Here's my weekly gathering of products, events, and stories of interest that have landed in my e-mail queue or otherwise caught my attention this week:
+ Can I Tell You About Selective Mutism?: A Guide for Friends, Family and Professionals is a new book from Jessica Kingsley Publishers, written on a young person's level but accessible and informative to anyone wanting to learn more on a topic you don't see a lot of books about. On the JKP site, you can find a description, table of contents, and preview. For more on Selective Mutism, read my back-to-school information for teachers.
+ Rick Scott, a singer-songwriter who's a Goodwill Ambassador for the Down Syndrome Research Foundation, has a new "musical audio novel" out called "The Great Gazzoon: A Tall Tale With Tunes and Turbulence." Though it's not specifically special-needs related, an e-mail on the project reports that "the story includes 4 outsider children and a special needs ekko." The site includes more information about the story and a sample of some of the tunes.
+ If you're looking for some new, high-tech ways to help your college student with studying this school year, check out LearnSmart from McGraw-Hill, "a proven adaptive learning program that helps students learn faster, study more efficiently, and retain more knowledge for greater success." Previously marketed to educators, the "personal digital tutor" is now being offered directly to students. You can give it a try on the LearnSmart site, which also has details on a Going Places Sweepstakes for gift cards and free courses.
Do you have good books, apps, sites, or products to call to our attention? Write a book or app review, submit a site or blog, and post in the marketplace section of the forum.
Photo by Terri Mauro