Reviews
Exploring Roots
“The best features of the series are found at the end of the book: a section called ‘Facts About Roots’ and a Glossary. The Facts include interesting tidbits such as this: ‘Some swamp plants have roots that grow up into the air instead of down into the… 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Exploring Space Robots
“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 →
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 →
Sadie's Sukkah Breakfast
“This is a sweet and low-key story, with gentle, sunny illustrations. It is as much about its young protagonists’ independence and initiative as it is about Sukkot. —School Library Journal View →
Engineer Ari and the Hanukkah Mishap
“As with the earlier Engineer Ari books, this one combines simple charm with a good-hearted message, all wrapped up in a bit of interesting history about the first steam engine to travel between Jaffa and Jerusalem in 1892.” —School Library Journal 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 →
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 →
Fall Apples: Crisp and Juicy
“This picture book features child friendly text that is appropriate for grades K-3. Preschool aged children will enjoy looking at the pictures and having it read to them.” —Science Books & Films 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 →
Brooklyn, Burning
“Parts of Brooklyn are evocatively portrayed with descriptions that show Brezenoff intimately knows, or remembers, this part of New York and loves it.” —VOYA 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Put Inclined Planes to the Test
“The vocabulary and science concepts are appropriate for upper elementary school level students. However, with adult help, the books might also be used for even younger students.” —Science Books & Films View →