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.)

2011 Teen Choice Awards

Many of Enslow's favorite celebrities scored big at the "2011 Teen Choice Awards" last night. Winners featured in our biographies include:


Library Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3873-8
Paperback Edition: ISBN 978-1-59845-287-7



Library Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3875-2
Paperback Edition: ISBN 978-1-59845-289-1











 

Library Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3874-5

Paperback Edition: ISBN 978-1-59845-288-4





Library Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3870-7
Paperback Edition: ISBN 978-1-59845-286-0





Library Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3209-5
Paperback Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3624-6





Library Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3212-5

Paperback Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3627-7



Library Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3872-1

Paperback Edition: ISBN 978-1-59845-284-6



Library Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3567-6
Paperback Edition: ISBN 978-07660-3631-4



Library Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3213-2
Paperback Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3628-4



Library Edition: ISBN 978-0-7660-3403-7
Paperback Edition: ISBN 978-1-59845-203-7

For a full list of winners click here.



Yesterday was Friendship Day

Library ISBN 978-0-7660-3442-6
Paperback ISBN 978-1-59845-315-7
Grades 6-up

Enslow's new series Life—A How-to Guide is a series of seven titles, one of which is about friendship. Written for the middle school student, the author explores the fun, crazy, and sometimes problematic world of dealing with friends. From best friends to arguments, cliques, online friendships, and friendships between guys and girls, find out what kind of friend you are and learn how to improve your relationships.

Written by Jan Burns, Friendship is available in both library and paperback bindings.

Other titles in the Life—A How-to Guide series:

Choosing a Community Service Career

Dealing with Stress

Getting Ready to Drive

Getting the Hang of Fashion and Dress codes

                                                  Using Technology

                                                 Volunteering

Free Friday Recipe

Summer is a great time for kids to make their own lunches, so today we've chosen a recipe from our Easy Lunches from Around the World book to share with our readers.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3708-3

Mousetraps

Mousetraps are open-faced grilled cheese sandwiches. New Zealanders call any kind of toasted sandwiches "toasties." Why are these toasties called mousetraps? The cheese, of course!

What You Need

Equipment:

Cookie sheet

Butter knife

Grater

Small bowl

Fork

Ingredients:

4 slices bread

Butter

1 teaspoon Marmite or Vegemite–about ¼ teaspoon per slice.

(Marmite is a salty spread made from yeast. Vegemite is a similar product from Australia.)

1 chunk of cheddar cheese, to make about 1 cup grated

1 egg (optional)

What to Do:

Toast bread in toaster, toaster oven, or under the oven broiler.

1. Butter the toast.
2. Thinly spread Marmite or Vegemite on each piece of toast.
3. Shred the cheese.
4. Crack the egg into a small bowl. Beat it with a fork.
5. Mix shredded cheese with egg.
6. Spread cheese mixture evenly on each slice of toast. Set the "toasties" on the cookie sheet.
7. Place in the oven broiler or toaster oven until the cheese melts.
8. Remove tray from oven.
9. Cut mousetraps into triangles or strips.

Enjoy your lunch!

Check out the entire series, Easy Cookbooks for Kids for Grades 3–4.

Happy 50th Birthday Mr. President!



Celebrating Barack Obama in Pictures
ISBN:  978-0-7660-3651-2

     President Barack Obama will be celebrating his 50th birthday today with a toast in the Blue Room of the White House with senior members of his staff, and tonight he will be celebrating with family and friends.  A great way to join in celebrating the 44th President of the United States is with Enslow's Obama Family Photo Album Series, whose titles include:  First Lady Michelle Obama in Pictures, Celebrating President Barack Obama in Pictures, Celebrating the Inauguration of Barack Obama in Pictures, and Celebrating the Obama Family in Pictures.  All these titles, authored by Jane Katirgis feature color photos that showcase the lives of the members of the first family as well as Obama's inauguration.     
     President Obama was born on August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii when this American state was less than two years old!  Read more about this amazing President's life with two more Enslow titles:  Barack Obama, part of Enslow's African-American Heroes series and Barack Obama: "We Are One People", part of Enslow's African-American Biography Library.

Barack Obama:  Interest Level-Grades K-3
24 pages, $21.26
Author:  Stephen Feinstein

Barack Obama:  "We Are One People":  Interest Level-Grades 6 and up
160 pages, $31.93
Author:  Michael A. Schuman

The Obama Family Photo Album Series-Interest Level-Grades 3-4
32 pages, $22.60
Author:  Jane Katirgis

All About Big Machines



Big Trucks
Library Bound ISBN: 978-0-7660-3929-2
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-59845-241-9

 If you're just starting to read, wouldn't you want to read "All About Big Machines"?  Enslow's new Pre-K level series encourages childhood literacy through engaging sentences and pictures about the big machines that children are fascinated by.  In addition to reading skills, children will gain a basic understanding of what the vehicles they see everyday do.  The titles in this series are: "Airplanes", "Big Trucks", "Big Military Machines", "Cool Cars", "Earthmovers and Diggers", and "Rescue Vehicles".

Guided Reading Level: C
24 Pages
Author: Mary Kate Doman
Library Edition List Price: $21.26
Library Edition School/Library Discount Price: $15.96
Paperback Edition: $6.95