In a world that is becoming increasingly visual, this book equips teachers with innovative strategies to engage students with visual media. Today's students need to know how to "read" visuals closely to understand their meaning, the messages they are sending, and be able to discuss them with others using appropriate vocabulary. Teachers will help students comprehend visuals such as images, charts, graphics, and multimedia texts across the content areas. With tools and techniques, sample lessons, and suggested visuals to use in the classroom, this professional development resource by Marva Cappello and Nancy T. Walker provides strategies for both receptive and productive purposes of visual literacy and is organized by content area to support all teachers. These approaches focus on valuing evidence in visual texts and develop all literacy skills to engage students in building 21st century skills and higher-order thinking.

Rankin has wanted to join the crew on the Oneida since the first time he saw the ship anchored in Black River Bay. But what can a ten-year-old do on a warship? He hangs around outside the tavern listening to the farmers talk of the coming war with the British, hoping to find out. The brig Oneida has been built to patrol Lake Ontario and protect Sackets Harbor from an attack. Local farmers are frustrated with restrictions against trading with Canada which cause them to resort to smuggling in order to survive. When the ship's captain finally calls for recruits nearly a year later, many men want to sign up in hopes of putting an end to these rules. Pa gives Rankin's older brother Will permission to do so. Rankin badgers Will to take him along. On the day set by the captain of the Oneida, Rankin and Will are the first to sign on. During their first months on board, the new crew members gain experience as the Oneida patrols the lake. Too late, they find out that until the war begins, her mission is to apprehend potash smugglers. Rankin learns to run gunpowder up from the hold to the guns on deck. He sulks when months pass with no battles on the lake. Things change soon after the United States declares war against the British. On the morning of July 19, 1812, the lookout on Oneida spots five British warships heading toward Sackets Harbor. The brig prepares to defend the village. Rankin is assigned to carry powder to the huge three-ton long gun up on the cliff. Royal George comes into range and the locals open fire. The unique way the battle is fought and the unusual way it ends surprises both sides. Although this is a work of fiction, the historical events portrayed and the persons named are real.

Koobla the Camel introduces children to the delights and peculiarities of the animal (and insect) world. These aspects are interwoven in a funny, weird, and surprisingly fast-paced way, with a light moral thread that promotes the idea of belonging and family.