This is an amazing book of puzzles, illusions, paradoxes and
games. It’s an exciting adventure for the mathematical mind. Too
overwhelming for those who are not, but specific puzzles can be used
from the book to be shared with a child or class less mathematical.
It is a great resource to go back to again and again for a challenge
or to demonstrate fun aspects of math.
related-geometry, numbers, logic and probability, topology, points
and lines, graphs and networks, curves and circles, perception,
shapes and polygons, patterns, mathematical concepts, science
recreation, dissections
RL=5th & up, as young as 1st grade for single puzzles
Everything you need to know to create your first comic strip and
more! Roche starts with a brief explanation and history of comics. He
gives tips about beginning and developing drawing skills, plus
discusses building and polishing stories. He talks about publishing
your strips in different formats and for different media and
audiences in order to get feedback to launch your successful
career-whether your purpose is strictly for fun or to become a
professional. He has suggestions for continuing to brainstorm and
look for new ideas and for keeping a portfolio.
The book is accessible to fairly young readers, but has enough
information to be useful for any beginning comic strip
artist.
related-drawing techniques, writing process, continue reading, layout
& design, finishing product, self-publishing, internet,
syndicates, other media & products
RL=4th & up
Drawing on the idea of pictograms McLimans has graphically depicted the letters of the alphabet. Each letter becomes an endangered animal of the world. An attempt was made to pick animals whose characteristics worked well with their respective letters. It is an old idea to use pictures to help learn the sounds and shapes of letters. Some children (such as those taught in Waldorf schools) still learn their letters through tracing or drawing object-shaped letters. McLimans has taken the idea beyond the basic and also turned it into a lesson of diversity and ecology.
The book may be used for several ages, starting with familiarizing toddlers with the sounds of the letters. It can also be used up through 5th grade for lessons of biology, ecology, and art.
related-alphabet books, art of illumination, endangered species
RL=toddler-5th
Damiana is a safe-keeper. Villagers of Tambleham and outsiders come to her to share the burden of their secrets knowing she is bound to keep the secrets safe. While she is giving birth to her own child, the King’s Safe-Keeper delivers a secret to her doorstep- a child. The two children are raised as if they were twins, loved equally by Damiana, her sister, and her circle of friends which includes a Truth-Teller (bound to tell the truth), an herbalist, and a Dream-Maker (who has a power within her that changes wishes to reality). There comes a time when the fathers of both children are important, as is the children’s relationship.
Though the idea of a noble being raised by a villager has been done over and over, Shinn’s unfolding world is interesting. I enjoyed the friendship that binds Damiana’s circle. I also think Fiona (her daughter) is a strong character, and I am looking forward to reading more of the series.
I was drawn to the series and author by a short story I read of Shinn’s in Firebirds Rising. The story is called Wintermoon Wish.
I’ve been waiting to read this book since hearing about it. It didn’t quite live up to my expectations, but it has a sequel, so I’m hoping the story will improve now that much of the backstory is out of the way. Maybe there was too much anticipation, since I already knew a little about the elusive Flamel and his wife. After reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, my son searched for information about the real Flamel. His story is begging to be told, but no one really knows it.
I’ve just finished the 3rd book of the series. It is an excellent series for the 4th-7th grades. Also for reluctant readers. It’s full of action and humor and is a fun twist on mythology. Also one to note especially for boys.
This is an impressive biography of someone I never would have known about and in an industry I would not have been likely to research. Dinosaurs are not particularly interesting to me, but what is fascinating is the way archaeologists go about finding evidence. I wanted to keep reading for the fantastic photos alone, and the content is compelling in its uniqueness.
Today is RSS Awareness Day. An event organized to help spread the word about a useful technology used widely among bloggers, web designers, and other web-addicted people, yet largely unknown to the masses.
RSS, or Really Simple Syndication, allows you to see whether your favorite sites have been updated, and see what was added, much quicker. You can tell at a glance which sites have been updated and read the new content right there. Instead of going to all the sites every day, the sites come to you.
This video (3 minutes, 43 seconds) will explain everything:
This month’s book is sure to be controversial as it has mature content. A Swift Pure Cry by Siobhan Dowd deals with the subject of teen pregnancy. It addresses lack of knowledge, secrecy, and a lack of support while the community points fingers. Religion also plays a part in this passionate, tear-wrenching story.
Yikes. April’s almost over and I’m only halfway through my April pick-the first book of Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, The Eye of the World. It seems that all of this has been leading up to the point of the series. It’s good, but long. My two older sons really liked it. I like the concept, but sense there will be more violence/war than I care for. It will be interesting to see how the ideas of legends being actual history and history repeating itself play out through the series.
Note: I have made a point of including books that people of all ages can enjoy. Try some books that are a challenge and some for younger people too--no matter your age.
**Most of the books on this site were written for children and young adults. There are some adult books included because they appeal to younger readers too and because they are transitional for teenage readers.
***Many libraries now have their catalogues online. You can search them for books from home if you choose not to buy books. If you don't know your local library's name, type library location (for ex. library Bangor, Me).
