Reviews
Illustrated by Shawn Costello.seder with some help from farmers, a traveling man, and memories of previous celebra-tions. The invented dialogue is stilted, but the subject is intriguing and the heavily illustrated chapter book format makes it accessible to a young audience. An… View →
The lives and conversations of four teenage friends embarking on required military service act as a frame-work to describe the structure of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Though this setup is forced and awkward, the text effectively explains the branches of… View →
Afikotective
“A friendly, and instructive, holiday affair.”—Publishers Weekly View →
Sammy Spider's First Day of School
“Spider Sammy stows away in Josh’s backpack, accompanying the boy to school. The students learn a lesson about the Jewish value of being kind to animals – put to the test once Sammy’s spotted. The text is didactic but accessible; though it obviously depicts… View →
Staying Happy
“This straightforward, easy-to-read book discusses what makes us happy as well as the forces that can hinder happiness, such as stress or anxiety. Murphy offers techniques to turn those situations around, including talking to a trusted adult. . . Tips on relaxation and on sharing View →
Songs from the Loom: A Navajo Girl Learns to Weave
“The color photographs of contemporary Navajo life are clear and engrossing, enhancing the solid text.” —The Horn Book Guide View →
“Raczka deserves an A+ for cleverness. . . this book is an amusing way to introduce children to famous works of art.” —School Library Journal View →
A World of Knowing: A Story about Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet
“Bowen’s biography reads well. . .” —The Horn Book Guide View →
The Road to Seneca Falls: A Story about Elizabeth Cady Stanton
“. . .a useful introduction to this strong female role model.” —The Horn Book Guide View →
Girl Power in the Classroom: A Book About Girls, Their Fears, and Their Future
“. . .a good dose of pep talk about self-esteem.” —The Horn Book Guide View →
Girl Power on the Playing Field: A Book about Girls, Their Goals, and Their Struggles
“. . .a good dose of pep talk about self-esteem.” —The Horn Book Guide View →
“The visual appeal of these three books [A Walk in the Rain Forest, A Walk in the Prairie, A Walk in the Desert] and the high level of information would make them a valuable addition to a middle school library, especially for students with high interest but low reading… View →
“Collected fine art paintings show people reading in various places during different time periods. Twenty-three artists – such as Van Gogh, Vermeer, Matisse, and Picasso – representing diverse styles are included.” —The Horn Book Guide View →
It's Cloudy Today
“Providing answers to at least some of the interminable ‘why’ questions, these books feature an easy sentence or two per page on a large, attractive photograph.” —School Library Journal View →
What Is Hearing?
“Given their simple sentences, colorful layout, full-page photos, and well-chosen diagrams, these books will be useful for reports.” —School Library Journal View →
What Is Sight?
“Given their simple sentences, colorful layout, full-page photos, and well-chosen diagrams, these books will be useful for reports.” —School Library Journal View →
What Is Taste?
“Given their simple sentences, colorful layout, full-page photos, and well-chosen diagrams, these books will be useful for reports.” —School Library Journal View →
It's Snowy Today
“Providing answers to at least some of the interminable ‘why’ questions, these books feature an easy sentence or two per page on a large, attractive photograph.” —School Library Journal View →
It's Rainy Today
“Providing answers to at least some of the interminable ‘why’ questions, these books feature an easy sentence or two per page on a large, attractive photograph.” —School Library Journal View →
"These titles succeed in demystifying and explaining the science behind common childhood experiences. The body is described as a battlefield where superhero cells work hard as a team to mend a broken bone, fight off plaque, and battle an infection."… View →
The Art of Freedom: How Artists See America
“Paintings, photographs, and sculpture are used to illustrate broad ideas about American landscape, history, and values in this thoughtful study.” —School Library Journal – Curriculum Connections View →
“With charming illustrations and a singsong rhyming text, this flipbook appeals on many levels.” —School Library Journal View →
Nature's Paintbox: A Seasonal Gallery of Art and Verse
“The art is lovely – a snow-covered wall in black and white melts into a spring pastel with the blurred edges of chalk. Summer’s blue sky deepens with a purple cast as the watercolor warm days become a frenzy of oranges and golds carrying youngsters full circle to a… View →