Today is National D.E.A.R. Day! What will you be reading today?

Celebrated on author Beverly Cleary's birthday, April 12, National Drop Everything and Read Day is a special day to remind people to take time out of their daily routine to read. Here are some great resources to use with your young readers and a even a suggested reading list for families.

We're celebrating by sharing a small list of what we'll be reading today. What will you be reading?

Interesting Facts About F. Scott Fitzgerald On the 87th Anniversary of "The Great Gatsby's" Publication

Eighty-seven years ago today, Charles Scribner's Sons published F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. The book, and Fitzgerald himself, achieved something akin to legendary status. Distinguishing fact from legend with Fitzgerald and his work isn't always easy. Here are some facts that caught our attention:

• The author finished the book's first draft while living on the French Riviera
• The first draft was returned to Fitzgerald for substantial revision
• One of Fitzgerald's suggested titles for the book that eventually became Gatsby was Trimalchio in West Egg (don't ask)
• Fitzgerald lent Ernest Hemingway a copy of Gatsby.

More facts about F. Scott Fitzgerald were noted in a previous Enslow Publishers blog post. Do you know some notable facts about Fitzgerald? You're welcome to post it here. Meanwhile, you're invited to visit Enslow's website today to order our biographies of American authors!

Free book giveaway

Library ISBN 978-0-7660-3785-4
Paper ISBN 978-1-59845-375-1

One of our history series, Ye Yucky Middle Ages, was written because librarians told us that they were looking for books that would teach students about life in the middle ages, but yet had some fun illustrations. This series is great for reluctant readers and is available in both library binding and paperback.

What is the most requested topic you get from students? For our free book giveaway, like us on Facebook and leave a comment on Facebook, letting us know what topic is most requested. One winner will be chosen by random at the end of the week, and that person will receive a free copy of an Enslow book of their choice. The winner will be announced on Facebook on Monday!

Hunger Games Celebrities

We're currently busy working on biographies for our new series, Sizzling Celebrities, due out in the fall of 2013. We're excited to include biographies for film star, Jennifer Lawrence who plays Katniss in the Hunger Games movie and leading man, Josh Hutcherson who plays Peeta. Other biographies will include singing sensation, Adele, Demi Lovato, Drake, Logan Lerman, and actress, Emma Stone. Which celebrities would like to see new biographies about? We'd love to hear from you.

New Graphic Novel Series Coming This Fall

Looking for new graphic novels that will spark an interest in original classics? We are very excited to announce that we'll be debuting our first graphic novel series, Dark Graphic Novels, as part of our Fall 2012 list. Each title in this series adapts a different classic horror story using simplified language and vivid illustrations appropriate for your readers in grades 5–9.

Titles will include:
Chilling Tailes of Horror (ISBN: 978-0-7660-4085-4)
Dark Graphic Tales by Edgar Allan Poe (ISBN: 978-0-7660-4086-1)
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (ISBN: 978-0-7660-4084-7)

The Cutest Math Books the World Has Ever Seen

For Mathematics Awareness month, Enslow Publishers is proud to bring you what must be the cutest possible books for learning basic math. For children in 1st and 2nd grade, the "Puppy & Kitten Math" series, by Patrica J. Murphy, teaches children the basic math skills of Adding, Subtracting, Counting, Measuring, and Telling Time. Each 32 page book features adorable pictures of puppies and kittens inside of math tutorials and math problems. Click on a cover for more information about the book, or click here: "Puppy & Kitten Math" for information about the series.

Pre-K Readers Find Pot of Reading Gold With Enslow's "All About a Rainbow of Colors" Series

Purple Animals (ISBN: 978-0-7660-4000-7),
from Enslow's "All About a Rainbow of Colors" series.

Spring is the season when color returns to yards, parks, and landscapes. A child's joy in discovering spring's fresh look encourages them to read books in which vivid color is the hero. Enslow Publishers satisfies this need with its excellent Pre-K series "All About a Rainbow of Colors."

Designed for emerging readers, author Melissa Stewart's six-book "All About a Rainbow of Animals" ensemble presents beautiful full-color photographs of marine, terrestrial, or flying creatures with associated sight words and simple sentences. The books' large, readable text, 24-page length, and child-friendly size provide a warm "way in" for very young children to read about animals associated with a specific color. Each book also provides a "words to know" section useful for pre-reading activities.

Each book in "All About a Rainbow of Animals" is available in a library-bound edition for $15.95. The price represents a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price.

Super Silly Science Jokes

What better way is there to end the week than with some super silly science jokes? Here are some of our favorites from Mountains of Jokes About Rocks, Minerals, and Soil written by Melissa Stewart and illustrated by the super talented Gerald Kelley.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3969-8

This title covers everything from rocks and minerals to the layers of the earth and erosion. There are so many fun facts packed into this 48-page book for grades 3–4 but we also left room for a few good jokes like these...

Q: What do rocks eat for dessert?
A: Marble cake!

Q: What does Earth have in common with an apple?
A: They both have a core.

Q: Why did the coprolite take a nap?
A: Because it was pooped!

It's no joke...these books are educational and FUN!

Open Your Spring Book Season With Enslow Sports Fiction Books

Library ISBN: 978-0-7660-3876-9
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-4644-0002-5

The first pitch of the major league baseball season will be thrown eight days from today. With Opening Day comes interest in books about baseball. In addition to the traditional nonfiction titles about America's pastime, young readers have shown an increasing desire to read fiction in which major sports, such as baseball, become part of a work's essential texture.

Enslow Publishers' new fiction series -- "A Champion Sports Story" -- meets that demand with wonderful, age-appropriate novels featuring popular sports. The 104-page titles include two books involving baseball and are suitable for readers in grades 3 to 6. Author Kris Rutherford's Batting Ninth features a young boy whose sense of determination leads him to overcome considerable odds in his desire to reach new athletic achievements and personality growth. In Rounding Third, Heading Home!, author David Aretha shows how a team's embrace of a positive attitude lifts their performance and their spirits.

Each title in "A Champion Sports Story" is available in paperback for $9.95 directly from Enslow Publishers. Each book is also available in library-bound editions for the school/library price of $19.95; that price represents a 25% discount from Enslow Publishers' list price for each title.

Happy Belated Birthday to Danica Patrick

We thought her 30th birthday was today, when it was yesterday. She was participating in the Nationwide race on Saturday, however it appears that she ran over some debris in the beginning of the race which punctured her radiator.

Celebrate World Poetry Day with a free preview of Poetry Rocks!

March 21st is World Poetry Day, and we'd like to offer you a sneak peek at one of our most popular series: "Poetry Rocks!". To see the first chapter of any book in the series, just follow this link: "Poetry Rocks!" and click on the incon that says "Look Inside Free Chapter" next to the picture of any book.

"Poetry Rocks!" is written for studens in Grades 9-12. Books in the series contain some of the most famous and memorable poems from great American, British, and World poets. Along with each poem, expert commentary, questions, and poet biographies give readers a full understanding of the poem's context and deeper meaning.

Explore Seasons with New Enslow Elementary Series

Library Edition: ISBN: 978-0-7660-3986-5   $15.95
Paperback Edition: ISBN: 978-1-59845-389-8     $6.95

With the onset of spring, young readers will be curious about the seasons and their changes. They need information written in concise, age-appropriate style. They want images that bring the subject into vivid focus. They enjoy hands-on activities that bring personal context to their experience and understanding of the seasons.

Enslow Publishers' new series "Why Do We Have Seasons?" delivers on all three counts. Author Sara L. Latta's four-book series addresses each season using easy-to-read text and full-color photographs. Basic weather conditions and how weather changes are discussed in ways approachable for young readers. Activities animals pursue seasonally, as well as what people typically do each season, is considered. As a value-added feature, each book contains a simple, hands-on investigation using common household items.

Each book in "Why Do We Have Seasons" is available in a library-bound edition to school and library institutional buyers for $15.95, a 25% discount from Enslow's list price. Paperback editions are available for $6.95 per title.

Enslow at ASCD/Booth 549

Enslow Publishers is looking forward to meeting school supervisors and curricular specialists at the upcoming ASCD convention. The annual event will be held in Philadelphia this year, and begins on Saturday, March 24th. We invite participants to visit us at Booth 549 this weekend or on Monday, and discover the many Enslow books that address Common Core needs!

True Tales of the Wild West

Written for the reluctant reader, this six-title series includes true accounts of the pioneers of the Wild West. In Pioneering Women, author Jeff Savage examines Agnes Morley, Sacagawea, Narcissa Whitman, Calamity Jane, and more. In American Cowboys, the lives of these men are documented, from rounding up cattle to the end of a long drive. Quick-Draw Gunfighters discusses Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy, and others. Rugged Gold Miners talks about the miners, prospectors, and families who went great distances to find gold. Fearless Scouts were those that opened up the West for others to follow. Daring Pony Express Riders traveled through all kinds of weather to bring mail from Missouri to California. All of these titles are available in both library and paperback editions.

Attending PLA and interested in reviewing Enslow books?

Then stop by booth # 640 and see what selections we have for you. Friday's choices (as long as supplies last) are Taylor Swift or Paper Crafts for the 4th of July.

Don't forget to enter our raffle to win a free 30-inch high stuffed bear.

Looking for book reviewers at PLA

Interested in reviewing a free book from Enslow Publishers? Thursday's selections (while supplies last) are The Devil's Door or There's a Rat in My Soup. Stop by booth # 640 to find out more and receive your review copy. Don't forget about our teddy bear raffle as well!

PLA Attendees interested in reviewing Enslow books

If you are interested in reviewing an Enslow book, stop by booth #640 to see how to do so. The two books available for review tomorrow are middle school titles Johnny Depp and Mummy Secrets Uncovered.

While supplies last, these are the two titles for Wednesday's giveaway. We will be giving away two more titles on Thursday and two more on Friday. Keep checking back!

"K9 Veterans Day" Celebrated Today

Today marks the day "K9 veterans" are acknowledged for their vital services in our communities. Young children are often quite aware of the working dogs they see or discover anecdotally. For librarians and teachers, the challenge is providing interesting, age-appropriate, factually solid books on the topic.

Enslow Publishers "Amazing Working Dogs with American Humane" addresses that need with on-target titles about these heroic canines. Author Linda Bozzo's six-title series introduces young readers to various service dogs through high-interest topics. Each 48-page book includes attractive full-color photos that provide visual reinforcement of the well-written text. Useful back matter, such as a glossary, a further reading list, and Internet addresses, are available for each title. Librarians, teachers, and parents can also feel assured about the books, as they were done with the approval of the American Humane Association.

Each title in the "Amazing Working Dogs with American Humane" is available in a library-bound edition for $17.95 when ordered directly from Enslow Publishers. That price, available to school and public library purchasers, represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price.

Planning on attending PLA in Philadelphia?

If so, stop by booth #640 and find out how you can become an Enslow book reviewer and receive a free book. We are also having a raffle to win a free 30-inch-high stuffed bear, so stop by! We will also have copies of our new books for you to look at. Come back to our blog to see which review copies we will be giving away on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Wacky Weather?

Early spring? Wacky weather? Call it what you want but it was 70 degrees outside our offices yesterday.
But do you know why the Sun is glad to be almost 93 million miles away from Earth? Because Earth's atmosphere is so gassy! This is just one of the many funny jokes in our new title, Wacky Weather and Silly Season Jokes: Laugh and Learn About Science from our Super Silly Science Jokes series written by Melissa Stewart. Each chapter includes a page of interesting facts and explanations about different facets of the weather and the seasons, while each opposing page is sprinkled with a couple of jokes that pertain to the information provided in the chapter. There's even instructions for writing your own jokes included. Students can submit their original science jokes to Melissa Stewart at: mas@melissa-stewart.com including their first name and age and Melissa posts the best jokes on Fridays on her Celebrate Science blog.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3971-1
School and Library Price: $17.95
Grades 3–4

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be blind?



ISBN: 978-0-7660-3768-7
School & Library Price: $17.95
Grades 3–4



People with normal sight have 20/20 vision. That means they can see at twenty feet what the average person sees at that distance. People with vision of 20/200 or less are legally blind. When people have 20/200 vision, they see at twenty feet what most people can see from two hundred feet away.

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be totally blind or have vision of 20/200 or less? How do people who are blind participate in sports? How do they get around? Our new title, What is it Like to Be Blind? from our Overcoming Barriers series answers many of these questions and more. Young readers can learn about the tools that people who are blind use, including canes and seeing eye dogs. This book also includes first-hand stories of children who are blind in order to help readers get a personal look at some kids who "see" the world in a different way.

On This Day: Alexander Graham Bell Patented the Telephone

On this day, March 7th, in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received the patent for the telephone, forever changing the way that people communicate. Celebrate Bell's invention with Enslow Publisher's Alexander Graham Bell: The Genius Behind the Phone from our "Inventors Who Changed the World" series of biographies. Written for middle and high school students, Alexander Grahm Bell: The Genius Behind the Phone is filled with engaging informaiton about the life and inventions of Bell.

While today is definately for Mr. Bell, if you're a Marconi fan, and not in the mood to celebrate the telephone patent, you may wish to check out one of our other titles: Marconi and Tesla: Pioneers of Radio Communication, also from our "Inventors Who Changed the World" series.

Have you ever wanted a career in film or television?

If so, Enslow's Careers in Film and Television series might be what you are looking for. Written for the middle school reader, the five books in this series will guide the reader in his/her quest to be an actor; a director; a screenwriter; work in animation or special effects; or someone who wants to work in set design, costuming, or makeup.

These 128-page books include biographical and historical information on figures and events related to specific filmmaking and television careers, include various career opportunities, as well as cinematic techniques in text and in sidebars.

Enslow author, Jeff Burlingame, Wins NAACP Award



Author Jeff Burlingame

Enslow author, Jeff Burlingame, was on hand at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards ceremony held on February 17 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles California to receive the award for Outstanding Literary Work in the Youth/Teens category.  This was the second year in a row that Mr. Burlingame was nominated for this award. Last year, he was nominated for another Enslow biography, Malcolm X: "I Believe in the Brotherhood of Man."




And the winner is...

You can read more about Jeff Burlingame and his experience at the awards ceremony here.

Jesse Owens: "I Always Loved Running" is part of Enslow's African-American Biography Library series.

 "An interesting and informative telling of the life of Jesse Owens. Engaging in content and format."
          –Marlene Owens Rankin, Managing Director, The Jesse Owens Foundation



ISBN: 978-0-7660-4397-6
School & Library Price: $23.95
Grades 6–up



Congratulations to our February 2012 raffle winner!

Congratulations to Susan from Lakewood Elementary School in West Virginia for winning our February book raffle of $100 in free books!

Happy Birthday Justin Bieber!

Library Edition $17.95
ISBN: 978-0-7660-3873-8

Paperback Edition $7.99
ISBN: 978-1-59845-287-7

Today is Justin Bieber's 18th birthday. Justin Drew Bieber was born on March 1, 1994 at 12:56 a.m. in Stratford, Ontario, Canada to Pattie Mallette and Jeremy Bieber. His mom wanted to become an actress when she was a teenager. However, her dreams of acting were put on hold when Justin was born so that she could focus on taking care of him.

Danica Patrick and the Daytona 500

Hopefully the Daytona 500 will get underway tonight. Rain has forced the postponement of this race which is to be Danica Patrick's debut. This is the first of ten scheduled Sprint Cup Series events she is hoping to particpate in. She made the full-time move to NASCAR, racing for the Nationwide Series champtionship as a driver for JR Motorsports.

Part of Enslow's Heroes of Racing series, Danica Patrick is written for middle school students who enjoy and want to learn more about NASCAR racing. Other titles in this 12-titles series include:  Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; Dale Earnhardt, Sr.; Darrell Waltrip; Jeff Burton; Jeff Gordon; Jimmie Johnson; Kevin Harvick; Mark Martin; Matt Kenseth; Richard Petty; and Tony Stewart.

Who Invented Home Video Games?

If you ever wondered who invented home video games, wonder no more! Enslow Publishers celebrates the life and creations of Ralph Baer, the creator of the first home video game system, with a new book: Who Invented Home Video Games? Ralph Baer from our "I Like Inventors" series. Written with young readers in mind, this new book is filled with color photographs, an activity, and high-interest writing. Most children are crazy about video games, so this book is perfect for engaging new readers. Who Invented Home Video Games? Ralph Baer is a simply written biography about Ralph Baer, the inventor of the earliest home video games.

The book is filled with fun and engaging facts about Baer and his creations (Did you know that Baer also invented Simon, the pattern matching game from the 70s and 80s?) which K-3 readers will appreciate. A full index, links, a "learn more" section, and an activity are also included.

Who Invented Home Video Games? Ralph Baer

By: Mary Kay Carson

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3975-9

Series: "I Like Inventors"

"Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!" with Enslow's "Paper Crafts for Mardi Gras"

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-59845-334-8
Library-bound ISBN: 978-0-7660-3724-3

Mardi Gras offers an excellent opportunity for young readers to explore the holiday's excitement and meaning. The day's vibrant, colorful masks, costumes, and floats provide an imaginative treasure for children to enjoy. Tapping into that reservoir of images and culture is Enslow Publishers' Paper Crafts for Mardi Gras book.

Author and storyteller Randel McGee's book is written in simple language, with step-by-step instructions and photos illustrating each craft project. These easy-to-follow activities allow readers to enjoy a "hands-on" activity that builds understanding and fun associations with New Orleans' famous holiday. As the saying goes, "Laissez les bon temps rouler" when you use this wonderful 48-page, full-color book.

This title, part of Enslow's "Paper Craft Fun for Holidays" series, is available in paperback for $7.95 from Enslow Classroom. A library-bound version is also available to school and library institutional buyers for $17.95 when buying directly from Enslow. The library-bound price represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for this item.

Happy Presidents' Day!

Ever been to Mount Rushmore? One of Enslow's newest preschool series is called All About American Symbols, and one of the titles is called Mount Rushmore. Available in a library version, this title contains a photograph of some scaffolding around the face of Abraham Lincoln.

Other titles in this series include The American Flag, The Bald Eagle, The Liberty Bell, The Statue of Liberty, and The White House.

Animated Science Fair Video

Today, we'd like to share with you this creative animated video "Prepare for the Science Fair" by Kevin Temmer that teachers might like to share with students for a great overview of the scientific method.  Let us know if you enjoyed it as much as we did.

A full listing of Enslow's science fair titles can be found here.

ISBN 978-0-7660-3643-7

Reviewers Needed!

We are looking for a few great people to review our Paper Craft Fun for Holiday series. Just in time for Presidents' Day, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter, these paper craft books bring fun to the holidays! They are written by internationally known storyteller, Randel McGee who creates amazing crafts out of paper. Written in simple language, each book contains a short introduction to the holiday and step-by-step instructions with photos illustrating each step. They are recommended for grades 3–4 and support the Social Studies, History, and Art curricula.

If you think you might be interested in writing a review for any of these titles, please email us today at customerservice@enslow.com for details!

ISBN: 978-1-59845-333-1
Paperback $7.95

ISBN: 978-1-59845-334-8
Paperback $7.95

 

ISBN: 978-1-59845-337-9
Paperback $7.95



ISBN: 978-1-59845-335-5
Paperback $7.95

Enslow Biographies Celebrate Ferris Wheel Inventor

While many of us are caught up in Valentine's Day activities, today also happens to be Ferris Wheel Day. The inventor of the eponymous machine, John Ferris, is the subject of a pair of engaging Enslow biographies.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-2834-0

Ferris Wheel: George Ferris and His Amazing Invention provides an age-appropriate, well-written narrative about the American engineer and inventor. Author Dani Sneed's 48-page book delves into the genesis of the invention and its debut at the Chicago world's fair of 1893. The work includes period illustrations, color photographs, and other useful background information. This useful title, part of Enslow's "Genius At Work! Great Inventor Biogrpahies" series, is a suitable choice for grade 3-4 interest levels. Sneed's AR 4.5-book is available in a library-bound edition for $16.95; the price represents a 25% institutional discount from Enslow's list price.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3964-3

Meanwhile, for K-3 readers, Enslow's Who Invented the Ferris Wheel? George Ferris will fill the bill. Author Sara L. Latta's skillfully prepared text is enhanced with thoughtfully chosen illustrations that enable young readers to grasp the essentials of Ferris' life story and professional accomplishments. The book, part of Enslow's "I Like Inventors" series, also includes directions on how to create a miniature ferris wheel! Library-bound copies of this new, 24-page item are available now from Enslow Publishers for $15.95 -- that's a 25% discount from Enslow's school/library price.

Teaching American History

Stories in American History, Enslow's new series for middle school students, available in both library and paperback editions,includes titles about the Amazing Underground Railroad, California Gold Rush, Incredible Transcontinental Railroad, Legend of the Alamo, Secret of the Manhattan Project, and Surviving the Oregon Trail.

Great for reports or research, these titles contain timelines, chapter notes, a further reading list, Internet addresses, and an index.

Jousting is Back!

This recent New York Times article about a new series, "Full Metal Jousting" on the History Channel caught our attention this week. Jousting? For real? The premise of the show is to take 16 men who have never jousted competitively before and teach them the sport. Viewers can then watch to see who survives the elimination bouts until just one champion is crowned. The series will premiere this Sunday, February 12 at 10/9c. It might be fun to watch just to find out what it takes to be a great jouster.

The reason the article caught our eye is because we recently published Sweaty Suits of Armor written by Chana Stiefel and illustrated by Gerald Kelley from our Ye Yucky Middle Ages series.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3784-7
Grades 5–9
48 pages
$17.95 School/Library Price

With swords, seiges, and heavy armor suits, life was risky business for a knight. In a joust, two mounted knights dueled against each other with lances. They tried to knock each other off their saddles and would receive points for shattering their lance against their opponent's shields. When their lances were broken, knights battled each other with swords, axes, or maces.


You can watch a preview of the "Full Metal Jousting" series here.

Find a jousting competition near you here.

What Is Braille?

Library Bound ISBN: 978-0-7660-3770-0
$23.93

     One of Enslow's new titles for spring, What Is Braille? gives readers in grades three through four a greater understanding into the lives of people dealing with challenges.  This title is part of the Overcoming Barriers series which includes:  What Is It Like to Be Blind?, What Is It Like to Be Deaf?, What Is Sign Language? as well as What Is Braille?  All four titles in the series are authored by Deborah Kent and feature color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations as well as words to know regarding the title's topic.

     What Is Braille? contains great chapters such as "Creating the Code", "Braille at Work", and "What Is the Future of Braille?".  This title allows young readers to learn more about this valuable means of communication for the blind as it demonstrates how people use Braille to live active and meaningful lives.

New Enslow Series Explores "Unusual" Pets, Their Care, and Science

Pets come in all shapes, sizes, and species. Enslow's new series "Far-Out and Unusual Pets" offers a fun, informative look at some decidedly unique animals that people adopt as pets.

Each title focuses on exotic creatures, their natural habitat, and their suitability for domestic life. The animals considered in this six-book series form are certain to catch a young reader's attention. The subjects range from tropical snakes to charming miniature horses. One popular title -- Hairless Dogs -- discusses the history of these canines and explains the special care they require.

The series' authors -- Alvin and Virginia Silverstein and Laura Silverstein Nunn -- bring decades of sound, appealing science writing experience. Each title also comes with plenty of color photographs, adding another "way in" for young readers to enjoy their book. For further reference, each book includes a further reading section and selected Internet links.

These 48-page, library-bound books are available directly from Enslow Publishers to schools and libraries for $17.95 per book -- a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for these titles!