Earth Deserves Another Day, So...

I know Earth Day was yesterday. But I have some really interesting things to share, and I didn't want to wait a whole year. 

First of all, this podcast episode talks about the environmental impact of COVID-19. Spoiler alert: It may not be bad news!

Also, this article discusses how lessons learned from COVID can help inform our approach to climate change. 

And finally, enjoy this video of animals rediscovering empty cities.

Fifty Years of Earth Day

Fifty years ago today, the first Earth Day helped to establish an environmental awareness, and changed the way we live. On this site, you can sign up to take action, or read about the history of the event, or watch newscasts reporting on the movement that swept the nation. Stay fly, Eagles!  

NOVL (sic) Couch Fest

Hey, all you YA fans! We know you are missing your book clubs, author appearances, and all the book festivals that normally occur around this time of year. The people at Little Brown feel you, and are holding a NOVL Couch Fest all week with giveaways, booktalks, author chats and more. You can get the full rundown of events here. 

Of Aubades and Villanelles

It's still April, and so it is still National Poetry Month. Words used to describe types of poetry have a certain poetry themselves. Aubade, for example, or abecedarian, or anaphora. Or triolet, or villanelle. Simply saying these words makes me want to lie on a divan and read some Emily Dickinson or Langston Hughes. Here's a glossary of more poetic terms for your enjoyment. Adieu, kind reader! Stay fly, Eagles! 

Color Me Relaxed

Coloring can reduce stress and help to boost mental clarity. Don't worry if you don't have any coloring books at home, because museums around the world have released coloring pages based on their collections that are available for you to print out. There are some truly esoteric and quirky choices, so have fun exploring, and don't worry about staying within the lines!

National Library of Medicine Coloring Book

Investigating the Assassination of President Lincoln

President Abraham Lincoln died 155 years ago today, after being shot the night before by actor John Wilkes Booth. In this online exhibit from Ford's Theatre, you can collect and analyse the evidence that brought the conspirators to justice. 

Attention All Map Aficionados

Every map tells a story, and these maps help to tell the story of contagion in 19th century. They illustrate where diseases occurred, and how they traveled. What will the maps of COVID-19 show?

Map of malaria deaths in the US in 1870. (Library of Congress)