Reviews
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 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 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 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 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, displayed upon… 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 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 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 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 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 →