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.

All about Matter is a science book for young readers explaining what matter actually is and gives beautiful examples of the three states of matter.  The language is simple and elegant, yet so easily understandable.  The accompanying photos speak volumes.  A must-have for all elementary libraries.

Job Site shows how machines do the work of many people.  From lifting heavy objects, to digging holes, to moving piles, there are machines that are made specifically to do it.  Interesting perspective of shading by the illustrator.  Many young kiddos love machinery and this book will fit their needs.

Funny Cars is a very interesting book–I had no idea it was so expensive to participate in such a sport.  Funny cars race at excessively fast speeds for short distances, such as 330 mpg in 1,000 feet, which takes about 4 seconds.  The car bodies are light, about 90 pounds, the there is much protection for the driver built in.  The tires and engines don’t last long and need to be frequently replaced or rebuilt.  Car racing is a popular sport and this book will give a race fan more information in which to understand the high stakes.

Remember going on a road trip when you were a kid? Now?  I remember having a bunch of excuses why I couldn’t go or can’t go, depending on when, but then after all the procrastinating, I had the best of times.  Here, Pig Pig has been invited to go on summer vacation traveling around with Aunt Wilma and Uncle Fred (Fred and Wilma? sound familiar?).  Of course he doesn’t want to go, but does so reluctantly.  The simplest of things can be such glorious adventures, like a rock shaped like an elephant–when would you ever ride an elephant? Not too many words, as the pictures do a fine job of telling the story.

Susan Patron’s historical novel set in Bodie, California at the height of the gold rush era includes a mystery, a ghost who actually appears, and lots of fast action.  These elements should make it popular with young readers, but they also make it a bit different from other books in the Dear America series.

Behind the Masks is the diary of Angeline Reddy, daughter of the town’s attorney-at-law.  Angeline’s father has been declared dead, though she and her mother believe he is still alive.  Angeline’s mother has taken to her bed after a 1880’s style tooth extraction.  Plus, the town is being terrorized by vigilantes.

Patron’s careful research gives Angeline’s diary the true feel of an 1880s town.  We see a school, an undertaker’s establishment, a masked ball, vigilante justice, women’s clothing, cleaning the kitchen floor, and much more.  The book kept me interested from beginning to end.

One needs to be diligent when reading  the chapter where the villains are confronted during the masked ball, and Mr. Tucker reveals why the ghostly figure in the red cape cannot find rest.  It has so many elements I had to read it twice,  and  I wondered how the heroine could remember it all to include it in her diary.  Historical notes are included at the end of the book.