Students work with global partners using web 2.0 technology (wikis, videos, blogs, web pages, etc.) to study and discuss real-world topics. This would be a great way for students to make class to world connections and expand their computer skills.
In our River of Doubt book, the author often compares Teddy Roosevelts son, Kermit, to his brother Elliott. Both had issues with alcohol and attempted suicide. T. Roosevelt could see these similarites and didnt' want his son to go down the same path of his brother. I found it interesting to learn more about his brother who he didn't want his son to turn out like!
This is a great overview of Obama's life thus far. This site also links to a ton of information about the presidency, it is very kid-friendly. It would be a great link for my kid lit wiki.
I used this website for my wiki. It has great information about the amount of deforestation that occurs throughout the world each year. It also has great maps of how the worlds forssts have changed over time.