Reviews
A noteworthy review of Natural Disaster True Survival Stories from Horn Book Guide on October 1, 2016
Natural Disaster True Survival Stories series. In a series about real-life disaster survival, this volume focuses on the earthquake that decimated Haiti in 2010. A brief introduction describes this disaster, followed by five chapters that detail real individuals’ involvement. Gripping… View →
A noteworthy review of In the Driver's Seat from Horn Book Guide on October 1, 2016
In the Driver’s Seat series. These books focus on what a young reader might experience while driving the featured vehicle. The second-person narration includes pertinent information about the vehicles; color photos and occasional sidebars support the texts. Safety issues are mentioned… View →
A noteworthy review of True Stories, Real People from Horn Book Guide on October 1, 2016
True Stories, Real People series. Integrating objective, fact-based narration and primary source quotations, this title communicates the hardships and applauds the fortitude of the Chilean men who were trapped in the San Jose Mine for sixty-nine days. Simple layouts use call-out boxes… View →
A noteworthy review of On the Hunt with Animal Predators from Horn Book Guide on October 1, 2016
On the Hunt with Animal Predators series. These slight books present basic information about large carnivores that prey on weaker animals. Characteristics of each species are recounted, including their habitats, social behaviors, food sources, and nurturing of offspring. The simply written… View →
A noteworthy review of Natural Disaster True Survival Stories from Horn Book Guide on October 1, 2016
Natural Disaster True Survival Stories series. In a series about real-life disaster survival, these volumes focus on two earthquakes and tsunamis that hit Asia. In each book, a brief introduction describes the disaster, followed by chapters that detail real individuals’ involvement… View →
A noteworthy review of How America Works from Children's Bookwatch on September 1, 2016
‘How Elections Work’ is a succinct guide to the American electoral process in the U.S.A. for young adults and teens. Illuminated with historic black and white and color photos, timelines, and other visual aids, ‘How Elections Work’ covers it’s subject matter in three chapters: Voting Rights… View →
A noteworthy review of Inside Look at Sports Events from Booklist on June 1, 2016
Rather than presenting the facts historically or analytically, each volume in the Inside Look at Sports Events series leads off with a two-page informational section in a Q&A format, and then offers five narrative chapters, each from a different point of view. The result is a book that… View →
A noteworthy review of Exploring Dinosaurs from School Library Connection on May 1, 2016
Dinosaurs are a source of fascination because scientists can only study their fossils to gather information, and they are still uncovering interesting facts. Author Susan Gray, a scientist with a special interest in zoology and paleontology, includes the latest information and answers to… View →
A noteworthy review of Endangered Animals from School Library Connection on May 1, 2016
The focus of these books is on the reasons each animal is endangered and the ways humans can help. Each title describes an animal, its environmental adaptations, and the threats contributing to its decline and conservation. Up-close photographs engage the reader, and life cycle diagrams and… View →
A noteworthy review of One World, Many Countries from Horn Book Guide on April 1, 2016
K-3 One World, Many Countries series. These serviceable overviews for report writers are liberally illustrated with sharp photos. An introductory chapter in each book highlights a holiday (Day of the Dead in Mexico) or a notable event (river surfing in Canada). Four chapters then focus on… View →
A noteworthy review of One World, Many Countries from Horn Book Guide on April 1, 2016
K-3 One World, Many Countries series. These service able overviews for report writers are liberally illustrated with sharp photos. An introductory chapter in each book often highlights a holiday or festival (Israel includes a minor error). Four chapters then focus on land, government and… View →
A noteworthy review of Unsolved Mysteries from Horn Book Guide on April 1, 2016
4-6 Unsolved Mysteries series. These books offer clear-eyed assessments of persistent unexplained phenomena. An anecdote introduces the titular subject; each survey superficially touches on history and possible explanations— scientific or otherwise. The slight texts are easy to read and… View →