Ten treatments for diseases throughout history are described. Initial procedures were far from perfect.  Lack of consistent success led to further study and new learning.  Illustrations and photographs are captioned.  Many pages include a box with additional information.  A timeline from 2000 BCE to present targets health concerns or people involved with medical advancements.  Includes a glossary, index, suggested books to read and websites to encourage further study.  One page suggests related topics and ideas for investigation.  This is an interesting book from start to finish.  Other books in the series discuss: Buildings and Structures, the Environment, Gadgets and Inventions, Military and Government Technology, and Transportation.  Recommended for junior and high school libraries.

Fourth grader, Daphne, is not especially interested in vampires but everyone else at school is.  When a costume day is announced, Daphne decides to go as a vampire so she will be one of the “cool” kids.  Of course it backfires, but with the help of her best friend, Kaylee, and her twin kindergarten brothers, Daphne is able to get the focus shifted away from herself.  This book is written in diary style on pink pages.  Readers will associate with the family and school dynamics.  Black ink illustrations go well with the hand-lettered text.  The final pages are filled with Daphne’s disaster doodles, complete with labels.  This book is a good transition for those readers moving from picture to chapter books.

If you are looking for an encyclopedia of little-known yet mostly true facts, Stink-o-Pedia is for you.  Only Stink Moody could have collected enough details on the wide variety of weird subjects from A to Z.  Side bars include even more “Did You Know?” facts.  Many entries were inspired by other Judy Moody and Stink books.  An extensive list of books and websites for more fun and information is included.  Megan McDonald intentionally misspelled 20 words within the book.  Answers to those and other codes, puzzles, and questions are also in the back of the book.  A must-read for all lovers of incidental facts and Stink books.

Sandra Markle writes many nonfiction books for children.  Leukemia tells the story of two people with different types of blood cancer.  It follows each child through diagnosis and treatment.  Information is presented in easily understood text accompanied by full-color photos and micrographs – photos of individual cells.  The science behind the treatment is not overwhelming to the reader.  The book relates current procedures and technology.  It also includes an extensive list of resources for further information – books, websites, and addresses of foundations and programs.  Sandra Markle has done comprehensive research to present facts on this disease in an interesting and engaging format.  Other books she has written in this series are true survival stories of those with Bad Burns, Faulty Hearts, Lost Sight, Shattered Bones, and Wounded Brains.  Reading level is 6th grade.  Recommended addition to collection of medical information.

Budding archaeologist, Jodie wants to share her interest with her cousin Zach.  She wants to take him to Hezekiah’s Tunnel.  When Hezekiah was King of Jerusalem, he had a tunnel built as an escape route in case of attack.  Jodie’s dad challenges them to find the riddle in the middle.  As she and Zach walk the cold, wet tunnel, Zach imagines all sorts of scary things as Jodie calmly explains away all his worries.  They do discover the riddle, Jodie relates much of Jerusalem’s history, and they find an ancient coin.  Ksenia Topaz’s watercolor and pencil illustrations convey present and past Jerusalem.  The story is more about the history of the old city than it is of Passover and could be enjoyed any time of year.

Samurai were at their most powerful  in medieval Japan (1100s – 1600s)They lived by a strict code of honor, to protect their daimyo, or lord.  Training began at a very young age to lead disciplined lives.  Photographs and illustrations show the armor and weapons that made them visibly quite formidable.  Training and practicing skills continued throughout their lives.  The history and names of famous Samurai are presented along with reasons the service of these great warriors came to and end.  This book provides very basic information about the life and times of men who lived by an extremely strict code of honor.  A glossary, index, a factsurfer website, and books to read are included.  One book is about ninjas, which are closely related in many ways to samurai, but not the same.  This book may act as a springboard to launch readers toward other sources to learn more about this strictly regimented and fascinating age.

Almost always pure black, this stunning breed of horse is also known for its calm temperament.  One of the oldest domesticated horse breeds, their history goes back to the Middle Ages.  Friesian horses are all registered and only the best are approved for breeding.  Colorful full page photographs show these beautiful horses in a variety of settings and competitions.  Glossary, index, a factsurfer website, and books to read are included.  This is a good introduction to this popular breed that originated in the Netherlands (Friesland).

Not only does Elaine Landau introduce this popular breed, she presents information about horses in general.  Owning a horse is a big responsibility and there are several things to consider before buying one as a pet – a place to keep it, equipments and tack, and the time it takes to care for one.  As one of the oldest breeds, artwork shows Arabians in ancient temples and tombs.  Originating in the Middle East, Arabians can be found today around the world working, racing, being ridden in competitions and shows, and being adored by their owners.  Readers will learn about the history of Arabians, how to measure height, coat colors, shelters, necessary equipment and gear, riding styles, gaits, and activities for enjoying horses.  A double page photograph shows labels for all parts of a horse.  Text boxes are pleasingly placed with large, colorful photos.  A good variety of information is packed into this 24 page book.  A glossary, index, and an assortment of books to read and websites for activities are in the back.

This nonfiction book for young readers shows examples of mammals that have fur, or hair.  It can be long or short, stiff or soft, a lot of a little.  Fur has different purposes for each animal – protection or camouflage.  Each page has a large color photograph and one sentence.  One of the last pages has many sentences on how fur helps animals all over the world.  More facts about fur complete the book.  Brief glossary and index included.  Quality nonfiction books for young readers are not common.  This book gives good information using simple sentences. Other books in the series cover feathers, scales, shells, and skin.

Very young readers will find this nonfiction book on badgers filled with easily understood facts.  Habitat and diet are described.  Badgers can be formidable fighters when protecting themselves.  Simple, large text is paired with full-page, colorful photographs.  Included are a glossary and index.  Books for further reading include a fiction picture book and two nonfiction books, one of which has a similar reading level.  A factsurfer internet site is provided.  Beginning readers may need help accessing the site and reading the information.  Vocabulary for nonfiction topics is often difficult for those with emerging reading skills.  This book is written with those readers in mind.  Recommended for elementary libraries.