Video/DVD

By Staff -- School Library Journal, 7/1/2006

Arts & Crafts Advanced Tie Dye Techniques (Set). 2 DVDs. color. 2:10 hrs. True Tie Dye. 2005. ISBN 0-9763345-2-6. $36.95. Includes: Tie Dye 202: Making Shapes with Tie Dye; Tie Dye 303: Mandalas, Suns and Lotus Blossoms.

Gr 6 Up–Tie dye experts Tom Rolofson and Martine Purdy expand on the basic processes of tie dying introduced in their earlier DVD, Tie Dye 101 (June 2006, p. 75). They turn to more advanced tie dying projects featuring hearts, arrows, stars, peace signs, suns, cosmic rays, and more. A comprehensive review of the basic steps covered is awkwardly placed at the end of the credits for the first disc of the set. Explanations for these advanced projects are very precise but become monotonous with repetitious explanations of the fabric folding techniques. The instructors’ expressionless and straightforward delivery of the detailed script makes for very dry narration. Musical background accompaniment styles vary; in a few instances the loud music drowns out the narration. Viewers will get a better grasp of each project by watching the production in short increments. Libraries already circulating the pair’s first title on tie dying may want to consider this set as an additional purchase.–Lynn Vanca, Akron-Summit County Public Library, OH

Gr 4 Up–The popular mythical beast is reborn into a three-dimensional sculpture in this charming step-by-step art lesson. Beginning with a basic sketch and ending with a sculpted dragon, art instructor Tina Cintron guides viewers skillfully through a fun and uncomplicated art project. Amid a cheerful backdrop of brightly colored dragons, she demonstrates how to draw an artist’s model on paper. Children are warned about the messiness of the project and reminded to don an apron. Moving smoothly to hands-on application, she uses easily obtained materials (a list is shown at the beginning and end of the video), such as newspaper, recycled plastic bottles, wire, and plaster tape to construct the dragon’s body. The presentation is flawlessly paced and well organized. Soft music and camera fadeouts move the project along. Viewers are shown how to combine primary colors of acrylic paint to produce a dragon that looks like the finished artwork samples. This excellent introduction to plaster-cast artwork will inspire viewers to create their own menagerie of dragons.–Celeste Steward, Alameda County Library, Fremont, CA

Early Childhood

PreS–Designed to expose infants and toddlers to the world of golf and encourage physical activity, this program features a fairly standard brainy-baby mix of live-action footage of children and puppets. It even offers a very basic introduction to the equipment—mostly represented through toy clubs and colorful golf balls. Diverse preschoolers, with girls well represented, are shown playing the game, and babies are shown interacting with the equipment in an exploratory manner. Upbeat music provides a pleasant audio backdrop. Though some may scoff at introducing golf to children so young, the producers, to their credit, have kept this program aimed at the abilities and interests of the teething set—colorful, fun, and full of action—designed not necessarily to teach but to promote positive feelings about exercise.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Foreign Languages

PreS-Gr 3–Featuring delightful young school children, music, and dance, this Chinese language and culture program introduces some basic Mandarin Chinese words and phrases while showing a typical day in a modern, urban, primary classroom. The combination of mini language lessons and documentary is an interesting approach, but the glimpses of Chinese culture are more effective than the language portions. The video opens as the children arrive at school, start their day with a traditional breakfast, and then go outside for typical exercises—waving flags and pom-poms, twirling, and dancing—always laughing and smiling with enjoyment. The section on academics feature math students using an abacus, and enthusiastic students in art and music classes. After recess, lunch, and naps, there’s a colorful dance performance. In between these school day segments, the narrator, Mei Mei, gathers a group of children (all girls) for short language lessons. Each lesson reflects the preceding classroom segment. Mei Mei recites a sentence in English, and the girls take turns repeating her words in Mandarin. The sentences are then repeated with the Chinese writing and a pronunciation guide onscreen. The challenges of the Chinese language and the brevity of the lessons make the non-English portions of the dialogue rather confusing. With multiple viewings, the words become more recognizable, and perhaps youngsters will be able to catch on. Overall, the classroom scenes are natural and spontaneous. This production could enrich Chinese language programs aimed at young children, or possibly support a unit on present-day China. Young children will want to dance and sing along, while older viewer will find the cultural differences and similarities fascinating.–Emily Herman, Mary Lin Elementary School, Atlanta, GA

PreS-Gr 3–In this entertaining introduction to the Spanish language, basic vocabulary is presented in an easy-to-follow format. Areas explored include colors, numbers, action words, body parts, and the alphabet—all reinforced with fun and lively songs. Children of all ages are shown playing and engaging in other activities that demonstrate words like stand, sit, and walk. Vocabulary words are spoken in Spanish and then in English. Spanish words are shown onscreen, followed by the English translation. The intent of the program is to expose children to the language so that they can learn how to converse in Spanish, not just memorize the vocabulary. The live-action format and catchy tunes enhance this informative production. This title will help youngsters build a solid foundation for developing fluency in Spanish, and also could be used as a review of vocabulary for older children.–Denise A. Garofalo, Astor Learning Center Library, Rhinebeck, NY

PreS-Gr 3–An introduction to French vocabulary and grammar is provided in this animated program based on the language acquisition technique developed by Francois Thibaut. Songs, games, sounds, words, and engaging animation combine to expose young children to the French language. Eric Goes to School contains basic vocabulary dealing with everyday activities such as getting dressed, eating, and going to school. Professor Toto’s House (2 DVDs, one for English and one for French) includes vocabulary for topics such as directions, shapes, sports, musical instruments, time, and seasons. Each title includes a script in both French and English as well as a parent’s guide. The program’s format makes it easy to view the material in short segments, a plus for young viewers. The animation is simple, the voices are easy to understand, and the music is upbeat. Although intended as an introduction to French for young children, it could be used to introduce the sounds of the French language to older viewers as well.–Denise A. Garofalo, Astor Home for Children, Rhinebeck, NY

PreS-Gr 3–Gruff-voiced Professor Toto, who resembles Albert Einstein, and his student, Sofia, who has the face of a cartoon femme fatale and the body and clothing of a chaste school girl, introduce basic Spanish words and concepts. Using repetition, songs, and both written and pictorial reinforcement, the DVDs work on an immersion premise, with the Spanish and English versions entirely separate. Based on the Thibaut system, which uses games and positive reinforcement to teach language, the DVDs are meant to be viewed as entertainment, with each child following along at his or her own pace. In the first DVD, the Professor’s class is watching a video called El dia de Enrique/Eric’s Day, in which a four-year-old boy tells about his family, home, and day’s activities. This introduces vocabulary germane to family, food, clothing, colors, the alphabet, school, and both getting dressed and undressed. Enrique uses common phrases for greetings and demonstrates the structure of short sentences. The cartoon is a dramatization of the scenario, helping youngsters learn the language by both hearing the words and seeing the action. Classroom segments present Professor Toto asking Sofia to pronounce words after him, more or less repeating the vocabulary introduced in Eric’s Day. There are sentence completion exercises and some catchy songs. The second DVD adds vocabulary and presents more complex sentence structure. The clear graphics feature different types of animation, which helps hold viewer attention, and both the Spanish and English are easily understood. Better for home than institutional use, the program could still be used for language reinforcement in primary-grade language programs or, using the English version, in ELL classrooms.–Ann Welton, Grant Elementary School, Tacoma, WA

Guidance

Gr 6 Up–This excellent film may help dispel negative myths about children in lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transvestite (LGBT) families. Five young people, ages 12 to 17, talk about their loving families, which include gays, lesbians, and a transgender man. During their discussions, typical family interaction is shown such as having dinner, playing sports, and attending school events. The speakers stress that love and respect make a family, not gender issues. Although some of the speakers were initially afraid of how others would and did react when they learned about their family, and some lost friends especially in middle school, they are now comfortable talking freely with friends. The film will help viewers better understand different kinds of families and resolve some confusion about gender issues. It can be used in a variety of social studies and psychology classes as well as in programs about LGBT families.–Anitra Gordon, formerly Ypsilanti High School, Ann Arbor, MI

PreS-Gr 1–In two 30-minute episodes featuring Fred Rogers, viewers get lessons on self-control, expressing their feelings, and healthy outlets to relieve tension. In the first part, Rogers shows children different ways that they can express their anger including singing, exercising, and playing the piano. He introduces a disabled teenager who can exercise from his wheelchair and visits a girl who likes to swim. Rogers offers useful advice in a calm manner, assuring children that it’s okay to express their angry feelings. Meanwhile, in the land of Make-Believe, Lady Elaine has trouble dealing with her anger. In the second segment, Rogers visits a production of the dance show “STOMP” and learns how the cast members use ordinary objects such as buckets and brooms to make music. Meanwhile, in Make-Believe, Lady Elaine comes to realize how destructive her anger has been and discovers that apologizing is a good start to setting things right. Bonus features on the DVD include a tour of a construction paper factory and a sing-along (“What Do You Do with the Mad That You Feel?”). A valuable addition to childcare facilities and public libraries.–Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 9 Up–Many young women pondering their future are overwhelmed by life choices and are only vaguely aware of the options available to them. A group of teenage girls take part in a remote dialogue with a group of “wise women”—entrepreneurs, a bank vice president, a psychologist, a professor, an author, and a chiropractor—who are role-models in their fields. The speakers talk about their own choices and then, based on their experiences, respond to questions or concerns posed by the teens such as: “How do I know I’m making the right choice?” “How can I be successful?” “What if my parents don’t agree with my plans? “What should I look for in a relationship?” The topics covered in the third volume include peer pressure, suicide, spirituality, and parental problems. The camera focuses on only one person at a time, so there is no sense of interaction. Each speaker’s unique and interesting response could be a springboard for further discussion. Although the frank and varied comments offered by these women generate classroom discussion, a dynamic group leader will be needed to help relieve the talking head format.–Anitra Gordon, formerly Ypsilanti High School, Ann Arbor, MI

Health

Gr 3 Up–The Blue Butterfly is based on the true story of David Marenger who was diagnosed with cancer at age 6. In 1988, The Children’s Wish Foundation arranged to send David to Mexico with entomologist George Brossard (played by William Hurt) to fulfill his dream and catch the elusive Blue Morpho butterfly. In this fictionalized version, actor Mark Donato, as cancer victim Pete Carlton, presents a vivid portrait of the courage and fortitude of a terminally ill child. Pete believes, as do the villagers in Costa Rico, that the butterfly has mystical healing powers. The film was an Official Selection of the Tribeca Film Festival and was screened at The Chicago International Children’s Film Festival. This should have been an extraordinary film, but it just misses the mark. For the most part, the good cast is bogged down with too much dialogue and sentimentality. But the scenery and creatures in the rainforest are mesmerizing; the beauty and ugliness of nature and science is an important part of this film. Extras include an interview with Marenger, “About a Butterfly Garden,” interviews with the actors, a photo gallery, and a study guide. The film can be viewed in an unedited version or edited (for some language).–Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library, IL

Gr 1-6–”Block the sun, not the fun.” That’s the message from dermatologists who produced these films. Designed to look like a TV news magazine, each of the age-appropriate titles is a skin cancer prevention tool. Teen hosts interview children and adults, complete with infomercials, to deliver information on sun-related topics. They teach viewers about the dangers of sunburn causing UV (ultraviolet) rays and how to reduce exposure to them. Through interviews, skits, and cartoon graphics, the hosts explain how to prevent over-exposure to sun. They visit Australia where the Aussie kids use the words slip, slop, slap to remember sun-safe behavior—slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat. A catch phrase about sunscreen, “Put on a lot, don’t miss a spot,” is repeated frequently. An original song plays during the credits with sing-along words, such as “Don’t be cooking up trouble with too much sun,” running on the bottom of the screen. The version for older students (grades 4 to 6) is much the same as the film for the younger ones (grades 1 to 3), with a more in-depth exploration of skin cancer’s link to sun exposure. This version also shows a girl’s face, time-traveled 50 years, to show the aging effects of sunburn. Each production is well paced with appropriate graphics and catchy music. A solid offering for units on the dangers of overexposure to the sun and skin cancer.–Marilyn Hersh, Hillside Elementary School, Farmington Hills, MI

Language Arts

Gr 4-7–A diverse panel of articulate middle school students discuss J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Scholastic, 1999) with Tim Podell. A professional magician provides a brief summary of the book, and then, led by Podell, the students discuss the book’s events and themes. Among the topics examined are racism, classism, teamwork, being yourself, courage, and fear. In the vocabulary section, the students define words or identify characters from the book. In the “Ask the Librarian” segment, a librarian provides background information about witchcraft and wizards. The video is well produced with clear audio. Although the “talking heads” style presentation is a bit inert, the youngsters model good discussion skills. The video provides a starting point for classes discussing the book.–Suzanne Libra, Huron Middle School, Northglenn, CO

Gr 4-8–In this innovative program, a panel of five diverse middle schoolers discuss and offer their interpretations of Sid Fleischman’s Newbery Award-winning novel. It begins with a plot summary narrated by magician Bob Friedhoffer and illustrated with original artwork by local high school students. The single magic trick performed seems a bit out of place, though it might serve to capture the attention of viewers. Tim Podell prompts the discussion with questions such as “Is it better to live in the palace as a whipping boy or out on the streets as a rat catcher?” and “Have you ever been blamed for something you didn’t do?” The youngsters engage in animated banter about themes like friendship and loyalty as well as the author’s use of humor to diffuse fear. Fleischman makes a cameo appearance to discuss his early years and the fun he has writing about villains. A librarian shares some information on what childhood was like in the Middle Ages as well as on the surprisingly respected occupation of rat catching—a necessary means of preventive medicine at the time. Light jazz music adds to this lively model book discussion that should inspire students to reflect and share some thoughts of their own. An excellent resource and introduction to the book and the author.—Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 4-9–Producer/interviewer Tim Podell travels to Toronto to chat with one of Canada’s most popular authors. Podell prompts Oppel to talk about his childhood, how he became a writer, and where he finds inspiration for his books. The author’s career began with the assistance of Roald Dahl, who helped him get his first book published while he was still in high school. Since then he has written 21 books. Oppel writes about things that pique his curiosity and interest. His first book was inspired by his love of video games, and the Silverwing series began when a friend piqued his interest in bats and their unique talents. His books all exhibit great imagination, and he explains that imagination is the energy that urges a writer, artist, or scientist to question reality and move beyond things as they are. He explains his writing and research process in detail, and reads from one of his earliest works, written in a notebook while he was a student. This interview has a very relaxed, informal feel, as the gentlemen walk and talk in one of Toronto’s parks and tour Oppel’s office. Students will learn a great deal about this award-winning author and his writing process, and may be inspired to write about things that have captured their imaginations.–MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

PreS-Gr 2–When Fox opens the door to find a piglet on his welcome mat, he figures it’s his lucky day. But is it? The piglet has plenty of advice for the fox on preparation techniques for his pork dinner—a bath, a tenderizing massage, a fattening meal. Soon Fox is exhausted and the piglet heads home clean, refreshed, and full. How lucky for him! Keiko Kasza’s delightful book (Grosset, 2003) receives excellent treatment here. The story is narrated with tongue-in-cheek humor by Annie Silver and Asa Dorfman. Bouncy original background music adds to the fun. Kasza’s bright illustrations are scanned iconographically, making their humorous details stand out. Some minor animation is added. Put it all together and you have an enjoyable trickster tale that will make both children and adults giggle.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Mathematics

Gr 5-9–Utilizing many real-life situations, examples, and problems and solutions, the series provides comprehensive teaching units about the metric system. The female narrator explains why concise measurements are needed, how things are measured, why there are two systems of measurement (English and Metric), and how to move between the two of them. Featuring a diverse group of children and adults, this series provides information in small, manageable doses, allowing students to digest all the facts. Each segment offers an excellent review of the topics as well as a 15-question assessment. The series should be mandatory for math programs in grades 5 to 9, and could possibly be used with gifted fourth graders.–Linda Fortino, formerly Charles Quentin Elementary School, Palatine, IL

Religion

PreS-Gr 2–Prolific adult Christian nonfiction writer and singer Sheila Walsh created this title about a tousle-haired little girl who believes she is a princess. Although her surroundings are not royal, Gigi dreams of a day when she will live in a castle. The production combines both live-action footage and colorful animated illustrations. Gigi’s parents help her realize that she is a princess, because she is a child of God, the greatest King of all. Never preachy, this title offers positive reinforcement for the concept of belonging to God’s family. Very young girls will be drawn to the princess theme. A supplementary purchase for most library collections.–Kirsten Martindale, formerly Menomonie Public Library, WI

Gr 3-6–This realistically animated production describes the devotion of William Tyndale, a Christian. Tyndale was a language scholar in England in the 1500’s, a time when all copies and readings of the Bible were in Latin. The church and government authorities made it illegal to read or speak the Scripture in English, and those who did were prosecuted. However, Tyndale felt that the Bible was for all people, not only those who understood Latin, so he felt that it was his duty to translate it into English. After he was denied support from the Church, he secretly traveled to Germany to print his translation. Tyndale was eventually betrayed and put to death in England. Soon after his death, however, the King approved the translation of the Bible into English, which led to the King James version. Bonus features of the DVD include English and Spanish languages with optional English subtitles, reproducible student handouts, quizzes, and more. The realistic animation, energetic characterizations, and fast-paced plot will keep viewers engrossed.–Cynthia Grabke, Thayer Public Library, Braintree, MA

Science

Gr all levels–Butterflies are the second largest order of insects named Lepidoptera and have an average life span of two weeks to progress through the stages from egg to hatching and mating. The length of time spent in the pupa stage is largely determined by the climate; it takes a longer time in a cold climate. An off-screen host skillfully narrates the program and interviews butterfly expert George Leslie from the Butterfly Place in Westford, MA. Filmed in high definition, much of the gorgeous videography is from the Butterfly Place which is home to over 500 butterflies. The video covers the life cycle of the butterfly, predators, feeding, coloration, mating, adult life, and conservation. This outstanding production will be an excellent addition to public libraries. A better production specifically designed for grades three to six is WildBug Interactive Media’s interactive DVD Visual Nature Series: Butterflies & Moths (Sept. 2005, p. 73) because it is designed specifically for classroom use with graphics, illustrations, a vocabulary module, and review questions.–Kathy Dummer, formerly Newcastle Middle School, WY

Gr 5 Up–This poignant and inspiring documentary is about the first civilian in space, a teacher from a New England high school, lost in the Challenger shuttle disaster in 1986. Two female writers and directors interviewed family members, friends, colleagues, and NASA personnel, and assembled considerable footage from McAuliffe’s many public appearances ahead of the launch date. Her enthusiasm for life, her commitment to education, and her courage are central to the story. Criticism of NASA, speculation that the very public nature of this mission forced the decision to fly in bad weather, and the pain felt by her family are not spared in this production. Though some editing of protracted scenes would have improved the film, the information on McAuliffe’s life, personality, career motivations, and decision to apply for the space program explains why she was the unanimous choice of the selection committee. The segments on her training for the mission and the concluding section about her mother’s work with children in schools around the country to tell Christa’s story are very interesting. The film, narrated by actress Susan Sarandon, includes songs specially composed and sung by Carly Simon. Useful for biography and science projects.–Joan Karasick, Greenwich High School, Greenwich, CT

Gr 5-9–This series covers the basics of classification. Each video is divided into ten chapters, including an introduction, a discussion of divisions within the kingdom under discussion, a summary, an on-screen video quiz, and “you decide” or “you compare” segments where the narrator asks students to actively engage in classifying. For example, in Classifying Life, students are asked how they would classify a athletic equipment, and then the narrator proposes three different ways that they can be grouped. These segments encourage students to actively participate in the viewing experience. Classifying Life covers the history of classification, the variety of ways people have attempted to classify living forms, the currently accepted system, and the controversies surrounding classification and evolution. Classifying Monerans and Protists discusses bacteria and protists such as amoebas. Plants and Fungi covers evolution and basic variation of plants and fungi. Classifying Animals reviews the nine major phyla of animals. Live-action and electron microscope photography provide clear images of even the smallest monerans. Animation and graphics clarify the levels and structure of classification. These well-organized and visually inviting titles will be useful to introduce the topics or for review. Since the videos are somewhat repetitious and similar in format, show them individually over a period of time so student interest will be maintained.–Suzanne Libra, Huron Middle School, Northglenn, CO

Gr 9 Up–Hosted by reporter and commentator George Stephanopoulos, this program originated as a segment on ABC’s Nightline in 2005. It focuses on the controversy in Kansas over the inclusion of the theory of intelligent design in the state’s high school science curriculum to balance the teaching of Darwin’s theory of evolution. The news program’s familiar presentation relies on interviews with qualified spokespersons on either side of the question, which becomes less than stimulating as the production progresses. Even though the Kansas question was resolved last year (creationism became part of the state-mandated curriculum), the issues presented are still relevant. Included in the deliberation are the broader issues of the growing influence of conservative factions in societal concerns as well as the question of the degree to which evolution is supported by established scientific proof. While this program might be of some value in classrooms or for research, it’s difficult to recommend purchase except by the largest (and best-funded) libraries.–Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 9 Up–This program provides detailed information about the life cycles of the Monarch, Anise Swallowtail, Cabbage White, Painted Lady, and a variety of other butterflies in their natural habitats. Six program chapters on body parts, mating, egg laying and hatching, molting, predators, and conservation have trendy onscreen titles like, “Love Me for My Bodies,” “Sex and the Garden,” “Exoskeletons in the Closet,” and “Extreme Make-over”—obviously with mature viewers in mind. To explain the ways adult males attract females, analogies like bar hopping and college winter break are used. Amazing close-up, slow-motion, and time-lapse photography helps explain the immature stages of eggs, larvae, caterpillar, chrysalis, and the adult butterfly life cycle. The scientific vocabulary is usually defined in context and occasionally appears as screen text, but the producers assume viewers have some basic knowledge of scientific terminology and insects. Fascinating details are presented, such as the way in which caterpillar heads push out of skulls for molting. Two butterfly experts briefly explain plant hosts and butterfly gardens. A college professor discusses habitat, and a San Francisco butterfly counting group offer explanations for the declining numbers of these creatures as human development encroaches on necessary vegetation and space. Despite some minor production problems such as very loud music in one spot and wind blowing in microphones during field interviews, this program provides excellent information about the life of wild butterflies. Ideal for high school and college science classes.–Joan Karasick, Greenwich High School, CT

PreS-Gr 5–Brief segments of video, photos, and animation introduce different aspects of autumn and winter. Level 1 is for preschool to age five, level 2 is for 6 to 7 year olds, and level 3 is for 8 to 10 year olds. Each brief segment includes information on harvest, apples, pumpkins, leaves, trees, autumn weather, how animals prepare for winter, winter weather, and winter activities. The first level provides an overview of the topics. The next level includes information on hibernating, plant pigmentation, chlorophyll, leaf coloration, and snow as a ground insulator. The most advanced level discusses the water cycle, the separation level for leaves, migration, snowflakes as crystals, and animal waterproofing and protection. The organization is parallel at all three levels. Diagrams and maps clarify concepts. Photography is striking, and original music is pleasant and entertaining. The DVD also offers a slide show featuring just the photographs. The Spanish vocabulary and picture/word recognition game features could not be accessed on the review copy. Teachers may use this for units about weather, plants and vegetables, and winter sports.–Ann Elders, Mark Twain Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 1-3–This entertaining production presents basic information about reptiles, including alligators, snakes, turtles, and iguanas, as well as fish. The video employs helpful educational strategies, such as repetition and a predictable pattern, to help children remember the facts about each animal. Each creature is presented in a separate chapter, which makes it easy to skip around or break into units. Each chapter begins with a fun guessing game in which a part of an animal is shown and viewers must figure out what animal is pictured. Then the animal is shown in a natural setting at a petting zoo while the narrator presents a brief description of the animal’s physical characteristics, natural habitat, and food. Next, young children are shown acting like the animal, inviting viewers to join in this amusing game. Finally, the details about the animal are repeated in a folk song accompanied by guitar. While there is educational content, the childish music and games will probably appeal more to the younger range of the intended audience.–Cynthia Grabke, Thayer Public Library, Braintree, MA

Gr 6 Up–This delightful program about North American birds in backyard and open field habitats can be viewed in three ways. The default setting offers piano, string, brass, or full orchestral music overlaid with bird songs and amazing close-ups of birds soaring, singing, feeding, preening, courting, nesting, and feeding their young. The “At Home” and “Afield” material is further divided into rather random chapters, and noted with short text on the screen in spots. The first half is organized by season. Some beautiful close-ups of flowers, butterflies, squirrels, and a deer relate the birds to their habitat. With the DVD remote, subtitles can be turned on to show the name of the bird. A third option turns on the alternate audio and a twangy voiced announcer, sometimes hard to hear and understand, provides intermittent commentary. For biology class use, the bird names are helpful, but the narrator’s comments are more editorial than descriptive. However, this is not a program to learn about mating, life cycles, predators, and camouflage. The strength of this production is that it allows viewers to see more birds up close than most of us will see in a lifetime. Laugh at the prairie chicken “dance” and soar with the golden eagle in flight, and then go for a walk and see what’s in your neighborhood.–Joan Karasick, Greenwich High School, CT

Gr 4-6–Each of the 20 two-minute segments covers one important concept within the larger topic of light, heat, and energy. Among the topics covered are “Energy and States of Matter,” “Thermal Energy Transfer,” “Molecules in Motion,” “Inside Every Atom,” “What’s a Wave,” “The Truth about Shadows,” “A Tale of Two Lenses,” and more. Each segment features graphics, live-action video, and music. Some are sung like rap songs, others are staged to feel like commercials, some play like a movie, and others feature cartoon characters. However, imagery and vocabulary come at viewers so rapidly that there is no time for processing. Some concepts and vocabulary, when presented in just two minutes, are too difficult for the targeted age group to assimilate. This program might be better aimed at older students and used to review individual topics.–Marilyn Hersh, Hillside Elementary School, Farmington Hills, MI

Social Studies

Gr 9 Up–This disturbing film profiles two Iranian girls in their early teens who face an uncertain future in the hands of their parents who have literally sold their five older daughters into pre-arranged marriages before the age of 12. Both girls are successful in school and have aspirations of professional careers (one hopes to be a doctor, the other dreams of being a teacher), but grudgingly acknowledge that their lives will be shaped by their parents’ decision. The bulk of the production consists of the girls and their parents talking with the off-screen producer. While the dialogue is in Arabic, English subtitles are used—often with spelling and grammar errors, but those are inconsequential to the larger story of the girls’ futures. When the entire family is together, the girls’ father—unquestionably the sole decision-maker—states that the girls can go to school for as long as they care to. Sadly, when he is alone with the program’s producer, he states that they are free to go to school only until a suitable groom comes along. While the girls are helping their mother in the family’s salt-drying business, they talk about contemporaries of theirs who have married much older men (one 14-year-old girl was sold to a 71-year-old groom) and how their culture believes that a woman should be married only once in her lifetime. The moving documentary will generate reactions from viewers, but it is not a tool to help Westerners understand a culture that is so markedly different from our own.–Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 7 Up–Based upon the 2005 United States Postal Service stamp series “To Form a More Perfect Union,” this film relies on primary sources to recount the most important events of the modern civil rights movement. Its ten “chapters” begin with Truman’s 1948 Executive Order to integrate the armed services, cover well-known protests and court decisions, and end with the enactment of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Each three-to-five minute segment opens with a shot of the postage stamp that commemorates an event, followed by a brief introductory statement that provides general information about it. The formats of the segments vary, but all make extensive use of primary source footage. They also include period interviews with those who were part of the events, such as Martin Luther King, Jr. in Montgomery in 1955 and students who were “sitting in” at lunch counters and taking “freedom rides,” contemporaneous black-and-white news reports, and the reminiscences of civil rights pioneers. There is little narration, and the producers let the words of those involved tell the story, which is very effective. This film will not take the place of more general documentaries, such as Understanding the Civil Rights Movement (Educational Video Network, 2000), but its flexible “chapter” format will work well in classrooms and its use of primary sources will help students gain a better understanding of the movement, making it a good supplemental choice for middle level and secondary libraries.–Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 5 Up–Narrated from the Kennedy Library in Boston, this program documents John F. Kennedy’s all-too-short life in an easy-to-follow style. The strongest part of the DVD is the last segment which deals with his presidency. It begins with Kennedy making his famous inaugural speech: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Key domestic issues mentioned include civil rights, the creation of the Peace Corps, and the space race. As for foreign policy, the Bay of Pigs disaster is mentioned, but what’s not pointed out is how JFK took the blame for the debacle. The Cuban Missile Crisis is also described, although there is no mention of how close the world came to nuclear war. JFK’s famous “Ich bin ein Berliner!” speech is shown at the Berlin Wall, and his decision to escalate our military involvement in Southeast Asia is covered. This video works best as a brief overview of one of the most popular presidents of the 20th century. The compelling footage of JFK and his family make up for the short shrift given to the dynamics of the Kennedy family, the importance of the 1960 presidential debate between JFK and Richard Nixon, and the ethical issues raised by how Kennedy kept the seriousness of his medical problems a secret from the public. Younger viewers may be confused by the frequent juxtapositions between visitors to the Kennedy Library and film clips of JFK.–David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT