Reviews
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 →
I'll Do It Later
“An all-too-familiar scenario provides the plot for this book in the Real Kids Readers series, which blends phonics and whole language. A boy has a week to do a big school assignment, but he procrastinates. Luckily, because of snow, school is canceled on the date his assignment… View →
Holiday Cooking around the World
“Both titles [Holiday Cooking Around the World and Cooking the East African Way] are excellent choices for beginning cooks, with sample menus and shopping lists, glossaries of equipment and ingredients, and clear directions. Despite being tailored to younger readers, the recipes… View →
Cooking the East African Way
“Both titles [Cooking the East African Way and Holiday Cooking Around the World] are excellent choices for beginning cooks, with sample menus and shopping lists, glossaries of equipment and ingredients, and clear directions. Despite being tailored to younger readers, the recipes… View →
![Cover: Pigling: A Cinderella Story [A Korean Tale]](https://assets2.titleleaf.com/lerner/product/cover/s_9781580138253_fc.jpg)
Pigling: A Cinderella Story [A Korean Tale]
“This graphic-novel adaptation is a fine marriage of art and text, neither outshining the other. Emotions emanate from facial expressions, especially evident in Pear Blossom’s gradual emotional change, which helps draw readers into the story, and brightly colored panels… View →
Stitch by Stitch: Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt
“The book’s descriptions of the actions taken by Jones and others over a long time, with government and society against them, show readers what a struggle it was to gain compassion for victims of AIDS. Foregrounding this struggle is Jones’ experiences of… View →
Africa Is Not a Country
“The title says it all. Instead of the ‘vanishing tribes’ view of one Africa with tourists from different countries photographing the animals and primitive people, this informative picture book celebrates the diversity of the 53 nations that make up the continent… View →
Mallory on the Move
“Mallory is a lively, appealing character with a penchant for jokes (which are scattered throughout) and creative endeavors that have some comical, mixed results. Readers will relate to her thoughts and experiences, from familiar girl-friend activities and sibling issues to the… View →
Molly in the Middle
“series has a unique look: bright, cut-out photos of the characters are set against expanses of white; the text is longer than those found in many easy readers. Phonics guidelines appear at the book’s conclusion, and there are also tips for parents on reading with their… View →
“Nicely paced, the story imparts information without becoming bogged down in a civics lesson. Small sidebars on many pages provide additional facts, but most readers will stick with the narrative, which shows that tax dollars go toward many services that children use. This… View →
Jacob's School Play: Starring He, She, and They
“This straightforward and important book that honors everyone will help adults have thoughtful conversations with young children about gender identity, particularly the message about respecting someone’s choice to use ungendered pronouns. Case’s beautifully textured… View →
Christmas Decorations Kids Can Make
“With the help of standard supplies such as construction paper, glue, yarn, sequins, ribbon, and markers, this old-fashioned craft book shows children how to transform everyday items into seasonal decorations and gifts. Readers who follow the step-by-step instructions will learn View →
Tisha B'Av: A Jerusalem Journey
“The latest entry in the Nature in Israel series (Sukkot Treasure Hunt, 2009) explains the origins of Tisha B’Av, a Jewish fast day that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. A young boy narrates as he and other family members visit the View →