Thursday, March 10, 2016

Small Fry Pick of the Week: The Nest


Cover image for The nest

The Nest by Kenneth Opel

Ages 10+

She was very blurry, not at all human-looking.  There were huge dark eyes, and a kind of mane made of light, and when she spoke, I couldn't see a mouth moving, but I felt her words, like a breeze against my face, and I understood her completely.

"We've come because of the baby," she said. "We've come to help."  All Steve has to do is say, "Yes."  But "yes" is a painful word.

It is also dangerous.  And once it is uttered, can it be taken back?

I thought, It's just a dream anyway.  I thought, It has no power over me.  I thought, Why not?  "Fine," I whispered.

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Friday, March 4, 2016

Small Fry Pick of the Week: Adventures in Arduino




Cover image for Adventures in Arduino

Adventures in Arduino by Becky Stewart

JNF; Intended Audience: all Techies  Age 10+

Have a blast building and programming interactive electronic crafts with Arduino.  Author Becky Stewart walks you step-by-step through 9 exciting projects geared toward the beginner.  You will learn how to download and install Arduino for multiple operating systems, how to make the most of Arduino with basic programming concepts and much more, so you start having fun right away watching your designs come to life.

You'll learn to:


  • Build an LED circuit
  • Prototype on a breadboard and use servos, shift registers and sounds
  • Create an electronic status message sign
  • Work with motors
  • Make an augmented wind chime
  • Sew a secret message into a hoodie
  • Construct a marble maze game that keeps track of your score

    Click on the title to place it on hold at the Ventress Memorial Library!