Reviews
A noteworthy review of Dangerous Jobs in Action from School Library Journal on April 1, 2017
What better way to communicate the dangers inherent in a risky occupation than by sharing the stories of real men and women at work? Job details (conditions, equipment, safety concerns, etc.) are integrated into the narrative. Deep-Sea Fishermen, Smoke Jumpers, and Oil Rig Workers also… View →
A noteworthy review of Comparison Fun from Booklist on March 15, 2017
The content of these playful books in the Comparison Fun series perfectly matches the series title. Each book uses a variety of often whimsical comparisons to bring to life one small corner of the natural world. Although many books make one or two such comparisons, they are the backbone of… View →
A noteworthy review of Geology Rocks! from School Library Connection on March 1, 2017
This series provides accurate, reliable information that will enable students to understand rocks and minerals. Each title focuses on a different area of geology and looks at the identification and uses of each area. Easy-to-read text allows readers to explore what their world is made of… View →
A noteworthy review of How America Works from School Library Connection on March 1, 2017
This social studies series for juveniles gives insight into the foundations of the U.S. and the workings of our government. Each book has the same format, featuring four chapters, vocabulary words highlighted in the text, and a ‘To Learn More’ page at the end of the book. Each of the three… View →
A noteworthy review of Engineering that Made America from Booklist on March 1, 2017
Kids handed the Engineering That Made America series will be immediately drawn to its subject matter. In part, that’s because each title begins not with a feat of engineering but with a person. Golden Gate Bridge begins with one man, Michael O’ Shaughnessy, turning his impatience to get… View →
A noteworthy review of Holiday Crafts from Children's Bookwatch on January 1, 2017
‘Christmas Crafts’ is a title from the outstanding Holiday Crafts book series from The Child’s World and specifically intended for children age 7 and up. Following a brief introduction to the Christmas holiday and its 2,000 year history, there are brightly illustrated simple instructions… View →
A noteworthy review of Beginning Sports from School Library Journal on November 1, 2016
Notable for its excellent coverage of some lesser-covered sports, this series is a useful selection to round out easy reader collections. Very basic info and small asides give a general rundown of how each sport is played. Color-blocked backgrounds and bright photos keep the focus on the… View →
A noteworthy review of Highly Guarded Places from School Library Journal on November 1, 2016
Well-writlen text and a copious amount of illustrations on an attention grabbing subject make for an attractive series. Each title begins with a real-life account concerning an immense peril to U.S. citizens or property. After the hook, the text delves into where the recognizable (and… View →
A noteworthy review of Incredible Sports Records from Booklist on November 1, 2016
From the Incredible Sports Records series, this appealing book looks at Olympic records. While results from the 2016 Summer Games are not included, that matters less than media hype might suggest. Michael Phelps’ record for the most gold medals in one year (eight in 2008) still stands, and… View →
A noteworthy review of Wonders of Space from School Library Connection on November 1, 2016
Each of the books in this series is quite astonishing for its intriguing presentation of facts about unknown worlds light-years away. Every space mission, starting in 1977 with Gary Flandro’s vision from JPL for a ‘Grand Tour of Space’ with Voyager, and various other remarkable stories of… View →
A noteworthy review of Earth-Friendly Projects from Children's Bookwatch on November 1, 2016
‘Build a Neighborhood Library’ is an intriguing title from the Earth Friendly Projects series for elementary age children, to make with adult supervision or assistance. The book begins by exploring the different kinds and sizes of libraries, with an introduction From Trees to Paper to… View →
A noteworthy review of How America Works from School Library Journal on November 1, 2016
With 24 pages per book, these titles are brief. Even so, elegant design and substantive content make them strong contenders. Each one tackles a specific component of U.S. government and describes, in brief, the influences and other formative issues surrounding it. For instance, in How the… View →