Enslow Celebrates "Drop Everything And Read" Day

"Drop Everything And Read Day," an annual event that occurs on April 12th, encourages families to spend at least thirty minutes in a reading activity. The day's organizers envision the day as an opportunity for children, in particular, to read something of their own choosing, rather than "required" academic reading. For kids looking for a way into exploring a blended world of the imagination and fact-based context, we suggest a title from Enslow Publishers' Historical Fiction Series. These 160-page books, such as Hannah Pritchard: Pirate of the Revolution, offer compelling narratives and vivid characters woven together with author Bonnie Pryor's accessible, age-appropriate writing style. Accelerated Reading scores for these books range from 4.7 to 7.0.

Library-bound versions of all nine books in Enslow's "Historical Fiction Adventures" are available directly from Enslow Publishers for the discounted school/library price of $20.95. Selected titles are available in paperback for $14.95.

National Robotics Week

Grades 5-up
ISBN 978-0-7660-3303-0

April 9th through April 17th calls for the celebration of the second annual National Robotics Week. Whether there's a robotic club in your school, or you want to raise awareness of robotic technology, or just because students think robots are cool, Enslow's title, Robot Experiments teaches readers what makes a robot work. Hands-on experiments and steps on how to design, build, and program their very own robots are broken down into simple ideas that students can grasp.

Today's holiday is

No housework day, as per the calendar of Bizarre and Unique holidays.

In Houses of the Past, Present, and Future, author Linda Bozzo gives elementary readers the opportunity to imagine what houses will be like in the future.

Other titles in this series include: at play, schools, getting around, community helpers, and staying in touch.

April is National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month so why not celebrate with our Poetry Rocks! series? Each title in this series introduces readers to a number of poets in each volume, giving them the background they need to understand and appreciate poetry. They even include analyses on selected poems. This series fulfills IRA/NCTE Standards for English/Language Arts.

Grades 9–12, 160 pages

Titles in the series cover contemporary American poetry, early American poetry, early British poetry, modern American poetry, modern British poetry, and world poetry.

School and library price: $25.95 per title
Series of 6 : $155.70

Authentic Civil War Music CD Enriches Study of Conflict's 150th Anniversary

Tuesday, April 12th will mark the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War's first shots fired in anger. The day will include many commemorative events and ongoing exhibits, with the Library of Congress' show of Civil War photographs being among the best.

Teachers and librarians looking to offer added enrichment to print and digital learning opportunities should consider using Enslow Publishers' CD of music of the Civil War. Entitled When Johnny Comes Marching Home, the compact disc includes 18 songs associated with the conflict. The CD offers a high level of musicianship, and features performers such as pianist Jacqueline Schwab (who played the piano on Ken Burns' acclaimed Civil War series). Liner notes include sources of the music, lyrics, explanations of historical references, and comments about what the songs teach us about that era.

Johnny Comes Marching Home is available to schools, teachers, and libraries for the discounted price of $17.95, plus shipping and handling.

Yesterday was Tell a Lie Day

Teaching kids to be honest is not an easy task. Who didn't lie when they were young? Enslow's series Character Education with Super Ben and Molly the Great tackles this subject, along with tardiness, sharing, citizenship, responsibility, caring, courage, and healthy habits.

Molly the Great Tells the Truth, available in both library and paperback editions, starts with Molly (the rabbit) and Ben (the bear) jumping on the couch. After being told my Molly's father to stop jumping, they continue and Molly falls off of the couch, landing on her crown and breaking it. She then has to explain to her father how the crown broke, and gets caught being dishonest.

These early elementary readers combine character education with early literacy skills.

African-American Soldiers in the Civil War

African-American Soldiers in the Civil War: Fighting for Freedom, by Carin T. Ford.

School Library Journal (SLJ), March 2011 Review:

"This clear overview examines both the triumphs and hardships of black soliders..."

Publisher Description: The role of blacks in the Civil War has been largely overlooked in history books. Many students are unaware that thousands upon thousands of black soldiers risked their lives for the chance to live as free Americans. After a concise introduction to slavery and the Civil War, author Carin T. Ford paints a vivid picture of black soldiers on and off the battlefield—the obstacles they faced, the determination with which they fought, and their status in the aftermath of the war. This well-researched narrative is chock-full of riveting, heartbreaking, and inspiring facts and true stories of sacrifice and bravery.

48 pages, full color photographs,
Elementary level reading level
ISBN-13:  978-0-7660-2254-6

The Cobra Has Been Found!

We can all be at ease (me especially) knowing that the cobra that escaped from the Bronx Zoo Reptile House has been found. Whew! To celebrate we're spotlighting our Biggest vs. Smallest Slimy, Scaly Creatures title. Students can read about and compare the biggest and smallest lizards, frogs, and snakes in this 24-page book for grades K–3.

ISBN 978-0-7660-3579-9

Booklist's Top 10 Series Nonfiction

In it's April 1, 2011 issue, Booklist has included True Stories of Teens in the Holocaust as part of its Top 10 Series Nonfiction.

These gripping primary-source accounts capture the youth experience during the Holocaust. Written for the high school student, the true-life accounts are great for reports.

Don't forget that today is March 31!

This is the last day in March, so if you want to enter Enslow's raffle to win free books, do it now!

Baseball Season Begins March 31st

Believe it or not, the major league baseball season is upon us. Opening Day is scheduled for Thursday, March 31st. For young readers who follow the sport, Enslow offers a number of 100-plus page titles focusing on popular baseball stars. Among the fun, well-written books are Albert Pujols: MVP On and Off the Field, Derek Jeter: Captain On and Off the Field, and Andruw Jones: All-Star On and Off the Field. These Guided Reading Level "V" titles are among those included in the nine-book "Sports Stars with Heart" series. Paperback versions of each title are $9.95 via Enslow's teacher-focused Enslow Classroom website. A free, downloadable teacher's guide for each title in the series is also available on the Enslow Classroom site.

In addition, all books in the "Sports Stars with Heart" series are available in library-bound editions.

Texas Library Association Annual Conference 2011

If you're attending the Texas Library Association Conference April 12th–15th at the Austin Convention Center, be sure to stop by and visit us at booth # 2846!

Joke Friday

For March Madness we thought everyone might enjoy a basketball joke from our Funny Bone Jokes series.

Knock, knock!

Who's there?

Sara.

Sara who?

Sara player I can count on to make a basket?

For Grades 3–4

Tomorrow is the 100th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

One of the most horrific events in the history of New York City, until September 11, 2001, was the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which claimed the lives of 146 garment workers, most of whom were recent immigrant Jewish women. This factory occupied the eighth, ninth, and tenth floors of the Asch Building, which was in Greenwich Village, close to Washington Square Park. The doors to the stairwells and exits had been locked, which meant that for some of these women, their only means of escape was jumping out of windows.

As a result of this fire, many cities and states passed anti-sweatshop laws and improved fire codes.

Suzanne Lieurance, who wrote The Locket, a historical fiction title about the fire, also wrote The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and Sweatshop Reform in American History, geared toward the middle school reader.

The Locket, also geared toward the middle school reader, discusses the life of Galena, an eleven-year-old Russian Jewish immigrant who works with her older sister Anya at the Triangle Shirtwaist company, and is a witness to the fire.

Suzanne also created a book trailer on The Locket:

It's Snowing!

Yesterday we blogged about spring and today I thought I just saw a polar bear walk past our front door. I'm just kidding, but really folks it's snowing again in New Jersey! So, despite the fact that it's officially spring, today I thought it would be appropriate to highlight our new series Animals of the Snow and Ice. Readers will discover how these animals survive extreme habitats of snow and ice. For grades 3–4 these books are 32 pages packed with full-color illustrations that highlight the white environment of these animals. This series supports the National Science Education Standards for Life Science.

Spring Invites Students to Enjoy Hands-On Learning About Plants

With spring officially here, the season offers many opportunities for elementary students to learn about the plant kingdom. Teachers can dovetail hands-on activities and field trips with strong, age-appropriate books from Enslow Publishers. Author Mary Dodson Wade's "I Like Plants!" series introduces young readers to life cycles, trees, flowers, seeds, and other aspects of the world of plants. The six-title collection offers Guided Reading Levels "L" or "M" content reinforced by attractive design and attractive, full-color photographs. Each 24-page book includes an experiment to promote inquiry skills, a further reading list, and a focused list of useful "words to know."

"I Like Plants" is available in paperback from Enslow Classroom. Individual paperback titles in this series are $6.95; a complete six-title series is $41.70. The series is also available in a library-bound version.

Belated Happy Birthday Lois Lowry

Her birthday was yesterday, so a belated Happy Birthday to her!

Having written challenging topics such as racism, murder, terminal illness, and the Holocaust, her work has been both praised and criticized by schools in America.

Lisa Rondinelli Albert has written an in-depth biography of Lois Lowry for the middle school student.

A Knock, Knock Joke to Keep You Smiling

Knock, Knock!
Who's there?
Shirley.
Shirley who?
Shirley you know the sound of my voice by now.

Grades 3–4

For more jokes, riddles, limericks and tongue twisters, check out our
Gross Body Jokes to Tickle Your Funny Bone book from our Funny Bone Jokes series.

Holocaust Remembrance Week May 1 through May 8, 2011

Days of Remembrance is the nation's annual commemoration of the Holocaust as established by Congress. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was also created as a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. This year's Holocaust Remembrance Week is celebrated May 1st thru May 8th.

Here are some Enslow titles that can be used for Holocaust related lessons:



Grades 3–6

Simon's Escape is fiction but the story is historically accurate. We've included nonfiction backmatter with photos. Available with library binding or in paperback.

Grades 9–12

True Stories of Teens in the Holocaust series



 This is a six-book series that uses primary source accounts to capture tragic and courageous experiences of young people in the Holocaust.



 



Happy St. Patrick's Day!

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. March 17 is believed to be the day Patrick died, around the year A.D. 460.

Did you know that the Irish flag has three vertical stripes? The green stripe is for the people of southern Island, the orange stripe is for the people of northern Ireland, and the white stripe in the middle is a hope for peace so that the two sections of Ireland will get along.

These two facts (and more) can be found in St. Patrick's Day, Revised and Updated by Dorothy Rhodes Freeman, an elementary title published by Enslow.

Are your students interested in making St. Patrick's Day crafts? How about some celtic jewelry, celtic designs, a bodhran (an Irish drum), a pencil topper, or a game? These crafts (and more) can be found in St. Patrick's Day Crafts by Carol Gnojewski.

Earth Day Crafts

For Grades 3–4

Earth Day is celebrated around the world on April 22nd. Inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment by sharing a craft from our Earth Day Crafts book with your students. Using

easy-to-follow directions, author Carol Gnojewski shows readers how to create Bounce Back Ball from recycled material and do fun projects such as the Extinction Game and Dinner Dot-to-Dot.

For more fun holiday crafts for kids from Enslow click here.

Get Ready for Poetry Month

April is Poetry Month, so inspire a sense of excitement about poetry with your  readers with our Poetry Rocks! series. This six-book series introduces readers to a number of poets in each volume, giving them the background they need to understand and appreciate the material. Analyses of selected poems are also included. Vist our web site for our "Look Inside" feature where you can read one chapter for free. These titles will also be available in paperback this fall.

March is American Red Cross month

This organization, which helps a lot of people in the United States and around the world, was founded by Clara Barton in 1881.

Clara Barton saved many lives during the Civil War, and was known for her heroism at the battle of Antietam Creek. There, during the height of the American Civil War, she risked her life to save hundreds of wounded soldiers. One of the many memorials honoring her achievements is on the battlefield of Antietam.

Are your students asking questions about the earthquake and tsunami that occurred in Japan?

For those students who are asking questions about earthquakes and tsunamis, two titles will help them understand.

Earthquakes, written for the reluctant reader, examines what causes an earthquake, how scientists measure them, and provides tips to stay safe during this natural disaster. The well-respected authors also explore the dangerous aftermaths of earthquakes including landslides, fires, and tsunamis.

Tsunami, also written for the reluctant reader, discusses one particular tsunami that occurred in Hawaii on April 1, 1946, and took the lives of 150 people. That particular tsunami was one of the worst in the state's history. Author Mary Dodson Wade also explains the geophysics of tsunamis and how scientists predict future tsunami events.

10th Anniversary of September 11th Attacks

It's exactly six months until the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Enslow's new title, Remembering September 11, 2001: What We Know Now includes solid fact-based information perfect for reports and debates. For grades 6–up.

Johnny Appleseed Day

 Did you know that Johnny Appleseed was a real man, named John Chapman? Learn more about Johnny Appleseed and the seeds in planted in our

Johnny Appleseed: "Select Good Seeds and Plant Them in the Ground" title.
For grades 5–up.

Friday Joke



What do you get if
you cross a centipede
and a parrot?

A walkie talkie!

 Our Weird Science Jokes to Tickle Your Funny Bone is part of a six-book series Funny Bone Jokes that include jokes, riddles, knock-knock jokes, tongue twister, limericks and lots of fun and interesting facts. These titles are perfect for comedians of all ages but they are written with 3rd and 4th graders in mind.

Another woman who should be remembered during Women's History Month

This is taken from the back cover of Elizabeth Cady Stanton:

In 1848, on a sweltering July day in the small town of Seneca Falls, New York, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and her fellow supporters would make history. They staged the first ever women's rights convention. The convention passed Resolution 9, which said women should have the right to vote. Although this right would not be recognized in the United States until many years later, Cady Stanton had ignited a revolution. Throughout her life, Cady Stanton worked tirelessly for women's suffrage.

Written for the middle school market, author Deborah Kent explores Cady Stanton's passionate pursuit of equal rights and her lasting impact on a revolutionary movement.

Women's History Month

For Women's History Month, today we're featuring our title,
Harriet Tubman: "On My Underground Railroad I Never Ran My Train Off the Track"



On a dark, cold night, Harriet Tubman was leading a group of runaway slaves through the Maryland woods when they came across an unexpected river. With no path or boat to cross it, Tubman ordered her followers to wade the river on foot. Despite her group’s reservations, Tubman trudged across, leading the way. Harriet Tubman took many risks like this in leading runaway slaves to freedom. As a former slave, Tubman made it her life's work to fight slavery and, through her work on the Underground Railroad, she became an American hero. For Grades 5–up.

Today is Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday) refers to the practice of indulging, or overindulging, on richer, fatty foods on the night before Lent begins.

What started out as a one-day event, is now a multi-day celebration in New Orleans as well as many other places across the country and around the world.

Enslow Author Recipient of Award

Congratulations to Enslow author, Lisa Yount, who is the recipient of the 2012 Leo Politi Golden Author Award by the California Readers.

This award is given yearly to the author who has had the most books on their California Collections lists of recommended reading for young people. Lisa had 11 titles, for a total of 38 listings since 1997. Two of those titles are Antoine Lavoiser and Antoni van Leeuwenhoek published by Enslow.

Joke Day Friday

American Optometric celebrates Save Your Vision Month during the month of March. So, for Joke Friday we're sharing a joke from our Gross Body Jokes to Tickle Your Funny Bone title from our

Funny Bone Jokes series.


Why did the computer
go to the doctor?

To improve its web site!



In addition to jokes, these titles also include riddles, tongue twisters, knock-knock jokes, limericks, and fun facts about the body that are tied to curriculum. For grades 3–4.

"Rango" with Johnny Depp Opens in Theatres Today

The new movie, Rango opens today in theatres starring Johnny Depp as the voice of Rango. Shortly after, Johnny Depp fans can look forward to the opening of his Pirates of the Caribbean 4 movie to be released on May 20th.

Students will enjoy learning more about megastar Johnny Depp with Enslow's book, Johnny Depp: Movie Megastar from our Hot Celebrities Biographies series for grades 5–9. The titles in this series are also available in paperback and include FREE educator guides.

Today would have been Alexander Graham Bell's birthday

Best remembered for inventing the telephone in 1876, did you know Alexander Graham Bell also invented the first metal detector? His metal detector was used to find bullets still lodged in the bodies of Civil War veterans. He also invented what he called a vacuum jacket (a very early respirator-type device,) which became the predecessor to the iron lung.

Did you know he introduced Helen Keller and her father to the woman who would become Helen's teacher, Anne Sullivan? Written for the middle school student, this book is great for reports.

Enslow also has an elementary title on Alexander Graham Bell. This title gives the reader an understanding of what Bell did to help deaf children, and how he helped them learn to speak.

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Here is one of my favorite Dr. Seuss quotes, I think because I love to read so much.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

Do you have a favorite Dr. Seuss book or quote?

Congratulations to Enslow author Jeff Burlingame on his NAACP Image Award nomination!

Jeff's book, Malcolm X: "I Believe in the Brotherhood of Man, All Men" has been nominated in the category of Outstanding Literary Work - Youth/Teens. Voting ends soon, and the awards ceremony will be held on Friday, March 4, 2011 on the FOX network.


Written for the high school reader, this biography describes how the segregation and discrimination that existed during Malcolm's life affected and changed him, and how he fought to end such practices. His outspoken nature gained him many followers and supporters, and just as many enemies.

Robonaut 2 blasts off aboard the space shuttle Discovery

Robonaut 2, NASA's first human-like robotic astronaut is scheduled to be aboard the space shuttle Discovery when it blasts off into outer space today from Cape Canaveral, Florida. A joint project between NASA and General Motors, Robonaut 2 is designed to assist human astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The primary task of R2 (as it is called) is to demonstrate to engineers on the ground how humanoid robots behave in space. It is hoped that a humanoid robot may someday venture outside of the space station and assist it's human counterparts in performing maintenance and repair work, as well as assist in conducting scientific observations.

Robot Experiments, a new middle-school title from Enslow Publishers, shows how to build and program a robot. Written by Dr. Ed Sobey, it includes information on what's inside a robot, to sounds, controlling LEDs, and adding touch sensors.

Anniversary of the Siege of the Alamo

 The entire siege of the Alamo lasted 13 days, from February 23–March 6, 1836. Read more about the Alamo in Alamo: Victory or Death on the Texas Frontier 

and The Texas Fight for Independence–From the Alamo to San Jacinto. Both Enslow titles are for

grades 5–up.

On This Day in 1959, the First Daytona 500

Read here how the Daytona 500 changed Daytona Beach, Florida and the sport of NASCAR forever

Check out Enslow's Heroes of Racing series and our Wild Wheels! series both for reluctant readers who love the thrill of racing.

This series is also available in paperback

Anniversary of Elvis Presley's 1st hit on Billboard's top 10

On this day in 1956, Elvis Presley had his first Billboard top 10 hit with "Heartbreak Hotel."

The title song was written by Tommy Durden and Mae Boren Axton. It was released as a single on January 27, 1956. The song also became Presley's first million-seller, and the best-selling single of 1956. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1995 and in 2004 was named to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll."

Enslow's biography of Elvis Presley, written by John Micklos, Jr., is written for the high school market.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Feb 20-26, 2011

Investigating Eating Disorders, a book written by Marylou Ambrose and Veronica Deisler discusses the difference between bulimia, anorexia, and binge eating, and gives students a place to turn if they think they may have an eating disorder. This award-winning title is perfect for high school students.

For education packets, activity ideas and guides, as well as other articles and materials, go to http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ to find out more.

NY Mets David Wright Sure Bet for Opening Day

For many of us there's still snow covering the ground with no sign of spring but the New York Mets spring training got under way on Tuesday. There's still plenty of time and a lot can happen between now and Opening Day against the Marlins on April 1st but it's a pretty sure bet that David Wright will be in the lineup!