Reviews
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 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 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 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 →
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 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 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 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 Pet Care from Horn Book Guide on October 1, 2016
Pet Care series. Published fall 2015. Straightforward but limited descriptions of pets aim to prepare readers for ownership of each animal; sections discuss living environment, diet, and care required. Layouts feature simple text in blue and red circles and photographs with arrow-shaped… View →
A noteworthy review of Highly Guarded Places from Booklist on October 1, 2016
If the swirling lengths of razor wire don’t ensnare readers, the chance to look into a cell in the most secure prison in the U.S. will. Kicking off with bank robber Jack Powers’ prison escape and relocation to Colorado’s federal supermax prison, the Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX)… 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. This slight book presents basic information about one of the most feared sea creatures including habitat, behaviors, food sources, and reproduction. The brief narrative is interesting but may be inadequate for report-driven readers. Large up-close… View →