Reviews
Skilled and Vocational Trades - School Library Journal
Gr 5–9–This YA hi-lo series is a continuation of an existing series of books about skilled and vocational trades, with an updated look at real estate appraisers, industrial mechanics, police officers, construction and building inspectors, and home health aides. With thorough attention to View →
Mini Makers - School Library Journal
Everything is mini in this series, from the snacks and crafts to the origami and games. Titles open with a table of contents and introduction before delving into the projects (around 11 in each), a list of required materials, and a thorough rundown of crafting tips—including checking… View →
Living Wild - School Library Journal
This in-depth nonfiction series, tailored for middle-grade readers, delves into the intriguing lives of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fish. Both fast facts and in-depth information are accompanied by vivid images and fascinating information about the animals’ daily lives,… View →
Exploring Solutions - School Library Journal
Gr 6 Up–Some societal problems seem insurmountable. This series examines a few such problems and explores potential solutions. Each book begins with an analysis of the topic and the damage it causes to individuals and society, including examples in recent history. A number of solutions… View →
Norse Mythology - School Libary Journal
Each title in this set includes three brief chapters about major heroes. The writing is simple and conversational. Strivers will appreciate the series, though some tales are overly complicated, feature too many characters, and include personal or place names that may be difficult to… View →
Earth Basics (Materiales de la Tierra) - School Library Journal
These introductory earth science concepts foster in readers an understanding of the world around them and how they fit in it. Beginning with dialogic assistance and post-reading options, these titles provide a nice option to not only learn about important building blocks of our planet,… View →
Heroes of Native American History - School Library Journal
Both legendary figures and unsung heroes are featured in this series. Readers learn about Native American leaders who fought valiantly to preserve their communities against government interference. Nearly every individual spotlighted foresaw the danger of signing treaties over ancestral… View →
Supernatural Survivor - School Library Journal
This tongue-in-cheek, guidebook-like series is geared to those seeking escape from marauding invaders. It delivers text in short bursts within “taped” boxes set against photos on colored background pages. The prose is a tantalizing mix of true-fact snippets and the untrue, advancing the… View →
Totally Not True! - School Library Journal
This fact-packed, accessible series shows students scientific truth debunks false ideas and misinformation. Each volume opens with a “Welcome to TNT” message and explains the scientific method step-by-step. Pages resemble cork boards; throughout, text and captioned photo “evidence” that… View →
That's Scary! - School Library Journal
Each topic in this fascinating, fast-paced series has sure-fire reading and visual appeal and is guaranteed to keep kids turning pages. Volumes are brief, with three to five chapters, and only two or three sentences per page, but the books’ brevity easily establishes a sense of creepy… View →
Paranormal Tech - School Library Journal
Science- and technology-minded students will welcome this well-written, fact-filled series showcasing researchers using actual technological tools to investigate the paranormal. Easy-to-understand prose makes most of the technical language comprehensible. Some readers may find the text a View →
Living Through American History - School Library Journal
Major turning points in American history are presented through descriptive text and abundant images within these titles. Captions for the illustrations add more details, as do sidebars on topics like Japanese internment camps or a recipe for Civil War hardtack. Each narrative wraps up… View →