Worth a Look

Bringing out their best: Values education and character development through traditional tales
Norma Livo
Stories from around the world are grouped into 12 sections, from cooperation to trustworthiness, with suggested activities and thoughts for each section, an appendix of general activities, bibliography and index. Grades K-12.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 267 pp. $28.00. 1-56308-934-3)

Digital cameras in the classroom
Mary Seamon and Eric Levitt
Focusing on the technology, this manual discusses selecting a camera, taking and manipulating photos, transferring images and using images in PowerPoint and web pages. Includes nine sample lessons integrating photography into Grades 2-7 classroom instruction.
(Linworth, 2003. 66 pp. $29.95. 1-58683-095-3)

Educational media and technology yearbook 2003, vol. 28
Mary Ann Fitzgerald, Michael Orey and Robert Branch, eds.
In this annual examination of current developments and trends, issues explored include e-learning, collaboration, technology and ethics, among others. Includes extensive resource list and index.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 480 pp. $75.00. 1-59158-032-3)

Educator’s survival guide for television production and activities
Keith Kyker and Christopher Curchy
Digital formats are addressed in this revision of Educator’s survival guide to TV production equipment and set-up. Offers guidance on establishing and making effective use of a school television studio. Grades 5-12.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 276 pp. $30.00. 1-56308-983-1)

Getting graphic!: Using graphic novels to promote literacy with preteens and teens
Michele Gorman
An excellent introduction to the genre for TLs and teachers. Includes a discussion of comic book history, core collection lists, tips on selecting, cataloging and promoting graphic novels, list of publishers, glossary and resource list.
(Linworth, 2003. 100 pp. $36.95. 1-58683-089-9)

Law for K-12 libraries and librarians
Lee Ann Torrans
Written by an attorney with an MLS, this timely text addresses issues relevant to school libraries, from privacy and fair use legislation to copyright laws and the legal implications of URL linking on web pages.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 251 pp. $25.00. 1-59158-036-6)

Let’s celebrate today: Calendars, events, and holidays, 2d ed.
Diana Marks
A day-by-day collection of facts and suggested activities celebrating famous birthdays, historical events and special days from around the world. Includes a brief discussion of Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu and Chinese calendars. Intended to help students understand time and history, it is marketed as a K-12 resource, though most useful in elementary and middle schools. Extensively indexed.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 340 pp. $38.00. 1-59158-060-9)

Magical library lessons
Lynne Stover
Harry Potter, Lemony Snicket’s Beaudelaire orphans, Captain Underpants and others are put to work in 15 lessons teaching Grade 4-8 students how to get the most of the library, from research skills to literary concepts. Each lesson has a story synopsis and activities, including extensions for longer classes.
(Upstart, 2003. 85 pp. $16.95. 1-57950-094-3)

More keep ’em reading bulletin boards: Year-round designs for the library and classroom
Stan Tusan
Patterns and display ideas for 19 bulletin boards covering the seasons, holidays and general topics such as travel (“Reach for the world – Read!) and camping (“Track down a good book”) will appeal to students in Grades K-8.
(Upstart, 2003. 63 pp. $16.95. 1-93214-600-8)

Public speaking handbook for librarians and information professionals
Sarah Statz
Part 1 focuses on basic principles, from preparation to practice. Part 2 addresses typical library-related public speaking situations from interviews to instruction, with tips for success, Dos and Don’ts and suggested resources.
(McFarland, 2003. 165 pp. $39.95. 0-7864-1546-0)

Raising voices: Creating youth storytelling groups and troupes
Judy Sima and Kevin Cordi
A handbook for teaching students how to share stories, using storytelling games and activities. Includes reproducibles, checklists, helpful tips and an extensive resource section. Grades 4-12.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 241 pp. $33.00. 1-56308-919-X)

Stretchy library lessons: Multicultural activities
Pat Miller
Fourth in the series, this collection offers 10 lessons for Grades K-5 that can stretch from 20 to 60 minutes, on topics ranging from diversity at school to folktales around the world.
(Upstart, 2003. 84 pp. $15.95. 1-93214-607-5)

Teaching with computers: Strategies that work in Grades K-6
M. Ellen Jay and Hilda Jay
Organized into four sections on using standard software, curricular-related programs, electronic resources and presentation software, this manual offers lessons and instructional activities for 19 programs from paint software to presentation tools.
(Neal-Schuman, 2003. 373 pp. $59.95. 1-55570-448-4)

U.S. government on the Web: Getting the information you need, 3d ed.
Peter Hernon, Robert Dugan and John Shuler
Expanded and updated to include information on the Department of Homeland Security and the Patriot Act, this authoritative resource offers search strategies for exploring each section of government and its agencies, finding publications, using government search tools and portals, government sites for kids and a resource list organized by subject. Separately indexed by government body and title.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 465 pp. $50.00. 1-59158-086-2)

Winning authors: Profiles of the Newbery medalists
Kathleen Bostrom
Profiles each of the medalists from 1922’s inaugural winner, Hendrik van Loon, to Linda Sue Park in 2002. Each profile includes personal information, a list of awards, a two-page biography, books published and suggestions for further study. Appendices list medalists who have won various other awards, 76 fun facts in question/answer format and an annotated bibliography. Grades 4-8.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 339 pp. $52.00. 1-56308-877-0)