Recommended Books & Links

Each month, PBS Teachers delivers a new selection of books and web sites recommended for teachers and students across grades levels and subjects. Explore our archive of more than 2,500 recommendations, too.

Reviewers

Blythe Bennett is the Assistant Director of the School Media Program at Syracuse University's School of Information Studies. Before entering the library world, Blythe was an elementary classroom teacher and a secondary Spanish teacher.

“I look for the best that the Internet has to offer students and teachers. I look for sites to recommend to PBS Teachers that are content-rich. The Web can provide high quality curriculum support that may include multimedia, text, and interactive components to help a student learn and practice a concept, reinforce prior knowledge, or serve to satisfy a student's curiosity.”

Philip Nast is currently working with the Roads from Seneca Falls Web site, a women’s history resource for K-12 social studies and U.S. history teachers and students. Phil earned his M.F.A. degree from Syracuse University and has been an elementary and middle school teacher. He is familiar with the curriculum needs of classroom teachers. “I look for books that will elaborate on the textbook treatment of subjects,” says Philip. “My goal is to find titles that grab the interest of students and provide instructional ideas and inspiration to teachers.”

A Word About Our Recommended Books

How does PBS select its recommended books? Each book included on PBS Teachers is chosen with the following criteria in mind:

• The book holds readers’ interest by introducing them to engaging stories or new subjects or by treating familiar topics in unusual ways.
• The book expands textbook treatment of its topic in valid and interesting ways.
• The book provides teachers with background knowledge and sound instructional ideas.
• The book’s author is a superb writer and a trustworthy source of information and ideas.
• The book’s artwork is of high quality and expands the value and meaning of the print content.

A Word About Our Recommended Web Sites

How does PBS select its recommended links? Each site included on PBS Teachers is selected with the following criteria in mind:

• The site provides rich content and/or is an innovative model of the way technology can be used to enhance the curriculum.
• The site primarily is noncommercial. Teachers and students do not have to disclose e-mail addresses or purchase something in order to fully experience the site.
• The author of this site is a reliable source and his/her connection with sponsoring organizations is made clear.
• The site is well-maintained with few or no sections of missing content, broken links, or "under construction" signs.
• The site provides a lot of original content and does not rely primarily on links to other sites.
• The site's audience is clearly defined.
• Good navigation and design contribute to the site's overall effectiveness.

family resources

	PBS KIDS Come play with all your favorite preschool characters!
	PBS KIDS GO! Get ready to GO! in our place for big kids!
	PBS PARENTS Find games, activities and advice for raising your PBS Kid!
	PBS KIDS PLAY! The fun new way for kids to learn through play!

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