Age of Exploration

Use the following links to find information about your explorer.

• World Book Online
• Go to World Book Student
• Section called Biography Center
•  Explorers
•  European Explorers
• How Stuff Works – European Explorers
• How Stuff Works – European Biographies
• Library Thinkquest – European Explorers

Gary Paulsen Author Study

Please visit the following website to find information about Gary Paulsen.

www.garypaulsen.com

Iroquois Webquest

Use the following links to find the information regarding the Iroquois Native American tribe.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Book Review

Shooting Kabul by N. H. Senzai

Fadi and his family were in the process of escaping Afghanistan when tragedy strikes.  They were racing to jump into the back of truck that was to bring them to safety, Fadi was responsible for his little sister Miraim.  So many people were racing to the truck, Miraim was lost and there was no turning back.  Six year old Miraim is lost, on her own in Afghanistan, and her family cannot go back for her.  Fadi and his remaining family must continue their journey to America or else they will lose their asylum.  Can they get Miraim back?  Where is she, is she in the hands of the Taliban? Can she be found and rescued?  Can Fadi save her when he failed to protect her before?

This was a very inspiring book that looks at family, responsibility, and hope.  A very good read.

Book Review

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

Jessica is a 16 year old track star.  She is one of the best runners on her high school team and lives to run.  That changes with a tragic accident.  The bus she was on has an accident on the way to a track meet, Jessica loses part of her leg.  At least she is alive, one student is killed.  Jessica doesn't feel alive, she sometimes wishes that she was dead.  Can she survive?

This is a very moving book about courage, determination, and survival.

Pinterest

Use the following link to follow Pinterest, an interactive bulletin board.

http://pinterest.com/kmcnallywms/

Book Review

Matched by Ally Condie 

Cassia Reyes is very happy in her life with family and friends.  Everything is moving along as planned by the Society.  She is excited to attend her Match ceremony, where the Society will reveal who she will marry and live with for the rest of her life.  On that night, she discovers that her best friend, Xander is her match.  She is so happy and relieved, however when she reviews the file that the Society has given her, another face appears.  Someone else that she knows as well, which person is the real match?  Did the Society get it wrong or are there other things at work here?

Find out what happens when Cassia tries to figure everything out and how that affects her life and family.

This was an excellent read, it reminds me of The Giver, with a twist.  This is the first book in the series.  

Element Information

Use the following links to access information about your element.

World Book Encyclopedia Online

It's Elemental

Chemical Elements

Web Elements

Chemicool

Periodic Videos

Animal Facts

Use the following links to find information about your animal:

• San Diego Zoo Animal Bytes
• National Geographic Animal Facts

Health & Nutrition

Use the following links to find information dealing with overall health and wellness.

•   Health and Nutrition for Teenagers 
•   Teen Health 
•   LiveStrong - Teens 
•   Medline Plus

Book Review

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women written by Catherine Thimmesh Who was the first person to make chocolate chip cookies? Who invented windshield wipers? What about "white-out"? Read this book to find out who, when, where and why these things were invented! It is a quick read, giving the background information about the person and details of the event that led to the invention. The illustrations are amazing.

May is....

Get Caught Reading Month! http://www.getcaughtreading.org/ Do you need a book to read, looking for a recommendation? Stop by the library or check out the recommendations on this blog!

Skeleton System Scavenger Hunt

Use the following links to answer the questions about the skeleton system.

Skeleton Overview

The Skeletal System Movie

Bones

Broken Bones

The Funny Bone

Facts

Biomes

Use the following links to find information about your biome!

Enchanted Learning - Biomes
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/

Biomes for Kids

World Biomes

Factmonster - Biomes

Greek Gods & Goddesses

Use the following links to find information about your Greek God or Goddess:

Mr. Donn's Class

History for Kids

Ancient History

Endangered Species

Use the following links to find information about endangered species.

Library Catalog - Check for books and use online databases.

World Wildlife Federation

Endangered Species Program

Kids Planet

Animal Planet

San Diego Zoo

Black History Month

Use the following links to find information about important people and events throughout history.

Library of Congress African American History Month

Smithsonian Museum Black History

Biography.com - Black History

History Channel

Factmonster

New Books

Interested in the new books in the WMS Library?

* No Ordinary Day
* Around the World
* Witchlanders
* Shelter
* I M Pei
* Tanglewood Terror
* Discovering Atoms
* Little Black Dress and Zoot Suits
* Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever