Reviews
A noteworthy review of Classic Stories from School Library Connection on September 1, 2015
These short stories from famous authors deal with positive role models and relationships. Two of the books, Raymond’s Run and Thank You, M’am, take place in the city, are realistic stories, and involve black main characters. The other two books involve fantasy. The Monster… View →
A noteworthy review of Service Dogs from School Library Connection on September 1, 2015
When doing a project on community helpers or introducing nonfiction text features to your younger students, this series is valuable. Each book’s layout is simple, with beautiful, up-close photographs of the dogs and their human counterparts. Short chapters are easily accessible to… View →
A noteworthy review of The Smart Kid's Guide to Everyday Life from School Library Connection on September 1, 2015
Each title in this series contains four chapters on the subject, with captioned color multicultural photographs spread throughout the book. The back of each book contains a list of Top Ten Things to Know. Some books feature an example to start the first chapter. This series is a good… View →
A noteworthy review of Science Around Us from School Library Connection on September 1, 2015
Each book in this series is a great introductory science text. Students are first presented with an introductory passage stimulating prior knowledge; the text is very accessible. Further information is presented simply and understandably for a wide range of young readers and will… View →
A noteworthy review of Roman Mythology from Booklist on May 1, 2015
The Roman Mythology series uses graphic-novel-style art and stories to introduce the individual gods and goddesses, along with other deities in the pantheon. Each book begins with a description of Rome and the relationship between the Roman and Greek gods, and is followed by a visual of… View →
A noteworthy review of Jess and Jaylen from Library Media Connection on May 1, 2015
Readers join Jess and Jaylen as they experience common urban childhood situations. The titles feature characters of both genders and various races while not falling into the pitfall of making that element the main focus. Both the characters and situations are believable and relevant to… View →
A noteworthy review of Wars in U.S. History from Booklist on April 1, 2015
Enough time has passed since the start of the Afghanistan War that some of its initial impact can be considered through the lens of history. In clear sentences interspersed with full-color photos, Winter offers a straightforward explanation of the major events of the conflict. Though the View →
A noteworthy review of Forces of Nature from Booklist on April 1, 2015
As snow builds, layer upon layer, high in the mountains, an avalanche will likely occur. Even the slightest vibration or the sound of a voice can cause snow to break away and careen down the mountainside, destroying everything in its wake. The two types of avalanches described are dry… View →
A noteworthy review of Ancient Warriors from Children's Bookwatch on April 1, 2015
Filled with detailed illustrations from the Codex Mendoza and other authentic sources about Aztec life, ‘Aztec Warriors’ provides a discerning overview of the role and attributes of a classic Aztec warrior, within the context of Aztec historical background from 1325 to 1521,… View →
A noteworthy review of Wars in U.S. History from School Library Journal on April 1, 2015
This set takes a look at various U.S. wars and conflicts. Each title begins with a description of a real-life battle, going on to examine the beginning of the conflict and detailing political, social, and military aspects, as well as causes and outcomes of each. Though the writing is on… View →
A noteworthy review of Gross Jobs from Booklist on March 10, 2015
The Gross Jobs series has looked at occupations as diverse as pig farmer and sewer inspector, but this is one that will have readers yelling, well, ‘gross!’ The text, however, is matter-of-fact. People need bathrooms, and sometimes, as in the case of construction workers or… View →
A noteworthy review of Poetry Party from Children's Bookwatch on March 1, 2015
‘Acrostic Poems’ is a title from the Poetry Party series for young readers and poets which uses text and illustration to define a poem, descriptive acrostics, and story acrostics. After defining and giving examples of acrostic poems, the story inspires young poets to try… View →