Skyscrapers

Amazing Structures: Skyscrapers OH MY! Not to forget Tunnels, Bridges, and Dams, Roller Coasters, and Stadiums! A new non–fiction book series brought to you by JUMP library, developed for young and struggling readers (2nd–5th), includes all the features of quality informational texts: labels, diagrams, maps, infographics,Table of Contents, Index, Glossary. There are also special features, Ideas for parents and teachers, including Before, During, And After reading strategies, Did you know (fun facts throughout the books), as well as Activities and Tools for children to extend their thinking. The LEARN more ideas for kids gives students a nudge to do more research. Each book includes 24 pages of stunning, vibrant photos of the most ‘amazing’ structures. The carefully leveled text gives early fluent readers support and practice reading informational text. Next Generation Standards include Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science.

Imparting just a few tantalizing morsels of information about various kinds of large-scale infrastructure, these primary-level introductions combine particularly vivid photos with comments that are simply phrased but not entirely generalized. In Bridges, for instance, Pettiford identifies and points out distinctive features of common kinds: beam, arch, and suspension. Also worth noting are photographic depictions of woman engineers and designers at work in Bridges, Dams, Skyscrapers, and Roller Coasters. Less laudable are the single hands-on projects that close each volume, which are perfunctory instructions for such nonstarters as a dam made from rocks and sticks in a flat pan full of sand. VERDICT Possible additions to STEM collections.