Bruchac

Joseph Bruchac was raised by his grandparents, who ran a general store; his grandfather was part Abenaki Indian. Over time, Bruchac learned about his Native heritage, and it became the basis for his many books for children, including CHILDREN OF THE LONGHOUSE, HIDDEN ROOTS, and EAGLE SONG. Author Michelle Parker-Rock interviewed Joseph Bruchac, who talked about how he grew up, how he learned to be a writer, what inspires him, and how he works today. He also offers advice to kids who want to write too. Includes many quotes and family photos.

Summer

Summer Bridge Activities: Bridging Grades 3–4 gives students a head start for their fourth-grade year. Review third-grade skills such as finding area and using quotation marks while preparing for fourth- grade skills such as equivalent fractions, similes, and metaphors. School stops for summer, but learning never should! The best-selling, award-winning Summer Bridge Activities(R) series helps prevent summer learning loss while getting students ready for the school year ahead. Engaging practice activities for math and language arts skills can be completed in just 15 minutes during each weekday of summer vacation. All activities support current state standards. In addition, exclusive features help kids stay active and healthy by moving and thinking, with activities such as goal setting, character development exercises, fitness challenges, hands-on science experiments, social studies activities, and outdoor learning experiences. Bonus flash cards and an online companion are included. With 12 weeks of learning fun, Summer Bridge Activities is the perfect way to keep skills sharp all summer long!

Frisby

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH is a 1971 children's book by Robert C. O'Brien, with illustrations by Zena Bernstein. The winner of the 1972 Newbery Medal, the story was adapted for film in 1982 as The Secret of NIMH.The novel relates the plight of a widowed field mouse, Mrs. Frisby, who seeks the aid of a group of former laboratory rats in rescuing her home from destruction by a farmer's plow, and of the history of the rats' escape from the laboratory and development of a literate and technological society.The work was inspired by the research of Dr. John B. Calhoun on mice and rat population dynamics at the National Institute of Mental Health