WASHINGTON, DC, December 20, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The East Rapids swim team is preparing for the big meet against middle school rival, West Shore. It's life as usual... until a ghost appears in the school pool and star swimmer, Casey Keller, flees in terror, vowing never to get back in the water again!
Enter the League of Scientists, an ad hoc club of 7th graders who pool their energy and talents to solve mysteries. Join John, Malena, Hector, Natsumi and Kimmey as they combine their knowledge of biology, technology, logic, robotics and chemistry to uncover the secret of the ghost.
Reflecting the diversity of America today, the club is a multicultural salad bowl. Hector is from Peru, Malena hails from Jamaica, Natsumi is Japanese-American. With Malena and Natsumi, the quick-witted Kimmey completes a trio of strong and capable female protagonists who will inspire girls to learn more about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) topics.
Another noteworthy subplot in this book is the strong anti-bullying message. After moving to his new school, John becomes an outsider and no one notices him -- except Dowser, who becomes his tormentor. How the harassment gets resolved is a great lesson in bullying dynamics and community involvement.
"The kids exhibit fear, anxiety, cooperation, communication and compassion, all while utilizing the scientific process," explains Kamaal Khazen, Dean of Applied Science at the De La Salle Institute in Chicago, Illinois. "I am recommending that this book be required reading for all our faculty and students!
"Ghost in the Water is the perfect book for science fiction and mystery enthusiasts of all ages," adds Naiyma Houston, Founder and Director of Upper Hand to College, in Ventura, CA. "It reminds us that knowing science and math can make a difference even in middle school."
Publisher Science, Naturally anticipates strong demand from parents, educators, librarians, after-school programs, museums and home-schoolers. The content in this title aligns with the Common Core State Standards and correlates directly to the Next Generation Science Standards. Supplemental resources include a glossary, index, and a Teacher's Guide. The Teacher's Guide is an interdisciplinary curriculum and includes a myriad of hands-on activities.
"Kids will strongly relate to and absolutely love the cast of characters in this exciting mystery. Teachers and parents will be impressed with how the book piques young readers' interest in emerging scientific fields," observes Renee Anderson, the Curriculum and Professional Development Specialist at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. "Readers are encouraged to follow their curiosity, complete tasks and reach their goals. There is a lot more going on in this town than what meets the eye... but I'll let the League of Scientists reel you in!"
Science, Naturally is an independent press committed to increasing STEM literacy, with a focus on presenting complex science and math topics in accessible and engaging ways. Our books, E-books and apps are designed to help readers gain a better understanding of how science and math affect everyday life. All of our titles have earned the coveted "NSTA Recommends" designation by the National Science Teachers Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics has endorsed all of our math books.
Science Naturally titles are available to the book trade through National Book Network. Catalogs that sell our books include Museum Tour, Educational Innovations, EAI Education, and ETA hand2mind. Library bound editions are available from Children's Plus.
Review copies available upon request. Sample content, cover scans, and the articulation of content to the Next Generation Science standards are available at ScienceNaturally.com.
Ghost in the Water is the first book in The League of Scientists series that explores the power STEM has in bettering the lives of today's youth.
The League of Scientists: Ghost in the Water
November 2014
Middle Grade Blended Fiction
Ages 10-14, 192 pages
Trade paper ISBN 13: 978-0-9700106-2-9 $12.95
E-book ISBN 13: 978-0-9700106-1-2 $11.99
Glossary, Index, Teacher's Guide
# # #