This review applies to all of Bellwether’s Epic Cool Cars series. I like this series. It’s a solid choice for any library with patrons with limited reading ability and an interest in high-end sports cars. They provide a solid amount of information in a predictable format, with a lot of supports for those who may struggle with reading: the photos and diagrams support the text; vocabulary words from the glossary are highlighted in green; glossary definitions are clear and specific to the context. The topic will be of interest to a lot of readers. Even as someone not particularly interested in sports cars, I can declare I found them interesting and informative. The Diamondback binding is sturdy enough to stand up to extensive library wear. The graphics and design add appeal to the target audience without distracting from the content. My only criticism is directed at the marketing blurb in the front of each book opposite the the Table of Contents: in proclaiming in advance that Epic books “burst with intense action, high-speed heroics, and shadows of the unknown,” they rather over-sell themselves unnecessarily. I didn’t notice much in the way of heroics or action or shadows of the unknown, but I did find a lot of solid and interesting information.
Category Archives: Recommendation
Ferrari F8 Tributo
This review applies to all of Bellwether’s Epic Cool Cars series. I like this series. It’s a solid choice for any library with patrons with limited reading ability and an interest in high-end sports cars. They provide a solid amount of information in a predictable format, with a lot of supports for those who may struggle with reading: the photos and diagrams support the text; vocabulary words from the glossary are highlighted in green; glossary definitions are clear and specific to the context. The topic will be of interest to a lot of readers. Even as someone not particularly interested in sports cars, I can declare I found them interesting and informative. The Diamondback binding is sturdy enough to stand up to extensive library wear. The graphics and design add appeal to the target audience without distracting from the content. My only criticism is directed at the marketing blurb in the front of each book opposite the the Table of Contents: in proclaiming in advance that Epic books “burst with intense action, high-speed heroics, and shadows of the unknown,” they rather over-sell themselves unnecessarily. I didn’t notice much in the way of heroics or action or shadows of the unknown, but I did find a lot of solid and interesting information.
Porsche Taycan
This review applies to all of Bellwether’s Epic Cool Cars series. I like this series. It’s a solid choice for any library with patrons with limited reading ability and an interest in high-end sports cars. They provide a solid amount of information in a predictable format, with a lot of supports for those who may struggle with reading: the photos and diagrams support the text; vocabulary words from the glossary are highlighted in green; glossary definitions are clear and specific to the context. The topic will be of interest to a lot of readers. Even as someone not particularly interested in sports cars, I can declare I found them interesting and informative. The Diamondback binding is sturdy enough to stand up to extensive library wear. The graphics and design add appeal to the target audience without distracting from the content. My only criticism is directed at the marketing blurb in the front of each book opposite the the Table of Contents: in proclaiming in advance that Epic books “burst with intense action, high-speed heroics, and shadows of the unknown,” they rather over-sell themselves unnecessarily. I didn’t notice much in the way of heroics or action or shadows of the unknown, but I did find a lot of solid and interesting information.
McLaren 720S
This review applies to all of Bellwether’s Epic Cool Cars series. I like this series. It’s a solid choice for any library with patrons with limited reading ability and an interest in high-end sports cars. They provide a solid amount of information in a predictable format, with a lot of supports for those who may struggle with reading: the photos and diagrams support the text; vocabulary words from the glossary are highlighted in green; glossary definitions are clear and specific to the context. The topic will be of interest to a lot of readers. Even as someone not particularly interested in sports cars, I can declare I found them interesting and informative. The Diamondback binding is sturdy enough to stand up to extensive library wear. The graphics and design add appeal to the target audience without distracting from the content. My only criticism is directed at the marketing blurb in the front of each book opposite the the Table of Contents: in proclaiming in advance that Epic books “burst with intense action, high-speed heroics, and shadows of the unknown,” they rather over-sell themselves unnecessarily. I didn’t notice much in the way of heroics or action or shadows of the unknown, but I did find a lot of solid and interesting information.
Bugatti Chiron
This review applies to all of Bellwether’s Epic Cool Cars series. I like this series. It’s a solid choice for any library with patrons with limited reading ability and an interest in high-end sports cars. They provide a solid amount of information in a predictable format, with a lot of supports for those who may struggle with reading: the photos and diagrams support the text; vocabulary words from the glossary are highlighted in green; glossary definitions are clear and specific to the context. The topic will be of interest to a lot of readers. Even as someone not particularly interested in sports cars, I can declare I found them interesting and informative. The Diamondback binding is sturdy enough to stand up to extensive library wear. The graphics and design add appeal to the target audience without distracting from the content. My only criticism is directed at the marketing blurb in the front of each book opposite the the Table of Contents: in proclaiming in advance that Epic books “burst with intense action, high-speed heroics, and shadows of the unknown,” they rather over-sell themselves unnecessarily. I didn’t notice much in the way of heroics or action or shadows of the unknown, but I did find a lot of solid and interesting information.
Aston Martin Valhalla
This review applies to all of Bellwether’s Epic Cool Cars series. I like this series. It’s a solid choice for any library with patrons with limited reading ability and an interest in high-end sports cars. They provide a solid amount of information in a predictable format, with a lot of supports for those who may struggle with reading: the photos and diagrams support the text; vocabulary words from the glossary are highlighted in green; glossary definitions are clear and specific to the context. The topic will be of interest to a lot of readers. Even as someone not particularly interested in sports cars, I can declare I found them interesting and informative. The Diamondback binding is sturdy enough to stand up to extensive library wear. The graphics and design add appeal to the target audience without distracting from the content. My only criticism is directed at the marketing blurb in the front of each book opposite the the Table of Contents: in proclaiming in advance that Epic books “burst with intense action, high-speed heroics, and shadows of the unknown,” they rather over-sell themselves unnecessarily. I didn’t notice much in the way of heroics or action or shadows of the unknown, but I did find a lot of solid and interesting information.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
This review applies to all of Bellwether’s Epic Cool Cars series. I like this series. It’s a solid choice for any library with patrons with limited reading ability and an interest in high-end sports cars. They provide a solid amount of information in a predictable format, with a lot of supports for those who may struggle with reading: the photos and diagrams support the text; vocabulary words from the glossary are highlighted in green; glossary definitions are clear and specific to the context. The topic will be of interest to a lot of readers. Even as someone not particularly interested in sports cars, I can declare I found them interesting and informative. The Diamondback binding is sturdy enough to stand up to extensive library wear. The graphics and design add appeal to the target audience without distracting from the content. My only criticism is directed at the marketing blurb in the front of each book opposite the the Table of Contents: in proclaiming in advance that Epic books “burst with intense action, high-speed heroics, and shadows of the unknown,” they rather over-sell themselves unnecessarily. I didn’t notice much in the way of heroics or action or shadows of the unknown, but I did find a lot of solid and interesting information.
Lotus Evija
This review applies to all of Bellwether’s Epic Cool Cars series. I like this series. It’s a solid choice for any library with patrons with limited reading ability and an interest in high-end sports cars. They provide a solid amount of information in a predictable format, with a lot of supports for those who may struggle with reading: the photos and diagrams support the text; vocabulary words from the glossary are highlighted in green; glossary definitions are clear and specific to the context. The topic will be of interest to a lot of readers. Even as someone not particularly interested in sports cars, I can declare I found them interesting and informative. The Diamondback binding is sturdy enough to stand up to extensive library wear. The graphics and design add appeal to the target audience without distracting from the content. My only criticism is directed at the marketing blurb in the front of each book opposite the the Table of Contents: in proclaiming in advance that Epic books “burst with intense action, high-speed heroics, and shadows of the unknown,” they rather over-sell themselves unnecessarily. I didn’t notice much in the way of heroics or action or shadows of the unknown, but I did find a lot of solid and interesting information.
The Indestructible Tom Crean: Heroic Explorer of the Antarctic
by Jennifer Thermes
This is the incredible story of the life of Tom Crean, an explorer in the Antarctic during the ‘golden age’ of exploration in that area. He was part of three expeditions to the Antarctic, two with Robert Scott and one with Ernest Shackleton. His first trips were with Captain Scott – one on the Discovery to set up camps and later on the Terra Nova, Scott’s final ill-fated voyage. This expedition was a race to the South Pole which ended with Scott and two men dying and Tom saving the lives of two others by hiking thirty five miles back to base camp for help. Tom joined Ernest Shackleton on his exploration of Antarctica aboard the Endurance, which was crushed by ice and sank, leaving the crew stranded. They hunkered down on Elephant Island and Shackleton chose five men (including Tom) to accompany him in a small lifeboat to South Georgia Island where there was a whaling station. This island was over 800 miles away through strong seas and winds. But, they had not choice. They made it to the island and Shackleton, Tom and one other man hiked over the mountains to the whaling station. Because of their bravery, ALL the sailors from the Endurance were rescued. Tom then spent several years in the Navy and retired to Ireland. He was a quiet and humble man, who was a brave hero.
An afterward gives more details along with a timeline and additional resources. A map on the front endpapers and illustrations of Antarctic animals on the back endpapers add to the wealth of information.
This book is a true gem. While the focus of many books are on the leaders of these expeditions, Scott and Shackleton, there were truly brave men that accomplished great things alongside them. Tom’s story needs to be shared and Jennifer Thermes has created a beautiful piece that will enthrall the readers. Told in present tense and illustrated in colored pencil and watercolor, this book needs to be on library shelves everywhere. Interestingly, I shared this book with a Falkland Islander and folks there are very well aware of Tom Crean’s story and he felt that the book was a good representation of his life.
Felice and the Wailing Woman
by Diana Lopez
Felice, a twelve year old Mexican American girl, is being raised by her Uncle Clem since her mother and younger brothers drowned so many years earlier. As a result of her traumatic experience, she is extremely afraid of water and this fear holds her back in so many ways. One day, she discovers that her mother is the infamous La Llorona, a mythical creature that lives in the river and drowns anyone she can lure there. Believing that she can meet her mother, bring her some peace and overcome her own fears, Felice travels to Tres Leches, the border town where the tragedy occurred. Along with the mayor and two new friends, who also happen to be the offspring of monsters, Felice overcomes her fears and helps her mother accept her loss thus freeing the town from its curse.
This story weaves Mexican folktales and culture into a modern day fantasy piece that moves along quickly. The characters are well-written and quirky and the end is touching and magical. Recommended for those collections where a fantasy is appreciated.
The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice
Penelope could not wait to be the student librarian. She had practiced alphabetizing, book-cart pushing, and due-date stickering. She new she was perfect for the job, but there was just one problem. Penelope is loud, so loud astronauts could hear her in space. How can she find her place in the library?
The illustrations are vibrant and inclusive. The text when Penelope is loud is large and jumps off the page. The would be a fun read aloud to show that everyone has a place in the library.
I Am a Tornado by Drew Beckmeyer
Tornado is coming through without a care of what it destroys. When the tornado picks up a cow, the very patient cow notices that the tornado seems upset and listens to the tornado. As the cow and tornado talk, the tornado starts to get smaller and smaller with the cow promising to stay until the tornado blows away.
While the focus of the book seems to be on anger and having someone listen to you there is a little bit of science about tornadoes thrown in in the middle. This would be a good book for SEL because the tornado did not realize that it was upset and just felt powerful destroying things until the cow took the time to listen.
The Bright Side by Chad Otis
A young boy lives on the bus with his family. He showers outside, they snuggle to stay warm, and he uses his imagination. One day his mom decides that it is time for him to go to school. He struggles to make friends and to follow the expectations that all of the other students seem to know. It’s hard to stay positive and look at the bright side, but using the skills that his parents taught him he discovers that he can do new things.
A gentle look at houselessness with a message of perseverance. Many readers can empathize with the main characters desire to fit in and make friends.
Danbi’s Favorite Day by Anna Kim
Children’s Day is here and Danbi cannot wait to invite her friends to the party just like she did in Korea. Danbi tells them there will be kites, magic castles, tigers, train rides, and chocolate chip cookies. Danbi’s party does not live up to the hype and she must get creative to save her favorite day.
The artwork in this book is outstanding. The characters are expressive and personalities distinct. The colors are delicate and vibrant in complement to the story.
Ramen For Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja
Hiro loves ramen and he wants to make the perfect bowl of ramen just like his dad. His dad makes ramen every Sunday and Hiro has been studying how his dad makes ramen. When he turns 7, Hiro decides that he is ready to make ramen. He follows all of the steps, but his ramen did not turn out like his dad’s. Hiro and his dad come up with a way to save dinner.
Shiho Pate’s illustrations are colorful and expressive bringing in the feelings of hope and frustration in Hiro. The end pages include notes about ramen, rules for the kitchen, and a recipe for Easy Miso Ramen.
Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series by Traci Sorell
Two Native American baseball players, Charles Bender and John Meyers, face off in the 1911 World Series that newspapers recounted as “Indian against Indian.” The story bounces back and forth between the World Series games, their different backgrounds and life growing up, and the racism that they faced and how it is still apparent today. Charles is Ojibwe and grew up on the White Earth Reservation in Minnesota. He was taken to an Indian boarding school where he learned the game watching older boys play. John grew up on the Cahuilla tribe’s reservation in Southern California. He learned to play baseball on the reservation. The two experienced racism inside and outside of the ballpark and the author goes on to explain that over 100 years later Native athletes still face those challenges. Then end pages also include and author’s note, time line, quotes and sources.
Worm and Caterpillar are Friends by Kaz Windness
Worm and Caterpillar are best friends. Worm thinks they are alike, but Caterpillar keeps trying to tell Worm that they are different. One day Caterpillar suddenly changes. Worm sticks by Caterpillar while it changes, but wonders if they can still be friends.
This is a Ready to Read Graphics and explains how to read a graphic novel at the beginning of the book. Worm and Caterpillar explain speech bubbles, thought bubbles, panels and what direction and order to read the text. For younger readers who want to read graphic novels, these would be a good introduction. The beginning does have the feel of a picture book because after explaining about panels, the first four pages of text are two page panel spreads and readers do not get to multiple panels on the page until the 6th page.
The life cycle of a worm and a butterfly are included at the end. The author also has included steps for how to draw a worm and how to draw a butterfly on the last page.
Isla of Adventure: Welcome to the Island by Dela Costa
Isla Verde has a secret. She can talk to animals. Her best friend is an gecko named Fitz. No one else on the island new she could talk to animals, except the animals. Isla loves her island home. One day Isla notices that a new girl was moving in next door. Isla can’t wait to show Tora Rosa, who is from a big city, her island home. Isla and Tora seem to be opposites. Will Isla make a human friend?
This beginning chapter book has black and white pictures on almost every page and would be great for those starting to read chapter books.
Adventures with Linus and Friends!
By Charles M. Schultz, et. al.
With old and new stories, this is a nice introduction to The Peanuts gang that young and old will enjoy. There are eleven tales in one graphic novel. Most all of them revolve around Linus and his love of his blanket and Lucy with her demands that he grow up. This is one of three books in a set that are familiarly illustrated. The new comics blend well with the original Schultz comics that are within the book.
This would be a nice add on to any graphic novel section in the library.
We Are Going to be Pals!
By Mark Teague
In another well illustrated and fun book by Mark Teague, author and illustrator of the “How to Dinosaurs” series, he introduces symbiotic relationships to young readers in a humorous way. The overly chatty cattle egret introduces themself to the ever silent rhino. While getting to know each other the egret tells jokes and explains what you need to have a good friendship.
This beautifully illustrated book will have young readers giggling at the egret as he tries to get the rhino to talk to him. This is yet another great book from Mark Teague that will be popular in your library.
Bugging Out
By Jorge Cham and daniel Whiteson
In this volume of the series, “Elinor Wonders Why”, Elinor and her friends are preparing for insect day at school by trying to decide what bug they want to dress up as. Elinor goes home to create her butterfly costume but searches in her garden with her dad to make sure her costume is correct. While searching, she learns many things about this beautiful insect.
This graphic novel series for young readers introduces science content in a fun way. The format is pleasing and the images are vibrant and appealing. This reader highly recommends this series for all elementary libraries.
How to Carry a Cupcake
By Jorge Cham and Daniel Whiteson
When Elinor and her friends realize their teacher, Ms. Mole, is having a birthday tomorrow they decide to bring her a cupcake. Olive, the elephant is ready to bring one to school but is not sure how to get it to their teacher safely and not squished in her bag. Elinor, Olive and Ari study nature to solve their problem.
This is a elementary level book in the series “Elinor Wonders Why” where Elinor and her friends work to solve problems as well as explore nature. It is a fun story in the popular graphic novel format that will introduce science concepts as well. This reader highly recommends this series for young readers in the elementary library.
The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination
By Brad Montague, Illustrated by Brad and Kristi Montague
Sparky, a very shy mail figment in the Bureau of Imagination, has a very busy job but always has time to write poetry. He never shares his poetry as he if very shy. One day while working diligently, he finds that his lack of sharing may be a part of the cause of a possible disaster. Sparky greets Brenda the dragon who to lives at and manages the Cave of Untold Stories and finds out that the cave is exploding! Sparky tries to help but only finds that the challenge is too daunting for him alone and thus, he writes a letter to all the humans in the world encouraging them to be agents of the Fantastic Bureau of Imagination. Will others join in to fix the challenge? Will YOU be one of the NEW agents of the bureau?
This is a wonderful book for any elementary library. There are many activities that can revolve around this whimsical tale. I would highly recommend it!
Elbert in the Air
By Monica Wesolowska, Illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey
Even as a baby Elbert could fly. Throughout his life, may gave suggestions to keep him from doing so but his mother always encouraged him to be himself. This is a tale of reaching for your dreams, being yourself and always moving forward to be the best you can be. It is also a great message for any parent, friend or mentor to support one another. While it is a nice story with a happy ending, I would recommend this book as an extra purchase as there are many others that give the same message in a more heartwarming way.
How to Make a Memory
By Elaine Vickers, Illustrated by Ana Aranda
This adorably illustrated book encourages one to create memories in a variety of ways. It also gives examples of how to save these memories by writing them down, creating a picture or taking a photograph. One may remember memories just by hearing a few notes from a song or seeing something. The author also explains that there will be times when you cannot necessarily remember the entire memory or may forget all of it but that it’s okay to do so. In the end, the book encourages the reader to go out into the world knowing that these memories are a reminder of who they are, what they have endured and that one has the strength to overcome. This is a great read-a-like with “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss.