A Youthful Frame of Mind
News from the Rod Library Youth Collection
March 2013
- Displays . . . Women's History Month, Shane Evans, and more!
- Book Give-Aways
- Spotlight on an E-Resource
- African American Read-In
Women's History Month
March is Women's History Month, and to celebrate we've pulled some of the best books we have by and about the amazing women who have impacted society in myriad, invaluable ways. Visit the display case behind the Youth reference desk to explore the accomplishments and contributions of inspiring women, both past and present!
Darwin
Charles Darwin's research and scientific inquiry helped to lay the foundation for the theory of evolution and, simultaneously, caused people to reconceptualize what it meant to be human and what defined humanness. Check out some of the wonderful books we have on display in the Youth Collection about Darwin and his life and works!
Shane Evans
Shane Evans is an award-winning author/illustrator who has worked on a number of books with multicultural themes and topics, including Underground, Bintou's Braids, We March, and Osceola. His unique art and vision has been inspirational to many people. UNI was fortunate enough to have Shane Evans as a guest for this year's African American Read-In. Visit his display in the Youth Collection, check out his awesome books, and take a look at some great pictures from his presentations during the Read-In!
Ireland and St. Patrick's Day
Everyone can use a little luck! This month, we're busting out the best books we have about St. Patrick's Day and Ireland. Explore the fascinating history, traditions, and stories surrounding Ireland and a holiday that dates back over 1,000 years. You can find these awesome books on display in the Youth Collection!
Award Book Give-Away: Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World, by Sy Montgomery
Today, Dr. Temple Grandin is a renowned scientist and professor of animal science at Colorado State University and designs livestock handling systems that make meat processing more humane in the U.S., Canada, and many other countries. But Dr. Grandin was not always so well-known or lauded. As a child, she was diagnosed with autism, and many people, including children at school and even her father, thought she was strange and did not understand her. Using accessible prose, Montgomery takes us through Dr. Grandin's life, beginning from this difficult childhood and working up to the present. The text is beautifully augmented by old photographs and fascinating blueprints of Dr. Grandin's handling system designs, as well as excerpts containing information about autism--what it is, how it affects the brain, etc.--and advice for kids on the autism spectrum from Dr. Temple Grandin.
Don't miss the chance to win a free copy of this inspiring biography. You can enter your name in our monthly Award Book Give-Away drawing in the Youth Collection! Winners will be announced April 1st.
Award Book Give-Away: Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle, by Claire A. Nivola
Nivola's newest book, Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle, follows the life of, you guessed it, oceanographer and environmentalist Sylvia Earle! Earle's love of the natural world and of the ocean began when she was young and carried into her adulthood. Written in flowing, enthusiastic prose, Nivola tells how Earle's youthful exploration of the ocean life near her Florida home eventually led her to becoming a scientist and doing such amazing things as joining a research crew as the only woman researcher on board, setting diving records, and living for two weeks in an underwater laboratory. Nivola incorporates quotes from Earle herself to help describe the singular experience of exploring the ocean's many wonders and mysteries, lending authority and authenticity to the already strong prose. Nivola's illustrations are bright and vivid and invite readers to see what Earle finds so inspiring and enchanting about the ocean.
Don't miss the chance to win a free copy of this beautiful biography by entering your name in our monthly Award Book Give-Away drawing in the Youth Collection! Winners will be announced April 1st.
Spotlight on and E-Resource: Free Trial of the Expanded Children's Literature Comprehensive Database
Currently, the CLCD is offering users the chance to Beta Test an expanded, updated version! Test out the new design and features and leave feedback on the site so that the folks working hard to keep the CLCD a great resource know what's working and what isn't. To use the Beta Test version, simply go to the Rod Library home page, Databases A-Z, click on Children's Literature Comprehensive Database, and hit BETA in the right hand sidebar of the CLCD search page.
Have fun exploring, and let us know what you think!