Zoos seem to be a part of most kids’ lives. But Rob Laidlaw’s book Wild Animals in Captivity (Fitzhenry & Whiteside) uncovers the bleak conditions at so many zoos around the world and forces readers to ask whether they should be there at all.
What a wonderful subject for kids. What response have you gotten from your book?
The response from both children and adults has been wonderful. They understand the concepts and appreciate the fact that they are left to formulate their own opinions about the appropriateness of keeping wild animals in captivity. My hope is that children who read it will not just accept as fact what proponents of wildlife in captivity say, but that they start to ask questions about what animals experience, how they are used, and whether that use is morally acceptable. I also hope that that process extends into other areas and starts a process of critical thinking regarding the place of animals in our own lives and our society. read more...
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Watch and Read: Spotlight on Media Tie-ins
Disney Channel Delights The Cheetah Girls: One World, the third in a series of Disney Channel Original Movies about a pop band, makes its television premiere on August 22, 2008. Cheetah Girls Adrienne Bailon, Sabrina Bryan, and Kiely Willliams reprise their roles as Chanel, Dorinda, and Aqua (Raven-Symoné, who played Galleria in the first two films, does not appear in One World). With Galleria in England attending college, the remaining Cheetahs are looking for a big break and jump at the opportunity to travel to India and star in a Bollywood movie. However, soon after the girls arrive in Mumbai, they discover that the musical has room for only one Cheetah in the lead, forcing the three friends to reevaluate their relationship and decide whether to stick together or go their separate ways.
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The U.S. Open kicks off this year on August 23 with Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, giving young tennis fans a chance to meet their sports heroes. The titles below give a glimpse into both the challenges and rewards of Juniors tennis competition.
CLIPPINGER, Carol. Open Court. Knopf. 2007. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-375-84049-4; PLB $18.99. ISBN 978-0-375-94049-1 Gr 6-10— Hall Braxton is at the top of her game, and her parents and coach think she should go pro. read more...
August 5 is “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” when adults and police all over the country will work together to make your town, community, or neighborhood safer for residents. There are many ways in which adults can help the police “take a bite out of crime,” but what can kids do? Once they visit McGruff’s Web site, they’ll learn how they can stop bullying, stay safe when home alone, deal with gangs, and help prevent crimes at school. Besides some great advice, there are online games (the “Get Home Safe Maze” is really cool). Kids can make your community a safer place–you just need to get them excited about how they can help. — Gail Junion-Metz
District of Columbia Public Library
Washington, D.C.
Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director, the incumbent serves as the division chief for the children's division at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library. read more...
To see all positions available through the SLJ Career Center, click here...
Zoos seem to be a part of most kids’ lives. But Rob Laidlaw’s book Wild Animals in Captivity (Fitzhenry & Whiteside) uncovers the bleak conditions at so many zoos around the world and forces readers to ask whether they should be there at all.
