Reviews
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 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 snow… 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 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 festival goers… 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 their hands at a… View →
A noteworthy review of Classic Stories from Children's Bookwatch on March 1, 2015
The Classic Stories series is comprised of four outstanding works of short fiction including Toni Cade Bambara’s ‘Raymonds Run’; Langston Hughes’ ‘Thank You, M’am’; Joan Grant’s ‘The Monster That Grew Small’; and Robert Graves’ ‘Two Wise Children’. Each individual 24 page book has… View →
A noteworthy review of Talking Hands from School Library Journal on February 1, 2015
Attractively designed, brief introductions to sign language. Each title lists a different sign, related to the topic at hand (Work covers ‘Cook,’ ‘Cashier,’ and ‘Pilot,’ for instance), and includes a large, clear photograph and quick description of the job, and an illustration and textual… View →
A noteworthy review of Our Holiday Symbols from Children's Bookwatch on February 1, 2015
From the series titled Our Holiday Symbols for children age 6 and up, ‘Easter Bunnies’ presents pages of fascinating facts about the fun and fables associated with Easter, the spring holiday festival that celebrates the beginning of another growing season and year. Simple narrative style… View →
A noteworthy review of Twelve Magic Months from School Library Journal on February 1, 2015
Thirty days hath September…including Make-a-Hat Day, International Rabbit Day, and Video Game Day. Kids curious about our calendar will get a grounding in holidays both unusual and familiar, historical dates, and more in these brief looks at the 12 months of the year. The design is simple… View →
A noteworthy review of The Human Body from Booklist on December 1, 2014
Muscular tissue makes up 30 to 50 percent of a human’s weight and is responsible for the most basic of vital functions. This book begins with a narrative of a young boy, Jeremy, lifting a cinder block to impress his older brother. Each tinge of exertion and effort that Jeremy feels, from… View →
A noteworthy review of Jess and Jaylen from Booklist on December 1, 2014
Lifelong best pals and diametrical opposites Jess and Jaylen are the main characters in this sweet series entry about friendship and compromise. Each wants their best friend to try their own respective favorite activity during summer rec league. For bookish Jaylen, this means trying to… View →
A noteworthy review of True Animal Stories from School Library Journal on November 1, 2014
Each of these title includes nine narratives about unusual animal events. The lesser-known stories, such as a bike-riding dog (Animal Tricks and Talents) and a water-squirting octopus (Animal Antics), are mixed with more widely known tales, such as the friendship between a Owen, a hippo… View →