There’s a lot of competition to get and keep the attention of young
readers. When it comes to books, fiction is often thought to outshine
nonfiction, though we know that's not necessarily true. The key is to find nonfiction books that dazzle, amaze, and have kids saying, "Wow! I didn't know that. I want to know more!" In answering their homework questions or simply addressing curiosity on a subject, the one thing kids don't want is a long, boring, drawn-out explanation, whether it's from you or a nonfiction book. And you definitely to provide them with reliable information that will support their research needs. Enthusiasm, fast facts, and cool, interesting information – that’s what our publishers want to provide with the titles featured in the SLJ Nonfiction Spring 2010 Book Buzz!
Register here today!
William Harvey Discoverer of How Blood Circulates, Revised Edition
After teaching math and science in Bolivia for ten years, Jaime Escalante arrived in California speaking little English. Through much hard work, he earned a degree in mathematics and made it back into the classroom. There, he inspired his inner-city students to pass the A.P. calculus exam. His efforts prompted Hollywood to make the movie Stand and Deliver about his life and dedication as an educator.
Rutgers University's School of Arts and Science, Economics and Children's EconKids department reviewed Enslow's Ferris Wheel! George Ferris and His Amazing Invention""This straightforward, factual book gives children a brief biographical sketch of George Ferris and then goes into detail of his famous invention, which is all written in a way that is easy to digest for young readers. "
Nana Herron, reviewer on MiniBookBytes.com reviewed Enslow's Sandra Cisneros: Inspiring Latina Author. You can check out the great review here. You can find more information here as well."As part of the Latino Biography Library series, Sandra Cisneros: Inspiring Latina Author will appeal to readers of all ages, but especially to young adults and aspiring writers....The text is clearly written and a pleasure to read. Highly recommended as an excellent biography for kids in grades 6 and up."
A Student's Guide to Tennessee Williams
If anyone caught the Discovery Channel ongoing documentary "Life" last night, you were probably fascinated by all of the animals!
Authors Sheila Griffin Llanas and Michelle M. Houle have received a nice review in Booklist (3/15/10) issue of Contemporary American Poetry "Not the End, but the Beginning" (author Sheila Griffin Llanas) and Modern British Poetry "The World Is Never the Same" (author Michelle M. Houle). The review by Carolyn Phelan says: To read the online reviews, you will need a subscription to visit: http://www.booklistonline.com/"...the books' organization and presentation are clear, though the titles' terms of "contemporary"and "modern" are rather broadly applied."
Big Cats: Hunters of the Night has been nominated for the Non-Fiction Book category of Arizona's 2011 Grand Canyon Reader Award.
Author Elaine Landau will be speaking at the 23rd Annual Conference on Children's Literature at the Broward Country Library in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on April 22nd.
She will also be speaking at the Young Author's Conference at Cedar Key School in Cedar Key, Florida on May 14th
This title in the Amazing Animal Defenses series looks at animals that can lose a limb or other body part—and then re-grow it! From newts and salamanders to starfish and earthworms, the ability to regenerate a missing part is truly amazing. Author Susan K. Mitchell explains how these animals can do this, and how it helps them survive.
Enslow's series Poetry Rocks! is organized by cultural traditions and literary periods, presents a wide range of poets in one volume, while also providing analysis, information on that particular type of poetry, and that poet's place in literature. Includes historical information on the literary period, as well as a brief biography of each poet. Students will see that poetry rocks!
LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers recently signed a 2-year agreement with the New York Jets. To read more about this trade, click here.
Karting is a good way to start racing. It can be a family hobby, or it can be the first step in a professional driving career. There are groups for kids of almost any age, experience level, or budget. Nearly half of the kart racers in the United States are under the age of eighteen. Karting is an inexpensive and fun way to join the world of motor sports. Author Alison C. Norville.
Speedboat racing is a national sport and all ages of kids and adults can race. Learn about sleek hydroplanes, powerful runabouts, and the stars in the sport. By the early 1900s, powerboat racing had official rules. It became a national sport. You can race a powerboat as soon as you are nine years old. It doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or a girl, tall or short, big or small. Successful boat racers come in all shapes and sizes. Author: Michael Hauenstein.
Motocross is the sport of racing off-road motorcycles. Riders complete several laps around a course of jumps, turns, hills, and bumps. After learning how to ride a dirt bike safely, many kids decide to race. Racing is tough—but with dedication, practice, and patience, anyone can become a dirt bike racer! Author: James Holter.
Superheroes always do their chores . . . or do they? When Molly dons her clever crown and Ben ties on his courageous cape, this duo can accomplish anything. However, even superheroes must sometimes be reminded to fulfill their family responsibilities. Follow Molly through a daring adventure in becoming a responsible family member. Author: Shelly Marshall. Illustrated by Ben Mahan.
Forensic scientists use many different skills to help them solve crimes, including the scientific method. Find out if you have what it takes to be a detective with fun experiments about being a keen observer, breaking codes, collecting evidence, and more. Many experiments include ideas you can use for your science fair, and each chapter ends with a crime for you to solve! Award-winning author Robert Gardner.
Nearly 1.6 million Americans own snowmobiles. Every winter, dads, moms, teenagers, and even little kids climb aboard their hot machines for some cold-weather fun. Some go for casual rides on groomed trails across snow-covered fields. Others dare to cut their own trails on mountainsides. Snowmobiling is an outdoor activity for the whole family. Author: Bob Woods.
Superheroes always tell the truth . . . or do they? When Molly puts on her clever crown and Ben ties on his courageous cape, this duo can accomplish anything. However, even superheroes must sometimes be reminded to be honest. Follow Molly and Ben through a daring adventure in honesty.
Think you have what it takes to be a forensic scientist? Use your sleuthing skills and the scientific method to do fun science projects about fingerprints, lip prints, footprints, and more. Many experiments include ideas you can use for your science fair, and each chapter ends with a crime for you to solve! Award-winning author Robert Gardner.
Superheroes are never afraid . . . or are they? When Molly dons her clever crown and Ben ties on his courageous cape, this duo can accomplish anything. However, even superheroes must sometimes face their fears. Follow this duo through a daring adventure in becoming better—and more courageous—buddies. Author: Shelly Marshall. Illustrated by Ben Mahan.
