Unicorn Girl: The Illustrated Adventures

I am Acorna, the last of my kind. I don't know where I came from. All I know is that I was rescued by three gracious benefactors who took me under their wing. I've grown a lot since then. We now travel around the galaxy, waging a war against injustice and helping beings who are oppressed by circumstance. Beings like the children of Kezdet, who are ruled by a child labor economy which enslaves them in mines and brothels. Join my friends and I on our journeys as we battle to right the wrongs of those who seek our destruction.

If you're a fan of science fiction and fantasy, then you've heard of Anne McCaffrey. This book is a must read for those seeking an introduction to her work. What makes this version so captivating is the fact that it's an illustrated novel. This is a revolutionary new form of media that gives us a movie-like glimpse into Acorna's world and McCaffrey's imagination.

Zucker, M., Nye, J.L., & Ranieri, R. (1997). Anne McCaffrey's The Unicorn Girl: The illustrated adventures. New York: Harper Collins.

Golem

A Caldecott Award Winning Book!

Golem is a creature of Jewish legend. A puppet being made from clay that can only be created by the holiest of men. Rabbi Loew is one such man. He has called Golem forth in 16th Century Prague to protect his people from the Christian attacks and riots caused by the “Blood Lie”. Will Golem be willing to give up his new-found life in order to save his people?

This is a fascinating look at Jewish mythology that will prompt your students to look at the relationship between history and religion. Although this book may not always be suitable for classroom use, it is still an excellent recommendation for students who wish to delve deeper into the subject outside of the classroom.

Wisniewski, D. (1996). Golem. New York: Clarion

Art Skills

Ever had a student complain they can’t draw?

Answer them with “Techniques for Drawing Trees”.

What about students who get into everything?

Go wild with “Animal Collage"or "Fingerprint Flowers"!

Need some ideas for classroom projects?

Try a "Tissue Paper Pond" or a "Starry Night" solar system.

Nutty about Math?

Go bonkers with “Geometric Prints” or "Transformations”!

Start out with the simple projects at the beginning of the book, or brave the use of advanced 3-D techniques at the end. Whether it’s for free time, an art class, or getting ideas for the classroom, this is THE book for the creative mind. Worried about materials? Just use what you have around the classroom: tissue paper, construction paper, pastel crayons and colored pencils. Or pave the way to collaboration and talk with the art teacher!

Also, Check out some of the other books in this series:

The Usborne Book of Art Ideas



The Usborne Art Treasury

Miller, A. Fearn, K. Goransky, N. & Leyhane, V. (2003). The Usborne Book of Art Skill. Tulsa, OK: EDC Publishing.

Criss Cross

Debbie wishes
something would
happen to her.
Anything to make
her life more
interesting...




Hector feels unfinished,
“still in process.”
He keeps waiting for that
transformation.
That change...



Venture with them as their paths criss cross in a series of mutual friends and shared moments. Will they find a place with each other or discover that growing up is more complicated than it looks?


A Caldecott Award Winning Book!

This is a coming of age story for middle schoolers that addresses character development. Perfect for use in the classroom, or as a safe way to address difficult teenage issues.

Perkins, Lynn Rae. (2005). Criss Cross. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Wham! It's A Poetry Jam!

Onomatopoeia never sounded so fun!


In a group. By yourself. With a whisper or a shout! Delivery methods, sample poems, vocal training, rhythm practice, flow and movement, tone…everything your ever wanted to know about interactive poetry is right here!

Give your kids something to do with all their energy! “Show the world that poetry was never meant to simply lie quietly on a the page, any more than kids were meant to sit quietly in their seats to read it.” Perfect for a parent night where your kids can show off their educational skills!

Holbrook, S. (2002). Wham! It’s a Poetry Jam: Discovering performance poetry. Honesdale, PA: Wordsong.