Celebrate Teen Read Week Oct. 18-23 and read something out of this world! For some great suggestions, take a look at our Teen Book Review Blog Science Fiction and Fantasy reviews. If you have read anything out of this world, or just really good, add your review to the blog. Also check out the Out of This World booklist for more suggestions.
Please take a look at the latest addition to InfoSoup, the InfoSoup Memory Project. This project provides a powerful online platform for presenting local history material from InfoSoup libraries. The project is just getting started, but we are excited by the possibilities for making available some of the unique local history materials in our libraries. If you are interested in local history, you may also want to take a look at Digital Collections @ Your Library and Local History @ Your Library, a collection of links and information about a variety of online and in print local history resources.
Another exciting new addition to BadgerLink this year is 
Consumer Health Complete.
Consumer Health Complete.CHC provides content covering all areas of health and wellness from mainstream medicine to the many perspectives of complementary, holistic and integrated medicine. This full-text database covers topics such as aging, cancer, diabetes, drugs & alcohol, fitness, nutrition & dietetics, children's health, men & women's health, etc.Consumer Health Complete includes information from hundreds of well known medical reference books, thousands of evidence-based health reports, generic and brand name drug patient education sheets, physician-generated videos, and much more. This resource can be found on InfoSoup Research Tools Page. From outside an InfoSoup library you will need to enter your library card and pin to access this resource.
- Nearly 800,000 Drawings and Step-by-Step Photographs
- Approximately 83,200 Technical Services Bulletins & Recalls
- Over 99,800 Wiring Diagrams
- Labor Time Guide & Estimator
- Specifications & Maintenance Schedules
The Auto Repair Reference Center is made available through BadgerLink! BadgerLink provides access to full text magazines, newspapers and reference resources, literature, and other information. The services are provided by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction with funding through the Public Service Commission, Universal Service Fund.
This resource and many more can be found on InfoSoup Research Tools Page. From outside an InfoSoup library you will need to enter your library card and pin to access this resource.
InfoSoup's summer reading blogs are now available! Kids and parents can visit Be Creative @ Your Library to find book reviews, coloring sheets, craft projects, puzzles, and more. Why not add your own review of your favorite book or comment on a posted review from someone else? We hope you'll tell us about what you're reading this summer.
Teens are also welcome to post their own reviews and comment on posted reviews at Express Yourself @ Your Library. We have also collected some links to interesting web sites for you to check out this summer. If you don't see your favorite site, be sure to tell us about it so we can add it to our list.
The blogs were created to supplement the reading programs taking place in InfoSoup libraries this summer. Be sure to check out your local library to see what they have planned for you!
We are happy to announce the addition of LibraryThing, a new feature in InfoSoup that will enable you to find titles similar to your favorites, as well as other editions or translations. LibraryThing also adds a tag cloud, so you can explore words and phrases that describe one title in order to find others that you might enjoy.
Take a look at the Finding Similar Titles and Other Editions in InfoSoup (a.k.a. LibraryThing) screencast to learn more, then let us know how you like it in the comments of this post.
Take a look at the Finding Similar Titles and Other Editions in InfoSoup (a.k.a. LibraryThing) screencast to learn more, then let us know how you like it in the comments of this post.
Check out the latest reviews added to InfoSoup!
For Adults
True Detectives: A Novel by Jonathan Kellerman
I enjoyed the primary characters described in this book immensely. The 1/2 brothers, Aaron and Moe and their Mom each had quirks that made the read a good one. However, the questioning of suspects, and the conversations between the people "working the case" could have been abbreviated (summarized?) because it became repetitious.
If Angels Burn : A Novel of the Darkyn by Lynn Viehl
This story took a while to really get rolling and it's a bit more horror - especially in the beginning. But I found myself becoming compelled as it moved along and by the end I was sorry it was over. So I guess it was really good! The main "hero", if you can call him that, was really good. His name is Michael Cyprien and I found him very alluring in many ways, even though it was subtle and you didn't notice it at first. The heroine is fun and lively and good too. The only part that left me a bit cold was her brother, who is a priest. But mostly it was very good.
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
Be careful where you read this. You don't want to read it in a very quiet place where others will be annoyed by your constant snickering, chuckling and laughing out loud. Eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce is a delight - brilliant, wicked, and yet still bewildered by many of the adults about her. I can't wait for the next one!
Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank
This was an EXCELLENT book. I was captivated throughout. The characters were great and the storyline was intelligent and interesting. I can't wait to read the others in the series. 5 stars!
For Teens
Origins by Cate Tiernan
So if you're looking for a continuation of Morgan and Hunter's romance you won't find it in this book. It's written from the point of view of Rose MacEwan - Morgan's relative. It's a good enough book, but not about our main characters. And in the end Morgan instantly forgives Hunter for kissing another witch while he was on his trip to Canada. I found this a bit surreal. She should have given him a little trouble for that one - not just fall into his arms. Is she a doormat, or what?
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Fablehaven is a lot like Harry Potter. For all fairy tale lovers you will love this suppenseful book.
Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull
This story is just as good as the fisrt. You MUST read the fisrt book for it to make any sense to you. Suspenseful you will not want to put this book down.
Add Your Review
If you'd like to add a review but need a little help, take a look at Using Community Reviews in InfoSoup. Or, feel free to add a review here in the comments. We'd love to hear about what you're reading lately!
For Adults
True Detectives: A Novel by Jonathan Kellerman
I enjoyed the primary characters described in this book immensely. The 1/2 brothers, Aaron and Moe and their Mom each had quirks that made the read a good one. However, the questioning of suspects, and the conversations between the people "working the case" could have been abbreviated (summarized?) because it became repetitious.
If Angels Burn : A Novel of the Darkyn by Lynn Viehl
This story took a while to really get rolling and it's a bit more horror - especially in the beginning. But I found myself becoming compelled as it moved along and by the end I was sorry it was over. So I guess it was really good! The main "hero", if you can call him that, was really good. His name is Michael Cyprien and I found him very alluring in many ways, even though it was subtle and you didn't notice it at first. The heroine is fun and lively and good too. The only part that left me a bit cold was her brother, who is a priest. But mostly it was very good.
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
Be careful where you read this. You don't want to read it in a very quiet place where others will be annoyed by your constant snickering, chuckling and laughing out loud. Eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce is a delight - brilliant, wicked, and yet still bewildered by many of the adults about her. I can't wait for the next one!
Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank
This was an EXCELLENT book. I was captivated throughout. The characters were great and the storyline was intelligent and interesting. I can't wait to read the others in the series. 5 stars!
For Teens
Origins by Cate Tiernan
So if you're looking for a continuation of Morgan and Hunter's romance you won't find it in this book. It's written from the point of view of Rose MacEwan - Morgan's relative. It's a good enough book, but not about our main characters. And in the end Morgan instantly forgives Hunter for kissing another witch while he was on his trip to Canada. I found this a bit surreal. She should have given him a little trouble for that one - not just fall into his arms. Is she a doormat, or what?
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Fablehaven is a lot like Harry Potter. For all fairy tale lovers you will love this suppenseful book.
Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull
This story is just as good as the fisrt. You MUST read the fisrt book for it to make any sense to you. Suspenseful you will not want to put this book down.
Add Your Review
If you'd like to add a review but need a little help, take a look at Using Community Reviews in InfoSoup. Or, feel free to add a review here in the comments. We'd love to hear about what you're reading lately!
Founded in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day is a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. Learn more about Earth Day at Wikipedia.What will you do to celebrate this day? Why not visit your local library and check out some of the wonderful, FREE resources they have available to help you learn more about our planet and how to be a good steward of the environment. Here are a few titles from InfoSoup to get you started.
For Adults:
- Beyond Earth Day: fulfilling the promise by Gaylord Nelson
- The man from Clear Lake: Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson by Bill Christofferson
- The official Earth Day guide to planet repair by Denis Hayes
- Easy green living: the ultimate guide to simple, eco-friendly choices for your and your home by Renee Loux
- The everything green living book by Diane Gow McDilda
For Kids:
- Dora celebrates Earth Day! by Emily Solinger
- Earth Day by Margaret McNamara
- It's Earth Day! by Mercer Mayer
- All new crafts for Earth Day by Kathy Ross
- Earth Day - hooray! by Stuart J. Murphy
- more Earth Day materials for kids
Can't make it to your library today? Try some of these online resources:
- Earth Day Network
- EarthLab.com - calculate your carbon footprint
- EarthDay.gov
- Earth Day - US Environmental Protection Agency
- The Green Guide
- Green Living Ideas
- Earth Day Word Search Puzzle
- Earth Day Crafts, Games, and Recycling Activities for Kids
- EarthDay.gov for Kids
The following materials were recently reviewed in InfoSoup. Take a look - maybe you'll discover something new to enjoy with your family! And remember to visit InfoSoup's Family Page for access to award winning books, reading lists, and TumbleBooks (online animated talking picture books).
InfoSoup Reviews
Bubble Homes and Fish Farts by Fiona Bayrock
Author Fiona Bayrock explores animals that use bubbles for a functional purpose, from violet sea snails to humans! Each description is accompanied by a beautiful watercolor by illustrator Carolyn Conahan and the scientific name of the animal. Additional materials include “More amazing facts about bubble makers” (you will want to find out how herring farts were accidently discovered) and a glossary. Young readers will want to listen to you read this book to them (one animal at a time or the whole book in a sitting) and older readers can explore this book on their own. Older readers may want to dive into other books to learn about the physics of snapping shrimp bubble popping.
If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World's People by David J. Smith
David Smith condenses the world population into a village of 100 people to make a meaningful summary of the world's 6.6 billion people (in 2007). Did you realize if you lived in this village and only spoke English that you would only be able to communicate using language with eight other people? Is it alright for only 30 of the village members to always have enough to eat? These and other facts are conveyed in simple terms and displayed with vibrant illustrations by Shelagh Armstrong. The book also contains tips on how to teach children about the global village and a listing of data sources.
A Personal Tour of Monticello by Robert Young
As an adult, I often look to children's nonfiction for an introduction to a subject that I'm not familiar with. The maps and house plans provided in this book are quite good. Large photographs also provide a good sense of Monticello. This book is partially written as the daily experiences of contemporaries at Monticello in Jefferson's time. These stories seemed fragmented and uninteresting to me. Inventions and tools, such as a dumbwaiter, could have been explored in more depth.
One Well: The Story of Water on Earth by Rochelle Strauss
All of the earth's water makes up the one well that we all share. Plants and animals, including humans, all depend on this well. Did you know that there is ten times the water in our atmosphere than in our rivers? This and many other facts are presented along with brightly color illustrations. Additional information includes "Becoming Well Aware," Notes to Parents, Guardians, and Teachers," and an index.
Add Your Review
If you'd like to add a review but need a little help, take a look at Using Community Reviews in InfoSoup. Or, feel free to add a review here in the comments. We'd love to hear about what you're reading lately!
InfoSoup Reviews
Bubble Homes and Fish Farts by Fiona Bayrock
Author Fiona Bayrock explores animals that use bubbles for a functional purpose, from violet sea snails to humans! Each description is accompanied by a beautiful watercolor by illustrator Carolyn Conahan and the scientific name of the animal. Additional materials include “More amazing facts about bubble makers” (you will want to find out how herring farts were accidently discovered) and a glossary. Young readers will want to listen to you read this book to them (one animal at a time or the whole book in a sitting) and older readers can explore this book on their own. Older readers may want to dive into other books to learn about the physics of snapping shrimp bubble popping.
If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World's People by David J. Smith
David Smith condenses the world population into a village of 100 people to make a meaningful summary of the world's 6.6 billion people (in 2007). Did you realize if you lived in this village and only spoke English that you would only be able to communicate using language with eight other people? Is it alright for only 30 of the village members to always have enough to eat? These and other facts are conveyed in simple terms and displayed with vibrant illustrations by Shelagh Armstrong. The book also contains tips on how to teach children about the global village and a listing of data sources.
A Personal Tour of Monticello by Robert Young
As an adult, I often look to children's nonfiction for an introduction to a subject that I'm not familiar with. The maps and house plans provided in this book are quite good. Large photographs also provide a good sense of Monticello. This book is partially written as the daily experiences of contemporaries at Monticello in Jefferson's time. These stories seemed fragmented and uninteresting to me. Inventions and tools, such as a dumbwaiter, could have been explored in more depth.
One Well: The Story of Water on Earth by Rochelle Strauss
All of the earth's water makes up the one well that we all share. Plants and animals, including humans, all depend on this well. Did you know that there is ten times the water in our atmosphere than in our rivers? This and many other facts are presented along with brightly color illustrations. Additional information includes "Becoming Well Aware," Notes to Parents, Guardians, and Teachers," and an index.
Add Your Review
If you'd like to add a review but need a little help, take a look at Using Community Reviews in InfoSoup. Or, feel free to add a review here in the comments. We'd love to hear about what you're reading lately!
Check out the latest adult fiction reviews added to InfoSoup!
Fiction Reviews
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
OK, with a title this cute, I thought this book was going to be very fluffy, and I really delayed reading it, in spite of an enthusiastic recommendation by MIL (Mother-in-law.) But, while it was an enjoyable read, the background history is heart-breaking at times. I had no idea that the Channel Islands were occupied during World War II, and found the background fascinating. Really a great read!
Choices Made: The Street Years by Christine McMahon
This book lists street life and gangs but it is actually a coming of age story with lessons for young people about personal strength and making the right decision.
6 Rainier Drive by Debbie Macomber
I really enjoy Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series. I can't wait to see what happens to the different families that are in Cedar Cove. I recommend the series for easy enjoyment.
Kiss Me, Kill Me: And Other True Cases by Ann Rule
I am a fan of Ann Rule for two reasons. 1)She tells the victims stories with true sincerity. Letting the victims speak since they are no longer able to do so, in hopes to save others lives and to give advice to men, women, children who are in the simular situation. 2)She is a fantastic writer that allows not only the story to be told, but paints a picture of each person involved, and gives the emotions as the cases progress along in the book. You should read every book of hers or watch the movies. Great!
Witch Heart by Anya Bast
Okay, so I didn't get very far in this book because of the writing style. I'm sure some of you out there would love it, but I get lost when an author has all sorts of weird names for things - alien type things - that don't exist in my world. I find it hard to keep up. And skimming through the book, I found the story trite and predictable. Just too wordy and unnecessary for me. I like a faster pace and a little more mystique.
Wicked Intentions by Lydia Joyce
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It wasn't nearly as formulaic as most romance novels. It had some surprises and the hero and heroine "got together" quicker than in most - which is a good thing. I get frustrated when it takes the whole book for anything major to happen, so this was a nice change. All in all a good read!
Add Your Review
If you'd like to add a review but need a little help, take a look at Using Community Reviews in InfoSoup. Or, feel free to add a review here in the comments. We'd love to hear about what you're reading lately!
Fiction Reviews
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
OK, with a title this cute, I thought this book was going to be very fluffy, and I really delayed reading it, in spite of an enthusiastic recommendation by MIL (Mother-in-law.) But, while it was an enjoyable read, the background history is heart-breaking at times. I had no idea that the Channel Islands were occupied during World War II, and found the background fascinating. Really a great read!
Choices Made: The Street Years by Christine McMahon
This book lists street life and gangs but it is actually a coming of age story with lessons for young people about personal strength and making the right decision.
6 Rainier Drive by Debbie Macomber
I really enjoy Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series. I can't wait to see what happens to the different families that are in Cedar Cove. I recommend the series for easy enjoyment.
Kiss Me, Kill Me: And Other True Cases by Ann Rule
I am a fan of Ann Rule for two reasons. 1)She tells the victims stories with true sincerity. Letting the victims speak since they are no longer able to do so, in hopes to save others lives and to give advice to men, women, children who are in the simular situation. 2)She is a fantastic writer that allows not only the story to be told, but paints a picture of each person involved, and gives the emotions as the cases progress along in the book. You should read every book of hers or watch the movies. Great!
Witch Heart by Anya Bast
Okay, so I didn't get very far in this book because of the writing style. I'm sure some of you out there would love it, but I get lost when an author has all sorts of weird names for things - alien type things - that don't exist in my world. I find it hard to keep up. And skimming through the book, I found the story trite and predictable. Just too wordy and unnecessary for me. I like a faster pace and a little more mystique.
Wicked Intentions by Lydia Joyce
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It wasn't nearly as formulaic as most romance novels. It had some surprises and the hero and heroine "got together" quicker than in most - which is a good thing. I get frustrated when it takes the whole book for anything major to happen, so this was a nice change. All in all a good read!
Add Your Review
If you'd like to add a review but need a little help, take a look at Using Community Reviews in InfoSoup. Or, feel free to add a review here in the comments. We'd love to hear about what you're reading lately!
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