Sandra Markle writes many nonfiction books for children.  Leukemia tells the story of two people with different types of blood cancer.  It follows each child through diagnosis and treatment.  Information is presented in easily understood text accompanied by full-color photos and micrographs – photos of individual cells.  The science behind the treatment is not overwhelming to the reader.  The book relates current procedures and technology.  It also includes an extensive list of resources for further information – books, websites, and addresses of foundations and programs.  Sandra Markle has done comprehensive research to present facts on this disease in an interesting and engaging format.  Other books she has written in this series are true survival stories of those with Bad Burns, Faulty Hearts, Lost Sight, Shattered Bones, and Wounded Brains.  Reading level is 6th grade.  Recommended addition to collection of medical information.

Budding archaeologist, Jodie wants to share her interest with her cousin Zach.  She wants to take him to Hezekiah’s Tunnel.  When Hezekiah was King of Jerusalem, he had a tunnel built as an escape route in case of attack.  Jodie’s dad challenges them to find the riddle in the middle.  As she and Zach walk the cold, wet tunnel, Zach imagines all sorts of scary things as Jodie calmly explains away all his worries.  They do discover the riddle, Jodie relates much of Jerusalem’s history, and they find an ancient coin.  Ksenia Topaz’s watercolor and pencil illustrations convey present and past Jerusalem.  The story is more about the history of the old city than it is of Passover and could be enjoyed any time of year.

Samurai were at their most powerful  in medieval Japan (1100s – 1600s)They lived by a strict code of honor, to protect their daimyo, or lord.  Training began at a very young age to lead disciplined lives.  Photographs and illustrations show the armor and weapons that made them visibly quite formidable.  Training and practicing skills continued throughout their lives.  The history and names of famous Samurai are presented along with reasons the service of these great warriors came to and end.  This book provides very basic information about the life and times of men who lived by an extremely strict code of honor.  A glossary, index, a factsurfer website, and books to read are included.  One book is about ninjas, which are closely related in many ways to samurai, but not the same.  This book may act as a springboard to launch readers toward other sources to learn more about this strictly regimented and fascinating age.

Almost always pure black, this stunning breed of horse is also known for its calm temperament.  One of the oldest domesticated horse breeds, their history goes back to the Middle Ages.  Friesian horses are all registered and only the best are approved for breeding.  Colorful full page photographs show these beautiful horses in a variety of settings and competitions.  Glossary, index, a factsurfer website, and books to read are included.  This is a good introduction to this popular breed that originated in the Netherlands (Friesland).

Not only does Elaine Landau introduce this popular breed, she presents information about horses in general.  Owning a horse is a big responsibility and there are several things to consider before buying one as a pet – a place to keep it, equipments and tack, and the time it takes to care for one.  As one of the oldest breeds, artwork shows Arabians in ancient temples and tombs.  Originating in the Middle East, Arabians can be found today around the world working, racing, being ridden in competitions and shows, and being adored by their owners.  Readers will learn about the history of Arabians, how to measure height, coat colors, shelters, necessary equipment and gear, riding styles, gaits, and activities for enjoying horses.  A double page photograph shows labels for all parts of a horse.  Text boxes are pleasingly placed with large, colorful photos.  A good variety of information is packed into this 24 page book.  A glossary, index, and an assortment of books to read and websites for activities are in the back.

This nonfiction book for young readers shows examples of mammals that have fur, or hair.  It can be long or short, stiff or soft, a lot of a little.  Fur has different purposes for each animal – protection or camouflage.  Each page has a large color photograph and one sentence.  One of the last pages has many sentences on how fur helps animals all over the world.  More facts about fur complete the book.  Brief glossary and index included.  Quality nonfiction books for young readers are not common.  This book gives good information using simple sentences. Other books in the series cover feathers, scales, shells, and skin.

Very young readers will find this nonfiction book on badgers filled with easily understood facts.  Habitat and diet are described.  Badgers can be formidable fighters when protecting themselves.  Simple, large text is paired with full-page, colorful photographs.  Included are a glossary and index.  Books for further reading include a fiction picture book and two nonfiction books, one of which has a similar reading level.  A factsurfer internet site is provided.  Beginning readers may need help accessing the site and reading the information.  Vocabulary for nonfiction topics is often difficult for those with emerging reading skills.  This book is written with those readers in mind.  Recommended for elementary libraries.

Young readers will learn the basics about this unique amphibian.  How they look, what they eat, and how they protect themselves are described in simple, large text paired with full-page, colorful photographs.  The life cycle, from eggs dangling in water, to tadpoles with gills, to adults with legs and lungs, is well explained.  Toads have defenses against predators that may amaze those just learning about this remarkable creature.  Included are a glossary and index.  Recommended books are written at a slightly higher reading level but will still be of interest to beginning readers.  A factsurfer internet site provides additional details although very young readers may need  help accessing and using the site.  Vocabulary for nonfiction topics is often difficult for those with emerging reading skills.  This fact book is written with those readers in mind.  Recommended for elementary libraries.

Black holes in space are a phenomena that are hard to study.  Formed when a large star burns out, the gravity pulls all surrounding matter, even light, in.  Scientists study this occurrence through telescopes both on earth and in space.  The photographs and illustrations are labeled and captions provide additional information.  The text is large and facts about this vast topic are basic.  Some vocabulary may be unknown to young readers but are explained on the page.  A few include pronunciation cues.  Theories about black holes were first suggested in the late 1700s.  Facts are still being gathered today.  A glossary and index are located  in the back.  An Abdo website provides supplemental and updated information on their Book Links page.  Young readers interested in space will enjoy this introduction to black holes.  Many stated details will lead to further investigations.  Recommended for elementary libraries.

As with many True Books, this one starts with two statements, only one of which is true.  Jam-packed with information, definitions, and explanations, readers will learn many basic facts geologists know.  The first chapter tells how the scientific method works to help scientists learn.  Throughout the book are small experiments to test rock properties – crystal color, streak, and hardness.  When explaining how rocks are made, the three basic types of rocks (sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous) are described.  More experiments show how layers build up and break down.  This book provides a great balance between information and experimentation.  Experiments are well explained, include photographs, and provide a method of recording observations.  Other photos show rocks in various land forms.  In the back are recommended books to read, two excellent websites for further learning, two places to visit (complete with addresses and websites), a glossary with pronunciation clues, index, photo credits, and a bio. of the author.  Recommended addition to elementary school libraries and/or classroom collections.