Reviews
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Unsolved Mysteries – School Library Journal
All of these books provide theories to help readers draw their own conclusion, including a “Tools and Clues” section. Photographs, maps and charts, and related insets provide additional detail. Those who love unsolved mysteries will find these books both informative and entertaining. View →
Essential Events Set 8 – School Library Journal
These titles offer concise, insightful analysis of events that have left a mark on past and recent American history. . . .Each volume provides readers with the necessary historical context, the pertinent details of the events themselves, and the short-term effects and lasting legacies of View →
Ding Dong Ditch-a-Roo (Katharine the Almost Great)- School Library Journal
In Ditch-a-Roo, someone is ringing Katharine’s doorbell and then disappearing. Her cousin Crockett tries to convince her it’s the Invisible Man but by using her detective skills she eliminates all the suspects except one: Vanessa. Katharine doesn’t unravel the mystery until she… View →
Artsy-Fartsy Auction (Katharine the Almost Great) - School Library Journal
Katharine is excited when her homemade popcorn bowl is in the school’s art auction, but a misunderstanding with another third grader causes her to start a bidding war that turns the charity event into a competition fueled by greed. This book concentrates on the jealousy Katharine feels… View →
Write Stuff (Katharine the Almost Great) – School Library Journal
This book contains great writing tips. . . View →
Civil War – School Library Journal
These broad introductions are divided into two- to four-page chapters that summarize standard topics such as slavery and sectionalism, causes of the war, military strategies, important battles and turning points, and weapons and technology. Most also include brief profiles of Union and… View →
Children's Illustrators Set 2 – School Library Journal
Clearly written and well-organized introductions to notable authors and illustrators. Children will enjoy learning about the childhoods of these creators, and the books have enough information to be enlightening, but not so much as to be overwhelming. “Elements of Art” boxes add interest View →
Hip, Hip, Hooray! It's Family Day! (Story Time with Signs & Rhymes) – Booklist
. . .a concluding American Sign Language glossary helpfully describes the proper hand motions. . . .[and] art is uncluttered and keeps the focus squarely on signing. A preface to the text offers “Alphabet Handshapes,” which illustrate the finger-spelling signs for each letter View →
Count the Critters Set 2 – School Library Journal
These brightly colored titles are illustrated with inviting childlike cartoon animals. View →
Best Sport Ever – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
This series celebrates eight popular sports and cites the reasons that so many people are passionate about them. Each volume draws readers in with a chapter describing a key moment in that sport’s history. For example, Hockey highlights the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” when the U.S.… View →
Boston Strangler (Unsolved Mysteries) – Booklist
A disquieting entry in the Unsolved Mysteries series, this account of the hunt for the killer of (at least) 11 Boston-area women between 1962 and 1964 is not only laced with lurid details but also presents a case study in media-fueled terror and how public pressure to resolve… View →
Super Simple Cultural Art Set 1 – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
In these attractive volumes, brief, clear instructions are illustrated with easy-to-follow, color photos. Each book starts with an introduction about the featured culture and then presents simple crafts inspired by it. The activities are well suited for primary-grade children, and the… View →
Xtreme Military Aircraft Set 1 – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
Using clipped sentences that are nonetheless detail heavy, these portraits of currently active U.S. war craft will rivet both casual and avid fans. Hamilton makes only brief references to particular missions or theaters of service, focusing instead on each aircraft’s history, unique… View →
What in the World Is a Clarinet? (Musical Instruments) – Booklist
The simple text gives explanations in short declarative statements. Pictures show the instrument taken apart, put back together, held correctly, and in use by students during lessons and in marching band. A brief true-or-false quiz at the end tests reading comprehension, and a glossary… View →
Gun Education and Safety – School Library Journal
History, safety, sports, and rights are all described in a politically unbiased manner. The images largely consist of clear photographs featuring males and females of differing ages, races, and occupations using many different firearms. The clearest book for novices is Ammunition, View →
Get Healthy – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
Intended to empower kids to make healthy and safe choices, these titles provide a nice overview. Tieck advises against worry, emphasizes preparation, and explains the body’s natural response to danger, which helps to temper scary topics. The large typeface and full-color photographs make View →
Forces of Nature – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
. . . there is credible content that includes scales of measurement, e.g., the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, the Fujita Scale, the Richter Scale, etc., as well as interesting “Xtreme Fact” text boxes, which are scattered throughout the volumes. Accounts of historical occurrences-such… View →
African Animals – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
. . .offer clear overviews of each animal’s physical features, habits, habitats, and herd or social structures. The color photographs are a mix of reasonably sharp close ups and distance portraits shot in the wild. Each volume ends with a page of interesting facts. . . .The informational View →
All About Your Senses – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
Using concrete examples, each title explains the basic purpose of its featured sense. For example, in Mouths the text “Maria tastes the lemon. Her sister dared her to do it! Maria makes a funny face. The lemon tastes sour” is paired with a picture of a girl grimacing over a lemon. View →
Cool Garden to Table – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
These spare books explain how to plant, care for, and harvest vegetables and fruits in a container garden. The instructions are succinct and easy to understand and are accompanied by clear color photographs and illustrations. The titles end with a half dozen recipes featuring the… View →