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Inside Biosphere 2: Earth Science Under Glass tells the story of the original Biosphere experiment, but it doesn’t stop there. With well-written text by Mary Kay Carson and remarkable photographs by Tom Uhlman,this amazing book takes us inside this unique research facility and lets us follow the scientists who work there. While readers learn about the researchers and their experiments, they'll also pick up information about photosynthesis, soil erosion, solar energy, animal survival, and other topics related to environmental science. This book paints a fascinating picture of scientists at work and brings scientific method to life. Highly recommended! Get it here!
In Next Door to a Star, Krysten Lindsay Hager has created another great character who is believable, relevant, and relatable for young teens. Hadley Daniels is spending the summer with her grandparents who live next door to a teenage television star. Hadley has never had much of a social life, but she meets her celebrity neighbor and tries to become friends with her and her group. It's not easy! Over the summer – and even afterwards – Hadley struggles with the ins and outs, ups and downs, joys and sorrows of relationships. Young readers will identify with her and enjoy sharing her journey. Hager nails Hadley's first-person voice as well as her dialogue with friends and family. Hoping for a sequel!
(Isn't this a great cover?)
Get the book here!
That's what I'm calling my new Facebook page. Fridgerix=refrigerator poetry! Like this:
You can read and share refrigerator poetry on Fridgerix. Check it out here!
"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have
only today. Let us begin."
Those words of wisdom come from Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, pictured above. For more inspirational quotes from the saints, check out my Facebook page Saints Said It.
Just wanted to remind everybody about this delightful holiday story. Avery's Pumpkin: A Halloween Tale by Tam Cassidy is a wonderful read-aloud for home or school as well as a great book for kids to read independently. There's lots of Halloween fun in this story, but the author also "sneaks" in some real substance. What does it mean to be a "winner"? How do families love each other despite their differences? What really matters in life? Kids will enjoy Avery's story now and each October for years to come. Get this ebook here.
Vashti grabbed a marker and gave the paper a good, strong jab. “There!” Her teacher picked up the paper and studied it carefully. “Hmmmmm.” She pushed the paper toward Vashti and quietly said, “Now sign it.”
In this scene from Peter H. Reynolds’ delightful picture book, The Dot, Vashti begins a journey. She’s convinced she can’t draw, but her art teacher’s support throughout the story teaches Vashti that she is an artist. Then Vashti goes on to support another young artist. It’s a delightful book – for adults as well as children – and it made me think about how much writers need each other’s encouragement. It’s so easy to fall into negativity – and so great to get support from crit groups, writers’ organizations, workshops, etc. Thanks to all the writing friends who’ve encouraged me!
Look for this book at your local bookstore as well as the equally charming Ish, also written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds.
International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration, began when teacher Terry Shay introduced his classroom to Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot on September 15, 2009. You can celebrate it on the same date this year! Read about it here.
Are you on the offense and your older kids/younger teens on the defense when it comes to talking about tough topics? I wrote this book to put you and your 11-14-year-olds on the same team. I tried to make it non-preachy, engaging, and contemporary but also doctrinally sound.
Each chapter focuses on a real-life challenge to faith as experienced by a fictional character. I also included statistical information about the chapter's topic, discussion questions, links to Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, an activity, a prayer, and a concluding message offering practical advice for how students can deal with the respective issue. I hope Tackling Tough Topics with Faith and Fiction will be a helpful resource for caring adults who want to discuss sensitive issues with young teens.
Want to see what Tackling Tough Topics is all about? Click here to view sample pages, including a chapter on the difficult-to-talk-about issue of pornography. (Other sensitive issues covered in the book include cyberbullying, modesty, family, materialism, dishonesty, body image, substance abuse, stress to overachieve, and depression.)
The book is available from Pauline Books and Media.
