Luciana Vega was introduced earlier this year as the American Girl for 2018, and is the first girl with a science interest. Her dream is to be an astronaut, and she inspires young girls in STEM related fields. Discover Science takes it one step further by encouraging young girls to explore the science world through fun experiments. There are more than 50 science-related projects in Discover Science, all the projects are illustrated and modeled by American Girl dolls. They include music, astronomy, nature, matter, sound, and yes....even fashion. Luciana was designed to inspire the "Mars generation" of young girls growing up now to become interested in STEM fields. Discover Science encourages them with hands-on STEM activities that will take the girls into the science world to explore, learn, and have fun. By Susan Frappier, Penworthy Sales Representative
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Looking for a great story to help ease the jitters for your new kindergartner? Then you have to read Whiffy Wilson, The Wolf who Wouldn't go to School. This book is about a wolf who had no interest in school or learning. He refused to learn his ABCs, write his name and felt that school was boring, but really he was afraid. One day, it all changed, when his father informed him that he was going to school. Whiffy wasn't thrilled and wanted to play so he walked to his friend Dotty's house who was also on her way to school. With the help of Dotty, Whiffy's fear of school went away. He made so many new friends and enjoyed playful learning games and the things he had been afraid of, no longer scared him. This is a terrific book to have in every home and classroom to be read on the first day of school. I'm sure your kids will enjoy hearing the outcome of fun that they will also experience when going to school. By Kanisha Hines, Penworthy Sales Representative Dear Komodo Dragon by Nancy Kelly Allen This is a cute story that is about a young child Leslie that dreams of being a dragon hunter and becomes pen pals with a Komodo Dragon. The story is told through a series of letters as Leslie asks the dragon questions and the dragon replies with witty, wise-cracking responses. It has true facts about the Komodo Dragon and educates Leslie about an endangered species as they become friends. In the back of the book the author has educational materials that can be printed and used for teaching further. I think it would be a wonderful book for story time and the additional learning materials can be used to build a lesson plan around the story if you are a teacher using it in your class. Great illustrations by Laurie Allen Klein with very soft colors, textural, and accurate depictions of the animals. The kids will love it! By Cindy Feltes, Penworthy Sales Representative The Distance to Home is an amazing story of loss and healing. Last summer, 11-yr old Quinnen was the star pitcher on her baseball team with her supportive older sister Haley in the stands cheering her on at every game. This summer though is much different since Haley passed away 9 months ago and Quinnen's spunk, curiosity, and love for the game of baseball isn't there anymore. There is a local minor league team in town and the friendly Midwestern families typically host many of the ballplayers. Quinnen's family, all dealing with the loss in their own way, takes in one of the players to hopefully remind Quinnen of her love for the game, but there are definitely speed bumps along the way. You fall in love with all of the characters, flaws and all. The story is truly believable, full of heart and emotion, and you can almost smell the hot dogs and hear the crack of the bat during the scenes from the ballpark. I was on the edge of my seat for the whole thing as it takes you on a emotional rollercoaster while not getting too heavy or deep for a middle schooler. It's lighthearted, humerous, full of hope and I could not put it down until the very end! By Justin Barkhurst, Penworthy Sales Representative Newberry-winning author, Kate Dicamillo offers another fun adventure in Mercy Watson's world in her Tales from Deckawoo Drive chapter book series. Baby Lincoln’s older sister, Eugenia, is very fond of telling Baby what to do, and Baby usually responds by saying “Yes, Sister.” But one day Baby has had enough. She decides to depart on a necessary journey, even though she has never gone anywhere without Eugenia telling her what to take and where to go. And in fact Baby doesn’t know where she is headed — only that she was entirely happy in the previous night’s dream, sitting aboard a train with a view of shooting stars. Who might Baby meet as she strikes out on her own, and what could she discover about herself? Will her impulsive adventure take her away from Eugenia for good? By Dawn Marowsky, Penworthy Sales Representative Ugly, by Robert Hoge, is a great chapter book that tells a heartbreaking and emotional story of being born and living with severe physical deformities. Hoge's autobiography takes you on a powerful journey through his life growing up and overcoming adversities into adulthood. One of the more emotional parts of the story, is when Hoge was born, his mother initially did not want to keep him because of his deformities. She decided to ask her other children if they wanted her to bring Robert home. The siblings unanimously voted to bring him home. That was just the beginning, and Hoge then takes you on the ups and downs of his life and all he had to endure. He underwent numerous surgeries in hopes of having a more normal childhood. Through time, Hoge chooses not to undergo any more surgeries and accepts himself for who he is. The compelling story Hoge takes you on, about enduring hardships, overcoming life's struggles, and coming to acceptance really captivates the reader. The writing is very accessible and it is a great book with a wonderful message of tolerance and acceptance that everyone should read and know. By Nate Kovatch, Penworthy Sales Representative I Pledge of Allegiance by Pat Mora & Libby Martinez. This story goes to show how amazing our country is and how special it is to be an US citizen. Libby's Great Aunt from Mexico always wanted to be an US citizen from when she was a little girl. Her father always wanted a safer place for them to grow up. Great Aunt Lobo had to study hard for her citizenship test and learning the Pledge of Allegiance and what it stands as part of the test. Her niece Libby wanted to help her and practice with her and they created a great bond together while going over the words. On the day of citizenship they all stood in the court room and recited The Pledge of Allegiance to all the new citizens of the United States. This book would be a great story to get with Memorial Day coming and July 4th to remember how important and proud you should feel to be a US citizen! By Michelle Ekstrom, Penworthy Sales Representative Why Do Families Change? Our First Talk About Separation and Divorce. This title will help little ones have a better understanding of separation and divorce. The book very simply addresses how people get together and make commitments. Then goes on to discuss that relationships change so the commitment changes. An unhappy home is not a healthy home. Kids are assured that they are not the reason for the separation or divorce. The author recognizes that although the family dynamic has changed that you still have a family and are very loved. I really appreciate how simple the text is and how it fosters the idea that talking about your feelings with your parents is the best thing you can do to feel better. It goes on to a brief discussion of deeper related topics like custody, parents getting back together and blended families. Every library needs this title to make the transition easier for the children of divorce. By Lauri Streeck, Penworthy Sales Representative In this book, Lilly has committed to reading a poem for a big talent night. Then she receives a flute from her aunt as a gift and decides she will play it for the talent night instead. Even after much practice, Lilly finds that she really is no good at playing the flute... a story many can relate to. In the end, Lilly decides to read a poem about wind and incorporate her bad flute playing as the flute making sounds of the wind. Lilly is kind, smart, determined and a good problem solver who thinks outside the box. She is a good character model for young readers. The story has a quick pace, is fun and has an enjoyable plot for little readers. Lilly the Elf chapter books are perfect for beginning chapter book readers that need to build feelings of success and accomplishment. The entire series features short, manageable chapters, pages with big font and many adorable line art drawings that successfully help to tell context of the story and will entertain even the most reluctant readers. This set would also be ideal for advanced young entering into chapter books for the first time. By Kris Cunningham, Penworthy Sales Representative Spring is upon us, and a fabulous way to celebrate the turning of the seasons and the miracle of nature is with the sumptuous read-aloud picture book, Miss Maple's Seeds. Through the warm and comforting narrative of grandmotherly Miss Maple and beautiful flowing illustrations, we are taken on her journey as she collects the orphan seeds that failed to sprout the last season and nurtures them for a second chance. “Take care, my little ones,” Miss Maple says, “for the world is big and you are small.” She spends the summer taking them on field trips, teaching them the best place to grow for each type of seed (a seed chart is provided with various seeds), and plants to avoid (the looming weeds). She keeps them safe and warm, telling them stories and singing songs throughout the winter. When spring arrives, they're ready to take their place in the big world. As she finds each the perfect new home, she reminds them that “even the grandest trees had to grow up from the smallest seeds.” A beautiful celebration of life, and a perfect read-aloud at any time - but especially for springtime or Earth Day! By Joan Schimmels, Penworthy Sales Representative |
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