Reviews
Let's Look at Brown Bears
“These easy readers introduce distinctly different animals (some, such as pigeons, prairie dogs, and bats, are united in their ‘perceived pest’ status) in a fun way.” —School Library Journal View →
The Bat-Chen Diaries
Fifteen-year-old Bat-Chen Shahak was killed by a suicide bomber in Tel Aviv. She left behind a diary, poems, and letters about love, death, war, and peace. Bat-Chen also wrote about school, friends, boyfriends, and hopes for the future. Her writing is naive but touching, with hints of… View →
“These books provide an excellent way to support and extend reading, math, and science skills and include appended activities to reinforce the concepts. The eye-catching illustrations, done in vibrant colors, add to the appeal.” —School Library Journal View →
“Costello’s vibrant paintings blend realistic and abstract styles, filling the spreads with color.” —School Library Journal View →
Stateswoman to the World: A Story about Eleanor Roosevelt
“. . .an effective, informative biography about an impressive, inspirational woman.” —School Library Journal View →
Juneteenth
“The description of slavery is brave in its honesty, difficult to read but necessary to understand. . . Realistic paintings in vibrant colors illustrate these easy readers.” —School Library Journal View →
“The colorful, well-designed pages may encourage some children to browse but the books are also useful for reports, and their colorful, modern look is sure to grab the attention of even reluctant readers.” —School Library Journal View →
Danger at the Breaker
“In simple yet never condescending prose, Welch relates the compelling story of a young boy’s first day at work in the Pennsylvania coal mines of the 1880s. . . The author brings a new (and welcome) level of realism to the easy-reader format.” —… View →
Hanukkah Moon
The monthly Sephardic Jewish celebration of the new moon, or Rosh Hodesh, which always falls during the eight days of Chanukah is cheerfully highlighted in this unusual holiday offering. A young girl spends a couple of nights with her aunt who “just moved here from Mexico”… View →
“The colorful, well-designed pages may encourage some children to browse but the books are also useful for reports, and their colorful, modern look is sure to grab the attention of even reluctant readers.” —School Library Journal View →
Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie
“. . .The tale stands alone as an exciting account of a young girls’s courage. The vivid wather color paintings are highly effective. . . All in all, one of the best historical beginning- to-reads—a refreshing cold blast of salty real life.” … View →
“The stories are quick and satisfying, and challenges at the back of the books contribute to the enjoyment. Wummer’s pencil and ink illustrations add a humorous touch and are perfect for the stories.” —School Library Journal View →
Fire at the Triangle Factory
“Littlefield relates the historical events through these likeable characters with whom youngsters will easily identify. . . The colorful illustrations complement the text and follow the story nicely.” —School Library Journal View →
With Open Hands: A Story about Biddy Mason
“. . .informative and straightforward. An inspirational book about a woman usually overlooked in biographies for this age group.” —School Library Journal View →
Chinese New Year
“On nearly every page, illustrations depict people of all ages preparing for and celebrating Chinese New Year.” —Booklist View →
From Clay to Bricks
“This photo-essay in the Start to Finish series follows the step-by-step process used to manufacture bricks. Plenty of full-color, action-packed photographs are included.” —Book Links View →
Written Anything Good Lately?
“. . .it’s easy to see how children could use this friendly book to brainstorm their own list of writing genres, or try their hands at creative fables, greeting cards, haiku, journals, and more.” —Book Links View →
Washington Is Burning
“Notable for telling a historical event from the viewpoint of a slave. . . realistic paintings in vibrant colors illustrate these easy readers.” —School Library Journal View →
Writer of the Plains: A Story about Willa Cather
“The lively narrative is clear and concise and the storylike tone of the text will sustain the attention of readers. Attractive charcoal pencil drawings appear throughout.” —School Library Journal View →
“Markle knows how to find just the right balance of facts for her intended audience and has selected shinning, full-color photographs to complement her texts. . . These books offer an outstanding combination of fascinating texts and informative, appealing photos.” … View →
Buttons for General Washington
“. . . Subtly hued watercolors add an old-fashioned ambience and draw on the suspense of the story.” —Booklist View →
Dian Fossey and the Mountain Gorillas
“A worthwhile On My Own Biography with a simple text and colorful illustrations that should appeal to younger readers.” —Appraisal View →
“These books provide an excellent way to support and extend reading, math, and science skills and include appended activities to reinforce the concepts. The eye-catching illustrations, done in vibrant colors, add to the appeal.” —School Library Journal View →
