Category Archives: Recommendation

The Dwarf Planets

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Pluto and its reclassification as a Dwarf Planet intrigues children of all ages. The Dwarf Planets in the Blastoff! Missions series helps fan the reader’s curiosity while introducing five dwarf planets. While their size is an essential characteristic classifying dwarf planets, each of the dwarf planets in the book are noticeably unique. As the reader embarks on the journey of imagination with the characters in the book, questions are woven into the story to further engage young readers.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers. 

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.

The Inner Planets

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In The Inner Planets, the reader joins a boy on a plane as he daydreams about investigating the planets between the sun and the asteroid belt. The exploration of the inner planets begins by identifying Earth as a rocky planet and its place in our solar system. The book then jumps to Mercury and moves outward from the sun.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers.

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.

The Outer Planets

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After passing the asteroid belt, Blastoff Jimmy helps the reader learn about the outer planets of our solar system. The book divides the outer planets into gas giants and ice giants. Dwarf planets are not includes in this title.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers. With The Outer Planet title, it would be helpful if scientific information was communicated in relation to aspects of living on earth that a young child could understand.

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.

Linty: A Pocketful of Adventure

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Pocket lint is a common experience for children and adults alike. Linty is a humorous story of a piece of pocket lint in graphic novel format. With a low reading level and some repetitive text, this is good introduction to graphic novels for young readers working on reading independently.

Linty is content with the narrow confines of his life and his repetitive days living in the pocket of neatly folded jeans.. He’s a bit disconcerted when a boy puts on the jeans and his world starts to move. His new adventures include meeting new friends added to his pocket home and a ride through the wash. He finally recognizes the value of both his pocket home and the friends he’s made.

Can Clam Go?

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Looking for sharks? Friendship? Humor? Can Clam Go? has it all. In this pre-level 1 Ready to Read title, Adam Lehrhaupt has created a fun little story with only a few words per page. In addition to sight words, the text is made up of repetitive, rhyming, and easily decodable words. The colorful illustrations add to the humorous appeal of this title.

Currently there are two books in the Shark Chums series.

A Blue Kind of Day

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When Coen is having a blue kind of day, the feelings are murky, prickly and tense. When the feelings just won’t go away, he curls up in a ball on his bed and refuses to get up. His Mom, Dad, and sister all try to convince him to get up, then try to distract him from his feelings, and finally they snuggle close and wait. With their waiting, they validate Coen’s feelings and show they’ll be there for him.

A Blue Kind of Day describes the miasma of depression from the perspective of a young child. In words and pictures, the book offers a supportive and accepting narrative to remind children that they are not alone in their big feelings.

Her Epic Adventure: 25 Daring Women Who Inspire a Life Less Ordinary

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Her Epic Adventures is divided into five sections; sky, peaks, ice, land, and water. Each section starts with a two paragraph explanation of some of the challenges associated with exploring that area of earth – especially for women. The book then highlights the perseverance and bravery of four women. From Charlotte Small around the turn of the 19th century to the Black Mambas founded in 2013, the women highlighted in the book span both time and geographical location. Each illustrated two page spread provides biographical information about the featured woman as well as appropriate supporting details, such as a map, tip, quote, or fact.

Endpapers include a paragraph and illustration each of about five additional women adventurers and an interview with Lois Pryce, an adventurer who rode her motorcycle from Alaska to Argentina. Also included is a world map showing the locations of the women’s adventures, resources, and an index.

Her Epic Adventure is an inspiring read for any would-be adventurer, especially for those who’s spirit leads them outside society’s traditional path.

Hands

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Torrey Maldonado

A short, quick read in an authentic voice, this book really packs a punch – all while wondering how hands CAN be a powerful force in the world without them getting him into trouble. Trev faces a number of challenges in this story, but the central problem is how to keep all the promises he’s made to people he loves. This comes down to how he’s going to use his hands – to fight off his stepfather’s potential abuse of his mom once he’s out of jail for hitting her OR trust the adults around him to protect his family and use his hands for their other promise & potential, drawing. He trains to become strong, but using his hands to fight will have consequences that will limit his other strengths. I really liked the dialogue in the book. It sounds real. It’s the short, choppy sentences of Trev’s real language that give the book so much authenticity. Every chapter is extremely short (1-3 pages) which should help get this book read by students who may not love to read but will love Trev’s story. The end feels incomplete-ish, but I think that’s deliberate. We know what Trev decides he’s going to do at the end, but the events that will put him to the test have not happened yet. We must trust, like he must, in the people around him. Perhaps there will be a sequel, but I think it’s okay if there is not. I highly recommend this book!

Junior High

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By Tegan and Sara Quin

This semi-biographical, fictionalized graphic novel is by the musical duo of over a million records, including the song, “Everything is Awesome” from The Lego Movie. Of course, the main thing is how true this book resonates with readers. Because these two twins have based their book on their own lives, the reader can feel both the bonds between these close siblings, but also the rifts that sometimes occur. Much of the book is printed in purple ink, but sections that focus on one twin or the other are in red or blue ink. The visual difference & combination of colors is an added element I really liked. The illustrations are soft, mostly monochromatic colors that do not detract from the story, but add to it. The plot focuses on their life in junior high after moving to a new school with their mom and her new boyfriend. Anyone who has ever moved can relate to the loss of old friends and the adjustment of finding new ones. It’s more complicated with twins because sometimes one twin finds different connections than the other does. This story chronicles the purchase of their first bras (horrifying!), dealing with their parents’ split & new relationships, bullying new classmates, and discovering a new love of music. It’s the discovery of a guitar in their garage that helps them start to heal the rift that had begun to form between these two close siblings. There is so much for students to relate to in this book. It’s also fun to see how a passion in junior high can morph into a real career as adults. The very last few pages include the true biographical information and how the fictionalized version varies from reality. Real photos of the girls’ lives, including early lyrics from their first song are included. I highly recommend this graphic novel to middle school readers.

The Kingdom Over the Sea

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By Zohra Nabi

When Yara’s mother passes away, she is given a letter. In the letter are some instructions, which lead her to a magical land across the sea and into a new world. But in that place, Zehaira, strange things and conflicts are occurring. Yara has to find out the truth about her identity, her mother, as well as to find her place in this new whole world. This book is very good for Zohra Nabi’s first book. The detail is good, and I love how she created this whole magical world while using England as an inspiration. There were also these really cool illustrations throughout the book  which I really liked since chapter books don’t often tend to have illustrations. The main character’s confidence was inspiring, as was Yara’s mother’s confidence. For example Yara just would not take no for an answer. She was stubborn in the best way. Also many fantasy books have romance but this book doesn’t.  I am all in for that refreshing change of pace! It wasn’t about “getting the relationship” in the end. The plot,in general, kept me going until the very end. However, I don’t really like the cliff-hanger at the end.  Since this is a new book, now I have to wait for the next part of the story! (But that could just be me. I’m sure it’s good for the author!) Overall, I would recommend this book to other fantasy lovers, especially if they’re not looking for romance, but rather a really strong set of characters and plot.

Review by 6th grader, Victoria L.

Luminary: A guide to magical self-care

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Reviewed by Taylor T. 11th grade – This Self-Help book is catered to a variety of people which makes it a perfect guide to bettering one’s self. The author of this book communicates how they learned about spiritual self-help. They use the knowledge gained from multiple different sources. This book’s goal is to provide help to people who are struggling to understand themselves but also provide background knowledge. This helps the book stay interesting as you’re learning multiple things at once. I liked how the author did not claim to be right. They made the reader aware that in order to get better it starts with you. There are not any big warnings I have about this book, but it is very spiritually based so it is important to keep that in mind if you plan on suggesting this book to other students. 

Rhythm of Time

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By Questlove with S.A. Cosby

The first of a new series about two friends from Philadelphia who get in over their heads when Kasia gives Rahim a new cell phone she’s created for him. Best part: it’s free & off the grid, so no pesky monthly bills. Worst part: it sends Rahim back in time to the Philly of his Dad’s childhood causing increasing problems with the time/space continuum. I loved that Rahim gets to see a side of his father that is so different from what he thinks he knows about him. It introduces the idea of the butterfly effect in messing with time in a kid-friendly way. Both main characters are black and smart and talented.  Rahim is a budding musician who loves rhyming and making music even though his father just wants him to be academic. Kasia is a brilliant scientist-in-the-making who pushes the boundaries, perhaps a bit too far, but without giving up on finding a solution.  The book includes a few drawn illustrations that I didn’t feel were absolutely necessary, but will appeal to readers who need a little visual support. The plot moves along with plenty of excitement and complications, but doesn’t dwell overlong in solving the problem of getting Rahim home. Overall, you can bet it will be a book my students will enjoy and will be wanting the next in the series because, of course, there is a tiny teaser at the end.

All from a Walnut

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“All the best things grow with time. Even when you can’t see them, still they grow.” In this heartfelt story, the walnut embodies both the durability and change of family relationships as time passes. A young girl learns how as a child her grandfather left his home with only a small bag – and a walnut. He planted, nurtured, and protected the walnut as it grew into a towering tree. Her grandfather gifted her with a nut like he had for her mother before her. The grandfather then  taught the child all she needed to know to help the walnut flourish as he himself slowly declined. The teachings of the walnut help the girl accept change and provide a symbol of the strength and permanence of love.

All from a Walnut has so many layers; immigration, poverty, intergenerational families, single parent families, loss and grief, self growth, the power of nature. Tied together, these themes create a story with a powerful message for young readers.

Super Soakers

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Kids love water fights! Super Soakers covers the invention of the popular toy and its success; from the accidental invention to the many versions available today. The book focuses specifically on the Super Soaker brand and does not clearly address the magnitude of imitation super soakers. This book is a perfect read for the arrival of summer.

Pair Super Soakers with Chris Bartons, Whoosh! : Lonnie Johnson’s Super-soaking Stream of Inventions to highlight the African American creator.

Bellwether Epic Favorite Toys series is sure to appeal to young readers. The short sentences and simple text are enhanced with colorful images. Familiarity with the toy will make many of the names recognizable for young readers while new details and historical information will expand a reader’s knowledge. Pictures include young people, historical figures, and toys. Early in each title, a map highlights the geographic location of the toy’s origin. Each title also includes a timeline of the toy’s evolution. In addition, by showcasing an event celebrating the toy, each title demonstrates how toys and games nurture a community of shared interests.

Bold terms are defined in the glossary. Endpapers also include a To Learn More Section with both print and digital resources. Digital resources are found through accessing the title on factsurfer.com. Three curated age appropriate digital sources are available for each title. Index included.

Toy Cars

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Matchbox! Hot Wheels! Names sure to grab the interest of young readers. Starting with the die-cast toys cars made by the Dowst Brothers Company in the early 1900s the title hits on the major developments in toys cars through the years. Toy cars continue to intrigue youngsters. From the less well known slot cars, to Remote Control (RC) cars and the incorporation of toy cars in online game play, there’s lots to learn in this title.

Bellwether Epic Favorite Toys series are sure to appeal to young readers. The short sentences and simple text are enhanced with colorful images. Familiarity with the toy will make many of the names recognizable for young readers while new details and historical information will expand a reader’s knowledge. Pictures include young people (though often younger than the expected audience), historical figures, and toys. Early in each title, a map highlights the geographic location of the toy’s origin. Each title also includes a timeline of the toy’s evolution. In addition, by showcasing an event celebrating the toy, each title demonstrates how toys and games nurture a community of shared interests.

Bold terms are defined in the glossary. Endpapers also include a To Learn More Section with both print and digital resources. Digital resources are found through accessing the title on factsurfer.com. Three curated age appropriate digital sources are available for each title. Index included.

Recommended for most collections.

Board Games

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Chess, Clue, Monopoly, and Catan – board games have entertained and brought friends and family together for thousands of years. Board Games describes the origin of early games and the development and evolution of more modern games.

Of the books in the Favorite Toys Series, this title has some less than ideal formatting issues. The map references Egypt from the previous page, but not India which is on the map page. Additionally, unlike the other books in the series, the timeline does not reflect the whole history covered in the book – the oldest games are not on the timeline. Finally, on the page with board game types, the game name precedes the game type and the type is in parenthesis, implying it is the less significant information.

Bellwether Epic Favorite Toys series is sure to appeal to young readers. The short sentences and simple text are enhanced with colorful images. Familiarity with the toy will make many of the names recognizable for young readers while new details and historical information will expand a reader’s knowledge. Pictures include young people, historical figures, and toys. Early in each title, a map highlights the geographic location of the toy’s origin. Each title also includes a timeline of the toy’s evolution. In addition, by showcasing an event celebrating the toy, each title demonstrates how toys and games nurture a community of shared interests.

Bold terms are defined in the glossary. Endpapers also include a To Learn More Section with both print and digital resources. Digital resources are found through accessing the title on factsurfer.com. Three curated age appropriate digital sources are available for each title. Index included.

Transformers

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Many kids envision the movies and animated shows when thinking of Transformers. The actual Transformer toy was first made over 40 years ago. The book Transformers covers the evolution of the original Transformers to the current types such as Dinobot, BotBots, and Rescue Bots. The book is sure to be a hit with fans of Transformers.

Bellwether Epic Favorite Toys series is sure to appeal to young readers. The short sentences and simple text are enhanced with colorful images. Familiarity with the toy will make many of the names recognizable for young readers while new details and historical information will expand a reader’s knowledge. Pictures include young people, historical figures, and toys. Early in each title, a map highlights the geographic location of the toy’s origin. Each title also includes a timeline of the toy’s evolution. In addition, by showcasing an event celebrating the toy, each title demonstrates how toys and games nurture a community of shared interests.

Bold terms are defined in the glossary. Endpapers also include a To Learn More Section with both print and digital resources. Digital resources are found through accessing the title on factsurfer.com. Three curated age appropriate digital sources are available for each title. Index included.

A Day in the Life of an Astronaut, Mars, and the Distant Stars

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By Mike Barfield; illustrated by Jess Bradley

In the third book in the graphic novel-like series of Day in the Life books, the author explores all things space. Each page consists of many panels with information on a specific day in the life of an item from space. Sometimes there is a companion page that gives you the bigger picture and extends the information a bit. There are even a few secret diary pages in the mix, like the secret diary of a Hairy Star. I wanted to know more about that cool title! The illustrations are bright, bold cartoons in very typical cartoon panels. The writing is factual, but humorous. The end of the book includes a Glossary of terms. This is a fun book to flip randomly through and just read some pages OR to read cover to cover. I can see students doing both. I think students who enjoy graphic novels will enjoy this dip into non-fiction. It will also appeal to astronomy fans looking for a delightful way to read about their favorite topic. I highly recommend this book (or any of the Day in the Life books).

Wonders of the Night Sky: Astronomy Starts with Just Looking Up

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By Raman Prinja; illustrated by Jan Bielecki

This richly illustrated book of astronomy is a visual delight of information and drawings that beautifully explain the night sky. Because the images are created by an artist, constellations not only show the location of stars, but show the image that the stars represent. For example, the constellation Orion is explained & various stars are explained and the Orion Nebula is zoomed out so you can see it up close. The book covers all manner of topics someone looking at the night sky might be interested in knowing – from best ways to watch the night sky to what constellations you might see at various times of the year, phases of the moon, the milky way, our galaxy and beyond.  All are explained in student-friendly, detailed language and gorgeous illustrations. Want to know more about moon landings? A lovely 2 page spread gives you the highlights with explanatory images. Want to understand comets and asteroids?  Easy to understand explanations and illustrations that zoom in and out to show you the close up and the distant all on beautiful 2-page spreads. The back of the book includes some hands-on activities students can make and do followed by a Glossary, ways to find out more, and an index to help the reader locate the specific information they want. This is going to be a popular book with my astronomy fans in my middle school. It is a feast for the eyes as well as the mind.

Behind the Brand books

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a Blastoff Discovery series intended for grade 4 readers, interest through 8th grade

Nintendo – by Paige Polinsky, ISBN:979-8-88687-143-2

Pokemon – by Betsy Rathburn , ISBN: 979-8-88687-144-9

Star Wars – by Paige Polinsky , ISBN: 979-8-88687-145-6

Disney – by Sara Green , ISBN: 979-8-88687-140-1

Lego – by Sara Green , ISBN: 979-8-88687-141-8

Minecraft – by Sara Green , ISBN: 979-8-88687-142-5

Each book in the Behind the Brand books follows a similar format with a look at how the brand is used in the world today, followed by a bit of history of how and where the brand got started. Mini-biographies of key players in the development of the product help the reader get to know the real people behind the companies that created favorite products of many students. Each book shows how the companies give back to their communities or the world with charitable events or money to various charitable organizations. By the end, readers see other ways fans of each brand can become involved beyond each product with cosplay events, conventions, or the like. Each book includes a glossary of key challenging words that were bolded during the reading of the book, ways to learn more from the library or a FactSurfer website, and an index that students can use to quickly get to a page on a specific part of the book. I appreciated the logical organization of information, the bold photographs and additional infographics included throughout each book. They were all engaging books about brands that are very popular. Some of the books had cross-connections. For instance, the book about Star Wars included information about Disney and the Disney book mentioned Star Wars. Similarly, the Pokemon & Nintendo books had crossovers. These are in their Blastoff! Discovery level, indicating books are at a 4th grade reading level. In my middle school library, anything about Minecraft gets frequently checked out. I’m sure this series will find footing with readers who love these products!

Squad Goals: The Unstoppable Women of the US Women’s National Soccer Team

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By Laurie Calkhoven, illustrated by Monique Dong

A Ready to Read, level 3 book

This is an easy reader book about the history of women in soccer in the U.S., including some short biographies of some of the famous players of the sport like Mia Hamm, Megan Rapino, Trinity  Rodman, and more. The book is intended for elementary school readers, but is also appropriate for struggling middle school readers. The book includes a table of contents, tips for learning 3 basic soccer skills, history of not just women’s soccer, facts and figures about the game, and a quiz the reader can take at the end to see how much they learned. The book is illustrated with drawings, rather than with photographs. Since it is part of a leveled reading series, it should help teachers get the book in the right hands, but might turn off some readers at middle level.

A Work in Progress

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By Jarrett Lerner

Will Chamber’s life is profoundly changed by an episode of bullying in a 4th grade hallway where he is publicly humiliated by Nick Fisher who loudly calls him FAT. Over the next 3 years, he internalizes the label & is more a bully to himself than any continued taunting by anyone else. He comes to hate himself and believe he is unlovable and that no one would want to be his friend. He quickly alienates the 3 friends he’s always had and becomes a loner in baggy clothes. Much of the book takes place when he decides he has to change his habits with food and quickly develops some very unhealthy food and mental behaviors during 7th grade. This verse novel is very accessible to middle school readers – even the reluctant ones. Few words on the page, paired with scribbled sketches like one might put in notebooks, pull you into Will’s self-destructive world. The addition of a skateboarding character who moves school frequently is a pivotal moment in the book. Will meets Markus during lunchtime behind the auditorium where Will hides during lunch and Markus just wants to skateboard. Markus begins to help him after a sad scene where he hits rock bottom. He finally gets help from his parents, his new friend, a doctor and a therapist. I liked that the book is about a boy with an eating disorder. We don’t see many books that help us see that it’s not just a problem girls face. There are resources for help at the back of the book to help anyone who sees themselves struggling in a similar situation. For anyone who feels “less than” the book shines a light on the possibility of hope in being, not perfect, but rather a work in progress. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and know it will do well in my middle school library.

Nayra and the Djinn

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By Iasmin Omar Ata

Nayra Mansour’s life is in chaos. Pressure from her family, bullying at school, and a friendship demanded from her only other friend all make her world challenging. Her family fasts during the Muslim holiday Ramadan, though something is different this year during fasting. A mythical Djinn has appeared in the human world. His life is also in chaos. As Nayra and the Djinn Marjan meet, Iasmin Omar Ata weaves his story to create a very interesting book. Nayra’s world is interrupted and enriched by their new friendship. I think that readers that really like graphic novels with a kinda soft and a cute style of drawing will really like this book. The drawing is really top rated, and as a person who doesn’t really like bright colors, the pastel and calm colors were really great for me. I really like how the author wove Islamic folklore and the tradition of fasting into this book. Another  thing that I could relate to in this book was the pressure from her mom.  I could relate a lot to the main character of this book. The plot and the conflict in this book between Marjan and Zirkouniya, as well as between Nayra and Rami, kept me interested throughout the whole book. Overall, I really liked this book and its writing and drawings and would give it a 5 out 5 stars!.

Review by 6th grader, Victoria L.

Biblioburro: Una Historia de Columbia

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By Jeanette Winter; traducción de Alexis Romay

This image is the cover in English; Book reviewed is in Spanish.

This Spanish language book is a true story from Columbia about a man named Luis who wanted to take books to children in Columbia. He bought two burrows named Alpha and Beto. He built book holders that hung over the burros backs and loaded the books. Each week he traveled over  mountains, through prairies, and crossed creeks to get books to children. Beautiful and colorful artwork. Very enjoyable. This book in Spanish is perfect for students who are fluent in Spanish or who are bilingual and want to brush up on their Spanish reading skills. It’s intended for elementary school students (K-4), but I think middle school readers will also enjoy the sweet story and the basic Spanish vocabulary. The book is also available in English, in which case I would recommend it for K-4 & not middle school.

Review by Julie Stringfellow at KMS

Polar: Wildlife at the Ends of the Earth

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By L.E. Carmichael; illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler

This beautiful picture book is a gorgeous collection of information and illustrations about the Arctic and Antarctic and the life that inhabits these cold, icy landscapes. The artwork is full of cool colors and an almost lithographic feel to the designs. I can’t tell if it’s painted, airbrushed, lithographic, or some combination of all. Some sharp lines & some soft layered ones. I found the artwork beautiful, stark and a perfect complement to the harsh environment about which it was depicting. The text is rich with information about the polar regions. Much of the book is arranged by months of the year & the various events that happen in different seasons. Interestingly, it is organized from March to March. Each 2 page spread includes one page on the Arctic and one page on the Antarctic – showing contrasting seasons nicely. The 2 pages also feature a similar topic, for example the pages on June feature information about how insects adapt to the cold regions in summer in the Arctic versus winter in Antarctica. The book finishes with information about climate change and how the polar caps are seeing the great consequences which only seem to be getting worse. The reader is left with some ways to take action and learn more. The book also includes a glossary and a list of resources for further reading. This is a picture book that flows nicely through the middle grades and extends beyond elementary school. The text is tiny and much more appropriate for upper elementary or middle school readers.