From The Mixed Up Files

Welcome to STEM Tuesday: Author Interview, a repeating feature for the last Tuesday of every month. Go Science-Tech-Engineering-Math! Today we’re featuring Danna Staaf, a marine biologist and author of several science books. Her book The Lady and the Octopus: How Jeanne Villepreux-Power Invented Aquariums and Revolutionized Marine Biology garnered these reviews: Notable Award Children’s Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year, 2023 Booklist Top 10 History for Youth, 2023 Booklist Top 10 Science and Technology Books for Youth, 2023 Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) Choices, 2023 Booklist Top 10 Biographies & Memoirs for...

The month of April is known for many things. It’s National Poetry Month, of course. And it’s also American Heart Month, National Garden Month, National Autism Awareness Month, and National Financial Literacy Month. But guess what else it is…. April is School Library Month, and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) encourages us all to join them in both celebration and advocacy. The idea for School Library Month originated in 1983 with Lucille Thomas, who was appointed to spearhead the School Library Month Committee by then AALS president, Judy King. The idea became a reality on April 1, 1985,...

Yesterday was the first day of Spring here in the US, and goodness am I ready for some renewal, rebirth, and growth. In the spirit of all things new and hopeful, I thought I’d round up a list of books with a Spring-vibe for you all. Nature: Let’s get outside....

Welcome to STEM Tuesday: Author Interview, a repeating feature for the last Tuesday of every month. Go Science-Tech-Engineering-Math! Today we’re featuring Danna Staaf, a marine biologist and author of several science books. Her book The Lady and the Octopus: How Jeanne Villepreux-Power Invented Aquariums and Revolutionized Marine Biology garnered these reviews: Notable...

Welcome to STEM Tuesday: Author Interview, a repeating feature for the last Tuesday of every month. Go Science-Tech-Engineering-Math! Today we’re featuring Danna Staaf, a marine biologist and author of several science books. Her book The Lady and the Octopus: How Jeanne Villepreux-Power Invented Aquariums and Revolutionized Marine Biology garnered these reviews: Notable...

It’s a good time to talk about libraries and museums—because it’s always a good time to talk about libraries and museums! Libraries and museums have an enchanted, mystical vibe year-round. They are particularly good places to spend some hours in this “long-haul” part of the school year when winter’s festivities...

Great Spring time books are raining down on middle grade readers this month. Check out this selection of upcoming releases. From a debut historical fiction story from Laurie Halse Anderson to, a second in a series from Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, and several adventures await! Come in from the rain...

As educators, parents, and creatives, we are very familiar with the notion of the reluctant reader: young—and old—readers who dread picking up a book, yet alone finishing it! Educators struggle with recommending interesting stories to unmotivated readers. Parents struggle with unfinished library books that their children just HAD to have....