I’ve seen many positive reviews about RISK, RESILIENCE, and REDEMPTION so I was happy to finally see it at the top of my future read stack. It’s a short book at just 56 pages but packs a powerful message of understanding about the Holocaust. Written for middle grade readers, it’s the perfect audience to ensure this historical event is never forgotten.
The lives of Bluma Tishgarten’s and Felix Goldberg are told in separate stories beginning in childhood. They were both eventually captured and sent to a prison camp. Living in terrible conditions, timing was on their side as the war eventually came to an end. Bluma and Felix ended up in America where they met and were married. They lost their own family but were able to start a new one together.
The heartfelt story is filled with black and white images that enhance the reading experience. The book is a great start for readers who want to learn more. In the final pages you are encouraged to visit Stories of Survival website for additional information about the Goldbergs.
“After reading this book you must take away a new sense of urgency that lies in the forefront of your mind to eliminate the latest scourge of antisemitism that is sweeping the world.” Henry Goldberg, second-generation survivor
RISK, RESILIENCE, and REDEMPTION is a book that belongs in every school library.
About the author
Frank W. Baker, a national media literacy educator, has conducted hundreds of professional development workshops for educators across the United States. He maintains the popular MEDIA LITERACY CLEARINGHOUSE web site (www.frankwbaker.com) and writes a regular blogpost on media literacy at WWW.MIDDLEWEB.COM.
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These next titles are new additions to the Nomad Press Science catalog. Both are easy ways to differentiate instruction in the classroom or at home that allow students to pursue topics not usually covered in a typical school day.
WACKY CONTRAPTIONS begins with a look at the Engineering Design Process. This is important because readers will be using this process to build their own contraptions. The remaining chapters show how tension, magnets, gears, water, motors, batteries, and electricity give devices their power and uniqueness.
There are plenty of detailed examples on what to make. How about a contraption to pop a balloon or launch a paper airplane? Not challenging enough? Then try the one on how to make Elephant Toothpaste, Apply a bandage, or Turn off a Light. Plenty more are detailed and dozens of other ideas are listed in the back pages, Don’t worry if you fail on your first try as like all great creators, you keep trying until it is right.
Most of the supplies to build these contraptions can be found around the home and are listed in the Resource section. I could say more but I’ve got to finish building my dog treat launcher.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laura is a writing coach, presenter, former middle school teacher, and the author of The Fort (Page Street Kids, 2020) as well as dozens of nonfiction STEM books that focus on nature and the environment. This includes Biodiversity: Explore the Diversity of Life on Earth (Nomad Press, 2019) which is on the Booklist editors’ list of the Top 10 Books on the Environment & Sustainability for Youth 2020. She lives in Boulder, Colorado where she spends as much time as possible outdoors, hiking and watching wildlife. (for more about Laura visit her author website)
The book starts with an introduction that takes a look at an engineering marvel from 4,000 years ago with The Great Egyptian Pyramids. Next come the essential six simple machines that we all use. They are highlighted in separate chapters: INCLINED PLANES, LEVERS, PULLEYS, SCREWS, WEDGES, and WHEELS AND AXLES. Details on how each machine works along with several Inquire and Investigate activities to try on your own.
Once you have the basic downs it’s time to create a compound machine using two or more of the simple machines. How to build a Rube Goldberg Machine is the final activity. Brainstorming and creativity at its best.
Each book also contains a detailed Glossary and frequent QR codes throughout. This allows young scientists to extend their learning even further. With the holidays arriving these will be the books to engage and excite the middle grader in your family.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carla Mooney has written more than 70 books for children and young adults. Her work has appeared in many magazines including Highlights, Faces, and Learning Through History. Carla lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (For more about Carla visit her author website)
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Always in the Middle... 