The Librarian's Internet- Build It Yourself

Most kids, particularly those in the upper grades and high school, long to create their own Web site. There are tons of resources, but only a few are designed especially for kids and teens. Help meet the demand with these choice sites and online Web-building tools.

Here you'll find kid-friendly information on building a first Web site, including lessons on HTML, graphics, and frames. Webmonkey allows kids to choose what they want to learn, rather than forcing them to suffer through a pre-set tutorial. Kids can then practice what they've learned through various projects, including a fun "Self Portrait." Afterward, they can relax a little at the "Playground" link. Visit "Lenny Goes Spelunking"—it's a hoot! Grades: 5–8. Created by: Lycos, Inc., Waltham, MA. Don't Miss: The funny HTML text samples—they're sure to appeal to young Webmasters. And check out the handy "Planning Guide" to help you use Webmonkey in the library or classroom. Detour: For more advanced tips, visit the adult version of Webmonkey at hotwired. lycos.com/webmonkey.

Web Genies offers guidance on creating simple graphics and sound files, as well as basic HTML. There's nothing on making tables or frames, but that's appropriate, given that the site is designed for young kids. A glossary of "techie" terms will help everyone stay up on the lingo. Grades: 3–8. Created by: Jackie Buckle, librarian, Reigate, England. Don't Miss: The visual explanation of how animated GIF images work; it's terrific. Also visit the "Parents/Teachers" link for practical pointers on building a first Web site and "Top Tips," which provides simple design advice for youngsters.

This teen site contains all the basics for beginners, as well as information for more knowledgeable young site builders, including a great explanation (and demos) of how to build cascading style sheets. Grades: 9–12. Created by: 15-year-old Lissa Singer, Tallahassee, FL. Don't miss: The "Fun Stuff" section, where teens can learn to create drop-down menus, scrolling marquees, guest books, counters, and thumbnail graphics. Make sure to tell your library's Web person about these two sections.

Teens who already know the basics of HTML and who've already built their first Web site will want to visit this nifty reference page and get some new ideas. They'll find useful Java scripts for text rollovers, as well as many tips and tricks for making tables, links, and images look and function better. This site is useful for library and school Webmasters, as well. Grades: 9–12. Created by: Francis Moss, North Hollywood, CA.

A quick and easy way for older kids/teens to create a graphic for their home page. All they have to do is type in the text; select the font, font size, and colors; then download the graphic to their computer!

This form-based tool helps older kids and teens create a table, preview what it will look like, and copy/paste the corresponding HTML code directly into their Web page.

Here, kids can choose from a huge range of available colors and patterns to modify the background or text on their site.