Reviews
Death: Corpses, Cadavers, and Other Grave Matters
“Meticulously organized and admirably levelheaded.” —Booklist View →
Six Sheep Sip Thick Shakes: And Other Tricky Tongue Twisters
“This high-energy collection of pleasantly rhythmic tongue twisters features a screwball cast of cartoon animals rendered in digital collages. . . . An appended guide provides tips for creating effective tongue twisters―something readers are likely to try out once they master the… View →
Sherlock Holmes and a Scandal in Bohemia: Case 1
“This story is an inspired choice for a series opener not just because it was the first Holmes short story published (following two novels) but also because it establishes right off the bat something that may surprise readers: a fallible Holmes.” —Booklist View →
A-B-A-B-A—a Book of Pattern Play
“This book can be used as a read-aloud, not just in math, but to teach the basics of poetry, art, and music. This is a great addition to any school library. Recommended.” —Library Media Connection View →
“With highly readable bits and pieces about which yummy foods have which nutrients and vitamins, these books in the Food Is CATegorical series are just right for sharing with young kids, introducing the value of healthy foods and exercise through silly rhymes, puns, and zany color… View →
Open the Jail Doors — We Want to Enter: The Defiance Campaign against Apartheid Laws, South Africa, 1952
“These volumes are a treasure trove of information about the fight for civil rights across time and the globe. . . . The cruelty with which humans can treat one another is unflinchingly presented but the extraordinary grace exhibited in the face of it rises to the top.”… View →
The Hispanic American Experience
“These well-written and informative titles highlight the cultural contributions of America’s largest ethnic groups. . . . This series will help students understand how various groups contribute to modern America’s cultural mosaic.” —School Library… View →
Why Did the Pilgrims Come to the New World?: And Other Questions about the Plymouth Colony
“The question-and-answer format will help readers identify and understand each topic’s most salient aspects and will sharpen their nonfiction reading skills, making the books attractive options.” —School Library Journal, Series Made Simple View →
Is the Saxophone for You?
“Landau covers all the bases so that prospective musicians have the information they need to confidently answer each title’s question. . . . Kids thinking about taking up an instrument will find the books helpful in their decision-making process.” —School… View →
Formula One Race Cars on the Move
“These titles not only offer big, high-energy color photos of various sorts of vehicles at work or play, but also informative glimpses of car and truck controls, engines, and interiors.” —School Library Journal, Series Made Simple View →
Lost Sight: True Survival Stories
“These narratives read like information from the Discovery Health channel, for kids: part fascinating science, part human interest story, and part ‘Eew, gross!’” —School Library Journal, Series Made Simple View →
Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed
“Older readers will enjoy the book for its in-depth coverage, while younger readers will benefit from this as both a leisure reading and informational book.” —Library Media Connection View →
Anorexia and Bulimia
“This series mimics USA Today in its readability, though the books’ length and breadth render them more suited to fact-finding than to pleasure reading. The language is straightforward and objective.” —School Library Journal, Series… View →
A Hubbub: Book 2
“The watercolor illustrations help set the mood and provide a great deal of depth to each panel. Each strip depicts Ginger’s feelings and makes the text come alive. A good choice for the youngest graphic-novel fans.” —School Library Journal View →
Pasta, Fried Rice, and Matzoh Balls: Immigrant Cooking in America
“A multi-hued crew of cartoon cats presents the various food groups and the practices of a healthy lifestyle. Each book reports which foods are in the titled group and provides simple explanations of how they affect the body. Cleary’s consistent reminders to children to help… View →
Draw the Dark
“Bick has created a likable teen protagonist whose unique ability is completely believable in the author’s skilled hands. The novel brilliantly strikes a compelling balance between fantasy and contemporary fiction. Readers will be on the edge of their seats waiting to find… View →
Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed
“All of Walker’s impressive writing talents are on display in this book on the frozen continent. . . . With its superb design and Walker’s gripping prose, this book will draw readers in and keep them involved.” —School Library Journal View →
The Drained Brains Caper: Book 1
“Though it is full of sophisticated references, this inventive, playful story should appeal to tween readers. Diverse characters and assured, accessible cartoon-style illustrations make it a promising start to a new series.” —School Library Journal View →
Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed
“Walker investigates the scientific mysteries of Antarctica with her characteristic depth and insight…. Despite conveying lots of technical information, Walker’s narrative remains lively and engaging.” —The Horn Book Magazine View →
The Night Sky
“These small volumes pair one short, declarative statement per page (‘You see the first light from the sun at dawn’) with color photos of outdoor scenes, city skylines, animals, or children.” —School Library Journal, Series Made Simple View →
Ruth and the Green Book
“The realistic illustrations are done in oil wash on board, a self-described ‘subtractive process.’ The picture is painted, then erased to ‘paint’ the final product. Overall, there is a sepialike quality to the art, giving the impression of gazing at old… View →
Ruth and the Green Book
“Cooper’s glowing, unframed, sepia-toned artwork delivers a strong sense of the period from a child’s viewpoint. . . . [T]his is a compelling addition to U.S. history offerings.” —Booklist View →
“Fans of Shannon Hale will enjoy this compelling fantasy, which is filled with magic, political drama, and romance.” —Publishers Weekly View →
What Holds Us to Earth?: A Look at Gravity
“Jellybean-bright backgrounds, large photographs, and brief texts will draw readers to this series. The use of questions and image choices help to make the topics relevant and interesting.” —School Library Journal, Series Made Simple View →