On this day in 2008

Barack Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States.

This photo-biography of President Obama celebrates events in his life, as well as offering some light-hearted photos of President Obama playing basketball or body surfing in Hawaii.

There are three other titles in The Obama Family Photo Album series.

National American Indian Heritage Month Proclamation

Can you guess which U.S. President proclaimed November as National American Indian Heritage month? Read the Proclamation here to find out.

The National Register of Historic Places link has a list of American Indian properties featured in teaching and Historic Places Lesson Plans making it very convenient to bring a lesson into the classroom or library during November or any time of the year. Supplement that with our The Fascinating History of American Indians title and you're all set to go!

Interesting tidbit of information

On this day in 1889, North Dakota and South Dakota became the 39th and 40th states.

Interested in learning more about North Dakota or South Dakota? Fun and Simple Midwestern State Crafts contains interesting facts about both states as well as the region. Learn how to create some fun crafts as well!

Vote for Character Education with Enslow's "Molly the Great Respects the Flag"

November is filled with opportunities to proudly celebrate our nation, its character, and the responsibilities that come with freedom. Events such as Election Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving offer ready-made contexts for teaching and learning activities related to these holidays.

For young readers, a wonderful Enslow book that imaginatively addresses these issues is Molly the Great Repsects the Flag: A Book About Being A Good Citizen. Author Shelley Marshall's 24-page title provides a character driven narrative from which larger notions of citizenship emerge. The book’s Guided Reading Level "F" and lovely, watercolor-style illustrations invite readers to enjoy each page and absorb its message about civic responsibility. Molly the Great Respects the Flag also comes with a free, downloadable teacher’s guide, including curricular-based activities and a useful reproducible piece.

The book, included in Enslow’s "Character Education with Super Ben and Molly the Great" series, is available in paperback for $6.95. The title is also available in a library-bound version.

Visit www.enslowclassroom.com for more information and immediate ordering!

Celebrate National Author's Day Today

November 1st is designated as the day to celebrate your favorite author or authors.

Here at Enslow we have some great titles that include personal interviews with popular authors.For young readers in grades 3–4, is our Authors Kids Love series while our Authors Teens Love series is suitable for grades 6–up.

My favorite authors are children's authors. In particular, I love E.B. White because my favorite book happens to be Charlotte's Web. I spent lots of time reading Judy Blume when I was younger and still enjoy reading her books today. If you've ever had the opportunity to hear Richard Peck speak you would have to add him to your favorite list authors. And if you've ever met Jerry Spinelli you couldn't help but add him to your list as well.

Jerry Spinelli with his copy of
Enslow's Jerry Spinelli: Master Teller of Teen Tales biography.

Celebrate National Author's Day by telling us who your favorite author is!

On this day in 2003

LeBron James made his NBA debut with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

LeBron is included in Basketball's Top 10 Slam Dunkers.

Enslow's Halloween Who's Who!

Several staff members dressed up for Halloween. Can you guess who their characters are?

Happy Halloween! (well, almost!)

Last night I was digging through all of my old Halloween costumes that were in my parents' attic-- and I found such a random array of costumes. A ghost, cheerleader, a bride, a lamb (when I was 2), doctor, and my personal favorite- softball player from A League of Their Own!

This year, a friend and I are dressing up as the Blues Brothers. What are you being for Halloween this year? Post your comments, we want to know!

Little kids are my favorite in costumes and they are just learning about Halloween most likely in Preschool. Enslow's newest book, Halloween, for PreK-1 is a great way to get kids to learn about Halloween, but most of all, get them to read!

October is Blind Awareness Month

Did you know: working guide dogs are allowed to enter all public places but puppies-in-training are not?

The next time you see one of these dogs with their special harnesses, you know they are working.

A great tie-in to Blind Awareness Month is Enslow's new Guide Dog Heroes, written by Linda Bozzo. This 48 page book is written for grades 3-4 and is part of the Amazing Working Dogs with American Humane series.

Enslow is planning on publishing two titles on blindness-related subjects in the Fall of 2011. Watch for them!

Look What Enslow's Cooking Up...Literally

An email from one of our editors recently went out to Enslow's staff for volunteers to cook up some of the recipes for our new series, "Easy Cookbooks for Kids." These six new titles that include recipes for breakfast, lunch, main dishes, snacks, desserts, and vegetarian foods will be published in the fall of 2011. With all of the popular cooking shows on television, kids are really going to eat these new titles up! (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) Here's just a few of the dishes that were recently tested in our lab...I mean lunchroom.



Papaya Chicken



Jollof Rice



Kolacziki Cookies

 Of course, I went right for the dessert. My grandmother used to make these delicious cookies. I haven't had them in years so I helped myself to two of them!

This series, for grades 3–4, will present information on cooking, culture, and geography in a fun, kid-friendly format along with fun, hands-on recipes kids can do with minimal adult help.

Naismith's Rules of the Game Set to Be Auctioned

There's an interesting article in The New York Times today that caught my eye about Dr. James Naismith who wrote the first rules of the game of basketball. His original rules are set to be auctioned by Sotheby's. What I learned is that nearly every sport is evolved from something else but basketball is one of the few invented sports.

Enslow's The Man Who Invented Basketball: James Naismith and His Amazing Game from our Genius at Work! Great Inventor Biographies series is a great way to tie-in this famous inventor with current events. This book is 32 pages for grades 3–4 and includes a timeline, words to know, a further reading list and Internet addresses, and an index.

ANSWER to Word Problems...No Problem!

Yesterday we posted this algebra question from our Algebra Word Problems title.

Coach had the entire track team run 4 laps. When they finished, he had the distance runners run some more laps. Each distance runner ran 40 laps in all. Use an algebraic equation to find how many laps the distance runners ran after the rest of the team had finished running?
 

ANSWER:

laps run with the team + more laps run = laps run in all

4 + r = 40

Subtract 4 from each side of the equation to get the variable, r, by itself. Then do the operations.

4 + r = 40
4 - 4 + r = 40 - 4
r = 36

The distance runners ran 36 more laps after the rest of the team had finished running.

Last Chance for Free Halloween Craft

Are you on the lookout for a last-minute Halloween activity for your elementary school students? Have them add a skeleton craft to their repertoire of ghosts and goblins! We're offering a free skeleton craft from Haunted House Adventure Crafts, one of the five titles in Enslow Publsihers' new "Fun Adventure Crafts" series. Call Enslow Publishers now (800.398.2504) to learn how you can download this free Halloween craft.

Haunted House Adventure Crafts is available in paperback for $6.95 per copy. A library-bound edition is also available. Call Enslow Publishers today for more information, including ways to save money when you order books from author Anna Llimos' "Fun Adventure Crafts" series!

Word Problems...No Problem!

You might not realize it all the time because math isn't always written as a math problem, but math is everywhere! Our new series Math Busters Word Problems helps students understand how algebra is used in word problems using topics, they can relate to. Here's an algebra word problem using addition from our Algebra Word Problems title:

Coach had the entire track team run 4 laps. When they finished, he had the distance runners run some more laps. Each distance runner ran 40 laps in all. Use an algebraic equation to find how many laps the distance runners ran after the rest of the team had finished running?

We'll post the answer tomorrow.

VIDEO: Enslow author Randel McGee demonstrates a fun craft!

Just in time for Halloween, Enslow's author Randel McGee demonstrates how to make "Goofy Googles" out of paper, straight from his Paper Crafts for Halloween book by Enslow Publishers. Click here to see the video!

Randel is an expert of paper crafts and has written an entire series for Enslow, Paper Craft Fun for Holidays.

Nicole's Baby Shower

Nicole, our Photo Manager here at Enslow is going on maternity leave starting today. Her Enslow
co-workers threw her a surprise baby shower earlier in the week, complete with decorations, gifts, tasty treats, a baby pool, and of course advice for the soon-to-be new mother. We all wish Nicole the best and we can't wait to meet the new addition to her family.



Nicole doesn't know if it's a boy or a girl so Pam was careful to include
pink and blue icing on her cupcakes.
Kurt's specialty "dirty diaper" Rice Krispie treats are an Enslow tradition.



The Enslow staff couldn't help but give Nicole some parenting advice!





Oooh! Aahhhh!

Lisa carefully thinking about her baby pool choices.

 

Nicole politely smiling but secretly wondering if these people really know anything about babies.

On this day in 1879

Thomas Edison invented a workable electric light at his laboratory in Menlo Park, N.J.

That first workable electric light remained lit for over forty-five hours. Edison and some of his workers took turns staying awake to keep an eye on that light.
 
Interested in learning more about Thomas Edison? Click here.

Today is National Reptile Day

There are more than eight thousand different kinds of reptiles. They can be less than an inch long or they can weigh a ton. When reptiles hatch, they look like miniature adults. Reptiles have dry skin and scales, while amphibians have moist skin and do not have scales.

These facts were pulled from Learning to Care for Reptiles and Amphibians, written by Felicia Lowenstein Niven.

Win a Copy of The Devil's Door! Sponsored by SLJ

October 20, 2010



With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to put the finishing touches on your costume and share scary stories about ghosts, goblins, and witches. In Enslow Publishers' newest historical fiction adventures title, The Devil's Door: A Salem Witchcraft Story, Sarah Wright and her father come to Salem Village to start a new life. But a strange affliction has begun to torment some young girls in the village, and after the doctor fails to find a cause, he's determined that it can only be one thing: witchcraft! The devil has come to Salem. As fear and panic spread, so do the accusations. Readers can follow Sarah on her journey in this terrifying tale that's set in colonial America.


Would you like to win a copy of The Devil's Door? Simply email whatsnew@enslow.com and tell them about your favorite Halloween memory. Better hurry! Only the first five entrants will receive a free book. (Please include your mailing address.) Winners will be notified by email within three days and their responses will be posted on the publisher's blog and Twitter pages. All entrants will be added to Enslow's e-newsletter list.


This article originally appeared in School Library Journal's enewsletter SLJTeen.

Today is National Day on Writing

To draw attention to the remarkable variety of writing Americans engage in and to help make writers from all walks of life aware of their craft, the National Council of Teachers of English has established October 20, as the National Day on Writing.
 
To celebrate NCTE encourages participants to the visit National Gallery of Writing where they can read published work, contribute their own writing, start a local gallery, or search galleries.

NCTE provides a list of wonderful classroom activities, Web sites, and related resouces available here.

Thinking of writing a book or maybe starting your memoirs? Why not start today?

Need a book to help your students with their writing? Check out our Ace Your Creative Writing Project or Ace Your Research Paper or Ace Your Writing Assignment titles.

Happy National Day on Writing!

Happy Birthday Philip Pullman

The works of Philip Pullman, award-winning author of the His Dark Materials trilogy, are enjoyed by readers of all ages. Some of the themes of his work include the conflict of good vs. evil, the end of innocence, and the beginning of wisdom. Perhaps more than anything else, however, his work is known for its depiction of the relationship between religion and science. Such depictions continue to fuel discussion among readers and inspire debate today.

What is a Joey?

Young students reading about animals offer instructors a multitude of teachable moments. Their names, for example, help define the creatures as young or adult.

Did you know that a baby kangaroo is called a "joey"? As with many of us, one's initial instinct might connect "joey" with a human being. Children may find "joey's" attribution amusing or puzzling. However, "joey" will get them to stop and think. At that point, the teachable moment begins.

Teachers and students can read about "joeys" and adult kangaroos in Enslow Publishers' How Do Baby Animals Live? Author Faith Hickman Byrnie's 32-page book, part of the Enslow series "I Like Reading About Animals," includes striking color photography, a child-friendly design, and useful back matter. The book's dual reading passages accommodate two distinct Guided Reading Levels, while maintaining the same overall narrative for both texts. A Teacher's Guide is available for each book in the six-title series.

How Do Baby Animals Live? is available in paperback for $6.95; a library-bound version is also available.

For more information, visit http://www.enslowclassroom.com/

Make Discussing Breast Cancer Easier!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so when I think of October I think of PINK and my mom!

This October I'm celebrating my mother's one year anniversary as a breast cancer survivor. I'm sure you can think of at least one person who you know that has battled this disease.While I was able to meet with my mother's surgeon, to learn more about the type of breast cancer she had and discuss her treatment options, there are many people who are not so fortunate.

     Enslow's The Breast Cancer Update title is a great way for teenagers to learn about the disease that perhaps someone they know is battling. Complete with a summary of the disease, how cancer develops, different stages of cancer, and diagnostic and treatment methods are presented in a way that even teenagers can understand.

Discussing breast cancer as an adult was difficult, I can only imagine what it would be like for a teenager who probably has little knowledge of the disease and LOTS of questions. Books are a great way to get accurate information into teenage hands and hopefully make discussing topics, like breast cancer, a little easier for everyone.

Happy National Boss Day!

Tomorrow, October 16, is really National Bosses Day, but since it falls on a weekend, people are celebrating today!

Whether your boss is like Michael Scott or Jack Donaghy (I watch too much NBC) take a minute to thank him or her today for all of their hard work!

Here at Enslow, we thank all of our bosses for all their great work!

Check out this site with the most desirable bosses. Who can see yourself working for?

Police Officer and K-9 Presented Book by Author

Enslow author, Linda Bozzo, visited James Monroe Elementary School in Edison, New Jersey yesterday to present Officer Shawn Meade and his K-9 partner, Lucky, a copy of her new book Police Dog Heroes in which the officer and his dog are featured.

After presenting the newly published book to Officer Meade, Linda read from the book. She also talked about how she came in contact with the officer and told the group of children how he helped her with the research for the book.

Police Dog Heroes is one of six books in Enslow's new series, "Amazing Working Dogs with American Humane" for grades 3–4.  Each book in the series features a true story of a real dog and his handler as well as includes the history, breeds used, training, the work they do, and what happens when these dog heroes retire.

Cold versus flu

Want to know the difference between a cold and the flu? Now that cold and flue season is upon us ...

There is a chart in the Investigating Influenza and Bird Flu title that lists 11 different traits and whether that trait is found in a cold, the flu, or both. An interesting fact: "every year, between 4 and 20 percent of the world population catches some form of influenza."

Part of the Investigating Diseases series, there are five other topics in this series:  depression and bipolar disorder, diabetes, eating disorders, STDs, and tuberculosis.

Two Fantastic Videos for Earth Week

The first of the 33 miners trapped for 69 days in a collapsed mine, half a mile underground, have been rescued. If you missed the news footage like I did, thanks to technology you can still watch it or watch it again online. What better way to celebrate Earth Science Week than by watching video of the Chilean Miners Rescue.

Another great video was forwarded me this week that I thought was worth posting is the Father and Son Film Outerspace video. Using a weather balloon, a video camera, and an iPhone, this father-and-son team managed to launch their homemade spacecraft up to nearly 19 miles into the stratosphere and capture amateur, yet impressive footage.

Canadian and American Thanksgiving

Today is the day Canada officially celebrates Thanksgiving. Most of the celebrating was done yesterday, when Canada enjoyed the tail end of a three-day holiday weekend. The Canadian Thanksgiving meal is strikingly similar to that US version, with turkey, mashed potatoes, and other traditional dishes.

The Canadian holiday reminds us that the American Thanksgiving is a little over a month away. For pre-K teachers looking to incorporate the holiday into lesson plans, consider using Enslow Publishers' Thanksgiving Day. This Guided Reading Level "B" paperback title offers a charming story, opportunities to count, and thoughtfully chosen vocabulary suitable for the target age and reading threshold.

Paperback versions of this 24-page book cost $6.95; library-bound versions are also available. For more information about the book and related titles in Enslow Publishers' "All About Holidays" pre-K series, visit Enslow's paperback book website -- http://www.enslowclassroom.com/.

Celebrating Earth Science Week

According to http://www.earthsciweek.org/

The American Geological Institute has organized this national and international event to help the public gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth Sciences. Started in October 1998, this year's Earth Science Week will be October 10-16 and celebrates the theme "Exploring Energy."

Interested in doing some earth science projects this week? Go to Earth Science Projects Using the Scientific Method.

Fifth Annual New York Comic Con and comic book memories

On Sunday I attended the New York Anime/Comic Con at the Jacob K. Javits Center for the first time. I had a great time strolling Illustrator Alley, shopping the vendors (got my Bazinga and Flash t-shirts), and attending several of the Professional Panels while admiring all of the great costumes and superheros walking the floor and hanging from the ceiling!

I even purchased a one year subscription of unlimited online comics as a birthday present for my daughter at the Marvel booth. This reminded me of how publishers of all genres are changing with the times. Apparently, comic books are no exception.

It wasn't until rummaging through some boxes of old comic books at a vendor table that my childhood memories of comic books came rushing back. My earliest memory of comic books is being at our family's lake house.We didn't have a television there. We were lucky to be able to afford the one television at home. As you can imagine we did lots of other things like fish, hike, and ride bikes. But, on rainy days I remember my parents taking my brothers and I to a bookstore that sold comic books. We were each allowed to pick out several comic books since they were probably an inexpensive way of keeping the three of us from killing each other until the rain subsided. I was always an avid reader so I'm pretty sure I had a book with me. My brothers...not so much. I don't remember being allowed to buy comic books like Archie, Jughead, Betty & Veronica when we were at home, so when I think of comics books, rainy days at the lake house are what I remember. Thank you Comic Con for helping me relive that memory on Sunday.

What's your earliest memory of comic books?

Teen Read Week 2010- October 17-23

According to ala.org:

Join the more than 5,000 librarians and educators who will celebrate Teen Read Week™, October 17-23. This year's theme is Books with Beat @ your library®," which encourages teens to read poetry, audiobooks, books about music, and more. Libraries across the world celebrate Teen Read Week with a variety of special events and programs aimed at encouraging teens to read for pleasure and to visit their libraries for free reading materials.

Go to http://www.enslow.com/ to see some of your favorite Enslow Publishers' books!

Happy Birthday Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

Millions of fans today see Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in the flaming red No. 8 car and think that with his name and family tradition, he was born to win races and accept the cheers of the crowd. But it was not easy. He had to grow up in the shadows of both his famous father and his grandfather, Ralph. Dale Jr. had to race cars knowing the fans would always compare him to those two other racing Earnhardts. In 1998 and 1999 he took home the Busch Grand National Series title, becoming the first driver to win such a championship after both his father and grandfather had won it before him. After his dramatic and emotional victory at the Daytona 500 in 2004—the race that took his father's life just three years earlier—Dale Jr. has emerged as one of NASCAR's best drivers. Exciting new title for reluctant readers!

It's Earth Science Week!

From October 10 to October 16, it's Earth Science week. This year's theme is "Exploring Energy."

Organized by the American Geological Institute, this event is designed to help the public gain a better understanding and appreciation for Earth Sciences.

Today would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday

There are a lot of web sites dedicated to this famous singer and musician, as well as a movie Nowhere Boy, being released in the U.S. on Friday, Oct. 8.

"How different might music, and perhaps the world, be if a crazed fan had not prematurely ended Lennon's life? All one can do is imagine." These two sentences are from Jeff Burlingame's biography John Lennon: "Imagine."

Today is the birthday of R. L. Stine

A firsthand interview and family photos can be found here, along with an examination of the life and work of this best-selling author.

Did Leif Eriksson who traveled to Canada, beat Christopher Columbus by nearly 400 years?

October 9 every year is Leif Eriksson Day. This day was created in 1964 and chosen for its connection to the first organized immigration from Norway to the United States (the ship arrived in NY harbor on October 9 1825), but ironically not for any event in the life of the Eriksson.

There are many fascinating things to find out about the Viking explorer: Leif Eriksson was a Norse explorer who was probably the first European to land in North America. According to stories from the time, he established a Norse settlement at Vinland, which has been tentatively identified as L'Anse aux Meadows, a Norse site on the northern tip of the island of Newfoundland, Canada.

Find out more in Enslow Publishers' titles here.

Freedom of the press

Should news providers be allowed to publish stories that may prove embarassing to the United States government? This was the question the United States Supreme Court had to consider in the case of New York Times v. United States in 1971.

The debate about freedom of the press is discussed in a thought-provoking overview entitled New York Times v. United States, a library-bound book for middle school readers.

The History of Fire Prevention Week

Perhaps you've heard the kids talking about firefighters with their fire engines visiting their schools this week. Courtesy of our new Fire Dog Heroes book, here's the history behind this special week...

On October 9, 1911, Fire Prevention Day was proclaimed. This day was chosen because it was the fortieth anniversary of the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, which killed hundreds of people and destroyed thousands of buildings. In 1992, Fire Prevention Day was extended to an entire week. Fire Prevention week is celebrated during the week that includes the date of October 9th.

The high price of gold

"Did you know that the rising price of gold has caused outlaw mining companies and miners to explore abandoned mines? Outlaw miners will break through concrete seals on closed shafts to try to mine any remaining gold. In June 2009 there were reports that sixty-one miners died from a fire in an abandoned mine. Additional accidents have reportly killed an estimated twenty illegal miners in 2009."

This quote was taken from True Underground Rescue Stories.

Today Brian Johnson from AC/DC is celebrating a birthday

Having joined AC/DC after the sudden death of Bon Scott, the lead singer, Brian Johnson has been with the band ever since. Their first album with Johnson as lead singer was Back in Black.

Formed in 1973, AC/DC is still one of the most popular bands to perform today. Interested in reading more about AC/DC? This title is available in both library and paperback versions.

Justin Timberlake Discusses "The Social Network"

Singer Justin Timberlake, the subject of an Enslow Publishers biography, recently spoke about his experience acting in the new movie The Social Network. His comments, during the New York Press Day for the film, note Timberlake's preparation for his role, his working relationship with The Social Network's director David Fincher, and the actor's surprising perspective on the social networking phenomenon.

The movie offers teachers and librarians a strong opportunity to encourage students to read about Timberlake's life and career. Author Tony Napoli's 48-page biography provides a reliable, interesting "way in" for young readers to learn more about the entertainer's background. Enslow also provides a free, downloadable teacher's guide for the Timberlake book. You'll find it, along with other contemporary biographies in Enslow's "Hot Celebrity Biographies" series, at http://www.enslowclassroom.com/. The site features Enslow paperback books suitable for use as classroom supplemental materials, classroom libraries, or recreational reading.

The paperback edition of Justin Timberlake: Breakout Music Superstar costs $7.95; the book is also available in a library-bound version.

Anniversary of the death of Janis Joplin

Forty years ago today Janis Joplin died of an accidental heroin overdose in Los Angeles. Another one of those singers whose talent was never fully realized, her addictions to alcohol and drugs were her downfall.

During her short and eventful life, her powerful and soulful voice paved the way for other female rockers.

Yesterday Yosemite National Park celebrated its 120th birthday

On October 1, 1890, the United States Congress designated Yosemite National Park. Each year around 4 million people from around the world visit this park.

My family visited this park several years ago. While my two brothers and brother-in-law climbed Half Dome, my sister, mother, niece, nephew and I drove around to the different meadows and lakes, and hiked to Sentinel Dome to get an amazing view of the entire valley with all of the different peaks and waterfalls. We hiked through Hetch Hetchy and drove to Glacier Point on our way out of the park. Talk about an amazing experience!

Posted by Pam

Former President Jimmy Carter is celebrating a birthday today

In 2002, Jimmy Carter won the Nobel Peace Prize for his lifelong dedication to world peace, human rights, and democracy. In the years since Carter’s presidency, he has become an extraordinary role model of service to humanity. Readers of Barbara Kramer’s inspiring biography cannot help but admire this idealistic, selfless man who has harnessed his considerable ambition and power for just one goal: to make the world a better place.

On this day in 1908

Henry Ford introduced the Model T to the market. Each car cost $825. Back then, that was a lot of money for something that had people nervous about whether it would be a worthwhile purchase.

Missing hiker found after 6 days!

Edward Rosenthal, a real estate broker survived six days without food or water in Joshua Tree National Park in California. He thought for sure he was never going to be found, so wrote all over his hat his wishes for his family and friends when he passed on, making sure that Persian food was to be served at his funeral.

Rosenthal was found thanks to the relentless of the search team, which included many Search and Rescue Dog Heroes.

It's funny, because as I was reading this story, I was handed our brand new True Rescue Stories books that just came in. This is the type of story that can be found in True Wilderness Rescue Stories. These thrilling stories are 48 pages long and even include tips on how to survive!

Have you ever had an encounter like Rosenthal's, or known someone who has?