Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt by Rebecca Pettiford is part of a Blastoff Readers series of the American Presidents. This set is geared towards kindergarten through grade 3, with short sentences, bright color photographs, and bolded vocabulary words. Each book is 24 pages and starts with a table of contents a short description of the former president.

This book includes not only a table of contents, but also headings, bolded words, glossary, index, and labeled photos – perfect for introducing a president to early elementary through third grade and working with them on identifying non-fiction text features. 

Each section includes several short sentences and a photograph describing the president’s background is (p. 6) and their time in office (p.12). 

This book is a good, biography of the Theodore Roosevelt. The photos show different parts of the former president’s life, although all are tinted green. I love the timeline page (p. 19) as it summarizes the points talked about in the book.

This series also includes a page referring you to Factsurfer (factsurfer.com) for additional kid friendly web sources. I liked this website and feel like it would be a great place for your beginning researchers to find online sources, or broaden their knowledge base. At the website you type in the title of your book, click the picture of the book cover that pops up, and then are given three age appropriate sites to go to for more information. 

I find these Blastoff Readers a go-to in my library because I know I can count on them for their eye-catching covers and photos, their quality, and their consistency in content and readability. 

If you need books for elementary students about presidents, I recommend adding this book to your library collection.

Coding with The Paranormal

This bright, colorful, nonfiction text teaches key coding concepts through step by step unplugged activities. I love that this series (Adventures in Unplugged Coding), geared for 3-8 grades, and how they use fun concepts, games, and activities to teach efficiency in coding, loops, and commands to upper elementary and beyond. There are fun activities that need minimal supplies as well as activities you can do with peers. The book has plenty of text, but it’s presented in cut-outs and with different color backgrounds, and fun images so it doesn’t feel text heavy and overwhelming. Each unplugged activity has numbered steps, a supply list, and then a section to see how you did. There are also extensions for each activity in the “coding challenge” sections!

This is perfect for the upper elementary crowd. You will find all your classic nonfiction text features in this book: a table of contents, glossary, bolded words, cutouts, images that support the text. Each of the books in this series also has a “to learn more” page where you are provided with resources you might find at the library as well as the resources you will find on the web.

My students love this series and how, no matter their interests, there is a coding book for them.

Coding with Extreme Sports

What a fantastic way to learn coding! I love that this series (Adventures in Unplugged Coding), geared for 3-8 grades, teaches kids activities that do not require technology, but teach key coding concepts like looping, problem solving, and decomposition. There are fun activities that need minimal supplies as well as activities you can do with peers. The book has plenty of text, but it’s presented in cut-outs and with different color backgrounds, and fun images so it doesn’t feel text heavy and overwhelming. Each unplugged activity has numbered steps, a supply list, and then a section to see how you did. There are also extensions for each activity in the “coding challenge” sections!

This is perfect for the upper elementary crowd. You will find all your classic nonfiction text features in this book: a table of contents, glossary, bolded words, cutouts, images that support the text. Each of the books in this series also has a “to learn more” page where you are provided with resources you might find at the library as well as the resources you will find on the web.

I tried one of the activities with my 5th graders and they loved it and it really helped with our problem solving ability before entering our LEGO coding world.

Lion on the Inside: How One Girl Changed Basketball by Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir with Judith Henderson

Bilqis started playing basketball at the age of three. By high school she is the star player of the varsity team until one day they say she can’t play because she is wearing a hijab. Her teammates stand with her and she is allowed to play where she becomes the all-time lead scorer in the state of Massachusetts. She goes on to play in college and even plays with President Barack Obama.

This story follows Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir from the time she was three to an adult where she is forced to choose between her hijab and playing professional basketball. She decides to fight for the rights of Muslim girls and women in sports.

The text is simple and lyrical and the first person narration will be impactful for young readers, encouraging others to stand up for what they believe in. A short biography with photographs is included at the end of the books as well as discussion questions and resources to learn more. This book is a part of the Citizen Kid series.

Every Night at Midnight by Peter Cheong

Every night at midnight, Felix turns into a wolf. He loves his velvety paws and his long bushy tail. There is no one like him. At school, there is no one like him because he can’t go to sleepovers since he turns into a wolf. He thinks it will be easier to keep to himself. Even though he is fine on his own and he loves exploring as a wolf, he wishes he didn’t turn into a wolf every night. One day a new girl arrives at school and soon after he meets a new wolf at night. They enjoy running and leaping until the new wolf stumbles and Felix is lonely again.

A story about friendship, being comfortable with who you are and finding your pack. The colors on the page are striking and as the reader, you want to look back and see things that you may have missed that tell you more of the story.

Empanadas for Everyone

Carina makes empanadas with her Tia Mimi every Saturday, but this Saturday, Tia Mimi is volunteering at the food center. She asks Carina to gather the ingredients for the empanadas. Carina is worried that she can’t do it alone. As she travels through the neighborhood gathering the ingredients, she notices how samosas and dumplings she sees in the neighborhood are similar to empanadas but different. Carina and the neighborhood come together to help those volunteering at the food center.

There seemed to be several storylines and it was hard to pick out which direction the story was going. Is the book about finding community, finding self-confidence in trying something on your own, maybe a bit of both? The different cultures represented and how we are the same, but different appeared to be one theme in the story.

The illustrations represent Tia Mimi’s diverse community and match Carina’s adventures through the neighborhood.

There is an author note at the end and a recipe for beef or chicken Puerto Rican empanadas.

Winter: A Solstice Story by Kelsey E. Gross

On the longest night of the year, Owl asks who can help “shine the light and share a gift of hope this night.” Deer, Squirrel, Mouse, Duck, Rabbit, Raccoon, and Chickadee help decorate the tree with gifts to share. There is a page that requires the pages to fold out and the book to be tilted to see the tree in its entirety. The lyrical text and beautiful illustrations bring a soft gentleness to the book that feels like soft falling snow.

Ichthyosaurs by Kate Moening

Ichthyosaurs looked like a fish or dolphin, but were actually reptiles – the largest marine reptiles that ever lived. In this title, the reader will learn physical characteristics, behavior, diet, and the extinction story of the ichthyosaur.

Bellwether Media’s Ancient Marine Life series is perfect for the young paleontologist who is ready to explore beyond dinosaurs. The informational text uses short sentences, supporting graphics, and bolded glossary terms to support developing readers. Size comparisons are made in relation to objects kids can visualize like a couch, a car, or a bus. Endpapers include glossary, index, print resources, and Factsurfer’s curated digital resources. The maps are one confusing feature. The maps on page 5 show the continent configuration during the period in which the animal lived without indicating how long ago it was nor explaining why the continents are different than they are currently. The location map at the end of the text does not indicate if it represents the location of fossil finds or presumed location of the extinct animal’s habitat. All in all, an attractive and engaging series.

Mosasaurs by Kate Moening

In Mosasaur, the reader learns what made this extinct reptile interesting and unique. This giant, slow moving snake-like reptile with double jointed jaws was as big as a semi-truck.

Bellwether Media’s Ancient Marine Life series is perfect for the young paleontologist who is ready to explore beyond dinosaurs. The informational text uses short sentences, supporting graphics, and bolded glossary terms to support developing readers. Size comparisons are made in relation to objects kids can visualize like a couch, a car, or a bus. Endpapers include glossary, index, print resources, and Factsurfer’s curated digital resources. The maps are one confusing feature. The maps on page 5 show the continent configuration during the period in which the animal lived without indicating how long ago it was nor explaining why the continents are different than they are currently. The location map at the end of the text does not indicate if it represents the location of fossil finds or presumed location of the extinct animal’s habitat. All in all, an attractive and engaging series.

Archelon by Kate Moening

A turtle as long as a car? That’s the archelon, the largest turtle to ever exist, fossils of which interestingly are found only in the Northern Great Plains of the United States. In Archelon, the reader learns how this giant turtle was the same and different from today’s turtles. One misleading word choice – when describing diet, the book says the archelon ate fish, jellyfish, and mollusks. Jellyfish, and the squid pictured to represent mollusks, both belong to the phylum Mollusca.

Bellwether Media’s Ancient Marine Life series is perfect for the young paleontologist who is ready to explore beyond dinosaurs. The informational text uses short sentences, supporting graphics, and bolded glossary terms to support developing readers. Size comparisons are made in relation to objects kids can visualize like a couch, a car, or a bus. Endpapers include glossary, index, print resources, and Factsurfer’s curated digital resources. The maps are one confusing feature. The maps on page 5 show the continent configuration during the period in which the animal lived without indicating how long ago it was nor explaining why the continents are different than they are currently. The location map at the end of the text does not indicate if it represents the location of fossil finds or presumed location of the extinct animal’s habitat. All in all, an attractive and engaging series.

Plesiosaurs by Kate Moening

In Plesiosaurs, the reader will learn about both long and short necked plesiosaurs. Plesiosaurs lived during the Mesozoic era and are thought to have been fierce hunters.

Bellwether Media’s Ancient Marine Life series is perfect for the young paleontologist who is ready to explore beyond dinosaurs. The informational text uses short sentences, supporting graphics, and bolded glossary terms to support developing readers. Size comparisons are made in relation to objects kids can visualize like a couch, a car, or a bus. Endpapers include glossary, index, print resources, and Factsurfer’s curated digital resources. The maps are one confusing feature. The maps on page 5 show the continent configuration during the period in which the animal lived without indicating how long ago it was nor explaining why the continents are different than they are currently. The location map at the end of the text does not indicate if it represents the location of fossil finds or presumed location of the extinct animal’s habitat. All in all, an attractive and engaging series.

Sea Scorpions by Kate Moening

Sea Scorpions describes the largest arthropod to ever exist. From its exoskeleton and 6 pairs of legs to its diet and movement, this title offers intriguing information about this extinct creature.

Bellwether Media’s Ancient Marine Life series is perfect for the young paleontologist who is ready to explore beyond dinosaurs. The informational text uses short sentences, supporting graphics, and bolded glossary terms to support developing readers. Size comparisons are made in relation to objects kids can visualize like a couch, a car, or a bus. Endpapers include glossary, index, print resources, and Factsurfer’s curated digital resources. The maps are one confusing feature. The maps on page 5 show the continent configuration during the period in which the animal lived without indicating how long ago it was nor explaining why the continents are different than they are currently. The location map at the end of the text does not indicate if it represents the location of fossil finds or presumed location of the extinct animal’s habitat. All in all, an attractive and engaging series.

Megalodon by Kate Moening

Growing to the size of two buses, the megalodon makes modern day sharks look tiny. In Megalodon, the reader will learn about the physical characteristics, behavior, diet, and the extinction story of this fascinating creature.

Bellwether Media’s Ancient Marine Life series is perfect for the young paleontologist who is ready to explore beyond dinosaurs. The informational text uses short sentences, supporting graphics, and bolded glossary terms to support developing readers. Size comparisons are made in relation to objects kids can visualize like a couch, a car, or a bus. Endpapers include glossary, index, print resources, and Factsurfer’s curated digital resources. The maps are one confusing feature. The maps on page 5 show the continent configuration during the period in which the animal lived without indicating how long ago it was nor explaining why the continents are different than they are currently. The location map at the end of the text does not indicate if it represents the location of fossil finds or presumed location of the extinct animal’s habitat. All in all, an attractive and engaging series.

A Train’s Day by Betsy Rathburn

A Train’s Day is sure to appeal to young train fans. In the train yard, the reader learns some of the different cars that make up a freight train. Once the cars are connected, the freight train departs. Along the way the freight train passes a passenger train. Upon arriving at the freight station, the boxcars are loaded and the train can then continue to the next station where it is unloaded.

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.

A Garbage Truck’s Day by Rebecca Sabelko

Kids are naturally curious about the big, noisy garbage trucks they see every week. In A Garbage Truck’s Day, the reader learns about the different types of garbage trucks and follows a rear loader on its route through the community. Use this title in a unit on community helpers or as part of a garbage and recycling instruction.

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.

A Ship’s Day by Betsy Rathburn

A Ship’s Day follows a container ship as it approaches port, docks, and is unloaded. As the ship leaves port, it passes other ships on its way to the next port. A fun read for transportation fans.

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.

A Monster Truck’s Day by Rebecca Sabelko

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.

Bite Risk

S.J. Wills

Bite Risk

Ansel Archer lives in a strange place where kids lock up their parents when they “change”. The adults and teens around 16, maybe even 15, turn into werewolves, or Rippers. Something isn’t right in their town – beyond the whole changing into a werewolf thing, and Sel and his friends are determined to find out what is going on and how to fix it before more bad happens.The author made this book a great mystery, and with many plot twists, incredibly interesting. It’s a real page-turned and hard to put down. The little bits of humor and thrilling events make this book fun to read. I liked how the author portrayed Sel and his friends as they started to piece things together. I do wish it had more information about Sel’s father. I can’t remember anything being stated about him in the book. This book will be an amazing read for anybody who loves a good plot twist in their books with a bit of werewolf horror.. 

Reviewed by Addison K., 7th grader

The Afterlife of the Party

by Darcy Marks

The Afterlife of the Party

Darcy has written an amazing second book with friendships that some people can only imagine. This book will sure be a catcher for kids who like rebellious pre-teens. Malachi and his friends are naturally  trouble makers, but this time the trouble comes to them, when a ball inviting all demons and angels to unite stirs up all kinds of distress, whispers and shushed murmurs of Chaos’s return.The author did a great job writing this follow up book to Grounded for all Eternity, also set in Hell, but could be read as a stand alone without having read book 1..  A funny, fantasy/mythology book, it was a great read and I’m sure anybody else seeking an adventurous teen rebellion to cheer their day, this book, will surely be the perfect match. I liked how it wove together Underworld mythological and literary character names into the plot (Anubis, Ophelia, Puck).There isn’t much to dislike, but I don’t really think Mal should like Lilith… but that’s probably just me!

Reviewed by Addison K., 7th grader

Maid for it

by Jamie Sumner

Maid for It

Maid for It is a sweet and wonderful book that weaves in relatable life problems and a happy ending. This was one of the sweetest books I’ve read, and I couldn’t stop smiling while reading it. Many readers will enjoy reading about the hardships and the making of new friends. Franny is worried about her mother. She recently turned sober, and even more recently, got into a car crash. Franny does not want her mother to get addicted to the pills that were supposed to help her, but unfortunately, it’s happened before. Franny will not, can not, let it happen again! The devotion Franny has to her mother is just so sweet. I love how, even though there are those conflicts and darker problems in the book, the author has weaved in really sweet or good things, like how Sloan and Franny’s relationship went from enemies to friends. (And I really love that!) Her relationship with Noah is also amazing! I really did like how Noah kept on giving her origami things, and later we learned why. It was awesome seeing Noah find another way through something other than talking. Franny’s determination to help her mom makes this book hard to put down. The author has fit many real life issues and problems, like addictions, worrying, and other things into a story that is still very sweet.  I love how Franny helps people, even if she didn’t really know she was doing it.  I feel like that when the reader relates to something in a book whether it’s a character, issue, or problem going around-  it lets them enjoy it more, or is sort of a comfort when you connect with things.  I can relate to Franny’s constant worrying for math and how she reacted to not getting things wrong. I could also relate to how she sometimes tries to become invisible. What I DISLIKED about the book? Nothing! Five stars!

Reviewed by Addison K. and Victoria L., 7th graders

By Any Other Name

By Any Other Name by Erin Cotter | Goodreads

By Any Other Name by Erin Cotter is queer historical fiction set in Shakespearian, Elizabethan England starring Will, a down on his luck actor. He’s hiding his identity on stage, playing the traditionally male played female roles, and off stage, keeping his sexually hidden from his father. This bounces between campy, enemies to lovers romance and murder mystery, and doesn’t really seem to nail either vibe as a result. The length also tempered my enjoyment a bit; I feel like it should have been tightened at least fifty pages to keep pace with the energy of the premise. But, I was rooting for Will and intrigued by the setting and commentary, especially as an English teacher / recovering theater nerd. This read is definitely for fans of Shakespeare, theater, murder mystery, and LGBTQ+ storylines.

By Emma-Kate Schaake @hiketothelibrary

A British Girl’s Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak

A British Girl's Guide to Hurricanes and Heartbreak (Cuban Girl's Guide):  9781665915335: Namey, Laura Taylor: Books - Amazon.com

I am always down for a travel novel, especially for young adults as the premise opens up readers to the world! This is the companion novel to The Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, centered around Flora, Orion’s sister, as she deals with the grief from losing her mother. Flora’s indecisiveness is at times frustrating (as is the love triangle, which seemed unnecessary) but it is also understandable given how she is navigating through grief by avoidance. Her floundering as she attempts to forge her new future is relatable and realistic. While I enjoyed both this book and the first, I also didn’t feel superbly impacted by them, which is what I look for in a YA novel, even a sweet one and they both felt a little forgettable. But, overall, I would recommend these to student readers dealing with loss, interested in photography, curious about culture in Miami, or figuring out life after high school.

Emma-Kate Schaake @hiketothelibrary

Under This Forgetful Sky

Although the initial description and the cover lead you to believe that romance is the intended genre, I have to disagree. The story of Rumi and Paz is so much more than what ultimately ties them to each other. In this (more fitting) science fiction dystopian-feeling novel, Rumi struggles to understand the life he’s always known living in the Upper City of St. Iago. His world is rocked when he must venture (illegally) out of the city in hopes of finding a cure to his father’s fatal virus and discovers the lies he and the others living in the Upper City have been told their entire lives. Paz is ready to join rebellion forces and stand for the people beyond the walls. When her path crosses with Rumi and the cure for the virus is the goal, their lives will change forever and allegiances tested. The Chilean culture and history is creatively woven into the author’s storytelling and it is beautifully crafted. I would recommend this novel for ages 14+ and may be more suited for the high school crowd but also could fit in with upper middle school as well.

Bitsy Bat, School Star

When Bitsy Bat is facing her first night at a new school, she is sent off by a loving family full of encouragement. But in a classroom full of assorted other nocturnal creatures, she’s the only one used to hanging upside down, and at the painting table she’s the only one who tries to paint with her toes. Lunch and recess provide more pitfalls leading her to feel she’ll never fit in, which results in a five-star meltdown. Reluctant to return the next day, her family and teacher help her enact a plan to help everyone in class celebrate that which makes them unique, that which makes them shine. Written by an autistic author illustrator, it’s got an author’s note in the back explaining a bit about autism, including some definitions of relative terms. Autism doesn’t overtly come through within the story itself, except in Bitsy’s aversion to too-bright light and too-loud noises.

What Does Brown Mean to You?

Given that the narrator and his family have brown skin, this book serves as a celebration of his skin color, with rhyming text going through his day listing so many good things that are brown. But that message is subtle and is not directly stated. On another level, it could simply be read as color study, leading to conversations of other colors and where we see them in daily life.