Worth a Look

Books for the journey: A guide to the world of reading
Pamela Fenner, Anne Greer and John Wulsin Jr., comps and eds.
This annotated list of nearly 1,500 of the “best books ever” for Grades 9-12 and beyond is grouped into five categories: Drama, mythology, poetry and sacred writing; Fiction; Biography & History; Nonfiction; and “Seniors Look Back” – an intriguing list submitted by Grade 12 students. Index.
(Michaelmas, 2003. 344 pp. $19.95. 0-9647832-4-X)

Bringing mysteries alive for children and young adults
Jeanette Larson
Discusses the appeal of mysteries, sub-categories and current and historical series, and provides ideas for integrating mysteries into the K-12 curriculum, with title suggestions. Title list and subject index.
(Linworth, 2004. 134 pp. $39.95. 1-58683-012-0)

Children’s book corner: A read-aloud resource with tips, techniques and plans for teachers, librarians and parents
Judy Bradbury
More than 50 read-aloud plans useful for PreK-Grade 1 classrooms, with suggestions for 200 more titles, covering fiction and nonfiction. Plans include tips for reading aloud and discussion questions. Separately indexed by subject, title, author and illustrator.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003.164 pp. $32.00. 1-59158-048-X)

E-teaching: Creating web sites and student web portfolios using Microsoft PowerPoint
Jay D’Ambrosio
Methodical, step-by-step guidance ideal for those less familiar with PowerPoint and intimidated by web page design. Separate sections for teacher and Grades 4-12 student projects. Glossary, resource list and index.
(Linworth, 2003. 109 pp. $44.95. 1-58683-129-1)

Helping teens cope: Resources for school library media specialists and other youth workers
Jami Biles Jones
Organized by issues from substance abuse and eating disorders to divorce and bullying, each chapter discusses current knowledge and provides an annotated bibliography of books for middle school and high school readers. Includes discussion of interactive booktalking, resource lists and index.
(Linworth, 2003. 134 pp. $39.95. 1-58683-121-6)

How to get your child to love reading: For reluctant and ravenous readers alike
Esme Raji Codell
A teacher and librarian, Codell presents literally hundreds of thematic booklists (from girl power to time travel), experiments, displays and other ideas for connecting books and students in Grades PreK-8. Separately indexed by author, title and subject.
(Algonquin, 2003. 532 pp. $18.95. 1-56512-308-5)

Library web sites: Creating online collections and services
A. Paula Wilson
Aimed at public librarians but useful for TLs, this guide discusses content management, marketing and promotion, integrating external content such as databases, online readers’ advisory and more. Bibliography and index.
(ALA, 2004. 146 pp. $35.00. 0-8389-0872-1)

Linking picture books to standards
Brenda Copeland and Patricia Messner
Thirty-five lesson plans for Grades K-3 connect favorite titles to the NCTE/IRA Standards for the English language arts. Each lesson includes a list of props and materials, instructions and reproducibles. Index and resource lists.
(Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 173 pp. $27.00. 1-59158-088-9)

Newbery and Caldecott awards: A subject index
Denise Goetting, Susan Marshall Richard, Sheryl Moore Curry and Betsy Bryan Miguez
Alphabetically arranged Library of Congress subject headings and genre headings provide quick topical access to award-winners and honor books. Separately indexed by author/illustrator and title.
(Linworth, 2003. 106 pp. $39.95. 1-58683-083-X)

Rhymes and reasons: Librarians and teachers using poetry to foster literacy
Jane Heitman
Dozens of poetry-based activities that can be used across the curriculum for Grades K-6, including units on simile and metaphor. Glossary, bibliography, author/title and subject indices.
(Linworth, 2003. 121 pp. $36.95. 1-58683-085-6)

School library management, 5th ed.
Catherine Andronik, ed.
Dozens of articles, worksheets and checklists provide guidance for every aspect of a TL’s roles – as teacher, collaborator, information specialist and program administrator. Detailed table of contents makes up for lack of index.
(Linworth, 2003. 187 pp. $36.95. 1-58683-088-0)

The spelling teacher’s book of lists: Words to illustrate spelling patterns … and tips for teaching them, 2d. ed.
Jo Phenix
A handbook to help students move beyond memorization, discover word logic, patterns and problem-solving techniques for constructing words. Grades 1-12.
(Pembroke, 2003. 128 pp. $21.95. 1-55138-167-2)

The teacher’s sourcebook for cooperative learning: Practical techniques, basic principles, and frequently asked questions
George Jacobs, Michael Power & Loh Wan Inn
This best practice handbook addresses incorporating CL principles into K-12 lesson plans and classroom management, establishing groups in which all students participate and learn, troubleshooting, assessment and working with other teachers, administrators and parents. Resource list and index.
(Corwin, 2002. 168 pp. $29.95. 0-7619-4609-8)

Technically involved: Technology-based youth participation activities for your library
Linda Braun
Don’t create programs for teens – get teens to create technology-oriented projects for themselves and others such as tutorials, online storytelling or newsletters. Braun provides checklists, troubleshooting advice and more. Bibliography and index.
(ALA, 2003. 138 pp. $34.00. 0-8389-0861-6)

Teen book discussion groups @ the library
Constance Dickerson
Dickerson begins with 15 tips for “surefire” success and then presents 50 top-notch teen titles for discussion, each with 10-12 questions to get things started. Separately indexed by author, title and theme.
(Neal-Schuman, 2004. 172 pp. $49.95. 1-55570-485-9)

We’re getting wired, we’re going mobile, what’s next?: Fresh ideas for educational technology planning
Bard Williams
This handbook for K-12 technology planning examines past trends, future trends, other factors to consider, advice from the experts and more to help TLs keep their plans up to date and relevant. Resource lists but no index.
(ISTE, 2004. 274 pp. $31.95. 1-56484-182-0)