We usually do not review books older than a year, but this title drew attention to itself at a recent ASCD conference. So few books or articles give attention to the skill of summarization or synthesis, that as we thought it necessary to review. Perhaps language arts textbooks cover this topic. Perhaps teachers regularly teach it. Then why is it so difficult when kids and teens do research in many different sources. Why is it so difficult to pick out the main ideas and then describe those ideas in synonymous terms but not the actual verbage of the author? Could it be that it is difficult? Taught improperly? Just a sign of kid laziness? In any event, whatever the cause, Wormeli provides fifty strategies for teaching this beast as opposed to fifty ways to leave your lover (that old joke). Right there, this book is worth its price, because, in this day of cut and paste, drastic measures need to be taken. In the latest presidential elections, we see commentators take statements out of context all the time. Perhaps we should recommend this one for every reporter: what is the big idea here and how can I make it my own? The ideas given are in a 2-3 page explanation with examples, so they are easily sampled and analyzed for worth an even for testing on out crowd of researchers. Can’t miss on this one.

Frances Jacobson Harris

Frances Jacobson Harris is a super teacher-librarian—super because she reflects deeply about what goes on in her school library and because she constantly tests her practices against national theory and practice. She is an effective teacher who understands the teens who frequent her library. In this volume, Harris reflects on the age of the Internet and its impact on the behavior of teens in information space. She makes a great case for teacher-librarians who are competing with Google, demonstrating the why and the how. Particularly interested in searching with all its implications to identifying quality information, Harris grapples with the issues facing both the teen and the teacher-librarian, and she offers great reminders to keep in front of teens. This is a thoughtful book. (American Library Association, 2005. 160 pp. $35.00. 0-8389-0898-5.)

Bottom line: Highly recommended for every high school teacher-librarian. david Loertscher