features 32-page books that students can use in class, share in read-along sessions, or read at home. Each of these AR 1.8-2.0 illustrated books address a key mathematical operation, such as addition, subtraction, measurement, geometry, or counting. One title focuses on money math. The books make a strong contribution to a library, media center, or classroom's collection, and are appropriate for Common Core supplemental materials needs.

Titles in the "Math Fun with Sebastian Pig and Friends" series are available in library-bound, paperback, and e-book formats. The library-bound book may be purchased directly from Enslow Publishers for $16.95 per title; that price represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for each book. Paperbacks are available for $6.95. The multi-user e-book is available directly from Enslow for $21.95; that price represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for these items.

July 03, 2013

What is the 4th of July?

Enslow Publishers celebrates our nation's birthday all throughout the year with fun,
easy-to-read books about the symbols, traditions, and crafts that teach children 
about the 4th of July holiday.



Enslow books can be purchased directly from Enslow, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, independent bookstores, and your favorite vendors.

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June 28, 2013

Handy Health Guides for Teens

All kids get common colds, rashes, cuts and scrapes, and cavities, and everyone knows someone who has had head lice, pinkeye, chickenpox, or a broken bone. This series explains the science behind common illnesses and injuries and also emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal health. The Handy Health Guides series for grades 5–up is an engaging series about health and the human body. The 12 books in the series cover topics that are relevant and interesting to the middle-school reader.With a fun and conversational tone, these health guides will come in handy!

Coming Fall 2013!

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June 21, 2013

Melissa Stewart Recaps 21st Century Children's Nonfiction Conference


Enslow author, Melissa Stewart recently attended the 21st Century Children's Nonfiction Conference on the campus of the State University of New York in New Paltz. Writers, illustrators, designers, educators, and editors held workshops for those interested in learning more about opportunities in publishing nonfiction for children. 


Melissa spoke as part of the faculty panel discussing "21st Century Publishing: A Time of Transition." We asked Melissa to recap her experience at the conference. Here is what she had to say:

Recently, I had the great privilege and pleasure of being a guest lecturer for an online course taught by renowned children’s book author and editor Marc Aronson for Rutgers University. The class, Nonfiction and Common Core, is intended for students working toward their master’s degree in library information science.

In preparation, I decided to review the rest of the curriculum and I ran across something that blew my mind—a lesson called “Nonfiction Taxonomy.”

What’s that, you ask?

It turns out that Marc and his Uncommon Corps colleagues have developed a brand new, totally amazing system for classifying children’s nonfiction. I was so excited by the system that I asked if I could discuss it at last weekend's conference, and Marc gave me permission.

The classification system consists of seven broad categories:

Data: In more friendly terms, you might call this category Fasts Facts. It includes Eyewitness Books, The Guinness Book of World Records, and my own book Animal Grossapedia. These are the concise, fact-filled books that groups of boys read together and discuss.

Expository: You might call this category Facts Plus. The facts are interwoven into a content-area explanation. This is could be considered “traditional” nonfiction, except that there’s nothing traditional about today’s expository titles. Their engaging text and rich, dynamic art and design are sure to delight as well as inform young readers.

Narrative: This is a category we’ve heard a lot (I mean A LOT) about in the last few years. It’s the current darling of awards committees. Narrative titles present facts in the form of a true story with a narrative arc.

But here’s the thing. As you learn about the next few categories, I think you’ll see that some books have been lumped into the narrative category when there are actually better ways to describe them.

Disciplinary Thinking: These books reveal how scientists and historians go about their work, how they evaluate evidence and form theories. This category might also be called something like Experts at Work. Scientists in the Field books are the perfect example, but if you think about it, it won’t take long to think of single titles that do the same thing.   

Inquiry: This category could also be called Ask & Answer. In these books, the author raises a question or a group of related questions and then seeks the answer. Sally Walker’s Written in Bone is a great example, but these are the kinds of books Peter Lourie has been writing for years. And one of my favorites is What Bluebirds Do by Pamela F. Kirby.

Interpretation: For these books, authors research a topic widely, find their own meaning in the information, and present the content from that point of view. Charles & Emma by Deborah Heiligman is the first title that leaps to mind, but I’d also put books like Those Rebels, Tom and John by Barbara Kerley and Almost Astronauts by Tanya Lee Stone in that category. I think we’ll see more of these books in the future because this type of presentation directly supports Common Core.

Action: This is the trickiest category. It offers a separate spot for titles that invite young readers to take action. The most obvious example is Citizen Scientists by Loree Griffin Burns, but I think it’s the kind of book we’ll see more of in the future.

My presentation was just one small bit of a fantastic 3-day conference that focused exclusively on nonfiction. Woo-hoo. Talented authors, editors, and other publishing industry gurus came together to discuss the future of nonfiction, from craft and Common Core to transmedia and book promotion. Anyone interested in nonfiction—authors, illustrators, editors, educators, designers, digital developers—should mark the next year’s conference dates on their calendars. It will be June 20-22, 2014 on the campus of SUNY New Paltz.

Author Note: Melissa Stewart is the award-winning author of more than 150 science books for children. She has always been fascinated by the natural world and is passionate about sharing its beauty and  wonder with readers of all ages. For information about Melissa and her books you can visit her web site.


June 20, 2013

The Bald Eagle is an American Symbol

Today is American Eagle Day so we're featuring a book about an American symbol, the bald eagle.This book is for grades 1–2 and includes sight words and simple sentences, perfect for these early readers.
"The bald is a bird. It is not really bald! It has a white head."


Other titles in the All About American Symbols series:






Enslow books are available from Enslow.com, online retailers, bookstores, and your favorite vendors.

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June 06, 2013

New York Journal of Books reviews "When the Children Marched"


This May marked the 50th anniversary of the children's marches in Birmingham. We are thrilled that New York Journal of Books has just posted a great review of our book "When the Children Marched: The Birmingham Civil Rights Movement" by Robert H. Mayer.

Reviewer Rita Lorraine Hubbard says, "This book should flourish wherever it is found..." You can read the full review here.

The book and eBook are available wherever books and eBooks are sold including AmazonBarnes and Noble, your favorite independent bookstore, or your preferred vendor.


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May 16, 2013

Could you be a spy?

It's no secret...the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC is sponsoring Spy Fest 2013 this Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.. Stop by and find out if you could be a spy!



"Mini-missions, tradecraft demonstrations by the experts, and the chance to try spy skill challenges will give KidSpy agents and their handlers an insider’s peek into the shadow world of spying—and who knows, there just may be a spy or two in your midst…" For more information about the museum and festival be sure to visit the museum's web site

Available in Library binding
and paperback.
This is no secret either...Enslow's The Secret World of Spies series is now available from the International Spy Museum!

This thrilling series examines the secret world of spies through real spy stories in a marvelous color design. Each title focuses on a particular aspect of espionage, including spy technology, famous and infamous spies, and secret spy agencies. The action-packed true-crime stories keep the reader engaged as the series covers spying from ancient times all the way to today’s cutting-edge spy gadgets. Free educator guides can also be downloaded from our web site.



"This series of books should serve as a starting point for children interested in understanding Intelligence work and may even inspire some to pursue careers in the field."
–A case officer with the CIA

"A very interesting and captivating read. This series provides a good overview of the many aspects of espionage, spanning from its early history up to the present-day."
–Keith T. Schwalm, former Staff Assistant (Special Agent), U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Division
Available from Enslow PublishersAmazonBarnes and Noble, your favorite independent bookstore, or your preferred vendor.
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May 02, 2013

What part will DNA play in the Boston Marathon bombing investigation?

Female DNA was found on a piece of at least one of the explosive devices used in April 15's Boston Marathon bombing. However, police have not yet determined whether or not the DNA discovery indicates a woman's involvement in the attack.

What is DNA? DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule that carries a set of instructions. These instructions tell our cells what to do, which determines physical traits such as eye color or height. The information encoded on the DNA molecule is what makes a person unique.


Available in paperback and library binding

The DNA in the blood can narrow down a list of suspects–clearing the innocent or helping send the guilty to prison. In our book, DNA and Blood: Dead People Do Tell Tales from our True Forensic Crime Stories series, discover how blood pattern analysis and DNA fingerprinting began, how they are used now for crimes like the Boston Marathon bombing, and how they have solved decades-old mysteries.

This book and others in the series are available from EnslowBarnes and NobleAmazon, your favorite independent bookstore or your preferred vendor.


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April 26, 2013

Will you be in New Orleans?

The New Orleans Jazz and Hertitage Festival starts today and runs through May 5. Many great artists will be appearing. But do you know the history of jazz? What about Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Herbie Hancock? What do they all have in common?  The answer is, they are all great jazz artists. 

Enslow's Incredible African-American Jazz Musicians from our African-American Collective Biographies series highlights how each of these musicians got started and what gifts they brought to the world of music.
Each of these musicians had their own voice, sound, or style of playing. Miles Davis played trumpet in a muted whisper. Charlie Parker's saxophone solos displayed phenomenal speed and variety. 

Library Edition ISBN: 978-1-59845-137-5
Paperback ISBN: 
978-1-4644-0036-0
The earliest jazz originated in New Orleans. It's musical elements were derived from African-American brass marching bands and ragtime music from the saloons. Known as Dixieland, it was characterized by several musicians simultaneously playing their improvisations based on the melody and chord pattern of the tune. The tune would most likely have been a popular song of the day or a blues that the musicians did not compose. Many of these early jazz musicians could not read music. But through improvisation they created exciting, joyful music that bore little resemblance to the original tune.
You can read more about the history of jazz and these eight great jazz musicians in our book, Incredible African American Jazz Musicians by Stephen Feinstein.
Available from EnslowBarnes and NobleAmazon, your favorite independent bookstore or your preferred vendor.


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April 18, 2013

What if you were Paul Revere? What would you do?


General Thomas Gage was in charge of Massachusetts. On April 14, 1775, he received some special orders from Britain. He and his soldiers were to arrest John Hancock and Sam Adams. The pair was hiding out in Lexington.
     The British soldiers then were to go on to Concord.. The colonists had hidden weapons there. General Gage wanted those weapons destroyed.
     The raid would take place on April 18. The British hoped to surprise the colonists. If successful, they could hurt the rebel's cause.

What Would You Do?

What if you were Margaret Kemble Gage? She was General Gage's wife, who was born in the colonies. You overheard your husband discussing the attack. You do not want to betray him. Yet you do not want the king to crush the colonists. Would you alert the rebels? What do you think Margaret Kemble Gage did?

     On the evening of April 18, Warren asked Paul Revere to ride to Lexington. He was asked to warn Hancock and Adams that the British were coming. After that, he was to ride on to Concord to warn the colonists there.
     Colonists had formed their very own fighting groups called militias. In Massachusetts, these men were known as minutemen. They were proud that they could be ready to fight in a minute's notice. Now they would be put to the test.
     Revere had been a messenger for the patriots before. Tonight he would have to ride as fast as he could to get to Lexington and Concord before the British.
What Would You Do?

What if you were Paul Revere? Would you agree to do this? The British will be on the lookout for rebels tonight. If you are caught you could be arrested or even hanged! Would you be willing to take the risk?

The Revolutionary War Begins: Would You Join the Fight? is part our What Would You Do? series. It is available in library binding and in paperback from Enslow, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and your favorite Indie store or preferred vendor. A free educator guide is also available.
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April 12, 2013

Interview with Author Bonnie Pryor and Special eBook Offer


Bonnie Pryor is the author of several of Enslow's historical fiction books, including the Hannah Pritchard trilogy. She took some time recently to talk to us about how she combines historical facts with her fictional characters. 
Bonnie Pryor

Enslow:  What is your favorite childhood memory about books?

Bonnie:  My favorite memories are about reading and my favorite places to read were…sitting in a crook of an old plum tree, under my covers at night, inside my math book at school, and under the dining room table when I was supposed to be dusting….any place I had a book.

Enslow:   How has your upbringing influenced your writing?

Bonnie:  I suppose I had a fairly sheltered childhood with strict parents, so I have trouble imagining bad characters.

Enslow:  When did your interest in writing historical fiction start?

Hannah Pritchard: Pirate of the
Revolution (Book  1)
Bonnie:  I’ve always enjoyed reading historical fiction, but, for some reason or other, I didn’t think of it until about fifteen years ago when an editor (knowing I liked historical fiction) suggested I try writing some.

Enslow:  What was your biggest challenge when writing The Hannah Pritchard trilogy?

Bonnie:  Fitting what was going on in the real world at that time into my story – for instance, John Paul Jones being in Portsmouth, NH, and Paul Revere in Boston.

Enslow:  What is your favorite trait of your female pirate character, Hannah Pritchard?

Bonnie:  Hannah is strong and independent. She figures things out and takes care of them on her own.

Enslow:   Hannah finds herself aboard an American privateer ship during the Revolutionary War and has to hide her female identity to be able to work as a cabin boy. How do you think this reflects the roles of women during this time period?

Pirate Hannah Pritchard:
Captured  (Book 2)
Bonnie:  Except for a few female pirates, who were not very nice characters, women were considered bad luck on a ship. Although women worked as hard and as well as men, they were restricted by the society of the times as to what they could and couldn’t do.

Enslow:  Hannah and her friends must complete some important missions for the Continental navy and outsmart an enemy pirate in a race to bring home the buried treasure. What’s your secret to writing fabulous adventures while still referencing real people and real historical events?

Bonnie:  I did a lot of research to get the timelines correct in my head. The events that were actually happening then were exciting, so it wasn’t hard to fit them into the story.

Captain Hannah Pritchard:
The Hunt for Pirate Gold
(Book 3)
Enslow:  What do you and Hannah have in common?

Bonnie:  Like Hannah, I’m an independent person with a mind of my own and I’ve always been fairly interested in having adventures.

Enslow:  If you could trade places for a day with one historical character, who would it be and why?

Bonnie:  It would be Margaret Mead. Growing up I admired her and her amazing adventures as an anthropologist and actually thought about going into that field.

About the Author: 
Bonnie Pryor claims she was ‘born loving books’ and it certainly seems as if books are the warp and weft upon which the threads of her life are woven.

Thirty years after the publication of her first book, Grandpa Bear, she has written and had published a total of thirty-seven books for children and young adults. Though her first love is picture books, she has written easy-to-read books, chapter books, mysteries, and historical fiction. Many of her books have been translated into different languages and are sold in countries around the world.

REVIEW
"The 'Real History Behind the Story' section is a great addition to this historical fiction series. These would be excellent books for teachers to use in their classrooms, because they intertwine American history with realistic tales."
     –Library Media Connection, March 2008

SPECIAL EBOOK OFFER FOR A LIMTED TIME ONLY!
Consumers can take advantage of a SPECIAL OFFER on the eBook versions of the Hannah Pritchard trilogy from their favorite eBook retailers including Amazon and Kobo. For a limited time, Hannah Pritchard: Pirate of the Revolution (Book 1) is only 99 cents and Pirate Hannah Pritchard: Captured (Book 2) is just $3.49. Captain Hannah Pritchard: The Hunt for Pirate Gold (Book 3) is also available for $7.69.

April 05, 2013

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 EnslowAmazon, and Barnes and Noble. Now available in library, paperback, and eBook editions!


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March 29, 2013

Win a free book on Friday

The seven wonders of the ancient world have dazzled people with their beauty, size, and sheer magnificence. Majestic pyramids, grand monuments, and towering statues are among the many wonders to have graced the list. 

The picture below is one of those natural wonders of the ancient world from our book What Are the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World?. Can you guess the name of this ancient wonder? 

Leave your answer in a comment and we will pick one random winner from all of the correct answers to win a free copy of the book. Repin the book cover image from Pinterest using #WondersNaturalWorld and we'll throw your name in the hat twice. Maximum of two entries per person. U.S. residents only. Contest ends March 31st. 


ISBN: 978-0-7660-4151-6
For Grades 5-6

March 22, 2013

Enter to Win!


What Are the 7 Wonders of the Modern World? from our What Are the Seven Wonders of the World? series serves as an introduction and overview of the seven wonders of the modern world. Each of these structures began as a dream to move faster, go higher, or live better. Discover the wonders of these structures and their fascinating facts.

The picture below is of one of those natural wonders of the modern world. Can you guess the name of this modern wonder? Leave your answer in a comment and we will pick one random winner from all of the correct answers to win a free copy of the book. Repin the book cover image from Pinterest using #WondersNaturalWorld and we'll throw your name in the hat twice. Maximum of two entries per person. U.S. residents only. Contest ends March 24th.


ISBN: 978-0-7660-4152-3
For grades 4–5






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STEM Friday with Annie Biotica



STEM Friday can be found at http://stemfriday.wordpress.com/ - books featuring Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. 
Today, Enslow is the guest contributor so please stop by, check it out, share it with your friends, and be sure to leave a comment to tell us what you think.

STEM Friday with Annie Biotica

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3946-9
Available in library binding, paperback, and eBook formats.



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March 15, 2013

Guess the natural wonder and win the book!

ISBN: 978-0-7660-4154-7
Seven spectacular natural wonders can be enjoyed from coast to coast within the United States. Discover these majestic works of art, shaped by natural forces, seen and unseen by humans in our book

 What are the 7 Natural Wonders of the United States? from our new series What Are the Seven Wonders of the World? for grades 5–6.

The picture below is of one of those natural wonders of the United States. Can you guess the name of this natural wonder? Leave your answer in a comment and we will pick one random winner from all of the correct answers to win a free copy of the book. Repin the book cover image from Pinterest using #WondersNaturalWorld and we'll throw your name in the hat twice. Maximum of two entries per person. U.S. residents only. Contest ends March 17th.





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March 08, 2013

Win A Free Book!

The natural world is a beautiful place. From the ocean shores to the inland forests, there are many little spots of heaven on earth. What are the 7 Wonders of the Natural World? showcases some of the most magnificent views nature has to offer. This new spring title is for grades 5–6.

The picture below is of one of those wonders of the natural world. Can you guess the name of this natural wonder? Leave your answer in a comment and we will pick one random winner from all of the correct answers to win a free copy of the book. Repin the book cover image from Pinterest using #WondersNaturalWorld and we'll throw your name in the hat twice. Maxium of two entries per person. U.S. residents only. Contest ends March 10th.