Reviewed by Mary Pong, on May 12th, 2013 Author: Oxlade, CHris Illustrator: photos Series: Heroic Jobs / Read Me! Publisher: Heinemann Library / Raintree/ Capstone ISBN: 978-1-4109-4357-6 Year Published: 2012 Price: Grade Level: grades 3, 4, & 5 Rating: R
- Author: Oxlade, CHris
- Grade Level: grades 3, 4, & 5
- Illustrator: photos
- ISBN: 978-1-4109-4357-6
- Length: 32 pages
- Publisher: Heinemann Library / Raintree/ Capstone
- Rating: R
- Series: Heroic Jobs / Read Me!
- Year Published: 2012
“Hikers, mountaineers, rock climbers, skiers, and forest workers all play and work in the mountains. They need to be rescued if they get lost in weather, trapped on a cliff, injured in a fall, or become sick.” (page6) 13 factual 2 page spreads briefly describe the why, who, and how of mountain rescues. Mention is . . . → Read More: Mountain Rescue
Reviewed by Rhoda Pappajohn, on May 10th, 2013 Author: Shelley Tougas Illustrator: Series: Publisher: Compass Point Books ISBN: 978-0-7565-4461-4 Year Published: 2012 Price: $13.95 Grade Level: 4-6 Rating: R
- Author: Shelley Tougas
- Grade Level: 4-6
- ISBN: 978-0-7565-4461-4
- Publisher: Compass Point Books
- Length: 48 pages
- Year Published: 2012
- Price: $13.95
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 4-6
Describes the science concepts behind military weapons. Includes excellent photographs, glossary, bibliography, index.
Reviewed by Claudia Robinson, on May 9th, 2013 Author: Kenneth G. Rainis Illustrator: Series: Biology: Science Projects Using the Scientific Method Publisher: Enslow ISBN: 9780766034204 Year Published: 2010 Price: $34.60 Library Binding Grade Level: Rating: R
- Author: Kenneth G. Rainis
- Publisher: Enslow
- ISBN: 9780766034204
- Reading level: Upper Elementary / Middle
- Year Published: 2010
- Series: Biology: Science Projects Using the Scientific Method
- Price: $34.60 Library Binding
- Rating: R
For upper elementary and middle school students, this book is an introduction to cells and microbes. A dozen different science experiments are detailed in a step-by-step fashion starting with a basic question and then moving from hypothesis through procedure to the result and conclusion. The introduction addresses topics such as: How Scientists Search for . . . → Read More: Cell and Microbe Science Fair Projects
Reviewed by Mary Pong, on May 2nd, 2013 Author: Doak, Robin S. Illustrator: photos Series: Cornerstones of Freedom / Bringing History to Life Publisher: children's press / Scholastic ISBN: 978-0-531-23061-9 Year Published: 2013 Price: Grade Level: grades 5, 6, 7, & 8 Rating: R
- Author: Doak, Robin S.
- Grade Level: grades 5, 6, 7, & 8
- Illustrator: photos
- ISBN: 978-0-531-23061-9
- Length: p. 64
- Publisher: children's press / Scholastic
- Rating: R
- Series: Cornerstones of Freedom / Bringing History to Life
- Year Published: 2013
“Freedom from fear is a basic human right… Intelligence agents play a key role in securing this freedom for all Americans.” (p.7) Before reading this five chapter book with a skeletal* amount of information I didn’t know much , if anything, about the United States national intelligence system. It is so full of secrets, the . . . → Read More: National Intelliegence
Reviewed by Mary Pong, on May 2nd, 2013 Author: Graham, Ian Illustrator: David Antram Series: You Wouldn't Want to Work on Publisher: Franklin Watts / Scholastic ISBN: 978-0-531-20871-7 Year Published: 2012 Price: Grade Level: grades 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 Rating: R
- Author: Graham, Ian
- Grade Level: grades 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8
- Illustrator: David Antram
- ISBN: 978-0-531-20871-7
- Length: 32 pages
- Publisher: Franklin Watts / Scholastic
- Rating: R
- Reading level: IG 920 Lexile
- Series: You Wouldn't Want to Work on
- Year Published: 2012
The Great Depression of the 1930s is underway when Herbert Hoover’s dream to build a hydroelectric dam on the Colorado River is finally realized. Out of work men from California, Nevada, and Texas are a major part of the 21,000 workers employed for the dam’s construction. They arrive to find NO town, desert heat, and . . . → Read More: You Wouldn’t Want to Work on the Hoover Dam! An Explosive Job You’d Rather Not Do
Reviewed by Mary Pong, on May 2nd, 2013 Author: Rosier, Maggie Illustrator: Steve Porter Series: You Can Draw It ! Publisher: children's press / Scholastic ISBN: 978-0-531-25102-7 Year Published: 2013 Price: Grade Level: grades 4, 5, 6, & 7 Rating: R
- Author: Rosier, Maggie
- Grade Level: grades 4, 5, 6, & 7
- Illustrator: Steve Porter
- ISBN: 978-0-531-25102-7
- Publisher: children's press / Scholastic
- Rating: R
- Reading level: IG 850 Lexile
- Series: You Can Draw It !
- Year Published: 2013
Author Maggie Rosier provides insight into the skill of drawing 8 different robots illustrated by Steve Porter.
The beginner should start by drawing from a picture before drawing from their imagination. Basic supplies include drawing pencils with both soft (B) and hard (H) lead, in addition to colored pencils, paper, eraser, and black ink pen.
. . . → Read More: Robots
Reviewed by Mary Pong, on May 2nd, 2013 Author: Ross, Tony Illustrator: Tony Ross Series: Publisher: Andersen Press Ltd. ISBN: 978-1-84939-211-2 Year Published: 2011 Price: $16.99 / paperback Grade Level: grades 3, 4, 5, & 6 Rating: R+
- Author: Ross, Tony
- Grade Level: grades 3, 4, 5, & 6
- Illustrator: Tony Ross
- ISBN: 978-1-84939-211-2
- Length: 93 pages
- Price: $16.99 / paperback
- Publisher: Andersen Press Ltd.
- Rating: R+
- Year Published: 2011
These fairy tales are not too long, not too short, they’re just right! Seven fairy tales are retold and illustrated by London born and Liverpool School of Art trained Tony Ross. Ross’ pencil and paint strokes are simple, if not crude, yet the movement and emotions are well defined!
Of Ross’ seven favourite fairy tales, . . . → Read More: My Favourite Fairy Tales
Reviewed by Carrie Dye, on April 25th, 2013 Author: Havemeyer, Janie Illustrator: Malone, Peter Series: (The Thinking Girl’s Treasury of Dastardly Dames) Publisher: Goosebottom Books ISBN: 0983425663 Year Published: 2012 Price: 18.95 Grade Level: Rating: Recommended
- Author: Havemeyer, Janie
- Illustrator: Malone, Peter
- Publisher: Goosebottom Books
- Year Published: 2012
- ISBN: 0983425663
- Price: 18.95
- Series: (The Thinking Girl’s Treasury of Dastardly Dames)
- Rating: Recommended, Recommended
Summary: As part of the series, “The Thinking Girl’s Treasury of Dastardly Dames,” Njinga, the Warrior Queen tells the story of a young girl growing up in West Africa. Njinga was born into a royal African family in 1583. When she was born, the soothsayers predicted she would not be an easy person. Njinga . . . → Read More: Njinga: The Warrior Queen. (The Thinking Girl’s Treasury of Dastardly Dames)
Reviewed by Carrie Dye, on April 25th, 2013 Author: Babin, Pierre Illustrator: Voake, Charlotte Series: (First Discovery-Music) Publisher: Abrsm ISBN: 1-85103-321-1 Year Published: 2012 Price: 19.99 Grade Level: Rating: Highly Recommended
- Author: Babin, Pierre
- Illustrator: Voake, Charlotte
- Authors: Cantwell, Michael (narration)
- Publisher: Abrsm
- Year Published: 2012
- Series: (First Discovery-Music)
- ISBN: 1-85103-321-1
- Price: 19.99
- Rating: Highly Recommended, Highly Recommended
Summary: In an attractive “picture book” format, author Pierre Babin tells the story of musician Claude Debussy. Claude was born in 1862 near Paris. His early life wasn’t easy. His parents owned a shop, but were not very good at business and they moved a lot. Then Claude’s father is sent to prison for . . . → Read More: Claude Debussy: (First discovery – music)
Reviewed by Carrie Dye, on April 25th, 2013 Author: Latham, Donna Illustrator: Vaughn, Jen Series: Build it yourself series Publisher: Green Press Initiative ISBN: 978-1-936749-52-2 Year Published: 2012 Price: 21.95 Grade Level: Rating: Highly Recommended
- Author: Latham, Donna
- Series: Build it yourself series
- Publisher: Green Press Initiative
- Year Published: 2012
- ISBN: 978-1-936749-52-2
- Price: 21.95
- Rating: Highly Recommended, Highly Recommended, Highly Recommended
- Illustrator: Vaughn, Jen
Summary: Bridges and Tunnels: Investigate feats of Engineering with 25 projects by Donna Latham, is the latest edition of the excellent (Build it yourself series), which includes such titles as Backyard Biology: Investigate habitats outside your door with 25 projects and Robotics: discover the science and technology of the future with 20 projects by Kathy . . . → Read More: Bridges and Tunnels: Investigate Feats of engineering with 25 projects (Build it yourself series)
Reviewed by Carrie Dye, on April 25th, 2013 Author: Morris, Gerald Illustrator: Renier, Aaron Series: (The Knights' Tales) Publisher: HM ISBN: 978-0-547-68085-9 Year Published: 2012 Price: 14.99 Grade Level: Rating:
- Author: Morris, Gerald
- Illustrator: Renier, Aaron
- Publisher: HM
- Year Published: 2012
- Series: (The Knights' Tales)
- ISBN: 978-0-547-68085-9
- Price: 14.99
Summary: The night Balin is born in Norththumberland, the old woman of the mountain arrives and predicts greatness for the newborn! “But wait,” the old woman exclaims! “There’s a cloud over this!” “His greatness will bring calamity to all his companions and he will strike the dolorous stroke!” Thus begins the life and knighthood . . . → Read More: The Adventures of Sir Balin the Ill-Fated
Reviewed by Claudia Robinson, on April 24th, 2013 Author: Jane Yolen Illustrator: Photographs by Jason Stemple Series: Publisher: Wordsong ISBN: 9781590788622 Year Published: 2012 Price: $16.95 Grade Level: Rating: Recommend
- Author: Jane Yolen
- Illustrator: Photographs by Jason Stemple
- Publisher: Wordsong
- Year Published: 2012
- Price: $16.95
- ISBN: 9781590788622
- Length: 32 pages
- Reading level: AR 4.6
- Rating: Recommend
A collection of 13 poems about bugs. ”Tiny living beings [with] a beauty and mystery all their own” is Yolen’s apt description of the insects featured in this book. Jason Stemple uses macro photography to capture fascinating and interesting detail. From the facets on a fly’s eye, to the divisions of a dragonfly’s . . . → Read More: Bug Off! Creepy, Crawly Poems
Reviewed by Annette McQueen, on April 23rd, 2013 Author: Elizabeth Rusch Illustrator: Series: Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children ISBN: 9780547478814 Year Published: 2012 Price: $18.99 Grade Level: Rating: Recommended
- Author: Elizabeth Rusch
- ISBN: 9780547478814
- Length: 79
- Price: $18.99
- Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
- Rating: Recommended
- Reading level: 4th-6th
- Year Published: 2012
Very informative book about the Mars mission of the Exploration Rover Mission. Eleven full chapters with photos, captions, and lots of text, probably best fit at the Middle School level, but all will find this an enticing and informative piece. We get a peek into the emotions of the scientists as they wax and wane . . . → Read More: The Mighty Mars Rovers, The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Oppotunity
Reviewed by Donna Dannenmiller, on April 23rd, 2013 Author: Deborah Kent Illustrator: Series: America the Beautiful Publisher: Children's Press/Scholastic ISBN: 978-0-531-18593-3 Year Published: 2009 Price: Grade Level: 3-8 Rating: R
- Author: Deborah Kent
- Grade Level: 3-8
- ISBN: 978-0-531-18593-3
- Length: 144 pgs
- Publisher: Children's Press/Scholastic
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 5th Grade
- Series: America the Beautiful
- Year Published: 2009
In the latest Third Edition of the America the Beautiful series, the design and layout has been updated to appeal to readers who like gorgeous photographs, or illustrations, sidebars with FAQs, “Who knew?” facts to keep you thinking, travel guide tips, and incredible ideas for school assignments and research projects. Of course the usual information . . . → Read More: Washington, D.C.
Reviewed by Donna Dannenmiller, on April 23rd, 2013 Author: Barbara A. Somervill Illustrator: Series: America the Beautiful Publisher: Children's Press/Scholastic ISBN: 978-0-531--18588-9 Year Published: 2009 Price: Grade Level: 3-8 Rating: R
- Author: Barbara A. Somervill
- Grade Level: 3-8
- ISBN: 978-0-531--18588-9
- Length: 144 pgs
- Publisher: Children's Press/Scholastic
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 5th Grade
- Series: America the Beautiful
- Year Published: 2009
Designed for kid appeal, this well researched, latest third addition to the American the Beautiful state books series, will give students detailed and interesting information about what started out as William Penn’s 1682 colony. The contents covers Land, First People, Exploration and Settlement, Growth and Change, More Modern Times, People, Government, Economy, and Travel Guide. . . . → Read More: Pennsylvania
Reviewed by Donna Dannenmiller, on April 23rd, 2013 Author: Conrad R. Stein Illustrator: Series: America the Beautiful Publisher: Children's Press/Scholastic ISBN: 978-0-531-18500-1 Year Published: 2010 Price: Grade Level: 3-8 Rating: R
- Author: Conrad R. Stein
- Grade Level: 3-8
- ISBN: 978-0-531-18500-1
- Length: 144 pgs
- Publisher: Children's Press/Scholastic
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 5th Grade
- Series: America the Beautiful
- Year Published: 2010
Well researched and well designed layout with gorgeous photographs, as well as helpful special features, make this a top consideration for a print choice in state studies. Content covers Land, First People, Exploration and Settlement, Growth and Change, Modern Times, People, Government, and Travel Guide. Special features provide sidebars, charts, graphs, original maps, FAQs, WOW . . . → Read More: Montana
Reviewed by Christine Evans, on April 22nd, 2013 Author: Sean McCollum Illustrator: Series: History's Greatest Warriors Publisher: Capstone Press ISBN: 978-1-4296-6603-9 Year Published: 2012 Price: $22.99 Grade Level: 4-9 Rating: R
- Author: Sean McCollum
- Grade Level: 4-9
- ISBN: 978-1-4296-6603-9
- Price: $22.99
- Publisher: Capstone Press
- Rating: R
- Series: History's Greatest Warriors
- Year Published: 2012
In 48 pages, this book provides a nice overview of the Viking society during the 250 years that they were famous and feared raiders of Europe. Detailing the art, technology, religions, class structure, leadership, weapons, tools, daily life as well as the military exploits of the Vikings, the reader learns a great deal. The multitude . . . → Read More: Vikings: A Guide to the Terrifying Conquerors
Reviewed by Christine Evans, on April 19th, 2013 Author: Donna Latham Illustrator: Beth Hetland Series: Build it Yourself Publisher: Nomad Press ISBN: 978-1-61930-152-8 Year Published: 2013 Price: $21.95 Grade Level: 3rd grade and up Rating: R*
- Author: Donna Latham
- Grade Level: 3rd grade and up
- Illustrator: Beth Hetland
- ISBN: 978-1-61930-152-8
- Price: $21.95
- Publisher: Nomad Press
- Rating: R*
- Series: Build it Yourself
- Year Published: 2013
This amazing science experiment book focuses on topics related to biology. The chapters include: The Study of Life, Cells Alive!, Microbiology Reveals an Invisible World, Plants Make Life Possible, Plant Life Cycles, Adaptations are a Matter of Life and Death, Animal Life Cycles, and Protect Living Things. Each chapter has background information followed by a . . . → Read More: Backyard Biology
Reviewed by Christine Evans, on April 18th, 2013 Author: Lucia Raatma Illustrator: Series: Unusual Histories Publisher: Capstone Press ISBN: 978-1-4296-7537-6 Year Published: 2012 Price: $23.49 Grade Level: 3-6 Rating: R
- Author: Lucia Raatma
- Grade Level: 3-6
- ISBN: 978-1-4296-7537-6
- Price: $23.49
- Publisher: Capstone Press
- Rating: R
- Series: Unusual Histories
- Year Published: 2012
This book focuses on sports related facts, events and trends that are not typically highlighted. For example, how uniforms and sports-related fashion have evolved over the years, how ancient sporting events relate to modern ones, the effects of technological developments and how sports equipment has changed. The pages are really packed with text boxes, colorful . . . → Read More: The Curious, Captivating, Unusual History of Sports
Reviewed by Christine Evans, on April 18th, 2013 Author: Lois Lowry Illustrator: Eric Rohmann Series: Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children ISBN: 978-0-547-39009-3 Year Published: 2011 Price: 15.99 Grade Level: 2-5 Rating: A
- Author: Lois Lowry
- Grade Level: 2-5
- Illustrator: Eric Rohmann
- ISBN: 978-0-547-39009-3
- Price: 15.99
- Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
- Rating: A
- Year Published: 2011
This is a novel set in Saint Bartholemew’s Catholic church. The main characters are mice who scurry around foraging for food and trying to avoid detection by Father Murphy and his congregation in fear of “The Great X” (exterminator). A few careless mice draw attention to their presence and the exterminator is scheduled. Hildegarde, the . . . → Read More: Bless This Mouse
Reviewed by Christine Evans, on April 17th, 2013 Author: Sara Green Illustrator: Series: Outdoor Adventures Publisher: Children's Press ISBN: 978-0-531-23736-6 Year Published: 2013 Price: $23.00 Grade Level: 3-6 Rating: R*
- Author: Sara Green
- Grade Level: 3-6
- ISBN: 978-0-531-23736-6
- Price: $23.00
- Publisher: Children's Press
- Rating: R*
- Series: Outdoor Adventures
- Year Published: 2013
The mountain climbing photographs in this book are especially breathtaking and enhance the text well. The author has done a nice job of presenting the adventurous, exciting and dangerous nature of this sport as well as practical considerations. The reader is provided with a nice overall view of the demands and realities of climbing a . . . → Read More: Mountain Climbing
Reviewed by Christine Evans, on April 17th, 2013 Author: Jean Craighead George Illustrator: Wendell Minor Series: Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers ISBN: 978-0-8037-3771-6 Year Published: 2013 Price: $16.99 Grade Level: K - 5 Rating: R
- ISBN: 978-0-8037-3771-6
- Illustrator: Wendell Minor
- Grade Level: K - 5
- Author: Jean Craighead George
- Price: $16.99
- Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
- Rating: R
- Year Published: 2013
This majestic picture book tells the story of the American Bald Eagle as it faced extinction and was brought back to stronger numbers by the care of wildlife experts and concerned citizens. This book focuses on one concerned boy, who helped a ranger to pair up an eagle egg with a pair of bald eagles . . . → Read More: The Eagles are Back
Reviewed by Christine Evans, on April 17th, 2013 Author: Carmen Gil Illustrator: Daniel Montero Galan Series: Publisher: Cuento De Luz ISBN: 9788415241782 Year Published: 2012 Price: $14.95 Grade Level: K - 5 Rating: R*
- Author: Carmen Gil
- Grade Level: K - 5
- Illustrator: Daniel Montero Galan
- ISBN: 9788415241782
- Price: $14.95
- Publisher: Cuento De Luz
- Rating: R*
- Year Published: 2012
I LOVED this fairytale about a princess who did not want to be a princess. She threw down her crown and ventured out to the world to be a pirate, a knight and a minstrel. This strong female character followed her dreams and succeeded in all she pursued. She thought for herself and acted with . . . → Read More: It’s a Pain to be a Princess!
Reviewed by Debbie Koss-Warner, on April 17th, 2013 Author: Garen Ewing Illustrator: Series: Publisher: Egmont ISBN: 9781405248532 Year Published: 2009 Price: $10.99 Grade Level: Grades 5 through 12 Rating: R*
- Author: Garen Ewing
- Grade Level: Grades 5 through 12
- ISBN: 9781405248532
- Price: $10.99
- Publisher: Egmont
- Rating: R*
- Reading level: Grade 5
- Year Published: 2009
In this Tintinesque graphic novel, the reader is introduce to the story Julius Chancer, a historian’s assistant. The assistant is caught up in an intrigue involving a silent movie actress, a cheating businessman, and the search for a rare orchid. This high-flying adventure travels all around the world as new twists to the tale are . . . → Read More: Rainbow Orchid, The: Volume One
Reviewed by Debbie Koss-Warner, on April 17th, 2013 Author: Don Wood Illustrator: Series: Publisher: Blue Sky Press ISBN: 9780439726740 Year Published: 2008 Price: $12.99 Grade Level: Grades 4 through 12 Rating: R*
- Author: Don Wood
- Grade Level: Grades 4 through 12
- ISBN: 9780439726740
- Price: $12.99
- Publisher: Blue Sky Press
- Rating: R*
- Reading level: Grade 4
- Year Published: 2008
In this graphic novel, the reader is drawn into an action adventure story of two brothers desperately trying to find their mother and outsmart the evil treasure hunters who are searching for her as well. The boys are kidnapped by the treasure hunters and taken to the last place where their mother was last seen . . . → Read More: Into the Volcano
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