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Try Databases First!

A database is an online collection of books, magazine articles, facts and pictures that you can search to find information. Information from online book or magazine sources count as books or magazines for your reports, not as websites! Here are some databases provided free by the library (click titles to go to log-in page):

Skip to Websites for Homework, Reports & Fun
Skip to Book Report & Reading Suggestion Websites

Biography Resource Center is best for older elementary school students through adults. Information is from books such as the Almanac of Famous People, Contemporary Authors, Dictionary of American Biography, Encyclopedia of World Biography, and Notable 20th Century Scientists. There are also over 1.3 million thumbnail biographies from the complete Marquis Who's Who and Debrett's People of Today.

Grolier Online Kids is best for grades 2-5. Information is from encyclopedia articles, magazine articles, media (photos, panoramas, multimedia, etc.), and from selected websites.  Also included are five dictionaries, two thesauri, and an interactive atlas.  In addition, check out “Today is…” to find out what happened today in history and “News Now” to find in-depth news articles about current events taken from wire services such as the Associated Press.

Kids InfoBits is best for grades K-5. Information is from books, magazines, and newspapers on current events, the arts, science, health, people, government, history, sports and more.

World Book Online After logging in choose your level.
World Book Kids is best for younger elementary school students. Information is from easy-to-read encyclopedia articles. Also find images, illustrations, interactive games and activities.
World Book Student is best for older elementary school students, middle school students, and older. Information is from encyclopedia articles, magazine articles, newspaper articles, media (photographs, maps, illustrations, tables, animations, and audio/video clips), and links to selected web sites. In addition check out “Research Tools”, “Biography Center”, “Quizzes and Activities”, and “Today” (news headlines).

Learning Express (Learn-A-Test) is for elementary students through adults. Each of the Learning Centers offers practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, and information.  You'll get immediate scoring, complete answer explanations, and an individualized analysis of your results.

Websites for Homework, Reports & Fun

Great Web Sites for Kids   www.ala.org/greatsites
Get suggestions for hundreds of great sites for information (or fun!).

50States.com   www.50states.com
Check here for links to web sites for all fifty states.

Animal Fact Guide   www.animalfactguide.com
Learn interesting facts about animals around the world. The site includes animal videos such as a rare pygmy hippopotamus at an Australian zoo and a wildlife blog.

CIA World Factbook   www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html
Extensive data, maps, and flags of all the countries in the world.

DK Clip Art   www.dorlingkindersley-uk.co.uk/static/cs/uk/11/clipart/home.html
Download photos for free from Dorling Kindersley (DK) books such as the Eyewitness series to use in your reports and projects.

Fact Monster   www.factmonster.com
Find information about a variety of subjects ranging from weather facts to homework help to quizzes and games.

National Geographic Kids   www.nationalgeographic.com/kids
National Geographic’s site for young readers is one of the best resources for information on the Net about the world, its people, and its wildlife. Not only can you read the newest edition of this magazine on-line, you can check out the contests, polls, games and even virtual adventures.

State Animals   www.stateanimals.com
Do you know your state’s insect, reptile, or bird? It’s all here. Make this your first stop when you have a state report due.

Book Report & Reading Suggestion Websites

Award Winners

Newbery Medal Homepage   Click here
Have to read a Newbery Medal or Honor winner? Here’s the site with the complete list.

Notable Children's Books   Click here
Awarded to the best of the best of children's books (birth through age 14) published that year .

Other Award Winners
      Batchelder Award   Click here
      Belpré Award   Click here
      Caldecott Medal   Click here
      Coretta Scott King Award   Click here
      Geisel Award   Click here
      Sibert Medal   Click here
      Wilder Medal   Click here

Other Great Sites

Guys Read   www.guysread.com
Here are recommendations for guys, by guys, created by author Jon Scieszka.

Read Kiddo Read   www.readkiddoread.com/home
This is a good site for finding the best, current literature for children of all ages. It includes summaries, read-alikes, reviews, and links to related activities.

Sidekicks   www.noflyingnotights.com/sidekicks
This is a graphic novel review site for kids up through about age 12. Find reviews of different genres of graphic novels like superheroes, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, crime and suspense, and just plain realism.

Starfall   www.starfall.com
Great for the youngest readers! Here are short stories that concentrate on a vowel or blend sound. By clicking on a word, help is given. Primarily designed for first grade, also useful for pre-kindergarten, Kindergarten and second grade.