Reviews
Something to Prove: The Great Satchel Paige vs. Rookie Joe DiMaggio
“[T]his centers on a fascinating event, one that points up the racial injustice at the time; at the same time, it makes readers care about both players, and may leave kids wanting to learn more about Paige, DiMaggio, the Negro Leagues, and the integration of baseball.”… View →
Circles, Stars, and Squares: Looking for Shapes
“This simple, straightforward title is perfect for young children who are learning the basics, while the examples could easily lead to discussions about the objects themselves with slightly older readers. A great addition to concept-book collections.” —School… View →
Peace and Quiet: Book 4
“This graphic novel is perfect for all young readers, but especially those who might be dealing with their own blended-family situation. Readers learn there will be hard times adjusting to the changes but that they can still be part of a loving family unit.” —School View →
Their Skeletons Speak: Kennewick Man and the Paleoamerican World
Chance discovery of human bones on the banks of the Columbia River prompted a police investigation and led to the discovery that the bones were more than 9,000 years old! “Even though this narrative begins with the discovery of bones, it is ultimately the tale of a human life, of a View →
Sammy Spider's New Friend
“Friendly and curious, Sammy Spider learns about the Jewish custom of welcoming new neighbors in this successful addition to the well-loved series. Josh is helping Mrs. Shapiro bake a cake for the Israeli family moving in next door and Mr. Shapiro suggests that they also take over… View →
Emanuel and the Hanukkah Rescue
“Local children will love this story, set in New Bedford, Mass., once known as the whaling capital of the world. Nine-year old Emanuel Aguilar knows a lot about whaling because his father, Aaron, owns a store where many of the town’s whalers purchase supplies. Emanuel talks with… View →
Emanuel and the Hanukkah Rescue
“Right from the opening pages, young readers will know they’re in for something out of the ordinary. Set in the 18th century whaling port of New Bedford, Mass., the fictionalized historical tale by Heidi Smith Hyde tells the story of a spirited 9-year-old Jewish boy named Emanuel… View →
Jeremy's Dreidel
“Jeremy longingly eyed the poster on the wall of the Jewish community center. There was going to be a dreidel workshop on Monday and the only thing that kids were asked to do was to ‘bring your own ideas!’ Just maybe he had an idea to bring. Abby and David, who were… View →
“Sukkot is a time of joyous celebration, and a time to be grateful for the abundant crops that nourish us. Just as we must feed our bodies, these delightful new childrens’ stories will nurture our children’s minds and imaginations as they learn the wonders of this important Jewish… View →
“Escaping evil Lady Gall, Jasper’s family flees by ship, mistakenly leaving him behind. Boarding an odd vessel called the Traveling Restaurant, Jasper learns more about his family’s role in the Great Accident that removed magic from Fontania and his own potential role in restoring… View →
Can You Tell a Cricket from a Grasshopper?
“Varied close-up and annotated photographs point out the differences and similarities between these two often-confused insect species. Readers learn how to distinguish between grasshoppers and crickets as well as how they sing, chirp, and grow. Though busy, the colorful layouts… View →
Sparrow, Eagle, Penguin, and Seagull: What Is a Bird?
“The energetic rhyming text and zany cartoon illustrations will captivate students and make it fun to learn about what makes each group distinctive. Goneau’s cartoon creatures nicely complement the facts that Cleary imparts in his rhythmic narrative… Solid additions to… View →
Tortoise, Tree Snake, Gator, and Sea Snake: What Is a Reptile?
“Learning about common organisms is important in developing an interest in science among youngsters, and this book does that exceedingly well.” —Science Books & Films View →
Alien Investigation: Searching for the Truth about UFOs and Aliens
“A fun read with its mix of colorful pictures, news articles, and firsthand accounts, this book will keep readers entertained while learning.” —Library Media Connection View →
Friend Me!: 600 Years of Social Networking in America
“This is a thought-provoking book on how human beings have connected over the centuries… If students read this book, they will learn significant facts about the history of society in America.” —Library Media Connection View →
Tales from the Top of the World: Climbing Mount Everest with Pete Athans
“A great book for a wide variety of readers…The perfect example of why certain nonfiction titles should also be recommended to adults: Everyone can learn a lot reading this book.” —VOYA View →
Jeremy's Dreidel
“Endearing illustrations highlight this sweet Hanukkah story about a boy who creates a special dreidel for his father. As the children gather at the Jewish Community Center for dreidel making, Jeremy meets some friends who have come with innovative plans to craft the traditional… View →
Jeremy's Dreidel
“A special Hanukkah workshop at the Jewish Community Center gives Jeremy a chance to make a unique dreidel as a surprise gift for his father, who is blind. When the workshop leader welcomes everyone, materials are out and waiting. Abby is eager to make her dreidel from… View →
Maccabee Meals: Food and Fun for Hanukkah
“This child-friendly cookbook features traditional latkes and easy-to-make jelly doughnuts as well as less-traditional, kid-inspired treats. Beyond the classic potato latke, young chefs will learn how to make seven other varieties from cheese, vegetables, apples and… View →
Speak Up, Tommy!
“What to expect: Mean behavior in a school setting; immigration; foreign languages; lessons about compassion and utility. Speak Up, Tommy! tells the story of a little boy who’s in a new school in a new country and feels out of place. Tommy has to learn a new language,… View →
Sadie and the Big Mountain
“Sadie loves everything about school. But when Morah Sarah tells the class that they will mark Shavuot with a hike, like Moses did when he climbed Mount Sinai to receive the Torah, Sadie is very worried that she won’t be able to complete the trek. Each day that week the teacher… View →
Sammy Spider's New Friend
“In this addition to the Sammy Spider series, bright colors and an easy-to-follow plot work together to teach children the importance of the Jewish custom of hospitality. When a new family moves to town, Josh Shapiro and his parents immediately set to work preparing… View →
Hannah's Way
" It is the Depression and Hannah’s father has lost his job. They are forced to move from Minneapolis to northern Minnesota where she is the only Jew in her class at school. Her parents are rigorous believers in following the rules and regulations governing the Sabbath. Hannah View →