Reviews
Educator Review of All About Arachnids
In this series, the reader learns about specific arachnids around the world. The books begin with a Table of Contents giving the readers an idea of what the author will be teaching the reader within the book. View →
Booklist Review of Extreme Sports
These offerings from the Extreme Sports series blend exciting athletic feats with the physics behind them. Although the books are written in brief paragraphs and short sentences appropriate for beginning readers, the simple text acts as a vehicle (often involving literal vehicles!) to… View →
Booklist Review of History of Sports
An attractive series for primary-grade kids as well as somewhat older readers who appreciate short words, helpful illustrations, and sports. View →
SLJ Review of The Right to Vote
This series covers the struggle to achieve voting rights for various groups. Illustrations include archival photos as well as current scenes at polling places. Text is generally a few sentences per page or paragraphs facing a full-page image. Critical thinking questions and additional… View →
SLJ Review of The World Around Us
What a wonderful world! In Our Homes, the phrase “This is a home” is consistently repeated, showing that regardless of the style, be it mobile home, apartment, townhouse, or houseboat, if people live there, they are homes. Our Neighborhoods introduces phrases with question marks, asking… View →
SLJ Review of Do You Believe?
Though brief, the titles in this series contain enough information to whet the appetites and curiosity of readers. Each volume starts with helpful suggestions for adults on how to support reading navigating the text and ask questions as they read. Sentences are short but read smoothly,… View →
SLJ Review of Trade Careers
This series highlights specialized skilled trades such as welding, plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, mechanics, and masonry, making these careers accessible to early elementary readers. With shorter chapters designed to build confidence, the series provides in-depth information while View →
SLJ Review of Animales que rompen récords (Record-Breaking Animals
This series will captivate young readers with a thrilling exploration of the animal kingdom’s most extraordinary creatures. This engaging series introduces emerging readers to some remarkable animals—those that are the largest, smallest, fastest, slowest, smartest, and strongest. Each… View →
Booklist Review of Communities
Communities form when people have something in common, whether that’s simply where they live or a shared culture, religion, or set of values. In this book from the Building Relationships series (6 titles), readers will get a good sense of communities large and small through relatable… View →
Booklist Review of American Indiands' Right to Vote
With the upcoming presidential election, kids may have questions about the election process in the U.S. This book in The Right to Vote series (4 titles) aptly highlights the inequality in voting rights for Native Americans, highlighting how their vote was historically oppressed and how… View →
SLJ Review of Famous Shipwrecks
After an opening spread that includes a simple map and information about the ocean, each book briefly describes four or five historical shipwrecks in chronological order. Readers learn why each ship was traveling, why it sunk, and in most cases, the number of survivors and fatalities.… View →
SLJ Review of The Power of Positivity
Well-organized texts supported by photographs of children provide solid introductions to aspects of positivity. Opening chapters offer a few examples of the featured behavior. Middle chapters then tie the emotional benefits of the practices to science. General statements about how… View →