Authors of this self-help book are both Harvard graduates who have crafted a fine book of guidelines for parents, students and school staff for how to succeed in all the many aspects of college/university choice and acceptance.  Any student in 10th or 11th grade ought to examine this book with their parents at their side because it provides so many practical and proven tips on testing, ratings, applications, essays, recommendations, visitations–just to name a few.  Each chapter begins with key points that will be covered, and there are highlighted text boxes that show examples of various points throughout.  A rather exhaustive book, my suggestion to readers is to break it down and refer to various chapters as needed:  pre-college planning, preparing an essay, how to prepare for the interview, what makes for a good recommendation and how to garner one, etc.  Humor helps break up the intellectual tone of the book, i.e., ice cream colleges and “No-No” topics for essays.  I disagree with the authors’ remark that there is a ton of financial aid available due to recent economic cut-backs.  Resources, sample worksheets that can be printed and written on and an index are included.

2013 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner

A group of funny, colorful birds will amuse children as they learn the concepts of up, down, tall, small and high.  Readers are introduced to the comic antics of the birds in three separate
chapters.  Children will delight in the simple text and the colorful drawings. Long’s use of few words and repetition will allow the beginning reader to feel confident in their emerging skills.  With less than thirty words used throughout the book, it is the illustrations that carry the story lines and in a way that will make the reader smile  and want to reread the stories.  The book is an interactive, lift-the flap style, printed on heavy weight pages (similar to board books).  School and public libraries may still want to reinforce the three lift-the-flap pages though, as this book will get a lot of circulation.

Primary, nonfiction book which explains the importance of Memorial Day, as celebrated by the people of the United States, to honor the people who served in the armed forces.  Honored are the ones who gave their lives, and also those who currently serve.  There is a suggestion to write a thank you note to people who currently serve.  Great photos in this book.  Recommended.

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 with elation and defeat with the progress of their amazing robotic devices.  History, science, and human drama all in one beautiful coffee table worthy book!

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 is found in the body of the content, such as Land, First People, Exploration and Settlement, Growth and Change, More Modern Times, People, Government, and Economy.  There is a guide to primary sources, what they are and how to cite them.  A fun Biographical Dictionary  is included in the Back Matter along with the Timeline, Fast Facts, Glossary, Resources and Index.  A delightful read, whether for recreation or research.

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.  Special features, such as sidebars, charts, graphs, original maps, FAQs, WOW Factors, and Project Room (fun ideas for assignments and projects) keep the reader engaged.  The author provides source notes explaining which print and web resources were most used in her research. She also gives tips on the best internet sites for primary sources.

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 Factors, and a Poject Room with fun ideas for school projects.  Included is a guide to primary sources…what they are and how to cite them.  Back Matter covers resources such as fiction and nonfiction books, DVDs, Web Sites and Organizations, and an extensive Index.

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 of graphics, photographs, and maps engage the reader and enhance the text.  This is a good series particularly for reluctant readers.

The eight topics in the table of contents: Recycling, Collection, Glass, Metal, Plastic, Paper, At the Store, and Make Paper are accompanied by a well photographed landfill, garbage truck, recycle bins, recycling center with stacks of crushed cubes of squashed cans, a store shelf full of food products packaged in containers made from recycled paper, plastic, and glass .

This book shows the steps in the process of changing the collected glass, cans, plastic, and paper into new items to complete the recycle cycle.

Includes a do-able craft activity for making paper from used paper and a food blender.

Eight little couplets for young learners to recite and enjoy about dividing used packaging for curbside pickup, donating goods to second hand stores, and using old odds and ends to make toys and crafts.

Cheery vibrantly colorful pictures of young children placing plastic bottles, cans, and paper into recycling containers create the idea that children can take an active part in this grown up activity.

Includes a Creative Tot Time craft project for making a ‘Recycled Snake’ stuffed toy.

End papers include printed flowers on unbleached brown paper.