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: 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 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 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 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
Reviewed by Christine Evans, on April 16th, 2013 Author: Barbara Berry Illustrator: Zac Williams Series: Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers ISBN: 978-1-4424-1231-6 Year Published: 2011 Price: $15.99 Grade Level: 2 - 8 Rating: R*
- Author: Barbara Berry
- Grade Level: 2 - 8
- Illustrator: Zac Williams
- ISBN: 978-1-4424-1231-6
- Price: $15.99
- Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Rating: R*
- Year Published: 2011
This book is a one-stop princess party resource that will delight girls of all ages! Filled with appealing recipes, crafts and activities, this cookbook has several themes for your princess to choose from. Each recipe or craft has a beautiful color photograph which demonstrates presentation as well. The instructions are simple and clearly written. I . . . → Read More: Pink Princess Party Cookbook
Reviewed by Mary Pong, on April 15th, 2013 Author: Smith, Roland Illustrator: Phil Falco Series: Storm Runners Publisher: Scholastic Press ISBN: 978-0-545-08179-5 Year Published: 2011 Price: $16.99 Grade Level: grades 4, 5, 6 Rating: R+
- Author: Smith, Roland
- Grade Level: grades 4, 5, 6
- ISBN: 978-0-545-08179-5
- Length: 133 pages
- Price: $16.99
- Illustrator: Phil Falco
- Publisher: Scholastic Press
- Rating: R+
- Series: Storm Runners
- Year Published: 2011
The mood is instantly set once the book is opened by the smokey grey end paper, followed by darker grey with fine white rain blowing from right to left across the page, followed by even darker grey with white rain blowing across the page from left to right amidst the multi- tined lightening bolt. So . . . → Read More: Surge, The
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 14th, 2013 Author: Telgemeier, Raina Illustrator: Series: Publisher: Graphix, and imprint of Scholastic ISBN: 97805452326988 Year Published: 2012 Price: $23.99 Grade Level: 5-8 Rating: R
- Author: Telgemeier, Raina
- Grade Level: 5-8
- ISBN: 97805452326988
- Length: 233 pages
- Price: $23.99
- Publisher: Graphix, and imprint of Scholastic
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 2.3
- Year Published: 2012
Drama is a good title for this graphic novel: theater drama, middle school drama, and friendship drama. Callie is excited about designing the set for the new theater production. Her attention is divided between creating an awesome set and dealing with friendships and crushes. Telgemeier’s knowledge of backstage workings help the theater focus of the . . . → Read More: Drama
Reviewed by Donna Dannenmiller, on April 14th, 2013 Author: Nancy Tuminelly Illustrator: Series: Cool Recipes for Your Health Publisher: ABDO ISBN: 978-1-61783-584-1 Year Published: 2013 Price: Grade Level: 3-6 Rating: AD
- Author: Nancy Tuminelly
- Reading level: Grades 3-6
- ISBN: 978-1-61783-584-1
- Length: 32 pages
- Publisher: ABDO
- Rating: AD
- Grade Level: 3-6
- Series: Cool Recipes for Your Health
- Year Published: 2013
Having eaten a 100% raw food diet for three years, I was interested in how raw food recipes would be presented to elementary students. Raw food “cooking” typically requires using kitchen equipment like blenders and juicers…which need close adult supervision. A two page spread on The Basics covers getting permission from an adult, clean hands, . . . → Read More: Cool Raw Food Recipes
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 13th, 2013 Author: Gordon, Nick Illustrator: Series: Dangerous Jobs Publisher: Bellwether Media ISBN: 9780531221419 Year Published: 2013 Price: $17.25 Grade Level: 3-7 Rating: R*
- Author: Gordon, Nick
- Grade Level: 3-7
- ISBN: 9780531221419
- Length: 24 pages
- Price: $17.25
- Publisher: Bellwether Media
- Rating: R*
- Reading level: 4.1
- Series: Dangerous Jobs
- Year Published: 2013
Coast Guard rescue swimmers endure rigorous training in extreme conditions and are highly prepared to rescue people in dangerous situations. Trainees are both male and female, must pass extensive physical trials for endurance and swimming, and learn how to perform effective first aid. Swimmers have specialized gear to help keep them safe while rescuing victims . . . → Read More: Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer
Reviewed by Julie Hitt, on April 13th, 2013 Author: Harrison, David Illustrator: Burr, Dan Series: Publisher: Wordsong ISBN: 9781590798776 Year Published: 2012 Price: $17.95 Grade Level: 4-8 Rating: R*
- Author: Harrison, David
- Grade Level: 4-8
- Illustrator: Burr, Dan
- ISBN: 9781590798776
- Length: 48 pages
- Price: $17.95
- Publisher: Wordsong
- Rating: R*
- Year Published: 2012
22 free verse poems take one back to the 1860s and life on a cattle drive from Texas to Kansas. Dan Burr’s realistic digital paintings are an excellent combination with Harrison’s descriptions of life out west living under the stars with 3000 longhorn cattle. Sometimes humorous, sometimes thoughtful, sometimes candid, these poems give insight to . . . → Read More: Cowboys: Voices in the Western Wind
Reviewed by Janet Enlow, on April 13th, 2013 Author: Kimmel, Elizabeth Cody Illustrator: Series: Publisher: Scholastic Press ISBN: 978-0-545-39127-6 Year Published: 2012 Price: $16.99 Grade Level: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th Rating: R
- Author: Kimmel, Elizabeth Cody
- Grade Level: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th
- ISBN: 978-0-545-39127-6
- Length: 200 p.
- Price: $16.99
- Publisher: Scholastic Press
- Rating: R
- Reading level: 4th, 5th
- Year Published: 2012
Years ago, a young girl named Dodie played with her little sister and sled dog pups. In short chapters sprinkled throughout the book, her story is told.
Present day, twelve year old Tee, her father and younger brother, Jack are on an extended stay in Nome, Alaska. While Tee’s father is busy with research, she . . . → Read More: Legend of the Ghost Dog
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