March 23, 2010

Japanese-American internment during World War II

In 1942, during World War II, the U.S. government moved Japanese-Americans from their West Coast homes to detention centers.

The Lucky Baseball is a fictionalized account of that time.

The Tragic History of the Japanese-American Internment Camps written by Deborah Kent also details the sad history of these camps, the reasons behind their creation, and how the internees made the best of their deplorable situation, and finally received an official apology from the U.S. Government.

March 22, 2010

Enslow's Animal Books, Perfect Follow-up to Discovery Channel's "Life"

If anyone caught the Discovery Channel ongoing documentary "Life" last night, you were probably fascinated by all of the animals!

Enslow Publishers as a huge selection of animal books for all grades. Just click the link to see all of the series.

Some new animal series for spring 2010 include, I Like Reading About Animals! and Top 50 Reasons to Care About Endangered Animals.

Also, if you want to learn more about "Life" and when you can catch an episode visit, http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/life/

March 19, 2010

Review in Booklist of Contemporary American Poetry "Not the End, but the Beginning"

Authors Sheila Griffin Llanas and Michelle M. Houle have received a nice review in Booklist (3/15/10) issue of Contemporary American Poetry "Not the End, but the Beginning" (author Sheila Griffin Llanas) and Modern British Poetry "The World Is Never the Same" (author Michelle M. Houle). The review by Carolyn Phelan says:
"...the books' organization and presentation are clear, though the titles' terms of "contemporary"and "modern" are rather broadly applied."
To read the online reviews, you will need a subscription to visit: http://www.booklistonline.com/

Enslow's web site has these description for Contemporary American Poetry: Poet William Stafford wrote, "A poem is not the end, but the beginning, of an excursion." This collection, highlighting American poets born after the beginning of the twentieth century, helps young readers get started on their excursion into understanding poetry. The book includes brief biographies of eleven poets, ranging from Theodore Roethke to Allen Ginsberg, Sylvia Plath, and Billy Collins, along with several poems for each writer. It also introduces the techniques of analysis to deepen readers’ appreciation of poetry.

And for Modern British Poetry: This collection introduces readers to eleven British poets born between 1806 and 1914, including Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Lord Alfred Tennyson, W. B. Yeats, W. H. Auden, and Dylan Thomas. Includes biographical information, historical background, poetry analysis, and several poems by each writer. Helps readers understand poetry and appreciate the statement by Dylan Thomas: "The world is never the same once a good poem has been added to it."


Big Cats nominated for Big Arizona Award!

Big Cats: Hunters of the Night has been nominated for the Non-Fiction Book category of Arizona's 2011 Grand Canyon Reader Award.


Author Elaine Landau will be speaking at the 23rd Annual Conference on Children's Literature at the Broward Country Library in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on April 22nd.


She will also be speaking at the Young Author's Conference at Cedar Key School in Cedar Key, Florida on May 14th


Today would have been Wyatt Earp's birthday


Wyatt Earp would have been 162 today, believe it or not!


March 18, 2010

Animal Body-Part Regenerators: Growing New Heads, Tails, and Legs

This title in the Amazing Animal Defenses series looks at animals that can lose a limb or other body part—and then re-grow it! From newts and salamanders to starfish and earthworms, the ability to regenerate a missing part is truly amazing. Author Susan K. Mitchell explains how these animals can do this, and how it helps them survive.

Enslow Publishers, Inc.


Author: Susan K. Mitchell

ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3295-8

Publication Year: 2008
Interest Level: Grades 5-9
Page Count: 48

Celebrate National Poetry Month in April with Enslow's Poetry Rocks! series

Enslow's series Poetry Rocks! is organized by cultural traditions and literary periods, presents a wide range of poets in one volume, while also providing analysis, information on that particular type of poetry, and that poet's place in literature. Includes historical information on the literary period, as well as a brief biography of each poet. Students will see that poetry rocks!




"This series offers a comprehensive overview of literary periods . . . These titles will find the most use with teachers looking to guide literary studies."
–School Library Journal, Fall 2009, Reprinted with permission from School Library Journal, copyright Cahners Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier, Inc.


"The writing is conversational but intelligent . . . These books would be great supplemental texts for teachers in grades eight through twelve who teach poetry . . ."
–VOYA, February 2010


"The book provides a collection of concise, informative introductions to the poets chosen for discussion."
–Booklist, October 1, 2009

Today is Queen Latifah's birthday


Queen Latifah celebrates her birthday today!




March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Want to learn more about this holiday? Enslow Elementary's St. Patrick's Day contains lots of interesting facts.

Create Ogham message sticks, a bodhran, or a snake eyes game in Enslow Elementary's St. Patrick's Day Crafts.

Dwight Howard: Gifted and Giving Basketball Star


Dwight Howard NEW!Gifted and Giving Basketball Star
Author: Ryan Basen
State Affiliation of Author: NC
State Affiliation of Title: FL
ISBN-13:
978-0-7660-3586-7

ISBN-10: 0-7660-3586-7-->
Publication Year: 2010
Interest Level: Grades 5-up
Page Count: 128
Description: Dwight Howard is one of the most electrifying young basketball players today, as well as one of the most generous. After reaching the NBA finals in 2009, Howard's team, the Orlando Magic, has never been closer to its first championship. Howard started his own charity in 2004, the Dwight D. Howard Foundation, and often volunteers in the community and hosts his own basketball camps to help kids improve at the game.

March 16, 2010

Magellan reaches the Philippines!

On this day in 1521, Magellan finally reached the Philippines, only to be killed by natives the following month.

A Nathaniel Hawthorne publication was released in 1850

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne was published on this day in 1850. Mr. Hawthorne was also known for penning The House of Seven Gables.

March 15, 2010

LaDainian Tomlinson signs deal with the Jets

LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers recently signed a 2-year agreement with the New York Jets. To read more about this trade, click here.

In Enslow's title, LaDainian Tomlinson: All-Pro On and Off the Field you won't only learn about his tremendous NFL career, but also his life wway from the football field. Tomlinson's Touching Lives Foundation finances field trips for young students in an effort to encourage their education and personal growth.


March 12, 2010

Today would have been Jack Kerouac's 88th birthday

Jack Kerouac was born on March 12, 1922. Writer, poet, father of the Beat Generation, man of the road—Jack Kerouac just wanted to tell stories. But his stream-of-consciousness writing style and problems with authority made this a difficult dream to achieve. So Kerouac took to the road, traveling, writing, making friends, and getting by, until it all resulted in the publication of On the Road, making him a literary figure who would not be forgotten.

Kart Racers: Kid Racers

Karting is a good way to start racing. It can be a family hobby, or it can be the first step in a professional driving career. There are groups for kids of almost any age, experience level, or budget. Nearly half of the kart racers in the United States are under the age of eighteen. Karting is an inexpensive and fun way to join the world of motor sports. Author Alison C. Norville.

Enslow Publishers, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3482-2
Paperback 978-0-7660-3754-0
For ages 9-13
48 pages, Full color.

March 11, 2010

Speedboat Racers: Kid Racers

Speedboat racing is a national sport and all ages of kids and adults can race. Learn about sleek hydroplanes, powerful runabouts, and the stars in the sport. By the early 1900s, powerboat racing had official rules. It became a national sport. You can race a powerboat as soon as you are nine years old. It doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or a girl, tall or short, big or small. Successful boat racers come in all shapes and sizes. Author: Michael Hauenstein.

Enslow Publishers, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3485-3
Paperback ISBN: 978-0-7660-3755-7
Ages 8-15
48 Pages, Full Color.

Dirt Bike Racers: Kid Racers

Motocross is the sport of racing off-road motorcycles. Riders complete several laps around a course of jumps, turns, hills, and bumps. After learning how to ride a dirt bike safely, many kids decide to race. Racing is tough—but with dedication, practice, and patience, anyone can become a dirt bike racer! Author: James Holter.

Enslow Publishers, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3483-9
Paperback: 978-0-7660-3752-6
Published: 2010
48 pages, Full color.

Molly the Great's Messy Bed: A Book About Responsibility

Superheroes always do their chores . . . or do they? When Molly dons her clever crown and Ben ties on his courageous cape, this duo can accomplish anything. However, even superheroes must sometimes be reminded to fulfill their family responsibilities. Follow Molly through a daring adventure in becoming a responsible family member. Author: Shelly Marshall. Illustrated by Ben Mahan.

Enslow Publishers, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3517-1
Paperback: 978-0-7660-3742-7
Grades K-3
Publication Date: 2010
24 pages, Full Color.


Who Can Solve the Crime? Science Projects Using Detective Skills

Forensic scientists use many different skills to help them solve crimes, including the scientific method. Find out if you have what it takes to be a detective with fun experiments about being a keen observer, breaking codes, collecting evidence, and more. Many experiments include ideas you can use for your science fair, and each chapter ends with a crime for you to solve! Award-winning author Robert Gardner.

Enslow Publishers, Inc.
ISBN-13 978-0-7660-3247-7
Publication Year: 2010
For Ages 9-13.
48 Pages, Full Color.