Author & Developmental Editor
Coding with ScratchJr
by Adrienne Matteson (Author)
Booktalk: ScratchJr is a beginner’s programming language that is fun and easy to use. Through simple text written to foster creativity and problem solving, students will learn the art of innovation. Large, colorful images show students how to complete activities.
Snippet:
It’s STEM Friday! (STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Copyright © 2017 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.
A Long Pitch Home
by Natalie Dias Lorenzi (Author)
Booktalk: Ten-year-old Bilal liked his life back home in Pakistan. He was a star on his cricket team. But when his father suddenly sends the family to live with their aunt and uncle in America, nothing is familiar. While Bilal tries to keep up with his cousin Jalaal by joining a baseball league and practicing his English, he wonders when his father will join the family in Virginia. Maybe if Bilal can prove himself on the pitcher’s mound, his father will make it to see him play. But playing baseball means navigating relationships with the guys, and with Jordan, the only girl on the team-—the player no one but Bilal wants to be friends with.
Snippet: Akash punches his glove, waiting for me to throw the ball. I know now that I am supposed to pitch the ball, not bowl it as I did in cricket. Eyeing Akash’s glove, I pull back my arm and take a step as I let the ball fly. Akash barely has to move, becuse the ball finds it way right where I told it to go–into the soft leather center of his glove.
Akash stands up straight and pushes his hat back. “Man! Nice one, Bilal.”
Natalie is one of my former students!
Copyright © 2017 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.