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.

Happy Birthday Lance Armstrong

Dedicated to educating the public about cancer as well as raising money for research, Lance Armstrong has beaten the odds against his own battle with cancer.

Elementary readers will enjoy learning about Lance in this 48 page book. For middle school readers, this 128 page book will explain Armstrong's Foundation and his "LiveStrong" yellow wristbands.

Happy Birthday Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson is one of the dominating figures in NASCAR. He became the first rookie ever to lead in the point standings (and to date the only rookie to do so). He is the only driver to finish in the top five in the standings in his first five full seasons. He has never finished below fifth in the final standings and finished second twice (in 2003 and 2004) and won the Nextel Cup championship in 2006. He will only get better as he continues to compete at the highest levels of NASCAR. Great title for reluctant readers!

Interested in learning about animals?

Enslow's I Like Reading About Animals series now has a video associated with it.

Great for grades K–3, this series is available in both library and paperback versions.

Alligator Q and A

For teachers looking to offer their young students science, reading, and fun, Enslow's series "I Like Reptiles and Amphibians!" offers an age-appropriate, reasonably priced solution. Each 24-page title focuses on a specific wild creature, such as the American alligator, that have characteristically fascinated children. The books offer excellent, full-color photographs, child-friendly design, websites for further information, and additional reading suggestions.

The books also engage young readers by framing each section with a leading question, followed by attractively presented material that skillfully balances solid science with engaging text. The layout lends itself to a teaching and learning style, in which instructors can use the Q and A format to promote fun pathways to exploration of these fascinating animal worlds.

Paperback versions of "I Like Reptiles and Amphibians" are available directly from Enslow Publishers for $6.95 per copy. Visit http://www.enslowclassroom.com/ for more information and to order paperback nonfiction books suitable as classroom supplemental materials. Library-bound editions are also available.

Today would have been Roald Dahl's birthday

Roald Dahl was a British writer responsible for authoring some of the best known and most popular books for young people ever published, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, and Matilda. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the story of a group of children who get to tour a strange and fantastic candy factory, has been adapted into a classic film twice—first in 1971 (re-titled Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder) and then again in 2005 (directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp).

Diplodocus Up Close

Diplodocus Up Close: Long-Necked Dinosaur written by Peter Dodson, PhD has been published!

Diplodocus was a gentle giant among dinosaurs. Learn all about this huge dinosaur with full-color illustrations of its skin, teeth, neck, and more! Another great book in the Zoom In on Dinosaurs! series.

Other titles in this series: Pterosaurs Up Close, Stegosaurus Up Close, Triceratops Up Close, Tyrannosaurus Rex Up Close, Velociraptor Up Close



ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3333-7
Publication Year: 2010
Interest Level: Grades K–3
Page Count: 24


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America Ferrera is one of the recipients of the Children's Choices for 2010 award

Children’s Choices, a joint project of the International Reading Association (IRA) and the Children’s Book Council (CBC), is an annual list of favorite new books chosen by 12,500 school children.

America Ferrera, part of the Hot Celebrity Biographies series, is available in both library bound and paperback.

Hero Dogs of 9/11 video

K-9 Sirius and his handler, Officer Lim who are in this video are also mentioned in our new Search and Rescue Dog Heroes book from our Amazing Working Dogs with American Humane series series. Each book begins with a true story about a real dog hero.

Remembering September 11th

As you already know, the 9th anniversary of the September 11th attacks is tomorrow.

This fall, we have a brand new book about the September 11th attacks called Remembering September 11, 2001: What We Know Now

This book traces the events of that day, gives the historical background, and outlines the steps taken in response so that readers will gain an understanding of the horrific attacks and their consequences.

There is memorial ceremonies in New York City tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Joe Perry

One of the founding members of Aerosmith, Joe Perry is celebrating his birthday today.

This title is available in both library bound and paperback versions.

On this day in history

Elvis Presley made the first of three appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

Enslow has a biography on Elvis for the high school reader.

Happy Birthday Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler is one of the biggest comedy film stars in the world today. He starred in many box-office smashes, from The Waterboy, to The Wedding Singer, to Funny People. What many do not know, however, is how much time and money Sandler has generously devoted to charitable causes, including charities that help fight autism, research treatments for spinal cord injuries, and give aid to those suffering in the war-torn region of Darfur in Africa.

This title is available in both library-bound and paperback versions.

The Rolling Stones to tour 2011-2012?

Being a huge Stones fan who has never seen them in concert, I am so excited to hear that they are thinking of their 50th anniversary "farewell tour" (okay, how many of these have they really had though? I think their first farewell tour was in 1970).

With Mick Jagger and Keith Richards pushing 70, this tour really has got to be it. Drummer Charlie Watts explains that a tour is in the works in this article.

Before the tour, it might be a good idea to pick up Enslow's newest title in the Rebels of Rock series, The Rolling Stones: The Greatest Rock Band and learn more about the band. This book is also available in paperback!

Today would have been Ron McKernan's birthday

One of the founding members of the Grateful Dead, Ron McKernan played the organ, harmonica, and percussion. He occasionally sang as well as played the guitar. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 with the other members of the Grateful Dead.

Grateful Dead is part of Enslow's Rebels of Rock series. The entire series is available in both library and paperback versions.

On this day in history

TV pioneer Philo T. Farnsworth succeeded in transmitting an image through purely electronic means by using a device called an image dissector.

In The Teen Who Invented Television, Edwin Brit Wyckoff shows how Farnsworth, a fifteen-year-old farmer's son, dreamed of using electrons carried by radio waves to create the first electronic television and went on to develop over 100 other patents.

Today would have been Richard Wright's birthday

Credited with developing the protest novel, Richard Wright became the first best-selling African-American writer of the twentieth century. Regarded by many as a masterpiece, his book Black Boy took the literary tradition of the narrative to new heights by providing a first-hand account of living in the South as an African American male during the Jim Crow era.

John Lennon: "Imagine"

I have been a Beatles fan ever since I was little, which is unusual for a girl born in 1986. I remember in 7th grade, we all had to do presentations on something to increase our public speaking skills. Most girls picked topics like the Spice Girls, new fashions, or Hello Kitty: and I picked The Beatles.

Anyway, we have this great new unauthorized biography out by Jeff Burlingame called John Lennon: "Imagine".

I just started reading it and am fascinated by Lennon's life so far. There's a lot of things I knew, but things I didn't know; like Strawberry Fields was actually an ophanage near John's house growing up that he used to play by.

Now would be the perfect time to stock up on this title and give it a read because the movie Nowhere Boy is coming out in the US October 8, 2010. It already came out in the UK last year. It's a story about Lennon's childhood, which accompanies Burlingame's book well. I am really excited to go see the movie after I finish the book.

To learn more about the book and how you can order it, go here.

Happy Birthday Shaun White

Shaun White: Snow and Skateboard Champion
Author: Marty Gitlin
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3212-5
Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 48

Shaun White has become an icon of the extreme sports world. He has dominated in both snowboarding and skateboarding, despite being years younger than many of his competitors. With an Olympic Gold Medal added to his trophy case, there’s no telling how high this guy will fly!

Here Comes Hurricane Earl!

With Hurricane Earl heading up the East Coast of the United States, we thought it would be interesting to learn more about these storms.

Hurricanes develop in the North Atlantic Ocean, the northeastern Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, or the Caribbean Sea. Typhoons are storms that develop in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, near Japan and the Philippines. Storms that develop near Australia and the Indian Ocean are called cyclones. These are all tropical cyclones, and are used to describe "any storm over the tropical oceans that spins in a circle around a center of low pressure." They are known by different names, depending on where they form.

Hurricanes: The Science Behind Killer Storms discusses Hurricane Katrina, explains how hurricanes are tracked, gives tips for staying safe during one of these storms, and more. This title is part of The Science Behind Natural Disasters series.

Imagining the Future series

Imagine if someday your class could visit faraway places or go back in time with the push of a button. Where would you like to go? What might you learn?

Enslow’s new Imagining the Future series includes six titles that not only teach children about the past and present, but also includes open-ended questions, like these, to stimulate young readers’ imaginations about the future. Topics include schools, staying in touch, houses, getting around, community helpers, and how children play. This unique series is not only great for teaching social studies but also makes a wonderful addition to lessons on technology for grades K–3.

Enslow introduces its new Yucky Science series

With all of the talk about bedbugs recently, we thought we'd include a little bit of information about them.

"During the daytime, bedbugs hide in places close to where people sleep. Their tiny, flat bodies make it easy for them to slip into little cracks in mattresses, box springs, bed frames, and headboards."

They then come out at night and get "their blood meal from sleeping humans."

Gross! The quotes above were from Dung Beetles, Slugs, Leeches, and More: The Yucky Animal Book.

See the entire series here.

Happy Birthday Dr. Phil

Dr. Phil: Self-Help Guru and TV Superstar
Author: Mary Main
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2696-4

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 128

One of the most visible and recognizable men in America today, Dr. Phillip C. McGraw is a best-selling author, life coach, and the star of "The Dr. Phil Show." Dr. Phil was not always wealthy and successful. His experiences as a child and young adult taught him that setting firm goals and working hard would eventually result in the life he wanted. Dr. Phil's combination of psychotherapy, folksy humor and common sense advice continue to make him one of America’s most popular celebrities.

Snow Leopards

Snow Leopards: Hunters of the Snow and Ice, written by Elaine Landau, has been published.

How do snow leopards survive in the snowy mountains? How do they find things to eat, and raise their cubs? What are people doing to help save them? Learn about these rare and special animals, including facts about their life cycle, diet, and other unique features that help them survive the snow and ice.

32 pages, full-color photographs, Enslow Publishers, Inc.
ISBN 13: 978-0-7660-3463-1

Other titles in the series include: Beluga Whales, Emperor Penguins, Harp Seals, Polar Bears, Snow Leopards, and Snowy Owls.


http://www.enslow.com/displayitem.asp?type=1&item=2887

Happy Birthday Gloria Estefan

Gloria Estefan Never Give Up
Author: Barbara Kramer
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2380-2

Publication Year: 2005
Interest Level: Grades 3-4
Page Count: 48

Gloria Estefan says the challenges of her life have made her strong. Today, Estefan is loved and admired not only for her music but for her generosity in giving back to the community. Young readers will be enthralled and inspired by the tragedies and triumphs that have shaped the life of this superstar singer.

Character Education Begins On Opening Day

The launching of the 2010-2011 school year provides educators with new opportunities to present, encourage, and successfully teach character education. This pursuit often dovetails with students' literacy development, thereby linking the development of desirable behavioral aspirations with measurable academic achievement. One need for instructional staff and administrators is to identify materials that address these important teaching and learning goals.

Enslow Publishers' character education series -- "Character Education with Super Ben and Molly the Great" -- is designed for teachers and students in grades K-3. The Guided Reading Levels for the books in the series (Level E or F, depending on the title) make them useful supplemental reading tools for on-level second grade students, first graders ready for a more advanced reading challenge, and third graders who require materials suitable for their tested reading level.

Each 24-page title in author Shelley Marshall's light-hearted, eight-book series highlights an essential character education topic in an age-appropriate way. Positive character traits are revealed through the use of approachable animal characters and a fun narrative style that engages young readers.

The series spotlights the following character traits: caring, courage, sharing, healthy habits, punctuality, citizenship, honesy, and responsibility.

The books are available in paperback for $6.95 per copy; they're also available in a library-bound format. Check out the Enslow Classroom website -- http://www.enslowclassroom.com/ -- for more information and free downloadable teacher's guides for "Character Education with Super Ben and Molly the Great" and other classroom-friendly nonfiction series!

Happy Birthday Rob Halford

Judas Priest frontman, Rob Halford, celebrates his birthday today. As the band's lyricist, he is the face of the group. Formed in Birmingham, England, Judas Priest was the first metal band to popularize wearing black leather and studs onstage.

Written by Brian J. Bowe, this biography for middle school readers will keep the interest of Judas Priest and heavy metal fans.

Explore Night Sky with Enslow's New "Far-Out Guide to the Solar System" Series

This is a time of year when families go outdoors in the evening, enjoy the cooler air, and take time to look at the night sky. This stargazing can be a fun, rewarding experience, as kids can indulge their curiosity about the Moon, planets, and stars above them. The activity encourages children to read about what they've been observing during these late summer evenings.

Enslow Publishers' new "Far-Out Guide to the Solar System" provides an excellent, stimulating introduction to the elements that shape the night sky. The 12-title series encourages young readers to plunge into the world of astronomy, thanks to the books' superb, exciting design, excellent illustrations, and strong, accessible science. The series' editorial values also include age-appropriate text written by seasoned science writer Mary Kay Carson, with Guided Reading Levels ranging from M to N.

The "Far-Out Guide to the Solar System" is an outstanding choice for teachers searching for classroom library materials that address STEM curricular needs and reading development. Encourage your students to take home a copy of one of the books in this new Enslow Classroom paperback series! (Series also available in library-bound version.)

Happy Birthday Gene Simmons!

For those KISS lovers out there, here's some trivia on Gene Simmons. Did you know that Gene Simmons' real name is Chaim Witz? Did you know that his mom was a Holocaust survivor and had been in a concentration camp during World War II? Did you know that Gene was born in Israel, and moved to the United States when he was eight?

Aileen Weintraub has written a middle school biography on this famous rock group. Read about the band members and how they formed KISS, the ups and downs of some of the members, how they became a marketing machine, and where they are today.

Today would have been Meriwether Lewis' birthday

If you have an interest in learning more about Meriwether Lewis, or perhaps hearing songs that were performed during that time period, then Enslow has some books and a CD for you.

A Musical Journey in the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark is a CD containing those songs. As School Library Journal stated, "This recording will help students understand the importance of music in the Lewis and Clark expedition . . ."

Published in 2010, Enslow introduces a middle school book about Lewis and Clark in its Great Explorers of the World series. This title describes their journey west to the Pacific Ocean.

A title for the elementary reader, Lewis and Clark, was written by Arlene Bourgeois Molzahn.

Today would have been Paula Danziger's birthday

Paula Danziger Voice of Teen Troubles
Author: Jennifer Reed
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2444-1

Publication Year: 2006
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 104

Paula Danziger is one of the most popular authors for teens today. Connecting with teenagers by capturing her own experiences at that same age, Danziger often dealt with tough issues and adolescent angst through humor. From the titles of her books, like The Cat Ate My Gymsuit, Make Like a Tree and Leave, Can I Sue My Parents for Malpractice?, to her amusing and real-to-life characters, Danziger’s work always causes people to stop, ponder, and smile.

Interested in learning about the solar system?

Now that Pluto has been reclassified as a dwarf planet, Enslow's new series on the solar system (Far-Out Guide to the Solar System) will interest students with facts and little-known information. In the Far-Out Guide to the Icy Dwarf Planets, three other dwarf planets are described, giving specific information about each, including their size, their distance from the sun, their discovery date, and their namesake.

All of the titles in this series (and there are 12 of them) are available in both library-bound and paperback versions.

America Ferrera Wins "Imagen Award" for "Ugly Betty" Role

Latina actress America Ferrera, the subject of an Enslow Publishers biography by Sheila Anderson, was recently awarded an "Imagen Award" for her portrayal of the lead character in the Ugly Betty television series.

The award, presented by the Imagen Foundation, is given to actors and actresses who encourage the positive portrayals of Latinos and Latinas in the entertainment industry.

This is Ferrera's fourth Imagen Award. As Anderson's biography notes, the 26-year-old Ferrera's career includes winning a Golden Globe award, a Primetime Emmy, and a Screen Actors Guild award for her acting performances.

Enslow Publishers' biography (Guided Reading Level "S"; Accelerated Reader 6.3) provides readers with fascinating details on Ferrera's career and inspiring life story. The 48-page title, best suited for students in grades five through nine, is available in paperback as well as in a library-bound edition.

America Ferrera is among the nine books that comprise Enslow's "Hot Celebrity Biography" series. Each book in the series focues on prominent, young entertainers or sports figures and is especially useful for reluctant reader classroom and library media center collections.

Biggest vs. Smallest Sea Creatures

Did you know that the blue whale, which is the largest animal to ever live on this planet, can grow to eighty feet long! This giant creature can weigh 240,000 pounds and its heart can be as big as a small car!

Perfect for your elementary student who is interested in animals, the other 5 books in the Biggest vs. Smallest Animals series include amazing mammals; creepy, crawly creatures; incredible insects; slimy, scaly creatures; and things with wings.

Happy Birthday Madonna

Madonna "Express Yourself"
Author: Carol Gnojewski
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2442-7

Publication Year: 2007
Interest Level: Grades 9-12
Page Count: 160

At the peak of the disco era, a rebellious dancer arrived in New York with 35 dollars and big dreams. This girl was Michigan-born Madonna Ciccone, but she would become known to the world as Madonna. Read how this musical icon caught the world’s attention with her trend-setting style and rebellious performances that sent the '80s music scene spinning and changed pop music forever.

Happy Birthday Halle Berry

Halle Berry "Beauty Is Not Just Physical"
Author: Michael A. Schuman

ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-2467-0

Publication Year: 2006
Interest Level: Grades 6-up
Page Count: 112

"Being thought of as 'a beautiful woman' has spared me nothing in life," says Halle Berry. With her extraordinary beauty, wealth, and an Academy Award for Best Actress, it seems as if Berry has it all. Yet her life has been anything but a fairytale. From the pain of an abusive father to the sting of racism from her peers, Berry emerged as a high achiever, beauty queen, and model. As an actor, her beauty often kept her from being considered for meaningful roles, and it took a while for her to achieve the success she deserved. In 2002, Berry’s Academy Award–winning performance in the small-budget art film Monster's Ball made history, stirred controversy, and launched her into superstardom.

On this day in 2009

Guitar virtuoso Les Paul died at age 94.

On this day in 2008

Michael Phelps swam into history as the winningest Olympic athlete ever with his 10th and 11th career gold medals.

Need books for Banned Books Week (Sept 25 through Oct 2)?

Are your students looking for books about banned books? Enslow has five books in its Authors of Banned Books series. Featuring J.K. Rowling, John Steinbeck, Madeleine L'Engle, Mark Twain, and Robert Cormier, these titles inform students about free press issues and provides arguments for and against the books.

Race to NASCAR's Checkered Flag!

We're approaching the final laps of the 2010 NASCAR season, and an exciting race for overall points leader has developed between Kevin Harvick and Jeff Gordon. Many young NASCAR followers, who enjoy NASCAR amazing machines and the sport's competitive nature, will watch some upcoming key races, such as the event in Bristol, Tennessee on August 21st.

High-profile races such as Bristol often stimulate young fans to learn more about NASCAR, its hot racing cars, and its dynamic drivers. To answer that library collection need, start your engines now and acquire Enslow Publishers' Hottest NASCAR Machines. Author K.S. Kelley's 48-page title, part of Enslow's six-book "Wild Wheels" series, uses age-appropriate language, colorful photographs, and engaging design to encourage readers to discover the background and exciting detail of one of America's leading spectator sports.

The book is available in convenient paperback form as well as a library-bound, hardcover edition.

Puts your young patrons in the driver's seat for reading with Enslow's "Wild Wheels" series!

Happy Birthday to both Patricia and Fredrick McKissack

Yesterday (Aug. 9) was Patricia's birthday, and Aug. 12 is Fredrick's birthday.

Enslow has published a biography of these two amazing authors as part of its Authors Kids Love series. Based on a personal interview, this title was written by Michelle Parker-Rock.

Interview with author Patricia Murphy

The Louisville Courier interviewed Patricia Murphy about her book, Never Eat Soggy Waffles, which is about mnemonics.

Click here to read the interview.

Today would have been Matthew Henson's birthday

Amazing Arctic Explorer Matthew Henson
Author: Mary Dodson Wade
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3286-6
Publication Year: 2009
Interest Level: Grades 1-3
Page Count: 24

Amazing Arctic Explorer Matthew Henson explores the life of the man who went with Robert Peary to the North Pole. Because he was African American, his contributions to the North Pole expeditions were largely ignored for a number of years. Young readers will be interested in this amazing American.

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.

Phelps to compete in this week's US Championships

Michael Phelps, 14-time gold medalist, will be competing in this week's US Championships in Irvine, California, with a transition in swim suits! The Summer Olympics will be held in London in 2012. Click here for more information on the change, that Phelps is embracing.

Read more about Michael Phelps in the book Michael Phelps: Swimming for Olympic Gold in paperback and hardcover.

Today would have been Louis Armstrong's birthday

One of the greatest trumpet-playing, jazz musicians ever, Louis Armstrong's trademark "scat" singing and natural showmanship dazzled audiences for over fifty years. Patricia and Fredrick McKissack have authored an elementary biography about Louis Armstrong while Michael A. Schuman's biography is for the middle school reader.

Happy Birthday Mr. President!

Ever want to read a biography about the President? Enslow has two: one geared toward the elementary student and the other is for the middle school reader.

Enslow also has a pictorial series about the First Family entitled The Obama Family Photo Album, which includes photos of the First Family (and Bo!)

What's New at the Zoo?

At Zoo Atlanta, "what’s new" includes a six-foot tall baby female giraffe born in July. After a bonding period, mother and child were released into the zoo’s outdoor exhibit area. They are currently among the most popular Zoo Atlanta experiences for children.

Kids have a natural affinity with baby animals, and enjoy reading about them before and after zoo trips. Enslow Publishers offers a number of full-color books focusing on baby animals which children can read on their own, read with a family member, or read as part of an educational activity.

Among Enslow’s new animal-centric titles, Baby Zoo Animals is appropriate for pre-K readers. Author Jane Katirgis’ lively book features simple sentences and sight words alongside heartwarming photographs of popular zoo animals. An illustrated "words to know" section aids pre-reading activities.

The book is available in a convenient paperback edition or library-bound edition. For more details, visit http://www.enslowclassroom.com/ or http://www.enslow.com/!