For young readers interested in monster trucks, A Monster Truck’s Day details both the behind the scenes work and the excitement of the show. Starting with a tune up and transport to the event site, the reader follows the truck through the day, ending with cleaning and repairs in preparation for the next day. The use in the narrative of some monster truck specific terms such as endo and cyclone will challenge a reader unfamiliar with the sport.

Bellwether Media’s Machines at Work series provides engaging, easy to read titles for curious young readers. The series follows the Blastoff! Missions format, starting with three Mission Goals which include one literacy goal and two content goals. Colorful illustrations support the text and include labels with key vocabulary. Blastoff Jimmy occasionally shares additional information, usually numerical details, in Jimmy Says bubbles. Key vocabulary terms are bold. Endpapers include a glossary, index, print resources, and digital Factsurfer resources. The curated age appropriate digital resources suggested on Factsurfer are best explored with an adult. The Beyond the Mission section provides three extension questions focusing on text-to-self connections and creativity.

April Pulley Sayre uses poetic language to describe both the physical between, between as a description of time and motion, and between as symbol of change.

Sayre’s breathtaking photographs show change, movement, and the potential found in nature. Even for children who are not yet able to understand complexities of the at times abstract “in between” described in words, the photographs will elicit excitement and curiosity.

This intergenerational book invites the reader to be present in the now and reflect on what loved ones experienced in the past. The young character can see her family’s remembrances as if through a mirror, a window, or a sliding glass door – learning more about herself, her family, and the world. Also use the book to highlight the use of description to bolster the retelling of small moments of time.

Colorful illustrations catch the eye to show the child’s present. Purply two-tone illustrations are used on the pages that describe the memories. A small, bright red bird can be found on every page, tying the past and present together.

Friends brings both joy and struggle to childhood. In the book, Friends, Daniela Sosa invites the reader to reflect on the who, what, where, why, and how of friends.

Some friends are there from the start. Others come exactly when you need them.
Some friendships last only a few moments. Others last a lifetime.
Friends can be very close or far away.

The experiences and interactions in the book are those that all young children experience at one time or another. Use Friends to support Social Emotional Learning goals or as comforting reminder to celebrate friendship in all its forms.

Character illustrations include age and racial diversity. There is little evidence of diversity in social economic or children of differing abilities.

This collection of poetry follows that Jewish year, highlighting important holidays. Starting with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, each holiday has a poem from the point of view of a young girl. The poems incorporate the experiences, rituals, and feelings of a child celebrating each holiday. The facing page then explains the origin and significance of the holiday as well the different ways it is celebrated.

The majority of the holidays are based in the religious celebrations of the Jewish faith. The secular holidays included are Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) and Yom Ha Shoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day).

Awe-some Days will resonate with the experiences of Jewish children, but can also act as a introduction for non-Jewish readers. The format makes it easy to see connections across beliefs.

The young black girl in this book has a dream to build a robot. With the message of belief that she can accomplish her goal is the added message that no dream is out of reach. “There’s no character, no type, no mold you must fit.” From writer to cleaner, and astronaut to comedian; there is no future that is out of reach and the young girl is encouraged to choose whatever path sparks her brain and fires her heart. Along the way the girl will face challenges, but her own worth and the support of her community will help her reach her goals.

Little Black Girl has in inspiring message to bolster young black girls’ confidence to dream big and to relentlessly pursue their dreams.

Little Black Boy sets out to inspire optimism and hope with the reminder that by the choices he makes, any child can create the story of his life. The young black boy in the story loves the water and dreams of a future as a scientist. The book reassures the child that he is worthy and his life has purpose. His struggles, both physical and emotional will not stop him from succeeding. Maintaining his dreams and high goals for himself will help him ignore the naysayers. Following the path of black trailblazers, he also has the responsibility to be an inspiration and a guide for future generations.

Little Black Boy has an important message of perseverance, self-worth, and potential.

Curiosity about the Sun during a solar eclipse sends the character on an imaginary journey to the sun. At the end of the mission, young readers will have learned interesting facts about the Sun.

While the story starts with the characters wearing glasses to look at the eclipse, a stronger reminder is needed that looking at the sun without protection can harm your eyes at any time.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers. 

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.

This journey of imagination explores some of the over 200 moons in our Solar System. The character’s curiosity while observing Earth’s moon leads to an imaginary trip to look closer at some of the moons of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The Blastoff! Missions series Moons title does a good job at reinforcing the concept of a moon as a scientific term rather than the name of the body that orbits Earth.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers. 

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.

Pluto and its reclassification as a Dwarf Planet intrigues children of all ages. The Dwarf Planets in the Blastoff! Missions series helps fan the reader’s curiosity while introducing five dwarf planets. While their size is an essential characteristic classifying dwarf planets, each of the dwarf planets in the book are noticeably unique. As the reader embarks on the journey of imagination with the characters in the book, questions are woven into the story to further engage young readers.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers. 

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.

In The Inner Planets, the reader joins a boy on a plane as he daydreams about investigating the planets between the sun and the asteroid belt. The exploration of the inner planets begins by identifying Earth as a rocky planet and its place in our solar system. The book then jumps to Mercury and moves outward from the sun.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers.

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.

After passing the asteroid belt, Blastoff Jimmy helps the reader learn about the outer planets of our solar system. The book divides the outer planets into gas giants and ice giants. Dwarf planets are not includes in this title.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers. With The Outer Planet title, it would be helpful if scientific information was communicated in relation to aspects of living on earth that a young child could understand.

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.

Looking for sharks? Friendship? Humor? Can Clam Go? has it all. In this pre-level 1 Ready to Read title, Adam Lehrhaupt has created a fun little story with only a few words per page. In addition to sight words, the text is made up of repetitive, rhyming, and easily decodable words. The colorful illustrations add to the humorous appeal of this title.

Currently there are two books in the Shark Chums series.

Her Epic Adventures is divided into five sections; sky, peaks, ice, land, and water. Each section starts with a two paragraph explanation of some of the challenges associated with exploring that area of earth – especially for women. The book then highlights the perseverance and bravery of four women. From Charlotte Small around the turn of the 19th century to the Black Mambas founded in 2013, the women highlighted in the book span both time and geographical location. Each illustrated two page spread provides biographical information about the featured woman as well as appropriate supporting details, such as a map, tip, quote, or fact.

Endpapers include a paragraph and illustration each of about five additional women adventurers and an interview with Lois Pryce, an adventurer who rode her motorcycle from Alaska to Argentina. Also included is a world map showing the locations of the women’s adventures, resources, and an index.

Her Epic Adventure is an inspiring read for any would-be adventurer, especially for those who’s spirit leads them outside society’s traditional path.

Kids love water fights! Super Soakers covers the invention of the popular toy and its success; from the accidental invention to the many versions available today. The book focuses specifically on the Super Soaker brand and does not clearly address the magnitude of imitation super soakers. This book is a perfect read for the arrival of summer.

Pair Super Soakers with Chris Bartons, Whoosh! : Lonnie Johnson’s Super-soaking Stream of Inventions to highlight the African American creator.

Bellwether Epic Favorite Toys series is sure to appeal to young readers. The short sentences and simple text are enhanced with colorful images. Familiarity with the toy will make many of the names recognizable for young readers while new details and historical information will expand a reader’s knowledge. Pictures include young people, historical figures, and toys. Early in each title, a map highlights the geographic location of the toy’s origin. Each title also includes a timeline of the toy’s evolution. In addition, by showcasing an event celebrating the toy, each title demonstrates how toys and games nurture a community of shared interests.

Bold terms are defined in the glossary. Endpapers also include a To Learn More Section with both print and digital resources. Digital resources are found through accessing the title on factsurfer.com. Three curated age appropriate digital sources are available for each title. Index included.

Matchbox! Hot Wheels! Names sure to grab the interest of young readers. Starting with the die-cast toys cars made by the Dowst Brothers Company in the early 1900s the title hits on the major developments in toys cars through the years. Toy cars continue to intrigue youngsters. From the less well known slot cars, to Remote Control (RC) cars and the incorporation of toy cars in online game play, there’s lots to learn in this title.

Bellwether Epic Favorite Toys series are sure to appeal to young readers. The short sentences and simple text are enhanced with colorful images. Familiarity with the toy will make many of the names recognizable for young readers while new details and historical information will expand a reader’s knowledge. Pictures include young people (though often younger than the expected audience), historical figures, and toys. Early in each title, a map highlights the geographic location of the toy’s origin. Each title also includes a timeline of the toy’s evolution. In addition, by showcasing an event celebrating the toy, each title demonstrates how toys and games nurture a community of shared interests.

Bold terms are defined in the glossary. Endpapers also include a To Learn More Section with both print and digital resources. Digital resources are found through accessing the title on factsurfer.com. Three curated age appropriate digital sources are available for each title. Index included.

Recommended for most collections.