Scratch

Interest level: Grades 3-10 

From the about page on Scratch  :

"Scratch is a programming language that makes it easy to create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art -- and share your creations on the web. As young people create and share Scratch projects, they learn important mathematical and computational ideas, while also learning to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively."

This program was created at the MIT Media Lab and was designed to introduce young people to programming.  Scratch uses an intuitive blocks system to help students construct their programs and is so easy that students (and teachers) can start using it in a matter of minutes. It's as simple as- if the blocks fit together then you have code that works. It they don't then you need to try again.

This program would be good for all kids and even adults to learn the basics of computer programming. Fundamental knowledge of how programming works can only of benefit to all who use computers, and who doesn't these days. In a school setting, Technology and Math teachers could easily add this to their curriculum. This would also make for a neat program in public libraries.

Boys' Life Magazine

Interest level: Grades 5+

Boy's Life Magazine is the official publication of the Boy Scouts of America. There are two versions of this magazine, one for boys younger than 11 and one for boys 11-18. Some of the material overlaps in the two versions and the covers are usually the same, but there is variation in content based on the age group. There are articles on scouting and camping, sports, volunteerism, hot new cars, animals and more. I was surprised to see that stories of the Bible are showcased each month. This magazine features a lot of ads, mostly for television programs and video games, but also for outdoor adventures and outdoor gear. All in all this is a good magazine for boys entrenched in the Boy Scout lifestyle.

Rosie the riveter

 

Colman. P. (1995). Rosie the riveter: Women working on the Home Front in World War II. New York, NY: Crown Publishers, Inc.

Interest Level: Grades 5-8

Reading Level: 8+

Rosie the Riveter begins with a brief overview of World War II and how America came to take part in the War as seen through the eyes of Dot Chastney, a third grader at the time. Dot had a personal connection to what was going on in Europe because her neighbor, Annie Ashworth was taking the trip of her lifetime there and Dot's family was concerned for her safety. From that personal female perspective on the war we are introduced to the role that women were encouraged to take while men were away fighting the war. The government created a large scale propaganda campaign and "Rosie the Riveter," the title of an upbeat song of the time, quickly became the catchphrase to represent all women workers. During this time period women held jobs of all kinds in all industries, from shipyards to steel mills, from foundries to farms, and as engineers, physicists, chemists and more. Black women were also encouraged to work, but were segregated from white women workers. Finally, the book covers the propaganda campaign that was began as the war ended and men returned home, which encouraged women to return to being housewives where they belonged.

This is a brief look at the ways that American women contributed to the success of the Wartime activities and yet were discriminated against in the workplace once soldiers began to return home, a discrimination which continued for decades to come. Real accounts of women on the job, accompanied by many photos, make this an interesting read. I was surprised to find out that the image I've always associated with Rosie the Riveter was in fact created in the 1970s. The initial image, painted by Norman Rockwell, can be seen on the cover of the book. This is a good read for those interested in American History as well as those interested in women's rights.

Variant

Wells, R. (2011). Variant. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Interest level: Grades 8+
Reading level: 4+

Seventeen-year old Benson Fisher is a foster kid in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He's lived in over thirty foster homes since he was five and just wants to stay put and belong for a little while.  He finds out about a scholarship to the Maxwell Academy, a private school in New Mexico. He is accepted immediately and he walks away from his current foster family, never looking back. He's picked up by a representative to the school and is taken to the school deep in a forest and deposited at the doorstep without even an escort in. It quickly becomes apparent that things are not normal at this school. First off, it's completely run by the students with not an adult in site. There are video cameras everywhere and the slightest infraction is punished severely. Students have banded together into three rival groups who all fight for the best jobs. Escape is not possible, or is it? Benson is determined to figure out what's going on at this sinister school where students sometimes just disappear and he's determined to escape. Will he succeed?

This is a E-ticket ride all the way. There is little back story on Benson, but it really isn't necessary because all that really matters is the here and now at Maxwell Academy. The idea of young people being trapped together and at the mercy of unseen adult puppet masters is not an all together uncommon theme is YA literature, but that doesn't detract from this story. There is a lot of violence in this book, with students killing each other in order to survive. The sense of urgency and the twist and turns as things are rarely what they seem to be will keep readers turning the pages and anxiously awaiting the sequel. Hand this to older readers who enjoyed The Maze Runner trilogy and are anxious for more.

Slog's dad

Almond, D. (2011). Slog's Dad. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Interest level: Grades 5-8

Reading level: 3+

Slog's dad is dead, but he promised Slog he'd return in the spring. Having both legs amputated due to cancer Slog's dad soon dies. When Slog spots a man who resembles his dad on a park bench the first spring after his father's death he's certain it really is his dad who's come back to fulfill his promise. Slog's best friend David is not so sure about that. If this isn't really Slog's dad, how can he possibly know all the things he does about their life, such as what his job had been before he died, his wife's name, the songs he used to sing, and that he always said he'd follow the garbage smell back to their house from heaven?

This brief volume, written by David Almond and illustrated by Dave McKean, is part novel and part graphic novel. The two forms serve almost as alternating chapters rather than as one cohesive piece, offering a unique format similar to that of The Invention of Hugo Cabret. This is a touching read, with Slog's grief quietly but profoundly felt both through Almond's words and McKean's illustrations. There is no neat wrap up here. In the end we are left to wonder whether Slog's dad really did return or if it was possible a missing man suffering from amnesia who had read about Slog's dad's passing instead. In the end it really doesn't matter. What matters is what Slog believes. Some may find the dialect hard to follow. Recommend to more mature readers who are interested in questions about death and afterlife.

The forensic anthropologist

Yancey, D. (2006). The forensic anthropologist. Farmington Hills, MI: Lucent Books.

Interest level: Grades 6+

Reading level: 10+

Part of the Crime Scene Investigations series, this book introduces readers to a specialty many may think their familiar with through TV shows like CSI and Bones. All aspects of forensic anthropology are addressed here, from fieldwork to the lab or classroom. The perception that these specialists are not welcome by police or at crime scenes is debunked, pointing out that because anthropologists are trained at fieldwork they are a welcome addition at burial sites. The chapters build upon each other. The introduction gives a brief description of this unusual scientific field and introduces some of the field's most respected scientists. Chapter one takes us to the field, detailing what happens in the recovery of bones. Chapter two takes us to the lab where the bone experts determine whether they have human or animal remains, reconstruct what they can of the skeleton and determine characteristics such as sex, height and race as well as extract DNA. Chapter three details how the scientists use their knowledge to help determine cause of death while chapter four discusses the challenges found when unearthing mass graves. In chapter five readers learn about the reconstruction of the bones and the creation of 3D models. There are extensive supporting notes and a lengthy "Further readings" section. Each chapter also includes many account of actual cases where the methods were used and cases were solved.

This is a solid book for anyone interested in crime scene investigations and more specifically in solving cold cases. Information about the educational path one must take to become a forensic anthropologist as well as the agencies that hire them is plentiful and readers can clearly see the value of such a career. The writing is clear and easy to follow and would be accessible and pertinent to both middle school aged kids and those in upper grades. This book would be a good supplement in Life Science classes or in high school Anatomy and physiology classes.

National Geographic Kids

Interest level: Grades 3-6

National Geographic Kids is a magazine designed to introduce kids to a variety of topics in the world. Each issue has information about animals, science, technology, archaeology, and geography. It also includes pop culture, jokes, games and other activities.Articles are brief and colorful making them high interest. There are few advertisements, but those included are for things like video games and movies which might be a concern for those who don't want to expose kids to advertising. These magazines definitely have a place in the elementary classroom where multiple subjects are taught since they are cross-curricular. Teachers could use them to quiz students on their readings. They are also a good addition to school and public libraries where readers can pick them up for a quick read.