Worth a Look

The best of Latino heritage, 1996-2002: A guide to the best juvenile books about Latino people and cultures
Isabel Schon
Twenty sections explore the history and culture of Latin countries and regions (including the United States). Each entry (by author) provides bibliographic information, grade level and a brief annotation. Coverage varies: one title is given for Chile, while Mexico has 62 titles listed. Latino and non-Latino authors are included. Grades K-12.
(Scarecrow, 2003. 269 pp. $37.50. 0-8108-4669-1)

Big book of stories, songs, and sing-alongs: Programs for babies, toddlers, and families
Beth Maddigan
Techniques, activities and full programs are provided for each age group. Family programs may be useful for TLs with students in PreK-Grade 2.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 281 pp. $32.00. 1-56308-975-0)

Bookmarks across the curriculum
Claudette Hegel
A collection of 635 reproducible bookmarks organized into 10 curriculum-based sections, from Language Arts to Social Studies. Each bookmark contains several fast facts and appropriate art. In black and white. Reference list and index included. Grades 4-6.
(Linworth, 2002. 153 pp. $36.95. 1-58683-067-8)

Do tell! Storytelling for you and your students
Annie Weissman
Chapters on successful storytelling, integrating stories into the curriculum and involving students provide step-by-step guidance for beginners. Includes 30-plus folk stories suitable for storytelling to Grades K-12.
(Linworth, 2002. 86 pp. $36.95. 1-58683-074-0)

Have talent, will travel: Directory of authors, illustrators, and storytellers west of the Mississippi
Gwynne Spencer
Presenters of interest to K-12 audiences, organized by state. Entries include brief bio, contact information, a fee guide ($ to $$$$) and grade levels. Separately indexed by performance type and by state.
(Linworth, 2002. 177 pp. $36.95. 1-58683-051-1)

Hooked on horror: A guide to reading interests in horror fiction, 2d ed.
Anthony Fonseca and June Pulliam
As YA authors are excluded due to sheer volume, this examination of in-print titles is of possible use for high school TLs only. Organized by horror topics such as “Vampires and werewolves” and “Small town horror,” it includes horror films, anthologies and collections. Separate indexes by subject, author/title and short story titles.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 464 pp. $55.00. 1-56308-904-1)

The indispensable teacher’s guide to computer skills, 2d ed.
Doug Johnson
This staff development resource details how teachers can make effective use of technology for themselves and in the classroom. Includes 40-plus specific rubrics for teaching and using computers, as well as handouts, forms and reports. Index would have been useful.
(Linworth, 2002. 195 pp. $42.95. 1-58683-109-7)

Literary treks: Characters on the move
Mary Snodgrass
Using geography and mapping as a way to interpret literature, the author has provided detailed geographic routes for 28 young adult books, from Anne Frank to A prayer for Owen Meany, through real and imaginary terrains. Each entry follows a protagonist through places and events important to the development of the story. Introduction includes a discussion on teaching with literary maps. Indexed, with bibliography and filmography. Grades 9-12.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 212 pp. $32.95. 1-56308-953-X)

Reading is first: Great ideas for teachers and librarians
Gayle Skaggs
Twenty inexpensive reading promotions for elementary schools, including ideas for displays, charts, posters, bookmarks and contests. Intended as year-long promotions, themes range from sports-oriented (baseball and the Olympics) to Save Our Planet.
(McFarland, 2003. 112 pp. $28.50. 0-7864-1576-2)

Rethinking classroom management: Strategies for prevention, intervention and problem solving
Patricia Belvel and Maya Jordan
Drawing on experience, research and best practices theory, the authors provide strategies and solutions for developing a responsible and respectful classroom environment, addressing specific behaviors and problems. Includes bibliography and index.
(Corwin, 2003. 244 pp. $34.95. 0-7619-4523-7)

Simply super storytimes: Programming ideas for ages 3-6
Marie Castellano
Twelve themed storytime programs are outlined, each including a plethora of literature-based fingerplays, songs and activities to teach math, science and language concepts.
(Upstart, 2003. 104 pp. $16.95. 1-57950-005-6)

Storytelling for young adults: A guide to tales for teens, 2d ed.
Gail de Vos
Organized by theme (e.g., Tales of the Fantastic and Tales of Laughter) and providing access to stories in anthologies and collections. Each annotated entry includes an estimated time for telling the story, summary and source. Final chapter lists 20 ready-to-use stories for telling. Separately indexed by author, title, theme and collection.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 208 pp. $35.00. 1-56308-903-3)

String stories: A creative, hands-on approach for engaging children in literature
Belinda Holbrook
A collection of 19 stories using string figures, for Grades K-8. Includes photo-illustrated instructions and tips for telling stories with string.
(Linworth, 2002. 141 pp. $36.95. 1-58683-063-5)

Teaching problem solving through children’s literature
James Forgan
Eight chapters addressing issues such as bullying, friendship and diversity provide a total of 40 lesson plans based on children’s literature, making it simple to integrate problem solving into Grades K-4 lessons. Includes activities, discussion questions, role-plays and reproducibles. Indexed by author/title.
(Teacher Ideas, 2003. 197 pp. $25.00. 1-56308-981-5)

Using Internet primary sources to teach critical thinking skills in visual arts
Pamela Eyerdam
Organized into 25 chapters, primarily on Western art history, with a single chapter on diversity, examining art of other cultures. Each chapter includes a list of web sites with a summary, discussion questions and activities for Grades 7-12. Includes bibliography and extensive index.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 329 pp. $45.00. 0-313-31555-8)