Books Archives - Page 3 of 14

Published November 20, 2012

Where Did We Come From? Family Roots

This Thanksgiving, many families will travel to celebrate and give thanks for their many blessings. For some families, these journeys are shorter than the journey a relative or ancestor took in the past. Many of us have ancestors who have traveled from one place to another to find a new life and new opportunities. Our relatives have stories about where they came from, what life was like where they started, and what they experienced as they learned to fit into a new community. What do you know about your family’s history? Who can tell you stories of what happened before…

1 Comment

Published November 8, 2012

Barking Great Books!

Did you know that dogs have been trained and successfully used in combat? They are called Military War Dogs (MWDs) and as in other wars were again made famous as part of the successful SEALS maneuver against Osama Bin Laden. It doesn’t matter what your beliefs are about war, these books are fascinating in their own right and will be of interest to returning combat veterans, guide dog users, and anyone interested in dogs. Many of us with guide dogs for the blind are being trained by instructors who worked with Military War Dogs. Some are Vietnam vets, others are…

Leave a Comment

Published November 6, 2012

American Bar Association Titles in Bookshare

As Bookshare followers know, many publishers have relationships with us and submit files electronically. Recently, The American Bar Association (ABA) submitted a series of titles from the Legal Practice Management division that produces books to help lawyers in their work. Today, Election Day 2012, seems like a fitting day to tell readers about these legal works. There are many titles of interest to law students and practicing lawyers on building a practice, using social media, using technology, and more. Below are links to ten: iPad Apps In One Hour for Lawyers – Finding the best apps often can be an…

Leave a Comment

Published October 31, 2012

A Book Series for, and about, Students with Learning Differences

Students with learning differences will enjoy this series of chapter books about Hank Zipzer, the world’s greatest underachiever. Through Hank’s everyday adventures, the series deals with learning differences in a kind and humorous way. The stories are inspired by the true life experiences of author Henry Winkler, first known for his starring role as the Fonz in Happy Days. There are 17 titles in the series and Bookshare has them all! The titles themselves give clues to the fun inside the books. Here are a few: Niagara Falls, or Does It? (#1) “He’s smart, creative and funny but writing a…

Leave a Comment

Published October 29, 2012

Myth-begotten Beasts

What better time than Hallowe’en week to read about this creatures and beasts? Are these legendary creatures fact or hoax? You be the judge! The Sea Serpent and Me (Grades K-2) When a tiny sea serpent tumbles from the bathtub faucet, a little girl finds an unexpected friend. The Mystery of the Lake Monster (Boxcar Children #62) (Grades 3-5) While visiting the Adirondack Mountains, the Aldens hear stories about a monster in the lake and then encounter evidence that it may be real. Animal Monsters: The Truth About Scary Creatures (Grades 3-5) We think of some scary-looking animals as monsters…

Leave a Comment

Published October 25, 2012

Book Formats for Everyone!

Options are good, and Bookshare offers more choices in the form of books, reading tools, and now book formats. Bookshare wants to help its members read how and what they want to read. Over this past year, Bookshare added new download options to our existing book formats—DAISY Text and BRF (Braille Ready Format). Continue to use these formats with your existing assistive technologies; however, if you are looking for a different reading experience, you may want to try one of the new formats. The new book formats, DAISY Audio and MP3, provide more options in terms of technology and the…

1 Comment

Published October 2, 2012

Understand Dyslexia in National Dyslexia Month

An adult with dyslexia watching the new HBO documentary “Journey into Dyslexia” suddenly began to understand a tremendous array of memories and emotions never understood before. The opening title screen with words artistically drawn at angles was reminiscent of how words can swim on the page for a dyslexic reader. He said, “I felt like when I read a book, I had to force the letters to stay in a consistent line across the page.” From those opening screens, the movie captures the frustration and isolation of being a dyslexic very well. According to the movie, 10% of the population…

2 Comments

Published September 27, 2012

Students Volunteer to Make Textbooks Accessible for Bookshare Members

The Bookshare textbook image description volunteer program is excited to announce two partnerships kicking off the new school year. Last winter, Bookshare launched a partnership with BYU students through their Peery Social Entrepreneurship program. The partnership was so successful (and fun) that BYU, led by returning student Ted Jackson, chose to continue the work begun last term. The BYU charter promotes volunteerism by recruiting fellow students to write image descriptions in Bookshare textbooks. Last spring, the BYU Bookshare charter contributed hundreds of descriptions and developed a facilitator’s guidebook for establishing such charters on other college campuses. This fall, their goals…

2 Comments

Published September 18, 2012

There’s An Election Coming!

Learn more about democracy in action, or imagine what it would be like if you were running for office. (Maybe you are!) Nikki and Deja: Election Madness (Grades 1-3) Deja’s certain she can win the election for third grade class president – with her best friend Nikki by her side! Grace’s Letter to Lincoln (Grades 2-5) Grace has a great idea to help Abraham Lincoln get elected – he should grow a beard! The Everything Kids’ Presidents Book (Grades 2-5) You’ll have hours of fun with this collection of facts, trivia, games and puzzles about presidents through history. The Class…

Leave a Comment

Published September 14, 2012

It Takes a Village and This Is What It Looks Like

Key U.S. Department of Education officials, administrators, teachers, parents, and students all participating in an event showcasing one of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs’ (OSEP) investments, and all seated together at a table, inspired Betsy Beaumon, Vice President and General Manager of the Literacy Program at Benetech to say, “It takes a village and this is what it looks like.” On September 11, 2012, the “village” at Toyon Elementary School in San Jose, CA, welcomed Melody Musgrove, the Director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and Sue Swenson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Office…

1 Comment

Category: Books