These are designed for younger readers, with an animated Ranger Red Fox as a guide. The book covers geology, history, flora and fauna, activities for visitors and even basic map reading. Large font text uses simple sentences and vocabulary making it accessible for young readers. Colorful photographs, with inserts and captions supports the text. Great introduction for kids
Wild Animal Rehabilitation
This is a very detailed look on the subject of animal rehabilitation. The book provides some basic background, including the beginning of the Audubon Society, and increased environmental awareness in the 60’s. Additionally, it describes how rehab facilities work, including admitting, care, and return to the wild. The pros and cons of animal rehabilitation are discussed at length. Guidance is given for what to do when you find an injured animal as well as suggestions on how to become an animal advocate.
Recommended title for studies of human impact on the environment.
Whisper by: Lynette Noni
Reviewed by: Shelley Walter, OHS Library Secretary
This is based in Australia, underground, and not sure what year. The book is in the first person as a young girl, Alyssa Scott, with special abilities is subjected to experiments and medical tests. She does not speak out loud for fear what her words will do. As the book goes on Alyssa reveals her ability to Speak and her intent comes to be. She has no idea of her power and she finds out through a series of training session.
Alyssa is being trained to control her power by one group of people who tell her they are the good guys. She is then kidnapped by a splinter group that she has been told are the enemy. What Alyssa finds out is the enemy is actually the good guys. The book’s climax is when Alyssa confronts the mad scientist that has been experimenting on her not for knowledge but to steal her abilities. The end is open to a sequel continuing with the prospect of more conflicts between the two groups.
Obstructed
A Hi-Lo comic book style story told with text and pictures. Significant words are enlarged and colored with an interesting font. A possible next step up for graphic novel fans. Obstructed is the second in series of 4. The story imagines that superheroes and villains have united, and follows adventures of Mateo (a villain) at Superhero High School. Nice balance with boys and girls and different races as both hero and villain. Nothing new, but sure to please.
All About System
This nonfiction book covers a wide range of systems – circulatory and respiratory systems in your body, transportation and communication systems in your town, plumbing and heating systems, our solar system, and ecosystems. The focus of each system description is different. Origin of the system, significance of the system to humans, human role in the system, and the impact if part of the system is removed are addressed with discussions of a specific system. Text is supported by color photographs. Animated Space Cat narrates “Did You Know?” and “Try It!” inserts on each 2 page spread. Interesting approach.
Construction Workers
With large font and short simple sentences, this book describes the basics of construction workers – what they are, what they do, and characteristics of a good construction worker. Colorful photographs support the text. Good mix of people in pictures.
Ambulances
This provides the basics on purpose and features of an ambulance. The book also includes different types of ambulances such as boat and helicopter. Details of the inside, and outside of the ambulance including equipment is explained in both text and labeled photographs. Future medics will be able to imagine themselves at work.
Lack of attention to detail is evident in the flipped photo on the cover making the word AMBULANCE on the vehicle appear backwards. Additionally, there is little diversity in the people portrayed in the photographs.
Falcons
This describes the 4 subfamilies of falcons, their habitat, prey, physical characteristics, and highlights a few notable birds. Also included is information on their nests, how they eat, and even how they have influenced modern aircraft design. A focus is put on both the common characteristics of all falcons and the unique characteristics of specific species. Contains a lot of interesting information in a reader friendly format. Includes amazing photographs including various birds in flight.
Engineering the Colosseum
Brief introduction on what the Colosseum was used for, followed by very thorough history of its construction. Describes materials used, including information on the ‘new’ Roman concrete and how it was made and why it was better. Details on how it was built, including why they used arches and how careful they were with the foundation. Which is why it is still standing! Ends with description of how it fell into disrepair, and restoration plans. Great details. Text is supported by colorful photographs, diagrams, illustrations and primary sources. A great combination of history and STEM concepts.
Includes Table of Contents, Stop and Think, Glossary, Learn More, and Index.
Andrew the Seeker
In this wordless graphic novel, little Andrew is seen through a window drawing a picture of a purple blob of a monster by the purple monster himself. Slowly Andrew discovers he is being watched by the monster. Andrew puts on his pith helmet, grabs his butterfly net, and leaves his house in search of the monster in the woods. The purple blob is a master of disguise and camouflage. The purple blob is watching Andrew the entire time. After quite a while, Andrew gets discouraged and throws a fit all the way back home. Purple blob feels sad for Andrew. The next day when Andrew opens his front door, there is the pith helmet and net he left in the woods. Looking up, Andrew sees the blob as he walks out of view. Feeling reinvigorated, Andrew eagerly sets off once again with his pith helmet and net into the woods.
This wordless book shows the amount of story telling talent it takes to develop a comprehensive graphic novel.