Reviews
SLJ Review of Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs are always a fun way to get acquainted with scientific concepts like etymology of names, source work, and scientific literacy. Deftly addressing the impact of popular media depiction of dinosaurs on the discourse, the conversation here is centered around ongoing scientific work View →
SLJ Review of Dog Groups
Each title introduces one of the seven major dog groups recognized by the American Kennel Club. Two or three sentences per page describe the characteristics that are shared by most or all breeds in the group, including appearance, behaviors, and personalities. In Non-Sporting Group, for… View →
SLJ Review of Eerie Expeditions Around the World
Intrepid “travelers” will enjoy this spooky, well-written series that’s respectful of readers’ intelligence and is accessible to striving readers. Short, clipped sentences heighten tension, and each page contains a self-contained anecdote, rather than a traditional chapter organization.… View →
SLJ Review of Entertainment Encyclopedias
Geared toward young readers who love popular culture, these encyclopedias cover the entertainment industry from superheroes to video games. Each title starts with a table of contents and brief history of the media type. Every encyclopedia entry is marked by a different color throughout… View →
SLJ Review of Exploring Hi-Tech Jobs
Hi-tech jobs are in high demand, making STEM careers a popular choice. These five books present different hi-tech career options in fields like medical technology, science, video gaming, robotics, and social media that are suitable for middle and high school… View →
SLJ Review of Exploring World Cultures
This offering from Cavendish Square complements their “Cultures of the World” series, written at a lower reading level for younger readers. It follows a similar structure, examining the nations’ geography, economy, and government in the first half, followed by an exploration of cultures, View →
SLJ Review of Fighting for Freedom
Basic overviews of wars involving the United States are featured in these eight volumes. Each title includes background, battles, personalities involved, and conclusions. Readers learn about Washington’s strategy during the American Revolution, how slavery was a primary factor in the… View →
SLJ Review of Foods Around the World
This delectable series beckons readers to embark on a culinary journey to explore diverse world traditions. Each title showcases three recipes, typically featuring two savory dishes and one dessert. Before delving into the recipes, readers are introduced to the nation’s geographic… View →
SLJ Review of Gross, Awesome History (Cosas asquerosas e increíbles de la historia)
Historical facts can be awesome, disgusting, or both at the same time, and readers who want to know more can read this series. From gladiators and mummies, to the Middle Ages and the American Civil War, there’s a variety of information to learn. Images and infographics support the text,… View →
SLJ Review of Heroic Animals
True stories of heroic animals are presented in graphic novel format, from a military bear in World War II to the bomb-hunting dog that saved lives in the current war in Ukraine. Text boxes provide introductions and background information, while word balloons carry the mostly… View →
SLJ Review of History of Holidays and Festivals
Young readers are treated to a thorough history of many of America’s popular celebrations. Each title answers the basic questions a novice researcher or curious mind would ask about a holiday. When did it start? How is it celebrated? Why is it important? A detailed history of each… View →
SLJ Review of Iconic Cars
The iconic cars of film, from the Batmobile to James Bond’s Aston Martin, are the focus of this series, focusing on both the cars and the films that made them famous. Layouts of two-sentence paragraphs on a contrasting background helps break up the information about the high-interest… View →