Reviews
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Special Reports Set 1 - School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
There is a range of topics, some of which are considered contentious or controversial, but the authors approach them from multiple viewpoints with sensitivity, balance, and impartiality. The topics are well-researched and indexed. . . . The text is clear and accessible. The use of boxes, View →
Your Body - School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
Simple introductions to the structure and function of body parts will capture readers’ attention from the first glimpse of the striking covers. Inside, one or two sentences pair effectively with the facing photo to help beginners explore the topic. A labeled diagram of the body parts… View →
Toy Trailblazers - School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
Students will savor these informative and fast-paced titles on the fascinating, sometimes quirky histories behind the visionary inventors of popular toys. Brief chapters keep reading pace brisk. “Fun Facts” sidebars offer entertaining, educational bits of trivia and striking covers,… View →
Mysteries of History - School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
Budding conspiracy theorists and mystery lovers will be intrigued by this set, which suggests plausible and more sensational (aliens, ghosts, strange natural forces) explanations for each historical mystery. Authors outline the theories and objectively present the arguments for and… View →
Barbie Developer: Ruth Handler (Toy Trailblazers) – Booklist
If anyone deserves a book in the Toy Trailblazers series, it’s Ruth Handler, who brought the world Barbie. This well-written title introduces Handler, a Jewish immigrant and youngest of 10 children. Handler faced much skepticism about whether an adult doll would sell. Handler, an… View →
Presidential Perspectives – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
In these concise titles, historical events are examined through the related actions and beliefs of the then–sitting president. The book uses quotes from the presidents’ letters and speeches with relevant personal details about their daily lives: a premise that proves to be an effective… View →
The One - Pop Mythology
. . .highly recommended reading for adult and young adult readers… . . .a wonderfully imagined tale that is every bit as engrossing as The Hunger Games or Divergent series. But The One has a thematic edge of sophistication – both in the science fictional View →
History Maker Biographies Set 2 - School Library Journal
These titles necessarily simplify complex topics–Rosa Parks also introduces the civil rights movement, for instance–but they are ideal for the target audience. View →
Sharks Set 2 - School Library Journal
. . .concise, bite-size pieces of information and artful layout (full of striking images of some ominous looking creatures) will easily entice wildlife fans. . . . These are attractive and fun offerings for the youngest nonfiction readers. View →
Stories of the Civil Rights Movement - Booklist
In the Stories of the Civil Rights Movement series, each volume focuses on a pivotal event and targets a younger audience than most books on the subject. Illustrated with many well-chosen photos, the presentations include a number of fact-filled sidebars, including a… View →
My Community: Jobs – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
Children will learn about important jobs performed by people in the community in this appealing series. Sentences of up to six words in length convey information about each profession, including what the job entails and the tools required. The text appears in large black type on a clean… View →
Ocean Life - School Library Connection
. . . each double-spread displays a beautifully colored photograph and several simple sentences that explain where the creature lives, what it looks like, how large it is, its body parts, and how it moves. Other chapters explain how each creature captures its prey and how it develops… View →
Reality TV Titans – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
A quick look at some big names in reality TV. The layouts are more attractive and varied, making ample use of current and archival photos. Readers will learn some intriguing and illustrative facts. . . . Special mention is made of charities established or supported by the stars. These… View →
ABDO Zoom Animals Database – Booklist
This engaging database provides young researchers with standardized, accessible information on 160 different animals. Users can opt to type in a search term or browse through three main categories: habitat; type (e.g., mammals, insects, and amphibians); or geographic region. Subgroups… View →
Hunting – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
These effective introductions offer information on tracking and hunting. . . . The factual presentation is enlivened with fictionalized descriptions of young hunters, including women and young girls, in pursuit of their prey. Each book emphasizes safe and responsible hunting. Through… View →
Martin Luther King, Jr.: Civil Rights Leader (History Maker Biographies) – Booklist
Large photographs of events in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and scenes from the segregated South draw young readers into this pared-down biography. Two to four sentences per page lay out the facts. . . . This will work for one-on-one reading and classroom use. . . . The brevity View →
Food Matters – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
Although all people need to eat, not all of us tend to think about where our food comes from and what goes into producing it. Providing pros and cons related to the issues, this series outlines ways in which people can become well-informed, responsible, and safe food consumers. Each book View →
Essential Literary Themes - School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
These volumes provide detailed guidelines on examining literary works for thematic content and critiquing them. Each selection presents comprehensive overviews of familiar literary classics and films, followed by insightful analyses and critical-thinking questions. Theses and their… View →
Essential Library of Inventions – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
This effective series describes history’s most crucial inventions and explains their enormous impact on the modern world. . . . All titles are well written and include information, complete with diagrams, about how the inventions work and the comple[me]ntary technologies they… View →
Xtreme Jobs – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple
This informative and attractive series includes eye-catching, full-page photos that immerse readers in the dangerous work of stunt performers, test pilots, and other death-defying professionals. Written in brief, easy-to-read blocks of text, the information highlights the skills,… View →