Character Education Begins On Opening Day

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Rob Halford

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Gene Simmons!

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

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

Today would have been Meriwether Lewis' birthday

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

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

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

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

Today would have been Paula Danziger's birthday

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

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

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

Interested in learning about the solar system?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Biggest vs. Smallest Sea Creatures

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

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

Happy Birthday Madonna

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

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

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

Happy Birthday Halle Berry

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

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

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

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

On this day in 2009

Guitar virtuoso Les Paul died at age 94.

On this day in 2008

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

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

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

Race to NASCAR's Checkered Flag!

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday to both Patricia and Fredrick McKissack

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

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

Interview with author Patricia Murphy

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

Click here to read the interview.

Today would have been Matthew Henson's birthday

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

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

Today would have been Andy Warhol's birthday

Andy Warhol NEW!"Everyone Will be Famous for 15 Minutes"
Author: Edward Willett
ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3385-6
Publication Year: 2010
Interest Level: Grades 9-12
Page Count: 160

"Paintings are too hard. Machines have less problems…" In the 1960s, Andy Warhol became the most famous creator of a new style of art called pop art, which transformed mass-produced items of popular culture into fine works of art. From Campbell's Soup cans to photographs of Marilyn Monroe, Warhol's willingness to use anything and everything from the mass media in his work expanded the range of subject matter available to artists. His avant-garde films, artistic usage of American icons, and unconventional social life made him a controversial figure, both greatly admired and deeply reviled. A trendsetter rather than a trend-follower, a dispassionate observer of both the seamy and celebrity sides of life, Warhol was a true American rebel.

Phelps to compete in this week's US Championships

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

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