Perfect for the election year!  It simplifies and amplifies the rhetoric and childish fighting between the two major political parties in the United States.  Of course, the main characters are a donkey and an elephant who’s banter is ridiculous.  In the end they end up making up after an independent wins the vote.  Only to begin the fight all over again.  A nice book for explaining or discussing the negative ads during the campaign season.  Recommended for primary aged children (and adults!).

This is a graphic novel, in cartoon format.  The illustrations are in color and the pages are glossy.  Would appeal to lower level readers with high interest level.  Reluctant reader, male readers primarily.  Although, anyone familiar with Stars Wars may find this book appealing, as it is quite true to the themes of the movie.

Remarkable pictures in this nonfiction book.  The layout is very attractive, to all ages.  The content had an emphasis on “attacks”  by this animal on humans.  Two out of five chapters was dedicated to this concept.  As an educator, I would rather have had one chapter on attacks, and had a different topic, less sensational, to focus on in the next chapter.  Something more along the lines of preservation and protection of the species.

An analytical look at different forms of energy being utilized on our planet along with pros and cons.  It includes case studies, which are real life examples from various regions.  There are graphs, pictures, captions, side bars, and a glossary in the back.

Stunning, real photographs of children throughout the world wearing their native costume and clothing!  respectful, beautiful, colorful, and heartwarming.  Recommended for preschool, K, 1st, 2nd grades.

Shamu…. is a graphic novel about the life of an orca whale, it habits and behavior, and finally, about the captured orca trained and starring at Seaworld in San Diego.  The original Shamu died in 1971 after six years in captivity.  Seaworld keeps Shamu’s legend alive by calling their performing orcas Shamu and Namu.  Interesting, but not new information and the graphics detract from the story.

Kids love to read non-fiction about cats and dogs.  This book does a fine job of helping to choose a cat and pet owner responsibility.  Matching an owner with a pet is important.  Information is pertinent and photos are clear and attractive.

The Hindenburg Disaster recounts the historical disaster of the airship bursting into flame and killing 31 people on board.  The book tells about how the ship was built, how it was flown, materials used in building, how to actually travel, and length of trips.  The story is 75 years old and there isn’t any new information; same old photos.  History of how air travel evolved is interesting, but I’m not sure why they would be publishing new books about an old topic.  These air ships were short-lived and dangerous.  Most students won’t find this interesting, only those who thrive on disasters, which are few and far between.

The Hardy Boys are back, but not as full of brotherly love as in the original series.  In Break-Up the boys are undercover on a TV reality show, something like a combination of Fear Factor, Amazing Race, and Survivor.  The show features sibling couples who compete with other couples in very dangerous activities.  The show ‘takes pride in sending contestants to the hospital.’  Yikes!  On top of already being dangerous, it seems the stunts are also rigged for failure and accidents.  The producer of the show, Ms. Hunt, has the job of keeping the action dangerous and secret, better for ratings, of course.  The Hardy Boys think she may be behind all the sabotage, however, she turns up murdered.  Lots of mystery and intrigue.  The story line is fine, however, I find the graphics of Frank and Joe disturbing.  On the cover, they’re at fisticuffs and teeth are bared, snarling at one another.  Why do they have to become enemies?  Kids will like the familiar reality show vibe plus all the action.

A Look at Forces gives simple sentences together with an explanatory photo to describe science.  The pages are brightly colored and show vigorous action.  The examples both in words and in photos does a good job in modeling the concepts.  This book should be useful in explaining science concepts.