Go Big: The Secondary School Survival Guide

Burton, Matthew. Go Big: The Secondary School Survival Guide. 2020. 208p. ISBN 9781526362353.

Go Big offers practical advice and encouragement for students navigating the challenges of secondary school. For many students, the move from middle school to high school comes with its share of anxiety, navigating complex social dynamics, new demands on one's time, and, of course, all of the academics and extra-curricular activities that come from being a student in a large school. 

Aiming to build a strong foundation for future success, Go Big addresses common concerns faced by high school students, such as peer pressure, challenging friendships, and the stress of academic demands. Practical strategies for exam preparation, time management, and building confidence are presented. The author shares his own experiences and offers words of wisdom meant to empower young readers to embrace their individuality, overcome obstacles, and strive for their personal and academic goals. 

Go Big serves as a valuable resource for students seeking to navigate the complexities of high school with greater ease and confidence.

STEM for All: How to Connect, Create, and Cultuvate STEM Education for All Learners

Bakshi McLean, Leena. STEM for All: How to Connect, Create, and Cultuvate STEM Education for All Learners. 2024. 288p. ISBN 9781394221448.

STEM education has often been lacking for minority students, for students learning English, and for students with a low socio-economic status. Yet educators claim to want to help every student succeed. STEM for All offers a comprehensive guide for educators seeking to improve STEM education and address the persistent achievement gap. Drawing upon the Connect, Create, and Cultivate framework from STEM4Real, practical tools and strategies for creating inclusive and engaging learning environments are showcased. Critical factors that impact student success in STEM are explored, including classroom culture, discourse, identity, family involvement, and equitable access to resources. Through real-world examples and case studies, the importance of addressing implicit biases and fostering a sense of belonging for all students is highlighted.

By identifying and overcoming the challenges that hinder student engagement in STEM, educators can create more equitable and effective learning experiences. STEM for All equips educators with the knowledge and tools to implement culturally relevant teaching practices, build strong relationships with students and families, and ultimately close the STEM gap, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM for All is a valuable resource for teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders committed to improving STEM education and preparing students for future success in a rapidly changing world.

Tales of World War II: Amazing True Stories from the War that Shook the World

Hearn, Hattie. Tales of World War II: Amazing True Stories from the War that Shook the World. 2023. 160p. ISBN 9781684493128.

From the daring exploits of a Canadian cabin boy evading German U-boats to the secret code developed by Navajo soldiers and the bravery of a jazz singer working as a spy for the French Resistance, Tales of World War II showcases a diverse range of human experiences. The book also features captivating anecdotes, such as the heroic efforts of a dog during the London Blitz and the remarkable story of a bear recruited by the Polish army. Interspersed throughout these inspiring tales are informative pages that provide essential context on key events of the war, offering readers a comprehensive and engaging understanding of this crucial period in human history.

Tales of World War II offers a unique perspective on this pivotal period in history, moving beyond the well-known figures like Hitler, Roosevelt, and Churchill to focus on the extraordinary stories of ordinary people. This beautifully illustrated book brings to life the incredible acts of courage, resilience, and ingenuity displayed by individuals from all walks of life during this tumultuous time.

Stuff Kids Should Know: The Mind-Blowing Histories of (Almost) Everything

Bryant, Chuck and Josh Clark. Stuff Kids Should Know: The Mind-Blowing Histories of (Almost) Everything. 2023. 201p. ISBN 9781250622440.

Stuff Kids Should Know is a captivating nonfiction book from the creators of the popular podcast "Stuff You Should Know," Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant. This book delves into a diverse range of fascinating topics, from the history of facial hair to the mechanics of demolition derbies. With humor and engaging storytelling, Clark and Bryant aim to spark curiosity and ignite a passion for learning.

Stuff Kids Should Know presents a collection of intriguing facts and stories, encouraging children to explore the world around them with a sense of wonder. By delving into the "whys" and "hows" of everyday phenomena, "Stuff Kids Should Know" aims to make learning an enjoyable and enriching experience. Through clever insights, witty illustrations, and a playful approach to knowledge, readers will embrace their inner explorer and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Silicon

Gardner, Jane P. Silicon. Part of the Chemistry of Everyday Elements series. 2017. 64p. ISBN 9781422238448. Available at 546.68 GAR on the library shelves. 

Silicon, a seemingly unremarkable element, plays a pivotal role in shaping the modern world. Its unique properties as a semiconductor, a material that can conduct electricity under specific conditions, have revolutionized electronics. Silicon's ability to precisely control the flow of electrical current forms the bedrock of countless devices, from the smartphones in our pockets to the powerful computers that drive scientific research and global communication networks.

From the transistors that power our gadgets to the integrated circuits that form the brains of modern computers, silicon's versatility is undeniable. Its abundance in the Earth's crust and its relatively low cost make it an ideal material for mass production. As technology continues to advance, the demand for silicon-based components will only increase, driving further innovation in fields like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration.

This series includes:

• Silver
• Helium
• Gold
• Silicon
• Oxygen
• Hydrogen
• Aluminum

Strange, Dark & Mysterious: The Graphic Stories

MrBallen. Illustrated by Andrea Mutti. Strange, Dark & Mysterious: The Graphic Stories. 2024. 208p. ISBN 9781984863423.

What would you do if you thought there was a ghost coming into your room every night while you were spending a week skiing the White Mountains in New Hampshire? What if there were giants living in the mountains of Kandahar, in Afghanistan? What if there was a place so remote and dangerous that those who went panning for gold there simply disappeared? These are just some of the unexplained phenomena that Strange, Dark & Mysterious explores. All of the events described really occurred, yet there is no explanation for why they took place or even how they took place.

Some of the stories are not for the faint of heart. A German camp counselor has a nightmare that a crown of thorns is pushed on her head, only to awaken and realize that a fox has been mauling her while sleeping. Other stories, such as the beast of Gevaudan, are more well-known. But put together, these stories demonstrate that paranormal activities, where no scientific explanation exists, are taking place around the world.

Told in graphic novel form, the stories are captivating and are sure to inspire a fright or two! Fans of the paranormal will enjoy these true stories, but probably shouldn't read this late at night!

College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be

Delbanco, Andrew. College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be. 2023. 280p. ISBN 9780691246376.

Over the last decades, the traditional four-year college experience, characterized by exploration and intellectual growth, has been eroded by the increasing emphasis on pre-professional training, threatening the very essence of the meaning of liberal arts education. Our understanding of what a liberal arts education is an environment which fosters critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a broader understanding of the world. This transition to more technical and professional training originates with the push towards more STEM and STEAM education, and a shift towards emphasizing technical skills.

College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be traces the historical evolution of the American college, highlighting its origins in Puritan thought and its gradual expansion to include women, minorities, and students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. It argues for the enduring value of a humanistic education in an increasingly globalized world, acknowledging the importance of STEM fields while advocating for a balanced curriculum that cultivates well-rounded individuals. The challenges that face higher education today, such as financial, intellectual, and ethical issues are important, but ultimately, preserving the ideals of a liberal arts education remains crucial for the continued success of American democracy.

How to Survive on the Moon: Lunar Lessons from a Rocket Scientist

Morancy, Joalda. How to Survive on the Moon: Lunar Lessons from a Rocket Scientist. 2025. 48p. ISBN 9781684494477.

What would it be like to travel to the Moon? To live on it? How to Survive on the Moon offers an exciting and informative journey into the world of lunar exploration. Written by a real rocket scientist, this book aims to equip young readers with the knowledge needed to survive on the moon. It delves into practical aspects of lunar living, such as building underground shelters, mitigating the dangers of moon dust, and cultivating food in a lunar environment.

Beyond practical tips, readers are introduced to cutting-edge lunar science, including the concept of underground cities and innovative technologies like lunar catapults for transporting materials back to Earth. This is not the stuff of science fiction but rather real-world science that supports these concepts. The inclusion of hilarious illustrations adds a playful and visually appealing dimension, rendering the book more accessible and enjoyable for readers. Space enthusiasts will appreciate the technical details and will be inspired by the wonders of lunar exploration and the possibilities of future space travel.

Unseen Jungle: The Microbes That Secretly Control Our World

 Spicer Rice, Eleanor. Unseen Jungle: The Microbes That Secretly Control Our World. Part of the Hidden Life series. 2023. 176p. ISBN 9781536226461.

Unseen Jungle: The Microbes That Secretly Control Our World delves into the fascinating and disgusting yet often overlooked world of microbes. Microbes are single-cell organisms that are too small to see with the naked eye, and they include bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These tiny organisms are everywhere, both inside and outside of us, with a staggering number residing within our own bodies. 

Microbes fulfill diverse roles, from aiding digestion to manipulating the behavior of other creatures. Using engaging anecdotes and humorous illustrations, readers will learn about the intricate relationships between microbes and their environments, such as how fungi can control the minds of insects and how termites play a crucial role in the planet's ecosystem.

This captivating read is filled with entertaining facts, quirky sidebars, and even a guide to drawing E. coli, making it an enjoyable and informative experience for both aspiring scientists and those simply curious about the unseen world around them. Unseen Jungle highlights the importance of microbes in our lives, demonstrating how they impact our health, the environment, and even the behavior of other organisms.

The A.I. Roadmap: Human Learning in the Age of Smart Machines

Spencer, John. The A.I. Roadmap: Human Learning in the Age of Smart Machines. 2023. 322p. ISBN 9781734172645.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to revolutionize how we educate people. The same promises have been made with the Internet, machine learning, and even older technologies such as the audiocassette and the film strip. This time, however, it may be true, but uncertainty and the rapid pace of changes means that the verdict of AI's impact on education remains unclear.

Recognizing that a prescriptive approach is neither feasible nor appropriate, The A.I. Roadmap suggests several paths educators can navigate as they experience this evolving landscape, steering away from the extremes of completely restricting AI (Lock It and Block It) and blindly embracing technological advancements (Techno-Futurism).

Instead, what is needed is a human-centered and tech-infused approach. The A.I. Roadmap explores how AI is transforming various aspects of education, such as creative thinking, information literacy, project-based learning, assessment, and personalized learning. It analyzes how AI is impacting each subject area and provides suggestions of best practices, recognizing that what exists today will be vastly different in a few months. Finally, it offers guidance on how educators can leverage AI tools while maintaining a focus on human values, critical thinking, and the development of essential human skills, elements that will continue to set us apart from the machines taking over multiple aspects of our society.

Oxygen

Rich, Mari. Oxygen. Part of the Chemistry of Everyday Elements series. 2017. 64p. ISBN 9781422238431. Available at 546.72 RIC on the library shelves.

While we often associate oxygen solely with the act of breathing, its importance extends far beyond sustaining life. Oxygen plays a crucial role in various chemical reactions that drive the Earth's ecosystems. Photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, relies heavily on oxygen. Additionally, many industrial processes, such as combustion and the production of steel, utilize oxygen as a key component.

Furthermore, oxygen is essential for the breakdown of organic matter, a vital process in nutrient cycling and maintaining the balance of our planet's ecosystems. From the smallest microorganisms to the largest mammals, oxygen plays a multifaceted role in supporting life and shaping the very fabric of our world. Recognizing the multifaceted importance of oxygen beyond its role in respiration provides a deeper appreciation for this essential element and its impact on the planet.

This series includes:

• Silver
• Helium
• Gold
• Silicon
• Oxygen
• Hydrogen
• Aluminum

Peace is a Chain Reaction: How World War II Japanese Balloon Bombs Brought People of Two Nations Together

Stone, Tanya Lee. Peace is a Chain Reaction: How World War II Japanese Balloon Bombs Brought People of Two Nations Together. 2022. 176p. ISBN 9780763676865.

Yuzuru Takeshita had recently returned to the United States from Japan after spending a few years living with his grandparents when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and catapulted the United States into the Second World War. Despite being an American citizen and in violation of the Constitution, Takeshita was interned with his family in camps with over 120,000 Japanese Americans.  For more than three years, the family lived in cramped conditions and endured privations and the loss of their freedom. While in the camp, Takeshita earned his high school diploma and vowed to prevent another gross violation of the Constitution.

In Japan, high school students worked on the war effort. While boys were training and joining the military, girls worked in industries and manufactured weapons. Many girls joined the highly secret balloon program, designed to deliver explosives to the United States in reprisals for American bombings of Japanese cities. These girls crafted over 10,000 balloons released on Japan's western coast. Over five days, the balloons would drift high in the skies with the wind currents toward North America. 

An imprecise weapon, the balloons landed randomly. Many exploded harmlessly, others failed and did not explode. However, a pastor, his young wife, and several kids from the youth church group were out on a picnic in Bly, Oregon. They found a balloon that had crashed and not exploded. Because of military secrecy, Americans did not know about these Japanese balloons and therefore were not wearied. The bomb exploded, killing six, the only deaths suffered on the American mainland during the Second World War.

Coincidentally, Takeshita was internet only a few miles away from Bly when the bomb went off, but they never knew about this incident. It wasn't until the 1980s that Takeshita, now a sociology professor, heard of the balloon bombs. He worked tirelessly to connect the Japanese women who crafted the balloons to the survivors of Bly, to bring an understanding and to foster healing between the two. His efforts resulted in Japanese women coming to Bly and meeting with the survivors. His efforts demonstrated that humans can connect and foster peace, even in the face of historical trauma.

The Human Body: An Alien's Guide

Redford, Ruth. The Human Body: An Alien's Guide. 2024. 48p. ISBN 9798887701462.

The Human Body: An Alien's Guide takes readers on an intergalactic adventure with a group of curious aliens who are on a mission to understand the human body. Through well illustrated graphic art, the aliens explores various body systems, including the circulatory, digestive, skeletal, and more. Engaging and informative text introduces key concepts, such as the composition of the human body and its responses to stimuli like injuries and illnesses. 

This book presents complex scientific information in a fun and accessible way, making it an ideal resource for young readers. Readers will learn about major organs, different types of blood cells, and how the body defends itself against invaders, whether they be viruses or, in this case, alien spaceships. The humorous and imaginative storyline, combined with the vibrant illustrations, creates a captivating learning experience that will leave readers both entertained and enlightened about the wonders of the human body.

Hydrogen

Hulick, Kathryn. Hydrogen. Part of the Chemistry of Everyday Elements series. 2017. 64p. ISBN 9781422238424. Available at 546.2 HUL on the library shelves.

Hydrogen, the simplest and most abundant element in the universe, plays a pivotal role in powering our world. It's the fundamental building block of stars, fueling their immense energy output through nuclear fusion. On Earth, hydrogen is harnessed in various forms to generate electricity and heat. In fuel cells, hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce electricity, emitting only water as a byproduct. Additionally, hydrogen is a key component of many renewable energy sources, such as solar cells and wind turbines, where it's used to store energy efficiently.

Beyond its energy applications, hydrogen is essential for numerous industrial processes. It's used in the production of fertilizers, plastics, and other chemicals. Moreover, hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. By transitioning to a hydrogen-based economy, we can significantly decrease our reliance on fossil fuels and move towards a more sustainable future.

This series includes:

• Silver
• Helium
• Gold
• Silicon
• Oxygen
• Hydrogen
• Aluminum

The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening

Shapiro, Ari. The Best Strangers in the World: Stories from a Life Spent Listening. 2023. 256p. ISBN 9780063221345.

In The Best Strangers in the World, NPR host Ari Shapiro delivers a moving collection of essays that serve as both a personal memoir and a heartfelt ode to the power of journalism. Shapiro transports readers around the globe using captivating narratives, recounting poignant encounters that range from heartwarming to heartbreaking. He shares intimate experiences, such as accompanying President Obama on Air Force One and tracing the harrowing journeys of Syrian refugees fleeing the Syrian Civil war. 

Shapiro's insightful reflections on his career as a journalist offer a valuable perspective on the challenges and rewards of navigating an increasingly polarized world. The book underscores the crucial role of journalism in fostering understanding and promoting dialogue. By sharing his own experiences and observations, he invites the reader to engage more deeply with the world around them and to seek out meaningful connections with others, even those who may seem vastly different.

With a profound understanding of the divisive forces shaping our world, Shapiro emphasizes the importance of bridging divides and fostering empathy. He passionately advocates for active listening and finding common ground amidst our differences, reminding us of our shared humanity that transcends religion, nationality, and political affiliations. The Best Strangers in the World is a testament to Shapiro's unwavering commitment to "Considering All Things" and his dedication to sharing the stories that connect us all and serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of human connection and the transformative power of storytelling.

Aloha Wanderwell: The Border-Smashing, Record-Setting Life of the World's Youngest Explorer

Fink-Jensen, Christian and Randolph Eustace-Walden. Aloha Wanderwell: The Border-Smashing, Record-Setting Life of the World's Youngest Explorer. 2016. 425 p. ISBN 9780864928955.

In 1922, a rebellious 15-year-old French convent student, yearning for adventure, responded to an advertisement posted by an already famous explorer, for a traveling secretary. This audacious young woman soon became known to the world as Aloha Wanderwell. She possessed an uncanny confidence and a burning ambition. She wanted to become the first woman to circumnavigate the globe by car. 

Despite facing immense challenges, including scarce roads, a lack of gasoline stations, and a hostile world largely unfamiliar with automobiles, Wanderwell embarked on this audacious expedition. Equipped with a specially modified Model T Ford and working with a small crew, she traversed continents, encountering diverse cultures and personalities, from the Eiffel Tower to the Sphinx, from Mussolini to a Detroit ticker tape parade. By the age of 25, she had achieved international fame as a pilot, actress, peace advocate, and a pivotal figure in a captivating California murder mystery.

However, this extraordinary tale of global exploration harbors a significant secret. The celebrated Aloha Wanderwell was, in fact, Idris Hall, a Canadian woman who meticulously crafted a persona to fuel her adventurous spirit. Drawing upon a wealth of sources, including diaries, travel logs, films, photographs, and even declassified government documents, "Aloha Wanderwell" unveils the remarkable true story of this enigmatic explorer, revealing the astonishing life and daring exploits of one of the most audacious and captivating figures of the 1920s.

Uranium

Gardner, Jane P. Uranium. 2018.64p. ISBN 9781422238479. Available at 546.43 GAR on the library shelves.

Uranium, a dense, silvery-white metal, was first discovered by Martin Klaproth, a German chemist, in 1789. He isolated uranium oxide from pitchblende, a mineral found in the Joachimsthal silver mines in Bohemia. The discovery of uranium marked a significant milestone in the field of chemistry and physics, as it paved the way for further exploration of radioactivity and nuclear energy.   

The true potential of uranium as a powerful energy source was not realized until the 20th century. Scientists discovered that certain isotopes of uranium, particularly uranium-235, undergo nuclear fission, releasing immense amounts of energy. This process, known as nuclear fission, is the basis for nuclear power generation. Nuclear power plants harness the energy released during fission to generate electricity, providing a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels.  The same process could also be used to fuel bombs, however, and humanity entered the nuclear age when atomic bombs were dropped on Japan in 1945. 

The use of uranium also raises concerns about nuclear proliferation, vulnerability of plants to environmental hazards like Fukushima or to human error like Chernobyl, and the safe disposal of nuclear waste. Scientists and engineers are continuously working to develop advanced nuclear technologies, such as nuclear fusion, which promises to be a cleaner and more sustainable energy source. By addressing these challenges and advancing nuclear technology, we can harness the power of uranium to meet our energy needs while minimizing environmental impact.

A History of Air Warfare

Olson, John Andrea. A History of Air Warfare. 2010. 522p. ISBN 9781597974400.

 

A History of Air Warfare is a comprehensive anthology that explores the evolution of air power in military conflicts throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Featuring contributions from leading military experts, this book examines a series of key campaigns that marked the field of air warfare, analyzing the objectives, events, and key players involved. Each essay meticulously scrutinizes the role of air power within the broader strategic and operational context of a military engagement or campaign, considering the interplay between political factors and military operations. It concludes with a broader analysis of air and space power in both conventional and unconventional warfare, offering valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of air power across different historical periods.

Beyond a simple celebration of air power, A History of Air Warfare offers a critical and even-handed assessment of its role in military history. It highlights the challenges of joint and coalition warfare, making it a valuable resource for scholars of modern warfare, and air power specialists. Readers who enjoy military history will appreciate the descriptive nature of this book and the thorough analysis of the impact of air power on modern warfare.

Tales of Ancient Egypt: Myths & Adventures from the Land of the Pyramids

Cook, Hugo. Tales of Ancient Egypt: Myths & Adventures from the Land of the Pyramids. 2024. 160p. ISBN 9781684493807.

Tales of Ancient Egypt is a captivating journey through the rich history of the ancient civilization of Egypt. Moving beyond the familiar story of Tutankhamun, this book delves into a wealth of lesser-known tales, including the daring escape of Cleopatra to meet Julius Caesar and the Cinderella-like tale of a peasant girl who married the pharaoh. The book seamlessly blends historical accounts with fascinating myths, offering a vibrant tapestry of love, betrayal, and royal intrigue.

Beyond the engaging narratives, Tales of Ancient Egypt provides valuable insights into Egyptian history and culture. Readers will learn about the construction of pyramids, the intricate process of mummification, and the role of gods and goddesses in ancient Egyptian society. With its engaging storytelling, meticulous research, and stunning visual presentation, this book is an great introduction to ancient Egypt for young readers, sparking their curiosity and inspiring further exploration.

Running the Room: The Teacher's Guide to Behavior

Bennett, Tom. Running the Room: The Teacher's Guide to Behavior. 2020. 346p. ISBN 9781913622145.

Running the Room examines the crucial role positive classroom behavior plays in fostering successful learning environments. Effective behavior management is not about punishment, but rather about teaching and cultivating essential social and emotional skills in students. It highlights the importance of creating a calm and respectful classroom where all students feel valued and supported. Recognizing that every child comes to the classroom with unique experiences and needs, teachers must devise a tailored approach to behavior management.

Running the Room provides teachers with practical, evidence-based strategies and techniques for creating a positive classroom culture. Drawing on the expertise of educators worldwide, it offers valuable insights and guidance on building strong relationships with students, establishing clear expectations, and implementing effective classroom routines. By emphasizing the importance of viewing behavior as a curriculum, the book empowers teachers to create a learning environment where both students and teachers can thrive.