All materials in this journal subject to copyright by the American Library Association may be used for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. Address FEATURE usage requests to the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions. COLLECTI(cid:2) DEVELOPME(cid:2) Stocking Library Shelves for Student Success: Motivating Readers through Science- Joy Fleishhacker 24 Knowledge Quest | Power to the Pupil: Student Agency in the School Library All materials in this journal subject to copyright by the American Library Association may be used for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. Address usage requests to the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions. ON NT Focused Fun [email protected] Volume 45, No. 4 | March/April 2017 25 All materials in this journal subject to copyright by the American Library Association may be used for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. Address usage requests to the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions. By providing a wide selection of plenty of choices that will intrigue Science-Based Nonfiction high-quality materials that will individual readers, encourage them Graphic Novels grab the attention of individual to discover books that speak to their readers, school libraries can play unique interests and needs, and allow In these eye-alluring volumes, an integral part in initiating and them to chart their own personal- ebullient artwork and succinct text supporting student agency and a stu- ized course through the process of play off of one another to explain dent-centered approach to learning. acquiring knowledge. concepts, present information, These captivating books should not and aid comprehension. Often only address and expand upon what The packed-with-kid-appeal books enhanced with touches of humor, kids are learning in the classroom, highlighted here focus on science the inviting comic book format can but also allow them to explore an and can be used to supplement make seemingly difficult topics array of personal interests, tastes, classroom materials and traditional more accessible and easier to digest. and passions. Every student has narrative nonfiction. Ranging from Enjoyable for anyone, graphic novels his or her own way of acquiring profusely illustrated graphic novels can also be used to reach reluctant and processing factual content, to captivating fiction series, these readers and engage youngsters who and books presented in different titles will appeal to a spectrum of do not respond to traditional texts. formats nurture a variety of learning tastes, learning styles, and interests. Hosted by an amiable emcee (a styles and specific preferences. For • Nonfiction graphic novels provide “BONE-afied human skeleton,” of example, comic book fans will enjoy an inviting conduit for more- course), Maris Wicks’s Human Body gleaning factual content from books visual learners, those who already Theater (First Second 2015; grades that present information through have an interest in comics, and 4–8) takes readers on a vaudeville- cartoon-style artwork and light- often hard-to-reach reluctant style tour of a complex biological hearted humor. In contrast, kids who readers. vessel. The narrator sings, dances, spend hours watching documen- and wisecracks her way through taries on Animal Planet will relish • Biographies with photo-essay eleven acts, chapters that begin with action-packed photo-essays that profiles of scientists in the field broad overviews of each major body follow the adventures of real-life offer readers a glimpse at how system before delving more deeply scientists working in the field. scientific investigations are into specifics. The easy-to-follow Individuals who like to invent and conducted, introduce various panels abound with vivacious visuals create will appreciate seeing their scientific disciplines, and present that depict the skeleton’s comical own traits displayed in the main intriguing career possibilities. antics, along with clearly drawn characters of fast-reading novels and labelled diagrams, cut-away in which scientific principles—and • Novels and fictional graphic novels illustrations, and close-up images hands-on tinkering—are used to invite readers to sample scientific that expand the textual information. solve a mystery or a problem. A well- ideas while enjoying an engaging Meanwhile, a cast of personality- rounded library collection provides and well-written story. packed cells, organs, and other body parts chime in with additional tidbits (and chuckle-worthy asides). Every student has his or her own way Reader-targeted tips about self-care, nutrition, safety, and puberty round out an elucidating and entertaining of acquiring and processing factual resource that provides much more than barebones facts. content, and books presented in MK Reed and Joe Flood’s DIFFERENT(cid:2)FORMATS(cid:2) Dinosaurs: Fossils and Feathers (First Second 2016; grades 4–8) unfolds with the suspense and NURTURE(cid:2) excitement of an Indiana Jones a variety of learning adventure. Dramatic images set the scene by harking back millions of years to a time when these creatures styles and specific preferences. roamed the earth. Beginning with 26 Knowledge Quest | Power to the Pupil: Student Agency in the School Library All materials in this journal subject to copyright by the American Library Association may be used for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. Address usage requests to the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions. The packed-with-kid-appeal books FOCUS(cid:2)ON(cid:2) highlighted here SCIENCE and can be used to supplement classroom materials and traditional narrative nonfiction. the Industrial Revolution, which Nikole Brooks Bethea and Caio ushered in a new era of inquiry, Cacau’s The Science of Football discovery — and digging — chrono- (2016; grades 3–8) introduces logically arranged chapters trace the physics concepts as Max explains development of human knowledge how velocity and momentum affect about dinosaurs and the natural the running game, applies Newton’s world, highlighting important Laws of Motion to a kicked football, theories and ever-evolving investi- discusses how the ball’s shape affects gative techniques. Also introduced its flight when thrown, and illu- is a cast of beguiling (and often minates how mass and force impact eccentric) scientists, including defense. Bursting with movement self-trained 19th-century fossil- and color, the glossy artwork hunter Mary Anning; Othniel expands the text while keeping Marsh, Edward Drinker Cope, and readers’ heads in the game. Other their much-hyped bone wars; and titles similarly explore baseball, the death-defying adventures of basketball, and hockey, merging early-20th-century naturalist/ high-interest topics with scientific spy Roy Chapman Andrews. The explanations (and maybe a few tips vibrant watercolor illustrations, about how to be more efficient at clearly written text, and action- and your favorite sport). humor-packed panels will keep Energetic images of the Caped readers riveted. Look for other Crusader adorn the pages of volumes in this excellent new Batman Science (Capstone 2014; “Science Comics” series, including Maris Wicks’s Coral Reefs: Cities of grades 3–9), a book sure to reel the Ocean (2016). in superhero fans. Tammy Enz and Agnieszka Biskup explain the Numerous volumes in Capstone’s science behind the Dark Knight’s Graphic Library series star Max well-known arsenal of gadgets and Axiom, Super Scientist, a char- provide real-world examples of ismatic individual imbued with similar technology currently in incredible powers (since being use. Sections focus on Batman’s struck with “a megacharged body armor (drawing in everything lightning bolt” during a wilderness from Kevlar to helmets made from hike), including superintelligence, composite materials, night-vision the ability to shrink to atom-size, goggles, and wingsuits), utility belt and an unquenchable thirst for gadgets (boomerangs, shuriken, knowledge. His latest adventures smoke bombs, and much more), dynamically delve into the science Batmobiles (rocket-propelled cars, a behind popular sports. For example, forklift with omnidirectional wheels, Volume 45, No. 4 | March/April 2017 27 All materials in this journal subject to copyright by the American Library Association may be used for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. Address usage requests to the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions. stealth vehicles, shape-shifting few examples, Sy Montgomery and Busters (2014), scientists dedicated technology, bullet-proof honeycomb Keith Ellenbogen invite readers to to tracking and eradicating destruc- tires, and more), and Batplanes ride along with The Great White tive Asian long-horned beetles that and Batcopters (the latest in aircraft Shark Scientist (2016) marine are currently threatening several machinery, missiles, and rescue biologist Gregory Skomal as he cities and the entire hardwood forest devices). Crisp full-color photos tracks, films, tags, and collects of the northeast. Fascinating info accompany the clearly written text, data about these “remarkably about this invasive species, the hunt, making the true-life examples all shy” animals off the coast of New and the life cycle of trees is supple- the more compelling. The book’s England’s Cape Cod; the book also mented by acknowledgment of the striking layout and tantalizing provides the skinny on sharks, their important contributions of private factoid approach make it a pleasing role in the ecosystem, and conserva- citizens—and even kids. starting point for initiating further tion. Elizabeth Rusch’s The Next reading and research in the fields Wave (2014) looks at scientists who Published by Millbrook, Sandra of engineering, technology, and are working to harness an exciting— Markle’s engaging series draws design. and clean—new source of renewable readers in by presenting a problem energy, using both their personal and illustrating the investigative Illustrated Science Biographies persistence and engineering approach scientists employ to solve ingenuity to invent devices capable it. (cid:72)(cid:92)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:85)(cid:103)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:99)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:104)(cid:92)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:98)(cid:93)(cid:103)(cid:92)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:64)(cid:93)(cid:315)(cid:96)(cid:246)(cid:3) Blending handsome photographs, of surviving the “punishing force” Brown Bats (2015; grades 4–8) compellingly written fact-filled of our oceans while harnessing describes the efforts of research- texts, and a sense of you-are-there “the potent pulsing movement of ers to understand—and, they hope, excitement, these photo-essays offer waves.” Rusch and photographer halt—a recent and severe drop in exhilarating glances at science in Tom Uhlman follow the hard- population of this species in eastern action. These books provide broad working, danger-defying scientists North America. Accessible text and overviews of their subject areas, of the Volcano Disaster Assistance handsome full-color photos cover introduce the basics of the scientific Program as they helicopter to the this scientific mystery from first process along with real-world scene of the latest Eruption! (2013) discovery, through the step-by- applications, and showcase diverse to investigate, assess danger levels, step elimination of possible causes scientific careers. They also convey and make the hard call about (climate change, pesticides, a virus), the challenges and triumphs of evacuation procedures. Pamela to a breakthrough that relied upon exploration in the field and the S. Turner and Andy Comins’s The a variety of experts, careful sample thrill of discovery. Frog Scientist (2009) focuses on collection, and tenacious experi- the work of UC Berkeley biologist mentation. Though the culprit The outstanding Scientists in the and environmental advocate Tyrone has been identified as white-nose Field series (Houghton Mifflin Hayes as he and his enthusiastic syndrome, caused by a fungus that Harcourt; grades 5-8) takes readers students explore a commonly used affects hibernating bats, scientists to locations across the globe to pesticide’s effects on amphibians. are still searching for ways to help meet dedicated scientists doing Loree Griffin Burns and Ellen save bat populations from this dev- cutting-edge research in a wide Harasimowicz introduce the Beetle astating (and still spreading) disease. variety of disciplines. To give just a 28 Knowledge Quest | Power to the Pupil: Student Agency in the School Library All materials in this journal subject to copyright by the American Library Association may be used for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. Address usage requests to the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions. This book successfully draws readers field, perched in a tree or quietly Melvin enlists Ellie’s help in gaining into the puzzle, while also conveying watching a group of chimps, as access to his lab and retrieving basics of scientific procedures and well as more-recent images of her his research for publication and an appreciation for the role bats play poignant interactions with captive replication. Meanwhile, he also in our ecosystem. Other volumes or rescued animals, make her work opens her eyes to the work of famous focus on The Case of the Vanishing seem breathtakingly immediate. scientists, including Jonas Salk, Golden Frogs (2012; grades 4–8) This well-written account not only Robert Oppenheimer, and Marie and The Case of the Vanishing introduces an accomplished scientist Curie and their unwavering “belief Honeybees (2014; grades 4–6). but also inspires readers to follow in the possible.” As her own passion their dreams. for discovery is unleashed, Ellie Anita Silvey’s Untamed: The Wild begins to wonder about the true Life of Jane Goodall (National Science-Based Novels implications of her grandfather’s Geographic Kids 2015; grades 4–8) achievement. Filled with strong combines insightful and inviting Representing an array of literary characterizations and spot-on text, well-integrated primary quotes, tones and genres, these lively humor, this buoyant novel mixes and an array of stunning archival offerings integrate science into their realistic family and friendship photos to chronicle the life and plots. They can pique the interest of issues with discussable themes of career of this groundbreaking pri- kids who are intrigued by scientific both the wonders—and momentous matologist. A chapter on Goodall’s topics or stir up curiosity about the consequences—of science. childhood in England highlights highlighted themes and concepts for hours spent observing and admiring general readers. The adventures of The Wild Robot animals, whether taming a British (Little, Brown 2016; grades 3–6) What would happen if your grand- robin with windowsill crumbs or begin when a hurricane sinks a father discovered the fountain of befriending the dog next door. cargo ship, a crate is washed ashore youth? Concepts of immortality and The bulk of the book focuses on on a remote island, and ROZZUM the natural cycle of life are insight- Goodall’s work in Gombe where, unit 7134 is accidentally activated fully treated in Jennifer L. Holm’s though untrained in survival skills by a group of curious otters. With (cid:72)(cid:92)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:58)(cid:99)(cid:247)(cid:102)(cid:104)(cid:246)(cid:246)(cid:98)(cid:104)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:243)(cid:99)(cid:96)(cid:88)(cid:209)(cid:103)(cid:92) (Random or scholarly theory, she tracked no knowledge of where she is or how House 2014; grades 4–7). Eleven- chimpanzees through dangerous she came to be there, Roz, a robot year-old Ellie’s life is turned upside terrain, employed her own methods capable of learning and equipped down when her cantankerous grand- for observation and building with self-preservation instincts, father moves into her family’s house; trust with her subjects, and made begins to explore her surround- not only is he always crabby, but the incredible breakthroughs. Also ings, barely surviving close calls seventy-seven-year-old scientist has covered are Goodall’s unexpected with steep sea cliffs, a mudslide, and discovered a way to reverse the aging fame and role as respected scientist, aggressive bear cubs as she gradually process through cellular regenera- and eventual transformation adapts to her environment. The tion and now inhabits the body of from researcher to advocate for island’s animal inhabitants view her a thirteen-year-old boy. Enrolled education, conservation, and as a monster and keep their distance in Ellie’s middle school (he hates it improved treatment of chimps in until Roz adopts an orphaned even more than she does), Grandpa captivity. Photos of Goodall in the baby goose after an accident and Volume 45, No. 4 | March/April 2017 29 All materials in this journal subject to copyright by the American Library Association may be used for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. Address usage requests to the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions. eventually proves herself to be surroundings and herself. Callie an excellent mother and member is the only sister “spliced midway” of the community. In fact, the between three older and three animals band together to help when younger brothers (all colorfully unwanted (also automated) visitors named for Texas heroes). Though arrive to forcibly collect Roz. Told her mother insists that Callie with lovely language and atmo- dedicate herself to improving her spheric illustrations, Peter Brown’s needlework or perfecting her apple charming novel makes a satisfying pie, Callie much prefers to spend read-aloud and can initiate her time adventuring outdoors, dif- discussion of the latest break- ferentiating between grasshopper throughs in artificial intelligence, species, and wondering why dogs the role of robots in human society, have eyebrows, always observing and and the startling realization that carefully recording her revelations wild animals and robots just might in her red leather notebook. When have something in common. her interest in Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species catches her grandfa- It’s the year 2041, and twelve-year- ther’s attention, the usually aloof old Dashiell Gibson lives with his (and somewhat curmudgeonly) man, little sister and scientist parents a self-trained naturalist himself, on Moon Base Alpha, “the first takes notice of his granddaugh- permanent extraterrestrial human ter. As the two spend time together habitat” in space. Life is surpris- exploring the nearby river, pursuing ingly mundane at the outpost, inquiries in his laboratory, and even until the well-liked base physician possibly discovering a new species Ronald Holtz turns up dead under of vetch, Callie’s zeal for scientific mysterious circumstances, and discovery—and self-confidence— Dash is the only one who suspects burgeon. Charmingly written and murder. Determined to take on abounding with droll humor and this Space Case (Simon & Schuster vivid details of time and place, as 2014; grades 4–7), the boy launches well as a clear depiction of turn-of- into an investigation that involves the-20th-century societal attitudes multiple suspects, difficult-to- toward girls, this book introduces decipher clues, the occasional red an unforgettable character. Callie’s herring, and, after a danger-fraught story continues in The Curious climactic scene on the lunar surface, World of Calpurnia Tate (2015). a truly surprising (and out of this world) resolution. Dash’s entertain- Science-Based Fiction and ing first-person narration written Graphic Novel Series by Stuart Gibbs embroils readers in a well-plotted and suspense-filled Nick and Tesla’s High-Voltage mystery while also providing a Danger Lab (Quirk 2013; grades detailed, carefully imagined account 3–6) introduces a pair of precocious of what life would be like in a space eleven-year old twins who have colony and explanations of the been sent to spend the summer with science involved. Dash’s adventures their absent-minded inventor uncle continue in Spaced Out (2016). in California while their parents are off in Uzbekistan irrigating Set in a small town in Texas in soybeans (or so they say). Brazenly 1899, Jacqueline Kelly’s beguiling self-confident Tesla and more-sen- historical novel traces The Evolution sitive Nick quickly find themselves of Calpurnia Tate (Holt 2009; embroiled in a mystery that involves grades 5–8), an eleven-year-old a creepy old house at the end of girl who embraces her passion for the street, a ghost-like girl in the investigating the natural world and window, and a menacing black ultimately learns much about her 30 Knowledge Quest | Power to the Pupil: Student Agency in the School Library All materials in this journal subject to copyright by the American Library Association may be used for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. Address usage requests to the ALA Office of Rights and Permissions. SUV that follows them everywhere. cartoons, the books in this series a robot created to protect people Fortunately, the science-loving are infused with snicker-inducing from robots gone wrong.) duo are able to use their deductive humor, scientific concepts and reasoning abilities and penchant for landmarks, and an effervescent spirit Stocking Library Shelves to designing useful gadgets (as in the of scientific inquiry. Motivate Students “Mints-and-Soda-Fueled RoboCat Dog Distracter” needed to divert The middle child in an overachiev- School libraries that provide an a pair of Rottweilers) to crack the ing bunch of siblings, D. J. Lim array of engaging high-quality crime. Bob Pflugfelder and Steve feels as though he’s not “really materials enable students to choose Hockensmith’s zany, page-turning super good” at anything. Then a books that appeal to their individual adventure includes Scott Garrett’s mysterious boy falls from the sky interests, reading preferences, lively illustrations and step-by-step and into his life. Wearing only a and abilities. The titles featured directions for the featured made- pair of silver underpants and a above are a small sampling of the from-everyday-objects contraptions. gigantic smile, Hilo (Random House wide range of offerings that can be 2015; grades 3–6) can’t remember used to explore and expand upon (Teachers can share a book in the anything about who he is or where science curriculums, and a similar series aloud in class and then build he came from, is totally clueless spectrum of selections for other the projects.) about the details of day-to-day subject areas should also be made In Jon Scieszka’s Frank Einstein life, and has the ability to learn at available. These materials can be (cid:85)(cid:98)(cid:88)(cid:3)(cid:104)(cid:92)(cid:246)(cid:3)(cid:53)(cid:98)(cid:104)(cid:93)(cid:97)(cid:85)(cid:315)(cid:246)(cid:102)(cid:3)(cid:244)(cid:99)(cid:104)(cid:99)(cid:102) (Harry lightning speed. When a terrifying identified by consulting professional N. Abrams 2014; grades 3–6), the cybernetic ant and a slew of other review sources, library catalogs, and titular kid genius and his best friend, automated insects begin to invade readers’ advisory resources such as Watson, are trying to animate Earth, both Hilo’s super abilities CLCD (Children’s Literature Comprehen- a made-from-odds-and-ends and details about his past begin to sive Database) or EBSCO’s NoveList. SmartBot via lightning surge when emerge. Along with his science-lov- Whether graphic novels, day-in- a power outage scraps the project— ing pal Gina, D. J. does everything the-life biographies, humorous that is until the next morning he can to help Hilo prevail against novels, or imagination-stretching when Klink, a self-assembled, ever-increasing danger. Ultimately fantasies, stock your shelves with a self-teaching, super-smart artifi- D. J. discovers that he excels at variety of books that have the ability cial-intelligence entity rolls into courage, quick-thinking, and to captivate and stimulate each the kitchen along with his clunkier, being a good friend. Starring a and every student in your school corny-joke cracking, hug-giving, diverse cast of characters, Judd community, no matter the skill level maybe-not-quite-as-intelligent Winick’s irresistible graphic novel or learning preference. When you sidekick Klank. The two robots are is told through delightfully punchy enable a child to discover a book to determined to help Frank win the dialogue and sparkling artwork love, you empower that person to Midville Science Prize and, they awash in bright color and nonstop become a self-motivated reader and hope, save Grampa Al’s shop with the action. In this series, themes such lifelong learner. prize money. The young inventor’s as the importance of friendship, Antimatter Motor Fly Bike is looking individuality, and facing difficult like a shoe-in for first place, until the challenges are wrapped into stories friends discover that the technology that also touch upon the interface has been stolen by Frank’s classmate between artificial intelligence and Joy Fleishhacker is a and archenemy, T. Edison. Illus- human society. (Hailing from a children’s librarian in the trated with Brian Biggs’s madcap parallel dimension, Hilo is, in fact, Pikes Peak Library District in Colorado Springs, When you enable a child to discover a Colorado. She is a frequent contributor to School Library Journal book to love, you empower that person e-newsletters Curriculum Connections, Extra Helping, and SLJTeen. She also to become a self-motivated reader and authored the article “Ground Work: Green Thumbs and Bountiful Imaginations: Great LIFELONG(cid:2)LEARNER(cid:3) Books about Gardens” in the June 2016 issue of School Library Journal. Volume 45, No. 4 | March/April 2017 31