Posts Tagged middle-grade fiction

STEM Tuesday: STEAMing Up your Summer Reading List!

By on July 3, 2018   /   Book Lists, Nonfiction, STEM Tuesday  

STEM TUESDAY from the mixed up files

 

Are you settling in to those dog days of summer? The sun. The heat. The pool and the sand? Well, don’t forget to pack a book in your bag for the beach. A great book can provide hours of fun. Why not add some STEAM or STEM books to your summer reading list? Here are some great ones for you to check out.

 

A wacky and unique way to experience science:

 

 

Flying Machines: How the Wright Brothers Soared by Alison Wilgus  Illustrator Molly Brooks (First Second Books)

* A 2017 NSTA Best STEM book

Take to the skies with Flying Machines

Follow the famous aviators from their bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, to the fields of North Carolina where they were to make their famous flights. In an era of dirigibles and hot air balloons, the Wright Brothers were among the first innovators of heavier than air flight. But in the hotly competitive international race toward flight, Orville and Wilbur were up against a lot more than bad weather. Mechanical failures, lack of information, and even other aviators complicated the Wright Brothers’ journey. Though they weren’t as wealthy as their European counterparts, their impressive achievements demanded attention on the international stage. Thanks to their carefully recorded experiments and a healthy dash of bravery, the Wright Brothers’ flying machines took off.

 

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50 Wacky Inventions Throughout History: Weird inventions that seem too crazy to be real! by Joe Rhatigan (Author), Celeste Aires (Illustrator) – (Walter Foster Jr)

With 50 Wacky Inventions Throughout History, history has never been so fun–or wacky

Have you ever heard of a bike TV? Or a bird diaper? 50 Wacky Inventions Throughout History describes 50 inventions that seem too crazy to be true–but are Whether useful, entertaining, or just plain silly, these mind-boggling inventions and gadgets from yesterday, today, and tomorrow will surprise and delight fun-fact lovers of all ages.

 

 

Learn about the Creatures you might find in the Ocean:

 

 

Sea Creatures by Seymour Simon (HarperCollins)

Dive into the wonderful world under the sea with Sea Creatures, a gorgeous informational picture book from award-winning science writer Seymour Simon!

Ranging from tiny single-celled creatures to the larger-than-life whales, the ocean is filled with life. Some sea animals live in the darkest depths of the ocean, while others live close to sunlight. From camouflage to way of communicating to existing symbiotically, sea creatures are some of the most adaptable animals on Earth.

With clear, simple text and stunning full-color photographs, readers will explore the deep blue sea and meet all types of aquatic friends.

 

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Absolute Expert Dolphins by Jennifer Swanson (NGKids Books)

Kids who have a laser focus on dolphins will learn everything they’ve ever wanted to know about them in an eye-catching, page-turning book for aspiring experts, featuring exclusive content from a National Geographic explorer currently in the field.Hey, dolphin fin-atics Get ready to dive into the world of your favorite fabulous marine mammals in this action-packed book chock-full of awesome facts, photos, and fun Join National Geographic explorer and dolphin expert Justine Jackson-Ricketts to get the latest, most up-to-date dolphin intel straight from the field, plus fun facts, in-depth info, and awesome trivia about every kind of dolphin under the sun (and beneath the waves). It’s the ultimate book to help YOU become an absolute expert on one of your favorite topics.

 

Quiz your friend with fun facts about scientists!

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Galaxy Girls: 50 Amazing Stories of Women in Space
by Libby Jackson (Harper Collins)

Filled with beautiful full-color illustrations, a groundbreaking compendium honoring the amazing true stories of fifty inspirational women who helped fuel some of the greatest achievements in space exploration from the nineteenth century to today—including Hidden Figure’s Mary Jackson and Katherine Johnson as well as former NASA Chief Astronaut Peggy Whitson, the record-holding American biochemistry researcher who has spent the most cumulative time in space.

 

 

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Up & Down: The Adventures of John Jeffries, First American to Fly
by Don Brown (Charlesbridge Publishing)

The incomparable Don Brown chronicles the ballooning misadventures of John Jeffries, scientist and aviation pioneer.

Swept up by the European ballooning craze of the 1780s, Dr. John Jeffries longed to become the first person to fly across the English Channel. But first he had to outwit a rascally copilot, keep the balloon from bursting, and avoid crashing into the sea. The good doctor’s quick-thinking solutions will surprise young readers–and keep them giggling. Orbis Pictus and Sibert Honor winner Don Brown tells this quirky true story with his usual accuracy and heart.

 

Discover interesting info on animals all around you!

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The Hyena Scientist by Sy Montgomery (HMH BFYR)

This myth-busting new addition to the critically acclaimed Scientists in the Field series by Sibert medal winning team Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop is perfect for nonfiction readers looking for more female scientist narratives, or a fresh perspective on an underrepresented animal–Hyenas

Timely and inspiring, The Hyena Scientist sets the record straight about one of history’s most hated and misunderstood mammals, while featuring the groundbreaking, pioneering research of a female scientist in a predominately male field in this offering by Sibert-winning duo Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop.

 

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Beastly Brains by Nancy Castaldo (HMH BFYR)

In Beastly Brains, Castaldo delves into the minds of animals and explores animal empathy, communication, tool use, and social societies through interviews and historical anecdotes. Researchers from Charles Darwin to Jane Goodall have spent years analyzing the minds of animals, and today’s science is revolutionizing old theories and uncovering surprising similarities to our own minds. Humans are not alone in our ability to think about ourselves, make plans, help each other, or even participate in deception. You’ll think differently about the animals on this planet—maybe it’s their world and we’re just living in it!

 

Enjoy some science with your fiction book!

 

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty (Random House BFYR)

A lightning strike gave her a super power…but even a super genius can’t solve the problem of middle school. This smart and funny novel is perfect for fans of The Fourteenth Goldfish, Rain Reign, and Counting by Sevens.

Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning. She doesn’t remember it, but it changed her life forever. The zap gave her genius-level math skills, and ever since, Lucy has been homeschooled. Now, at 12 years old, she’s technically ready for college. She just has to pass 1 more test–middle schoolLucy’s grandma insists: Go to middle school for 1 year. Make 1 friend. Join 1 activity. And read 1 book (that’s not a math textbook ). Lucy’s not sure what a girl who does calculus homework for fun can possibly learn in 7th grade. She has everything she needs at home, where nobody can make fun of her rigid routines or her superpowered brain. The equation of Lucy’s life has already been solved. Unless there’s been a miscalculation?

 

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Lucy’s Lab: The Colossal Fossil Fiasco by Michelle Houts (Sky Pony Press)

 

Lucy accidentally overhears her parents talking about the family getting a second pet. But what pet should they get?At school, Lucy’s class is learning about fossils and the plants and animals that left them behind.One afternoon, Lucy finds a special rock, and Miss Flippo gets very excited But when Lucy’s precious fossil goes missing, everyone in Room 2C is a suspect. . . .

 

Know of a great STEM/STEAM book to recommend? Add it below. Happy Science Reading!

 

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This post created by Jennifer Swanson, award-winning author of 35 nonfiction books for kids. When not writing, Jennifer can be found reading about cool science facts. You can find her at www.JenniferSwansonBooks.com

 

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DC Zooms into Middle Grade with New Imprint

By on June 27, 2018   /   Book Lists, Fiction  

Graphic novels have been zooming into the MG space in a big way in the past few years. In fact, middle grade graphic novels are probably the hottest category in publishing right now.

Traditional kidlit publishers have been moving toward graphic novels since Scholastic launched their Graphix imprint in 2005 and acquired Jeff Smith’s Bone series, but graphic novel publishers have also been moving toward kidlit. Also in 2005, NBM Publishing started their Papercutz imprint, which publishes graphic novel versions of classic middle-grade series, like Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys as well as series featuring popular pop culture characters, such as Lego Ninjago and Disney Fairies, and original titles such as the popular Geronimo Stilton series.

DC Zoom logo. Courtesy of DC Entertainment.Since then, the genre has continued to grow. According to the American Bookseller’s Association, comics and graphic novels saw a strong sales growth in 2014-2017, due in large part to the success of middle-grade authors such as Raina Telgemeier and Dav Pilkey. In February 2018 at the ALA Mid-Winter Conference, DC Entertainment announced two new imprints: DC Zoom for middle-grade readers and DC Ink for young adults. These imprints combine popular middle-grade and YA authors, acclaimed artists, and iconic DC characters to create unique, out-of-continuity stories that are aimed specifically at young readers.

At the ALA Annual Conference this week, I had the opportunity to learn about some of the upcoming titles from DC Zoom and listen to their authors talk about the experience of working on these graphic novels. Read more →

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Think Like Socrates: Middle Grade Readers and Socratic Discussion

By on June 15, 2018   /   Articles, Curriculum Tie-in  

A teaching tactic from antiquity…in the MG classroom, library, homeschool group, summer reading program, or book club? Absolutely! Perhaps you’ve heard of or participated in a Socratic discussion (also called Socratic method, dialogue, seminar, and questioning). It’s been a great way to get learners thinking, listening, and expressing since Socrates encouraged his students to do the same in Ancient Greece!

Socratic discussion allows each group member to contribute ideas and to listen to the ideas of others, while thinking critically about an open-ended topic or question. Even elementary students can become skilled in the techniques of Socratic discussion—and middle graders, with their developing abilities in complex thinking and making connections, are excellent candidates for this activity. In a Socratic discussion on a book, chapter, or reading passage, middle grade readers have the chance to articulate their ideas and serve as active listeners to other readers doing the same.

What are the goals with Socratic discussion in a reading group? Whether you are a librarian, a teacher, a book club guide, a homeschooling parent, or a summer program facilitator, Socratic discussion can fulfill many reading goals for your group of middle graders:

  • provide readers with an opportunity for sharing ideas;
  • promote critical thinking skills;
  • demonstrate how each reader’s takeaway from a book can be different, and to teach acceptance of differing viewpoints;
  • allow an outlet for a variety of levels of thinking, listening, and speaking;
  • encourage and motivate readers through active learning.

How is a Socratic discussion different from a debate? Open-ended questions guide Socratic discussions—the kinds of questions that do not have defined, simple answers. There is no right/wrong, winner/loser, argument/refutation/rebuttal. Ideally, the ideas flow from all readers, and all readers listen and respond when moved to contribute. Readers can disagree with an idea, and offer a different thought for consideration—but unlike a debate, the objective is not to prove the other “side” wrong—because there is no opponent.

Also, while a debate may focus primarily on one issue, a Socratic discussion welcomes new, connected questions into play—maybe even questions that you (as the discussion guide) hadn’t considered.

Some methods for a successful Socratic discussion:

  1. Let readers know at least a day in advance that they will be participating in a special activity called Socratic discussion. They may need a quick briefing on the concept, if it is new to them.
  2. Explain that readers should arrive having read the MG book (or a particular chapter, passage, or part) in advance of the discussion day. (Consequently, Socratic discussions work very well with the “flipped classroom” model.) Each reader should bring his or her copy of the book, for handy reference during the discussion.
  3. If you have a particularly reserved group, you might let them know the discussion question(s) ahead of time, and encourage each reader to bring 2-3 ideas to the discussion.
  4. You’ll need chairs in a circle, so that readers can see each other. If the group is so large that two smaller discussion groups are warranted, the waiting group might need an activity while waiting, or they can enjoy extra reading time.
  5. Create several guiding questions that are open-ended, involve reader reaction, and can be supported or detailed with moments from the reading. Here are some examples of guiding questions for two MG novels I read recently. (Though, as open-ended questions, with a bit of tweaking they might work well for many others too.)

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

  • Remember that a character can be dynamic or static. Relationships between characters can be dynamic, too. How are the relationships in The Crossover dynamic? (Extension question—how do dynamic characters in the book cause their relationships to be dynamic as well?)
  • How does the format (verse) of this novel impact its storytelling?
  • Choose any secondary character and describe him or her with three adjectives, explaining the moments in the book that led you to your choices.

The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz (with awesome medieval-style illuminations by Hatem Aly)

  • Whose story is this, ultimately? In other words, if you had to choose, which one (and only one) character is the book mostly about—one of the three children, one of the storytellers, someone else? What events and/or character reactions lead you to feel that way?
  • What theme topic (or theme statement) comes out most prevalently in this story? What parts of the book support your choice?
  • How did the method of storytelling (multiple first-person retellings, each one acting as an omniscient narrator!) impact your reader experience? What predictions or questions did you have while reading? 

 

6. Just prior to the discussion, briefly review these guidelines with your middle graders before revealing or reviewing the guiding question to discuss:

When a reader would like to contribute an idea, he or she does so—the discussion guide does not have to acknowledge him. (Then, how to tell who has the floor? One way: the speaker simply stands to speak. This allows everyone to focus on him or her, and gives a sense of importance to the ideas being contributed. If two or more readers stand at the same time—what a great problem to have!—establish an easy, impartial rule for speaking first, such as who has the earliest (or latest) birthday date in the calendar year.)

Acknowledge other readers’ ideas, and reference the speaker by name. (Providing readers with some leads to use as models in formulating their verbal contributions allows even shy speakers to confidently contribute an idea, and encourages the forming of good discussion habits: “I agree with what John said about….” “I think another way Emma’s idea shows up in this chapter is….” “I hear what Caitlyn is saying and another way of putting it might be….” “I disagree with Hayden, because I think that character…..”)

7. After these reminders, reveal or review the question for discussion, and invite the ideas: “Who would like to begin?” Your role as a guide can be challenging—because now, you mostly need to keep quiet! Interject a guiding comment if clarity is needed—“Who can restate in your own words the idea Brianna mentioned?”—or to regenerate a hook—“Let’s go back to Sierra’s question about the main character. Any thoughts on that?” However, refrain from offering your own ideas or introducing any new content in the middle of the discussion.

Also, bring a speaker back on track if he or she drifts into lengthy personal storytelling. A quick mention of an individual experience is great to show connections—“That scene reminds me of when I took this long road trip across the state”—but an overly detailed recounting of a family vacation stalls the discussion.

8. Allow the discussion to pick up tangential ideas and new questions, as long as the readers are engaging in critical thinking about the book.

9. Wrap up the discussion when new ideas begin to wane—and before interest in the question or topic fades. Interest gained from the discussion motivates readers into the next chapter or book, which hopefully drives additional interest going into the next discussion.

With a little practice and guidance, middle grade readers can benefit from and enjoy this classical technique!

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