Reviews
The Boy from Seville
“Originally published more than 20 years ago in Hebrew, this newly translated novel is definitely purposive: Manuel discovers that the girl he loves is also a secret Jew and that his teacher could betray them. The horrific persecution (Manuel’s grandparents were burned at… View →
I Am a Book
“Clear but not overly detailed, the text maintains a light tone, keeping the information accessible to beginning readers and even preschoolers listening to the book read aloud.” —Booklist View →
Captured by Pirates: Book 1
“Part text and part comic book, this entry casts readers as an English lad setting sail in 1635, making decisions to determine the outcome of encounters with many seagoing dangers.” —Booklist View →
Annie Quinn in America
“This well-done historical novel, rich in details about the potato famine and Irish life in mid-nineteenth-century New York, will grab readers with its action-packed plot and strong characterization.” —Booklist View →
A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero
“Capaldi uses Carlos’ own words, throughout, to draws the reader close. Attractive watercolor paintings in desert colors are the backdrop for the text, but the design cleverly uses photographs placed in the margins, which make a strong visual counterpoint to the art. An… View →
“Gr.2-5. Titles in the new Animal Predators series focus on the few predators at the top of the food chain. Clear, detailed explanations describe the unique developmental path animals in each species must follow as they grow from young animals to fierce adult predators that must… View →
Let Me Help!
“Tara’s good intentions to help only make more work for her father when she spills the bag of potting soil, knocks the basket of clean clothes into the freshly potted planters, and tips paint on the floor. The model of patience and forgiveness, Dad merely cautions her to… View →
The Road to Seneca Falls: A Story about Elizabeth Cady Stanton
“Another fine entry in the Creative Minds series. . . This insightful work does much to help readers understand the humble beginnings of the woman’s rights movement.” —Booklist View →
“The short sentences, large print, and simple vocabulary are just right for new readers. Color photos on every page help draw children into the text.” —Booklist View →
A Harbor Seal Pup Grows Up
“The short sentences, large print, and simple vocabulary are just right for new readers. Color photos on every page help draw children into the text.” —Booklist View →
The Schoolchildren's Blizzard
“The realistic interplay between Sarah and Annie will draw young readers into this simple, vivid story of natural catastrophe and native courage. . . this tale from the On My Own History series makes an exciting, accessible addition to the easy-reading shelves and a prime… View →
People and the Environment
“With a clear, full-color photo and a short caption on each page, this small, square title shows how people across the globe use land, animals, and plants to grow food, make clothes, keep warm, and have fun. . . this is an excellent starting point for discussion with young… View →
![Cover: Guan Yu: Blood Brothers to the End [A Chinese Legend]](https://assets2.titleleaf.com/lerner/product/cover/s_9781580138901_fc.jpg)
Guan Yu: Blood Brothers to the End [A Chinese Legend]
“The importance of honor and loyalty are highlighted over Guan Yu’s physical and strategic prowess, intrigue is given weight equal to fighting, and the bloodshed is kept (mainly) offscreen, meaning the battles are depicted mostly in single panels rather than in more… View →
Pablo Picasso
“. . .uses short sentences and lots of images to engage primary-grade readers. Porter’s colorful illustrations, almost mimicking Picasso’s own style, flesh out the biography.” —Booklist View →
Survival in the Snow
“This volume from the On My Own History series offers independent readers a straightforward tale of rugged adventure and survival in the snowy area that, according the appended historical note, challenged the Donner party just two years later. Told with concrete details that… View →
My Brother, the Pest
“Sibling rivalry is the scenario in this book in the Real Kids Readers series that integrates phonics practice with a realistic rhyming story. . . [N]ew readers will enjoy the older sister’s anger about her younger sibling and then her rueful affection.” … View →
A Library Story: Building a New Central Library
“With an energetic narrative, Vogel describes the building of the new central library of Minneapolis. . . Excellent for young readers studying buildings, libraries, city planning, careers, or just looking for engaging nonfiction.” —… View →
Juneteenth
“This entry in the On My Own Holidays series offers a solid introduction to the holiday for independent readers. . . leaping, embracing figures convey the resilience and rejoicing of celebrants then and now.” —Booklist View →
Ordinary Genius: The Story of Albert Einstein
“The descriptions of young Albert’s difficulties in school, which will enthrall young readers, embody what the author does particularly well throughout this book – depict Einstein as a person both like and unlike others. McPherson provides readers with a strong… View →
John Henry
“While the narrative has its moments of understated humor, it also involves the readers in John Henry’s dramatic struggle to beat the machine that ‘could outdig any man alive.’ Full of light and movement, Oldroyd’s impressionistic illustrations… View →
Jodie's Hanukkah Dig
“Levine, author of the middle-grade novel Running on Eggs (1999), writes knowledgeably about the details of archaeological work, including the thrill of discovery, the backbreaking work of digging in the hot sun, and its importance to the historical record. Topaz’s View →
Feathered Dinosaurs
“Lessem writes in simple language and short sentences appropriate for children transitioning out of early readers. . . Bindon’s detailed illustrations imagine the creatures in dramatic settings that will bring the drama of the ancient age alive, and interested kids will… View →
From Alice to Zen and Everyone in Between
“Atkinson describes Alice’s ethical development credibly and engagingly. Consider this as comfort food, especially for readers wanting insight into that first foray into a new community – a time when kids can remake their image or accept themselves without… View →