Steve Jenkins has done it again. This is a science book that every budding entomologist will love and so will those readers that aren’t super fans. Aspects of the insect world are brilliantly and succinctly described using simple infographics, illustrations and spare text. This book is chock-full of facts presented in an accessible way. Includes glossary, bibliography and table of contents. Buy this book right away. Highly Recommended.
This book is takes a close look at twenty one different birds’ beaks, their shapes and uses. Some beaks are for filtering and others are for crushing or tossing. Each beak is described and pictured in colorful detail. Budding ornithologists will devour the information in this book and will never look at birds (or beaks) the same way again.
The last few pages include size comparisons with the average adult human, where the birds live and what they eat. There is also a short bibliography and further reading noted on the last page. Highly recommended.
Review by OHS Library Secretary, Mikel
Viral: The Fight Against AIDS in America by Ann Bausum chronicles the appearance of, spread of, and struggle against HIV/AIDS. This history of the AIDS epidemic is rich in the personal anecdotes of the victims and researchers, never releasing the reader from the humanity of the crisis. This technique presents the science and history in memorial and engaging fashion that will buoy most readers through the dry statistics and tragic circumstances. Bausam’s narrative carries us through the earliest occurrences of the disease, its mysterious nature, the frustrating delays in research and funding because it is initially stigmatized as a gay disease, the activism for facing the crisis, and the stepwise progress of the scientific community in dealing with this complex disease slyly attacking the immune system itself, thus appearing with the diverse symptoms of an array of opportunistic diseases obscuring the common underlying cause: the AIDS virus. The development of medication to arrest HIV is also briefly described. This readable account concentrates on what the author calls, “the bleakest years” (1981-1996) and includes a handy timeline. This book is recommended for teenagers and beyond for its concise, readable history of the AIDS crisis with the emphasis on, and in empathy with the human side of the story.
This book, part of the Super simple Magic and Illusions series, is a solid introduction to sleight of hand with cards and coins. It begins with a general introduction to this type of magic trick, discusses props that are needed and then goes into step by step directions for several tricks. Each trick has illustrations to help young magicians perfect their craft. Young magicians pictured are fairly diverse and the materials are simple to acquire. There are added tips to become more polished in your magic. Examples are practice (no surprise) and using distractions. This book will not be on the shelf for long. It’s got some great, simple tricks that are accessible to most young readers. Recommended.
A book about Aye-Ayes is difficult to find, yet here is one that is full of great pictures and information. Readers learn about the characteristics of this animal, as well as its habitat, food sources and population levels. Labeled photos, bolded words, text boxes and short, informative paragraphs make this nonfiction book an engaging read. Other nonfiction features include table of contents, index, glossary and an online resource list. The “bells and whistles” of this book are the QR codes that lead the reader to linked videos and activities online. That is some great extra content!
This books is part of the Weird and Wonderful Animals series. Adding this to your collection will add some dimension to the typical shelves of big cats, elephants whales and so forth. How many librarians can point a student to the Aye-Aye book? Recommended.
This nonfiction book gives a good overview of swimming, including four basic strokes. equipment and safety. labeled photos accompany the simple text, with bolded words that might be unfamiliar. Those words are then defined in the glossary at the end of the book. Typical nonfiction features (table of contents, index, resource list, text boxes, labels) are present. An additional feature, which makes this book stand out over others is the number of QR codes, which link to extra resources. Once accessed, there are activity pages to print, videos and many other extras that take this book a step above the rest. While it is a fine introduction to the sport of swimming for young readers, the extra features will engage students and the adults around them. Highly recommended.
After a quick tour through the work of Spring (planting) and Summer (growing, weeding, bug eradication), this book moves into harvesting and all the fun around it. Different types of harvests are described. The book moves into harvest festivals from different cultures and then ends with a glossary, index and critical thinking questions.
Pictures are bright and the characters are diverse. This is a great book to introduce the younger set to this aspect of Autumn. It is part of a six book set that will give a fuller understanding of all aspects of the season. Highly recommended.
Six animals and their use of color, shape or markings to disguise themselves are described in this colorful slim volume from the Animal Superpowers series. The animals are from a variety of habitats, from ocean to desert and their natural abilities in camouflage are noted as occurring for a variety of important reasons. We learn that some animals are predators and use this ability to sneak up on their prey and others use it as a protection against their own predators.
Full color photos complement the text and bold words are defined in a glossary at the end of the book. Some cartoon-like illustrations break up the text and “Now you know!” boxes with additional cool facts are interspersed throughout.
This is a good introductory book to a variety of species and their use of camouflage. It might be lead to further investigation into this aspect of the animal kingdom.
Young basketball enthusiasts will devour this slim volume of records detailed in glossy photos and succinct prose. Both NBA and WNBA records are included, along with the former record-holders. While there are no long lists of the sport’s record-holders, readers will appreciate the information about the current top placer. Those that want more will use this book as a jumping off point for further research.
Typical nonfiction features, such as captions, table of contents, glossary, bold words and index are included. Fans wanting more information are advised to go to the publisher’s ‘Factsurfer’ website.
Soccer is gaining in popularity at a fast pace and this book will satisfy your young sports enthusiasts’ craving for information. Both male and female athletes and teams are highlighted, with glossy photos an short descriptions of their record-breaking feats.
Typical nonfiction features are included: index, glossary, table of contents, bold words and captions. Suggested websites for further exploration are included. This book is attractively laid out and will not be on your shelves very often!