Reviews
From Marbles to Video Games: How Toys Have Changed
“As long as toy aisles in department stores retain their ability to dazzle, kids will be curious—and, let’s face it, amused—by the toys of their parents and grandparents. This volume in the Comparing Past and Present series makes fine use out of blazingly bright pages and the View →
“Enzo certainly has his flaws, and they make him a believable character whose voice will ring true with children even when they don’t agree with his choices.” —School Library Journal View →
A Fraction's Goal — Parts of a Whole
“Brightened with eye-catching color combinations, Gable’s cartoon-style illustrations express the simple mathematical ideas clearly, while his wacky critters add a good deal of humor. An upbeat introduction to fractions.” —Booklist View →
Red Bird Sings: The Story of Zitkala-Ša, Native American Author, Musician, and Activist
“While the text is modified for clarity for young audiences, it is still lyrical and compelling, drawing readers into the woman’s life and work. The accompanying paintings are textured and sometimes layered with maps, pictures, and magazine pages that provide a rich… View →
Exploring Dangers in Space: Asteroids, Space Junk, and More
“Together, the books could form a solid but expensive basis for a unit on Astronomy or Space Science. Individually, they address the individual topics well.” —Science Books & Films View →
Exploring Black Holes
“Together, the books could form a solid but expensive basis for a unit on Astronomy or Space Science. Individually, they address the individual topics well.” —Science Books & Films View →
The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs: A Scientific Mystery
“This book is a great introduction to the issues of declining amphibians and worldwide loss of biodiversity, but its strength lies in its portrayal of the scientists and their use of the scientific process to solve a scientific mystery.” —Science Books & Films View →
Power Up to Fight Pollution
“The books lend themselves to helping young children conceptualize ideas about the environment, as well as learn about the structure of an informational text. Teachers can share the books aloud with young children, or independent readers could read the books using the chapter by… View →
Nathan Blows Out the Hanukkah Candles
“Shining a light on an experience shared by many contemporary families, this book is a worthy addition for all collections.” —School Library Journal View →
The Little Black Dress and Zoot Suits: Depression and Wartime Fashions from the 1930s to the 1950s
“The book’s sharp, bold, rather tidy design features eye-catching art from the period.” —Booklist View →
Jumping Jenny
“In this fun, yet meaningful, story, Jenny is a jumping maniac who, at times, jumps herself right into trouble. After several mishaps and a tirade of disapproval, Jenny decides jumping is just not worth the trouble. Depressed, she mopes about. However, an opportunity arises in the… View →
From Jazz Babies to Generation Next: The History of the American Teenager
“Readers are in for a treat as they travel through the past with this fascinating resource.” —Library Media Connection View →
Ultraviolet
“Anderson uses stunning sensory details to bring Alison’s condition to life. The reader can understand what it is like to taste numbers and feel syllables through the beautifully written descriptions. Unlike any other paranormal story, Ultraviolet is a multilayered… View →
What to Expect When You're Expecting Joeys: A Guide for Marsupial Parents (and Curious Kids)
“If marsupial mamas-to-be were literate, they’d appreciate this guide to the birth and care of their joeys…. Each question is answered with a blend of humor and factual information, and children will be able to discern, then empathize with, the mother’s concern… View →
Is the End of the World Near?: From Crackpot Predictions to Scientific Scenarios
“Intriguingly disquieting reading.” —School Library Journal View →
I Want a Party!
“The whimsy and simple story line will appeal to young children.” —School Library Journal View →
The Secret of the Skeleton Key
“The villains are deeply villainous, the heroes remarkably heroic, and the plot, while a bit of a stretch, is a whole lot of fun. The final pages point to a second installment set on Alcatraz Island; expect requests upon return of this volume.” —The Bulletin of the Center View →
Ultraviolet
“The realism here is very real indeed, and the plot turn to sci-fi will either delight or distract readers, according to their tastes. Everyone, though will stay on track with her bittersweet romance with Faraday and its promise that true love can break barriers and transcend even… View →
Fall Pumpkins: Orange and Plump
“The illustrations are very colorful and showcase the fall foliage, tractors, scarecrows, and other symbols of fall. There are also illustrations of children helping each other with planting, watering, and examining how the seeds grow to become flowers and then pumpkins….… View →
Not a Buzz to Be Found: Insects in Winter
“Gorgeous full-bleed illustrations filled with color and detail depict the insects in winter…. A great overview.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
Lily Renée, Escape Artist: From Holocaust Survivor to Comic Book Pioneer
“This comic-book biography of a Jewish girl’s life under the Nazi jackboot and then as a refugee is low key and that much more profound for it. The panels are brightly lit, and the narrative is crisp, both of which serve to chillingly amplify the everyday banality of… View →
Thumbtacks, Earwax, Lipstick, Dipstick: What Is a Compound Word?
“In this latest addition to the eye-catching, feline-filled cartoon series, comical pictures and brief text demonstrate that compound words come in many forms and lengths. Cleary concludes with a reminder that though these words are often longer, decoding them is easily done by… View →