Teen Read Week Book Giveaway!

To celebrate Teen Read Week next week, Enslow is hosting a book giveaway. Each day next week we'll be posting a question to librarians and teachers about the most popular books in their libraries and classrooms. Each response on our blog will be eligible to receive a free Enslow book. Check back next week and celebrate Teen Read Week with Enslow!

What is Thanksgiving?



ISBN #:  978-0-7660-3701-4



As we approach the last few months of the year, we begin to anticipate and think about the year-end holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Titles in Enslow’s I like Holidays! series, written by Elaine Landau, can help teach children in grades K-3 about these shared events. What Is Thanksgiving? is a great way to help the family prepare for this holiday that is fast approaching. It features words to know and full-color photos as it tells the Thanksgiving story from its history to how we celebrate today.

I Like Holidays! is a great series year round as it contains titles appropriate throughout the year: What Is Christmas?, What Is Halloween?, What Is St. Patrick’s Day?, What Is Thanksgiving?, What Is the 4th of July?, What Is Valentine’s Day?, and What Is Veteran’s Day? Each library bound title costs $21.26 and has 24 pages, vivid color photographs, and an activity that relates to the title.

Make What Is Thanksgiving? part of your family’s feast this year!

Fire Prevention Week and Fire Dog Heroes

This week is National Fire Prevention Week, and I would like to take a moment to recognize the often unsung heroes of fire prevention: the hard-working Fire Dog Heroes.

Aside from keeping up morale at their fire department stations, most of us do not really know what fire dogs actually do. When we imagine a fire dog, we picture a Dalmatian living at a fire department station and riding in the fire engine. While a few fire departments do keep Dalmatians around, they are relatively rare a fire stations today. When fire departments relied on horse-driven steam pumpers instead of fire engines, dalmatians lived and traveled with the horses in order to keep them calm.

Though horses and steam pumpers are no longer used by firemen, fire dogs are still very important. Today's fire dogs are brought in shortly after a fire to sniff for accelerants (typically gasoline or any other flammable chemical) that may have fueled the fire. If a fire dog detects an accelerant, it will signal to its handler to take a sample to test for accelerants By detecting these accelerants, fire dogs are able to help a fire department determine if a fire was unintentional or the result of arson. Instead of Dalmatians, today's fire dogs are most often Labrador mixes, golden retrievers, golden mixes, and German shepherds. These breeds make great fire dogs because they like to work and they are capable of detecting very faint scents.

If you have kids or teach any children that want to learn more about fire dogs, check out Fire Dog Heroes, from our Amazing Working Dogs with American Humane series by Linda Bozzo.

Fire Dog Heroes

by Linda Bozzo

Publication Year: 2010

48 Pages

Interest Level: Grades 3-4

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3202-6

Binding: Library

Price: $23.93

School/Library Discount Price: $17.95

Score With Enslow's New Eli Manning Biography

Library ISBN: 978-0-7660-3832-5
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-59845-298-3

With football excitement in the air, now is the time to score with young readers who enjoy sports. One way to go is with Enslow Publishers' new "I Like Sports Stars!" series. The six-book ensemble offers excellent, child-friendly biographies of pro football players suitable for the season. Among the titles is author David P. Torsiello's Read About Eli Manning. The 24-page biography offers an engaging glimpse into the career and life of the New York Giants quarterback and New Orleans native. Featuring an engaging style and excellent action photos, this Guided Reading Level "I" work provides page-turning reasons to read this book from cover to cover.

Read About Eli Manning is available in paperback for $6.95 per copy and at 10% discount for "six-packs". A library-bound edition is also available.

Investigating the Unknown

Looking for titles that will interest your reluctant reader and have them thinking about the paranormal? This series invites readers to investigate the unknown and decide for themselves if the amazing events are real or fake. All six books are available in both library and paperback bindings.

Amazing Out-of-Body Experiences, Astonishing Mind Powers, Discovering Past Lives, Sensing the Unknown, The Mysterious Secrets of Dreams, and The Mystery of Fortune-Telling are all co-written by Carl R. Green and William R. Sanford.

Happy Leif Eriksson Day!

Leif Eriksson Day was proclaimed as a way to honor explorer, Leif Eriksson, the first Scandinavian known to have set foot on American soil and the contribution of the Nordic peoples to the United States.

Leif Eriksson: Viking Explorer of the New World from our Great Explorers of the World series includes illustrations of the explorer, color maps to help students understand the explorer's world, and primary source documents. This book isn't just for the report writer, but it is also great for the casual reader.

So, line up some long tables and set up a banquet feast to celebrate this great explorer.

Enslow Salutes Steve Jobs

All of us at Enslow note with sadness the passing of Steve Jobs. As with many people around the world, Jobs' products and creative zeal touched us and continue to impact our work. We thought his life was so intriguing that, a decade ago, we published his biography. This age-appropriate narrative, relating Jobs' innovative talent and entrepreneurial drive, was welcomed by librarians and teachers. (Thank you!)

Library ISBN: 978-0-7660-3441-9
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-59845-728-5

We're proud of our Jobs biography, which has neatly fit into the forward-looking titles we have published over three decades for young readers. Enslow continues to provide reliable, well-edited books on the people and trends that shape today's society and tomorrow's leaders. Books on industry giants such as Bill Gates are included among our middle school selections. (Gates, in his blog The Gates Notes, writes a brief, moving tribute to Jobs.) A new Enslow book, Using Technology: A How-To Guide by Sherri Mabry Gordon, explores core issues young readers face in this new, data-driven world. For elementary school students, our Ace Your Oral or Multimedia Presentation title introduces readers in ways to use the very machines Steve Jobs created to communicate and learn in new, exciting ways.

If you're planning an activity or display on Steve Jobs and the spirit of American innovation, Enslow has the books you'll need. Call us or e-mail us today for money-saving offers on these and other Enslow books!

Prepare for Holiday Activities with Enslow Holiday Craft Books

Library ISBN: 978-0-7660-3722-9
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-59845-336-2

The secret to school and library holiday activity success is advance preparation. For year-end celebrations, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, that means now is the time to purchase the books your young readers need.

Among the most practical additions you can make to your holiday book collection is Enslow Publishers' "Paper Craft Fun for Holidays" series. This outstanding ensemble features books filled with fun, manageable hands-on activities suitable for young children. Written by popular author and storyteller Randel McGee, each title provides step-by-step instructions and useful "how-to" photos. The text, embracing AR ranges from 4.8-5.5, also includes a short introduction to the holiday, so that young readers connect the activity to an enriched context.

The series includes books on year-end holidays, such as Halloween, Day of the Dead, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. Libary-bound editions of each title in the 12-book series is available to schools and libraries for $17.95 (a 25% discount from Enslow's list prices). Paperback editions of selected titles, including Paper Crafts for Thanksgiving, are available for $7.95.

Gene Simmons gets married

After being together for twenty eight years and having two children together, Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed finally tied the knot on Saturday in Beverly Hills, California. Here's some info about the wedding.

Gene Simmons is known for being a founding member of the band KISS. When the band was formed in the 1970s, Gene and his bandmates decided they needed a gimmick. Each band member dressed up in full costume and wore face paint. The band is still very popular today.

Interested in reading more about the band? Part of the "Rebels of Rock" series, the library edition is available here. This title is also available in paperback.

Important Teen Guides

Enslow's new series, Life–A How-to Guide is a 7-book series for teens about a variety of issues that they face in their everyday lives. Whether you have a teen who is getting ready to driving or driving already, our Getting Read to Drive: A How-to Guide is great for research or personal use. Driving can play a pivotal role in a young person's life. It represents freedom but it also requires responsibility. From deciding if you're ready to drive, to the rules and safety, this book is a comprehensive guide for young drivers and their parents.

Technology has become so integrated into the life of today’s teenager that it is changing the way the American family communicates.  That's why we felt that Using Technology: A How-to Guide was an important book to include in this series. From cell phone etiquette, to texting, playing games, and listening to music, this title explores different forms of technology and how it affects our lives, and most importantly, how kids can stay safe using it.

Enslow's New Football Skill Book Includes NFL Player Tips and Tricks

Just in time for football season, Enslow Publishers has released a new book that provides useful performance tips for young readers. The title -- Top 25 Football Skills, Tips, and Tricks -- offers a very readable, engaging assemblage of "how-to" instructions readers can immediately apply to their athletic endeavors. The 48-page book's wealth of insider ideas includes some from age peers and from National Football League players, such as Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. A fun design and action photos also draw readers into author John Albert Torres' well-written text. A further reading list is especially helpful for reluctant readers who wish to learn more about the subject.
The book, part of a six-title "Top 25 Sports Skills, Tips, and Tricks" series, is available in paperback for $7.95; a library-bound version is also available for $17.95 (a 25% discount from the school/library price).

It's Banned Books Week

ISBN 978-0-7660-2688-9
Grades 9-12

Looking at the list of classic titles on the banned books list, John Steinbeck has written The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men. One of the main reasons Steinbeck's books are on the Banned Books list is because of their use of obscene language. Racism, sexuality, and other issues play a part, but obscene language is the recurring theme.

Enslow's Authors of Banned Books series includes titles on Mark Twain, Robert Cormier, Madeleine L'Engle, J.K. Rowling, and John Steinbeck. These titles include arguments of those opposed to these books and arguments of the books' supporters to help readers decide for themselves whether they should be banned.

Ye Yucky Middle Ages Brought to Life with Dazzling Illustrations!



Ye Catle Stinketh
ISBN:  978-0-7660-3786-1



     Enslow's new series Ye Yucky Middle Ages asks the question-Could You Survive Medieval Life?  The four titles in this series breaks the general question down into Don't let the Barber Pull Your Teeth:  Could You Survive Medieval Medicine?, Sweaty Suits of Armor:  Could You Survive Being a Knight?, There's a Rat in My Soup:  Could You Survive Medieval Food?, and Ye Castle Stinketh:  Could You Survive Living in a Castle?  The titles themselves are an example of the fun and lively way that this series brings the time period to life by stressing the gross and yucky aspects of life during the Middle Ages.    
     Each title contains full color illustrations by Gerald Kelley, and the stunning illustrations just add to the amusement of learning about the more offensive living conditions during this period of time.  You can even view how Kelley puts together one of his magical illustrations featured in Ye Castle Stinketh on You Tube.  The books come library bound at $23.93, with 48 pages each.  This series is a great way to engage grades five through nine in learning about this fascinating (and quite disgusting) period in history!

September 23rd is the First Day of Fall! Are You Ready for the Fall Colors?

Fall is here, and with the change of the season, Fall Colors are starting to show up all around us. It's a great time to teach your preschooler to read the words associated with Fall, and our new book, Fall Colors, makes this a fun and engaging experience for new readers. With vivid photographs, detailed illustrations, and large, crisp type, Fall Colors is sure to get your child's attention.

Fall Colors is one book in our "All About the Colors of the Seasons" series, written entirely by our very own Brian Enslow. All books in the series are available in both paperback and library binding and are Guided Reading Level B.


Fall Colors
24 pages
Illustrated with color photographs and illustrations
Library Edition ISBN 978-0-7660-3909-4
Library Edition List Price: $21.26
Library Edition School/Library Discount: $15.95
Paperback Edition ISBN 978-1-59845-264-8
Paperback Edition List: $6.95

The Secret's Out! New Enslow Series Explores Spy World's Heroes, Villains, and Gadgets

Young readers delight in discovering spying's concealed arts and unpublicized actions. New titles on the subject are often among a library's most popular choices, especially among "reluctant readers." Bringing a fresh perspective to the subject, Enslow Publishers's new series "The Secret World of Spies" examines this intriguing world, from its human "assets" to technology even Jason Bourne in The Bourne Identity could not have imagined. Author Susan K. Mitchell's Guided Reading Level "Q" text brings a lively point of view to this engaging subject. Each 48-page book includes excellent design support, including useful "pull-outs". Fun illustrations help bring alive an elliptical world often shrouded in mystery and misinformation.

Get the straight story on spying's world in Enslow's six-book series! Each title is available in paperback for $7.95. A library-bound edition of each book is available for $17.95 (a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price.)

It's Talk Like a Pirate Day!

978-0-7660-3817-2 Library
978-1-59845-283-9 Paperback

Enslow is celebrating the fact that the last book in the Hannah Pritchard trilogy has just been released. Captain Hannah Pritchard is now available. The first title, Hannah Pritchard, was published in 2008, and the second, Pirate Hannah Pritchard, in 2009. Written by Bonnie Pryor, these middle school titles take the reader from the beginning, when Hannah finds that her family has been murdered, to her imprisonment by the British, to her hunt for buried treasure.

Elementary students may want to create pirate crafts using Pirate Ship Adventure Crafts. This title provides step-by-step instructions on how to make eleven simple pirate-themed crafts using easy to find materials. Create a ship, pirate crew, treasure chest, and more. It also includes a story for kids to tell with their crafts, or they can act out their own pirate story.


 

Available in both library and paperback bindings, this title is part of the "Fun Adventure Crafts" series.

An Introduction to the World of Volunteering

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3440-2

Back-to-school time is a great time to talk to teens about volunteering. Many schools now require a certain number of volunteer hours to graduate, others strongly encourage it by offering a wide variety of after-school programs that students can participate in. Whether young adults volunteer through their school or another organization, they are very likely to benefit from the experience. Volunteering can be very rewarding and in some cases it may help students decide what they want to do later in life.

Enslow's new title, Volunteering: A How-to Guide, offers inspiring true stories of teens who volunteer. And while these teens may already know what issues they are passionate about, the choice is not always obvious.

 

Included in this book is a quick quiz students can take to help them figure out what issues they may like to help with. There is also a great list of volunteer and services resources provided making it easy for teens to start volunteering.

September is Roald Dahl Month



Roald Dahl:  Author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
ISBN:  978-0-7660-2353-6



This September marks the 95^th birthday of the late British author. Some of his more famous works are Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and James and the Giant Peach. In fact it’s the 50th anniversary of James and the Giant Peach. A great way to learn more about this gifted storyteller is with Enslow’s title, Roald Dahl, part of the Author’s Teens Love series. Titles in this series are for an interest level of grades six and up and feature insightful quotes by and about each author.  Learn more about one of the world's best-selling authors!

Can you imagine flying through the center of a hurricane?

Library ISBN 978-0-7660-3050-3
Grades 5-up

That is what hurricane scientists do. They use aircraft to fly into the eye of a hurricane, measuring the speed, direction, temperature, pressure, and humidity of the winds on either side of the eye. Several passes are made from one side of the storm to the other at different heights to get an idea as to the strength of the winds. As we are well aware on the East Coast, hurricanes can dump a lot of rain as they progress.

The difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm is the speed of its winds. Once winds reach 74 miles per hour, the storm becomes classified as a hurricane.

By the way, the word "hurricane" comes from Hurican, the name of a mythical Caribbean god of evil.

Interested in learning more about hurricanes and other storms? Check out Storm Scientist by Timothy Gaffney.

Sensible Book About Weird Weather for Grade K-3 Readers

Weird weather gets kids' attention. They talk about it at home, with their peers, and even in class. Leveraging that interest with page-turning books about unusual weather takes advantage of those situations, with benefits for young readers, teachers, and parents.

Enslow Publishers' Weird But True Weather is a 24-page book suitable for Grades K-3 readers. Author Carmen Bredeson's title features two-page spreads in which excellent color photographs support the Guided Reading Level "I" text. The book's nifty 9" x 7 1/2" trim size gives the illustrations and text a sense of scale young readers need. Its "Learn More" section offers useful, age-appropriate information for further print and web-based reading.

Weird But True Weather, part of Enslow's six-book "Weird But True Science" series, is avaiable in paperback for $6.95. A library-bound edition is available to schools and libraries for $15.95 -- a 25% discount from Enslow's list price.

Today is National Video Game Day!



Library ISBN 978-0-7660-3450-1
Grades 3-4

 One day, a television engineer named Ralph Baer began to wonder whether our TVs would be able to play games with us. His experiments led to the development of the first video game console, marketed by Magnavox as Odyssey. Honored by President George W. Bush as the father of video games, Baer is still at work developing new ideas.

Part of the "Genius at Work! Great Inventor Biographies", other titles in this elementary series include biographies on W. K. Kellogg, Les Paul, George Ferris, Igor Sikorsky, Vivien Thomas, James Naismith, Stephanie Kwolek, and more!

Friendship Plays an Important Role in Young People's Lives

Library Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3442-6
School/Library Price: $23.95

Having friends can help you handle tough times. You can talk
about what you are going through and ask for advice. By the
time you are a teen, there are some things you don’t want to
discuss with your parents. That is normal. That’s where your
friends come in. They may be experiencing some of the same
things you are, so they understand what you are going through.
Just talking to a friend often will make you feel better. You will
feel less alone and less vulnerable.

Enslow's new title Friendship: A How-to Guide has arrived just in time for students heading back to school. Many students may be facing a new community, a new school, or even just new people in their classes. This how-to guide will help young adults learn about different types of friendships, cliques, making new friends, and it even gives advice about bullying.

Celebrate International Literacy Day!



Chinese Mythology Rocks!
ISBN (Library Bound):  978-0-7660-3898-1
ISBN (Paperback):  978-1-59845-330-0



     The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes International Literacy Day today, September the 8th, and this year the focus is on literacy and peace.  The purpose of the day is to raise people’s awareness of literacy issues in the world. One great way to recognize literacy throughout different cultures is by reading Enslow’s new titles in our Mythology Rocks series. Since myths are stories of a people, they appear all over the world-telling narratives of their unique cultures. They were first told orally and then eventually written down so different cultures could read about their history-thus promoting literacy worldwide!

     African Mythology Rocks!, Celtic Mythology Rocks!, Chinese Mythology Rocks!, Gods and Goddesses in Greek Mythology Rock!, Heroes in Greek Mythology Rock!, and Maya and Aztec Mythology Rocks! are all new titles in this series for the fall.  Each library bound title is $31.93, at an interest level of grades six and up.  Check out these titles and see how literacy advanced internationally!

Florida Reading Association Conference/Exclusive Offer -- Free Books With Purchase!

To celebrate the Florida Reading Association's 2011 Conference, Enslow Publishers is offering Florida educators an exclusive deal on our leveled, correlated PK-12 classroom paperbacks!

Here's the offer: Enslow will include a free classroom paperback "six-pack" of Seeds Sprout (a $41.40 value), from our popular K-3 "I Like Plants" STEM series, with every $150 paperback purchase!

Teachers/administrators from the same school may combine paperback orders to reach the $150 threshold. Offer available only to Florida PK-12 teachers and administrators.

Orders (including POs) must be received by Enslow no later than October 14, 2011 to qualify for the offer. Shipping and processing, if needed, do not count toward the minimum net value for your purchase. Offer may not be combined with other Enslow promotions.

For more information about Enslow's classroom paperbacks, visit our website: www.enslowclassroom.com/. To order, call our customer service team at 800.398.2504, and mention Offer T21.

Have a great conference!

Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer and the beginning of the school year

Labor day is a time to get ready to return to school. Some schools have already started. Here's a book about the history of schools and what they might look like in the future. This title is part of the "Imagining the Future" series.

One hundred years ago, some kids traveled to school on horseback. One hundred years from today, they may get there in buses that fly! Author Linda Bozzo shows young readers how the schools of the past looked and encourages them to think about change over time and what schools may be like in the future. Uses vintage historical photos and colorful, humorous drawings to encourage young imaginations!

Stressful Times

The recent earthquake...stressful. Hurricane Irene...stressful. No power...stressful. But adults are not the only ones dealing with stress right now. Ahhhhh!

Going back to school for students can be very stressful. Juggling homework, sports, jobs, and whatever else life throws at them can make them feel overwhelmed. Most young adults do not yet have the tools to deal with stress. That's where our new title, Dealing with Stress: A How-to-Guide, can be helpful. Students will learn the effects stress has on the body, the different types of stress (not all stress is bad), coping skills, and how to manage stress along with links to additional resources such as Teen Help. This title not only contains great information for students but I would recommend parents reading it as well. There's some great tips for everyone but as a parent of a teenage daughter, it was helpful in explaining stress from a teen's perspective so I can be more sensitive to what she's going through at this time in her life. Afterall, it's been a while and the world has changed drastically since I was a teen. Counselors will benefit as well from having this book on their shelves to share with their students and parents.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3439-6
Grades 6–up

Enslow Publishers wishes everyone a safe and stress-free holiday weekend. Enjoy!

On this date in 1939, World War II began as Nazi Germany invaded Poland

Adolf Hitler, leader of Nazi Germany, ordered his army to invade Poland on September 1, 1939, igniting World War II in Europe. This bloody conflict ravaged Europe and millions of people died. Generals Dwight Eisenhower and George Patton led the United States armed forces across the Atlantic, helping the Allies claim victory. From the beaches of Normandy to the streets of Berlin, author R. Conrad Stein examines the important battles, the men and women who fought the war, and how this conflict changed the world.

Molly the Great Helps Kids Go Back to School


       

Molly the Great Misses the Bus
ISBN (Library Bound):  978-0-7660-3518-8
ISBN (Paperback):  978-0-7660-3743-4

It’s September! And it’s back to school time! Enslow’s series, Character Education with Super Ben and Molly the Great written by Shelley Marshall, has eight terrific titles for children in kindergarten through the third grade to help with the transition. Molly the Great Misses the Bus is one title that will surely help with back to school jitters as it addresses being on time as well as being considerate of others.

     Super Ben wants to show off his new outfit and for him, making it to school on time is important. Molly, on the other hand, seems to find last minute things to do causing them to be late for the bus. This is a great story to share with early elementary age children to help them prepare for their new school schedules and activities.
     Other titles in the series available in library bound and paperback editions include:  Molly the Great Respects the Flag, Molly the Great Tells the Truth, Molly the Great's Messy Bed, Super Ben Writes a Letter, Super Ben's Brave Bike Ride, Super Ben's Broken Cookie, and Super Ben's Dirty Hands.  Each title has 24 pages and features color illustrations.  Library Bound titles are priced at $21.26 and Paperback editions are $6.95.

Writing Series Sharpens Essential Skills

Students who write well are much more likely to be academically successful than those with average writing ability. The question is how can students reach higher writing achievement levels. Generally, they expand their writing repertoire through continuous experience, useful exercises such as those found in the Owl Purdue Online Writing Lab, and targeted feedback.

Enslow Publishers' new "Sharpen Your Writing Skills" series offers a tool box for students looking to improve their written work. Each 64-page title focuses on an academically significant area, such as reports, essays, and debates. The books provide guidance and examples in clear, age-appropriate language. Their positive, upbeat tone and playful illustrations help encourage and engage students in the various writing activities the books present. The books also offer strong value, as their content and purpose are consistent with 21st Century classroom needs.

Each title is available in paperback for $7.95; library-bound editions are also available to schools and libraries for $20.95 per copy (a 25% discount from Enslow's list price).

Aftermath of Hurricane Irene

The Enslow home office is quiet today. Most people had a hard time getting to the office or couldn't even get here because of the roads. Others have flooded basements and damage from trees. Some of the rivers are still rising and overflowing their banks.

We made sure to lift computers off the ground on Friday as a precaution. The office itself is in good shape. Luckily our building does not have a second floor, but we do have a flat roof, which can be a problem.

It's after events like this, that I look for some interesting facts and tidbits to pull from Enslow books. I just read in Hurricanes that if a named storm causes a tremendous amount of damage, that name is then retired and will not be used again. Created by meteoroligists, the names list are common first names in the languages of the regions where the storms strike.

One of the chapters in the book has sub-headings of whipping winds, storm surges, heavy rains, and tornadoes. Each of those things occurred in every state that was hit by Irene, except Vermont.

National Dog Day

Enslow is celebrating National Dog Day by posting photos of our some of our staff's favorite dogs. Enjoy and remember to give a dog a hug today!


"Romeo" Stacey, Editorial



"Remi" Chris, Marketing

"Jazz" Tim, Classroom Sales

"Lacey" Adrienne, Accounting



"Dexter" Nicole, Editorial

"Brody" Linda, Customer Service



"Boomer" Carmen, Accounting

Angelina Jolie Directs with Heart



Angelina Jolie:  Celebrity with Heart
ISBN:  978-0-7660-3403-7
Library Bound:  $23.95

 One of the titles in our Celebrities with Heart series, Angelina Jolie: Celebrity with Heart, talks about how Jolie’s brother would point a video camera in her direction then call out, "Come on, Angie, give us a show!" This time she will be the one behind the camera with her upcoming movie, In the Land of Blood and Honey, which will be released in December of this year. Not only will this be the screen actress’ directorial debut, but she also wrote this love story that takes place in the middle of the Bosnian Civil War during the 1990’s. Enslow’s biography on this talented star discusses her work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in depth and gives insight into her personal concern for those affected by war all over the world. This 128-page, perceptive account of Jolie’s personal, humanitarian, and professional ambitions, written by Michael A. Schuman, is an enjoyable read for grades 6 and up!

3 Things You Didn't Know About Earthquakes

Many of us at Enslow Publishers end up with massive piles of books in our workspaces. When the earthquake hit, I was pleased to see that my own tower of books swayed from side to side, but did not collapse. In honor of this (relatively) unusual event, I would like to present you with:

3 Things You Didn't Know About Earthquakes!

(From "Earthquakes! The Science Behind Natural Disasters) by:

Alvin Silverstein, Virginia Silverstein and Laura Silverstein Nunn

ISBN 978-0-7660-2975-0

1. There are two very different ways that Earthquakes are commonly measured: The Richter Scale and the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale. The more familiar Righter Scale measures the energy released by an earthquake, while the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale measures the earthquake's effects, not its actual power. Any earthquake can have only one Richter scale rating, but it can have many Modified Mercalli Scale ratings: this is because a Mercalli Scale measurement can be given for any place where the effects of the earthquake was felt, while the Richter Scale measurement is only given for the earthquake itself.

2. The first seismograph, an instrument for detecting earthquakes, was invented in 132 A.D. by Chang Heng, a Chinese scholar. While modern seismographs can display the intensity of an earthquake's seismic waves, Chang Heng's seismograph would show an observer the direction that an earthquake came from. Chang Heng's seismograph consisted of a pendulum surrounded by eight dragon heads, each with a ball in its mouth. Each dragon head had a corresponding toad statue with an open mouth under it. When an earthquake hit, the pendulum would swing in the direction that the earthquake came from and knock a ball into the toad's mouth under it. An observer could see which toad statue had a ball in it and know that the earthquake came from the direction it pointed in.

3. Scientists are still unable to accurately predict earthquakes. While methods for measuring earthquakes have improved, and though the forces that cause earthquakes are well understood, there are still no methods for accurately predicting an earthquake.

If you'd like to know more about earthquakes, or many other natural disasters, check out our series: "The Science Behind Natural Disasters".

Seasonal Color Books for Emerging and First Readers

We're about to enter the cusp of the summer and autumn seasons. In the coming weeks, Nature's color patterns will gradually shift, providing excellent opportunities for very young readers to identify everyday elements of the world around them. As color is an essential door to developing children's perception, on-target books that engage kids are valuable educational tools.

Enslow Publishers' new "All About Colors of the Seasons" series offers a useful "way in" for emerging readers to expand their awareness of colors and the seasons. Each title in author Brian Enslow's four-book series focuses on a specific season and its traditional color associations. Full-color photos from real-life contexts, carefully chosen vocabulary, and attractive font sizes make the reading experience fun and enriching. The books' Guided Reading Level "B" content is appropriate for new readers. The books also come in a 6" x 7" trim size suitable for young children.

Paperback editions of "All About Colors of the Seasons" are available for $6.95 per title. Library-bound versions are available for $15.95 (price reflects a 25% school/library discount). Both versions are available now from Enslow Publishers!

Interview with Sara Latta

Laura Crawford from the blog Wild About Nature interviewed Sara Latta on Saturday about her writing habits, how she comes up with her ideas, and what she has learned in doing her research. Sara's lastest series for Enslow, True Forensic Crime Stories, is a 6-book series covering titles on bones, cybercrime, DNA and blood, fingerprints, gun crimes, and trace evidence. Sara wrote Bones, Cybercrime, and DNA and Blood.

Written for the middle school market, these titles would appeal to students who have an interest in learning about the science behind solving crimes. This series is available in both library and paperback editions.

Weird But True Science

Did you know a sneeze travels up to 100 miles per hour or that cave salamanders live deep in caves where there is no light so they don't have eyes? It may be weird, but it's true! Enslow's new series Weird But True Science for grades K–3 is sure to grab your student's interest with its weird, unusual, and true topics.

Titles in this six-book series include, Weird But True Animal Homes, Weird But True Food, Weird But True Human Body Facts, Weird But True Rocks, Weird But True Space Facts, Weird But True Weather.

There's a Rat in My Soup!

Library: 978-0-7660-3785-4
Paperback: 978-1-59845-375-1

Can you imagine going to a restaurant, ordering a whole turkey for your family (as an example) and then when the waitress/waiter brings your turkey to you, the cook has stuck the skin, feathers, head, feet, and other parts back onto the turkey to make it look like it's alive! To shock guests, cooks would sew the head of one animal onto the body of another before serving. The head of a rooster would be sewn onto the body of a baby pig!

Animal parts were not wasted. Internal organs, feet, necks, even pig ears and cow udders were eaten! Gelatin was made from boiled calves' feet and then cooked fish were placed in the gelatin to make it look like they were swimming!

Written for reluctant readers, this title, and the three others in the series, Don't Let the Barber Pull Your Teeth, Sweaty Suits of Armor, and Ye Castle Stinketh are available in both library and paperback editions.

Congratulations to the winner of Enslow's July raffle!

Alicia from Pendleton Community Library in Indiana has won $100 in free books from Enslow!

Brees, Brady, Mannings Highlight Enslow Fall NFL Player Biographies

Enslow Publishers is welcoming the 2011-12 pro football season with new biographies of leading NFL stars. Among them are 48-page books on New England Patriot star Tom Brady and the Indianapolis Colts' new $90 million dollar man, Peyton Manning. Both titles are included in Enslow's high-interest "Sports Stars Who Care" series, in which each athlete's philanthropic activities are included in a discussion of their lives and careers. Paperback editions of each book in this six-book series are available for $7.95; library-bound editions are $17.95 per title (including 25% school/library discount).

"I Like Sports Stars," a new Enslow series for younger readers, includes a biography of New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, Peyton's talented younger brother. Both Mannings were born and raised in New Orleans, yet neither one has played for the city's NFL Saints. That position belongs to Drew Brees, the subject of author David Torsiello's 24-page biography. The Brees biography, along with other books in the six-title "I Like Sports Stars" series, is available for $6.95 per book (paperback) and $15.95 per book (library edition, including 25% school/library discount).

Today is V-J Day

Library: 978-0-7660-3640-6
Grades 5–up

On this day in 1945 the Allies proclaimed today V-J Day, one day after Japan agreed to surrender unconditionally.

World War II in the Pacific: From Pearl Harbor to Nagasaki starts with the attack at Pearl Harbor and ends with the news that was announced on August 15 in reference to Japan's surrender.

Author R. Conrad Stein explores the historic carrier-based naval battles, the "island hopping" campaigns, the home front, and the beginning of the atomic age.

What's Your Fashion?

As kids head back to school one of the very important choices they'll have to make is what they are going to wear on the first day. And some parents will wonder if what their child has chosen is really school appropriate. Some may choose styles that are preppy, punk, goth or something altogether different. In our new title Getting the Hang of Fashion and Dress Codes author Tom Streissguth takes on the world of style, fashion, marketing, and the question of dress codes and uniforms. For grades 6–up, this how-to guide is perfect for every student heading back to school!



Library Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3444-0
Paperback Edition: ISBN 978-1-59845-313-3



Fashion-Savvy Throughout the Decades

Fabulous Fashions of the 1980s
ISBN:  978-0-7660-3554-6

Whether we realize it or not, we think of fashion everyday-from the clothes we put on, to the colors we choose, to our hairstyles and accessories-it all relates to fashion! Enslow’s brand new series Fabulous Fashions of the Decades by Felicia Lowenstein Niven is a fun and dazzling way to experience the prominent styles throughout the years. This series for middle school and high school readers contains eight titles: Fabulous Fashions of the 1920s, Fabulous Fashions of the 1930s, Fabulous Fashions of the 1940s, Fabulous Fashions of the 1950s, Fabulous Fashions of the 1960s, Fabulous Fashions of the 1970s, Fabulous Fashions of the 1980s, and Fabulous Fashions of the 1990s.

     Each title highlights trends for both men and women featuring color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations. The reader experiences fashion through advertisements, magazine photos, and even how ordinary people wore the styles of the decade. The 1940's title mentions the start of the world’s first magazine for teens, Seventeen! The books also depict how history, new inventions, and pop culture shaped fads and the social reactions to those fads. It even fascinated a vintage clothes seller, Reware Vintage, who contributed a photo to the 1990’s title. All generations can share and delight in the styles presented throughout this chic series.

Fabulous Fashions of the Decades:  Interest Level-Grades 5-up
48 pages, $23.93 (each title)
Author:  Felicia Lowenstein Niven

Share "Book Lovers Day" with Pre-K Readers!

If you love books, today is your day to celebrate. August 9th is "Book Lovers Day" across the country. Readers are encouraged to plunge into a new book and enjoy the pleasure and stimulation of the printed word. (OK, if your children are using read-alouds, they can listen to the language and follow along.)

For children just beginning their reading journey, Enslow Publishers' new pre-K series, such as "All About Good Foods We Eat," are a delightful "way in" to reading's rewards. Each 24-page book. including Fruit, presents attractively designed text and a supporting photograph to anchor the child's understanding. For teachers, these Guided Reading Level "D" books help emerging readers step up in challenge while exploring more about known and unfamiliar foods.

Each book in author D.H. Dilkes' six-title "All About Good Foods We Eat" is available directly from Enslow Publishers. The library-bound edition is $15.95 per title (including school/library 25% discount) and the paperback version costs $6.95. (Six-packs of the paperback edition, offering a 10% savings from Enslow's list price, are available exclusively through Enslow Publishers.)