Reviews: Professional Reading

Most of the items reviewed in this volume have come out since 2000. Entries are organized by grade level, followed by a reference section that includes subscription databases. The K-3 section is composed almost entirely of entries for DVDs, with the exception of the "Alphabet, Concept, and Counting" chapter, which also includes software, games, and Web sites. The book has title and subject indexes, and each entry is tagged with an icon indicating media type. As with other titles in the series, the clearly written annotations are descriptive rather than evaluative, although references to reviews and awards are provided. Prices and publication dates for games are not given, as these vary depending on platform and other factors. Game entries include Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings. Software entries encompass CD-ROM as well as downloadable formats, interactive books, and the handheld Leapster learning system. Unfortunately, the print format guarantees that the content will date quickly. New devices and delivery mechanisms make the field a difficult one to capture in print. Alternatively, an online publication would allow updates, expansion of scope (to include audio materials, for example), and more flexible searching options, such as the ability to search by device type. Despite these limitations, the book is a convenient compilation of resources that are otherwise hard to identify, making it a desirable purchase, particularly for libraries that are just starting to build game collections.—Frances Harris, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Carlow sees music as part of developmental human activity and issues a plea to introduce it as direct participation, not simply as manipulation of technology. This collection of methods and lessons encourages adults to broaden the possibilities of interacting with music, thereby using it to introduce young children to language, literature, and culture. Text is divided into chapters on singing and other ways to be musical, such as echoes, chant, rhythmic speech with "found" or unconventional instruments, repetition and rhymes, choral speaking, jazz chants, body movement, and rhythms with body percussion and sound carpets. The succeeding chapters are devoted to specific grade levels: preschool, primary grades (K-2), and intermediate grades (3-5). Each chapter includes an explanation of methods appropriate for the age group, followed by numerous lesson ideas for classrooms. The organization of this book makes it a solid addition to enhance curriculum materials. Above all, the inclusion of helpful methods creates a useful library resource.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

Hardesty encourages librarians to listen to teens and assist them in their search for identity through the written word. Instead of focusing on improving skills, the clubs she suggests are about letting young people have control over the direction of the program. From starting a club and the writing activities to share, to grand finales and how to evaluate the program's effectiveness, the author details all the information needed to create such a club. Particularly useful are chapters on the four roles of facilitators, creating a nonfiction writing club, and how to take your efforts online. Many handouts are included, a boon to any busy librarian. An appendix includes resources for publishing. All this information is laid out in a straightforward, positive manner. An essential resource for planning or presenting writing clubs.—Melissa Rabey, Frederick County Public Libraries, Frederick, MD

These 25 true stories are divided into three sections: "Stories from History," "Stories from the Modern World," and "Stories from the Natural World." Each one offers a short history or explanation to place events in context and concludes with suggestions for further reading. However, many of the titles are for an older audience than the stories, and will not be available in most children's collections. Appropriate as partnered works to nonfiction topics, these brief entries create useful classroom writing prompts or simply entertaining read-alouds. Quick-moving action and dialogue place readers squarely in the midst of dangerous, momentous events. Hopefully, the subtitle does not preclude using the stories with girls as many of them include strong female protagonists. Accessible reads for those moments when a short, action-packed story is just what the classroom needs.—Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX

This excellent introduction to children's literature and its various genres and forms offers many activities and practical applications. Each chapter includes "Action" components that highlight literature, authors, specific book titles, or history. While varying in scope, these actions all help public librarians and school media specialists become familiar with the literature. This volume will build confidence in their ability to offer the best possible ways in which to link literature with active practices in school and public libraries and ultimately be able to find that "just right" book for their young patrons. It also includes evaluation criteria, writing reviews, collection development of various genres, awards, and other programs of merit as well as additional information in numerous bibliographies and lists of recommended reading and Web sites. The book will be especially useful for students studying to be youth-service librarians and school media specialists, but experienced librarians will find fresh ideas here, too.—Renee McGrath, Nassau Library System, Uniondale, NY