Reviews
Floodwaters and Flames: The 1913 Disaster in Dayton, Ohio
“Well researched, the book includes some quotes, but relies mainly on the clear, direct reporting of this inherently dramatic tale. This cleanly-designed book tells a little-known disaster story in quite the memorable fashion.”—starred, Booklist View →
The Zoomers' Handbook
“Kids will get a kick out of these animal mash-ups . . . [and] have fun identifying the two animals that make up each specimen. . . . The large-scale format and opportunities for participation make this a nice choice for a silly storytime.”—Booklist View →
Masters of Disguise: Amazing Animal Tricksters
“This biology guide wastes no time, digging with relish into some of the weirder aspects of animal camouflage. . . . Extensive back matter provides further resources for budding scientists interested in digging a little deeper.”—Booklist View →
Reproductive Rights: Who Decides?
“Though slim, this volume packs a wallop, taking an exhaustive look at the history of human reproduction and the prevention thereof. . . . Wittenstein leaves no stone unturned. . . . [An] impressive resource.”—starred, Booklist View →
Plants vs. Meats: The Health, History, and Ethics of What We Eat
“Hughes offers a compact but comprehensive guide to food production and consumption in the U.S.. . . . [An] admirably balanced, bite-sized primer on ethical eating.”—starred, Booklist View →
“This comical tale will be great to read aloud, as kids will quickly decipher what’s really going on behind the pigeon’s narcissistic narrative. Shalev’s kicky, scrawled crayon and cut-paper art is sophisticated and energetic. With similar delusions of grandeur,… View →
Their Great Gift: Courage, Sacrifice, and Hope in a New Land
“[T]his collection of striking photos and evocative words brings a warm, human face to an issue too often spoken about in abstract terms. . . . A moving, affirming, and important addition to picture-book collections.”—Booklist View →
Are You the Pirate Captain?
“Youngsters might recognize themselves in Hugh, who overlooks his own leadership abilities, and this maritime romp is an entertaining way to deliver an empowering message.”—Booklist View →
Dear Wandering Wildebeest: And Other Poems from the Water Hole
African animals gather at a watering hole in this collection of pithy, informative poems that revel in wordplay. Large, expressive illustrations complement the text, making this ideal for both classroom use and independent reading. View →
Kopecks for Blintzes
“Goldman’s droll text captures the folkloric style of Chelm tales, while Batori’s colorful illustrations depict the story’s absurdities.” — Booklist Online View →
Detective Gordon: A Complicated Case
Large and small, the many colorful illustrations perfectly capture the lovable, idiosyncratic characters and their woodland world. . . . First published in Sweden, this beguiling chapter book is a fine choice for young independent readers or for reading aloud."—Booklist Online View →
The Maypop Kidnapping: A Quinnie Boyd Mystery
“Red herrings aplenty will keep readers guessing about the identity of the criminals. . . . Middle-grade readers looking for an unusual protagonist and setting will be well served by this.”—Booklist Online View →
Feminism: Reinventing the F-Word
“[Higgins] offers a comprehensive and stunningly up-to-date account of the history of feminism. . . . With plenty of grassroots organizations listed in the back matter and photos of a diverse array of women . . . Higgins invites burgeoning feminists to find their own places among… View →
The Black Dragon
“This first installment in the Mysterium series is filled with action and stage magic, though Danny’s struggles with identity and his parents’ deaths are never far from the surface, making this adventure more than gangster brawls and misdirection.”—Booklist View →
Luis Paints the World
“This story is inspired by an art program in Lawrence, Massachusetts, a town of residents from all over the world, who share their stories and traditions through mural art. Its beautiful message will touch the hearts of readers and maybe inspire them to create art of their… View →
The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez
“[A]n imaginative backyard adventure with light touches of fantasy. . . . Mateo is an admirable character striving to live by a knight’s code of honor. . . . His gallantry . . . and antics with the neighborhood wildlife make for quite the charming tale.”—Booklist View →
Don't Call Me Grandma
“It’s easy . . . to write books about fun grandmothers. . . . Introducing a sharp-tongued, disagreeable grandmother is more difficult. But Nelson pulls it off. . . . By book’s end, perceptive readers will see this 96-year-old as a multilayered woman who has experienced… View →
The Final Four: The Pursuit of College Basketball Glory
“Arriving just in time for March Madness is this fresh look at . . . the Final Four championship games. . . . With vivid, play-by-play descriptions of pivotal games and final points, basketball fans will find plenty to enjoy here. . . . An informative, enjoyable addition to the… View →
Build, Beaver, Build!: Life at the Longest Beaver Dam
“Nicely composed [with] lively illustrations. . . . A satisfying picture book for junior naturalists.”—Booklist Online View →
The Hunt for the Missing Spy
“A must-read for fans of the Code Busters Club series, this will also interest kids who are looking forward to touring the nation’s capital.”—Booklist View →
Timber Creek Station
“British author Lewis’ debut is based on her time as the family helper on just such an outback [cattle station]. . . . It is the learning curve of Liz that will engage the reader who is open to understanding a variation of abject intolerance in a remote culture that is… View →