Reviews
Tripping Back Blue
“This is a gritty novel . . . [with] a touch of magic. . . . Chapters leave cliff-hanger endings for a faster pace that entertains readers. . . . Recommended for high school and public library collections.”—School Library Journal View →
The Midnight War of Mateo Martinez
“In this debut novel, Yardi draws parallels between the fantasy world of talking animals and Mateo’s reality of growing up and finding himself. . . . A fun, action-filled tale whose protagonist has a distinct and sincere young voice. Recommended for collections and libraries… View →
I Saw an Invisible Lion Today: Quatrains
“An appealing introduction to quatrains that will be useful for encouraging students to create their own poems.”—School Library Journal View →
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds: Tiny Hovering Birds
“Students who enjoyed previous iterations of this set . . . will be pleased to see these installations. . . . Intriguing and effective additions.”—School Library Journal View →
Build, Beaver, Build!: Life at the Longest Beaver Dam
“An exciting introduction to these semiaquatic animals. . . . Hocking’s intricate and beautiful full-spread watercolors greatly enhance the text. . . . A solid supplemental purchase.”—School Library Journal View →
“Boisterous fun in the spirit of Hervé Tullet’s Press Here (Chronicle, 2011) and Adam Lehrhaupt’s Warning: Do No Open This Book (S. & S., 2013).”—School Library Journal View →
The Bath Monster
“[W]e are introduced to Boyd’s deliciously wicked Bath Monster. . . . Children will shiver and giggle as they relish repeated readings once they are privy to the final joke on Mom.”—School Library Journal View →
Don't Call Me Grandma
“The story’s perspective is from the child, who finds her great-grandmother ‘scary’ but also intriguing, outspoken, and glamorous. Zunon’s lively, colorful illustrations balance the serious tone of the text with warmth and saturation. . . . An appealing… View →
Plants vs. Meats: The Health, History, and Ethics of What We Eat
“[T]his is a timely, student-friendly primer on the historical, nutritional, and ethical impacts of what and how humans eat. . . . This solid introduction to where food comes from and the consequences of its consumption and production is a worthy addition.”—School Library View →
“Smart use of white space, along with well-balanced placement of text and illustrations, offers a fun, robot-filled friendship tale. . . . This well-crafted picture book will appeal to all young inventors who just want to believe in the impossible.”—School Library Journal View →
Their Great Gift: Courage, Sacrifice, and Hope in a New Land
“An attractive and inspiring look at immigration to the United States, sure to spark discussions at home or in the classroom. . . . [T]his offering puts a human face on a serious issue. . . . An ideal jumping-off place for teachers and parents interested in starting a conversation… View →
The Executioner's Daughter
“Hardstaff weaves a coming-of-age story set in Tudor England with folklore about a Riverwitch. . . . The Riverwitch folklore and the suspense that it creates, along with the themes of love and family, strengthen Moss’s story. . . .®eaders who enjoy history and folklore… View →
Tooth by Tooth: Comparing Fangs, Tusks, and Chompers
“Playful and laugh-out-loud funny, this informative picture book belongs in every dentist office and library.”—School Library Journal View →
Whose Hands Are These?: A Community Helper Guessing Book
“Paul and Powell have created an interactive rhyming gem. . . . A well-organized and attractive look at careers.”—School Library Journal View →
The Ebola Epidemic: The Fight, The Future
“Goldsmith, a health care practitioner and experienced science writer . . . is clear and direct—compelling without resorting to sensationalism. . . . It is safe to say that all libraries currently lack up-to-date material on Ebola. Those looking to rectify the situation . . .… View →
The Final Four: The Pursuit of College Basketball Glory
“Each chapter of this NCAA basketball overview explores a different facet of the competition. . . . [T]he historical perspective and engaging presentation make it a solid choice.”—School Library Journal View →
Reproductive Rights: Who Decides?
“[A] solid overview of a multifaceted and complex subject. . . . Well written and impeccably researched, this volume will appeal to budding activists and feminists and to those concerned about human rights.”—School Library Journal View →
Feminism: Reinventing the F-Word
“This informative, impeccably researched investigation of the history of feminism will do more than fill a collection gap—it firmly emphasizes that feminism and feminist are not dirty words. . . . A highly recommended first purchase.”—School Library Journal View →
When the Sun Shines on Antarctica: And Other Poems about the Frozen Continent
"Latham does a compelling job of presenting facts alongside verse. . . . Through stunning, evocative artwork, Wadham brings the hues of the Antarctic to life. . . . A delightful assortment of verse that is enhanced by stimulating information and charming… View →
Timber Creek Station
“Originally published in the UK, this 2012 Carnegie Medal shortlist title is a peek into the Australian rancher’s lifestyle. . . . For a public or school YA collection looking to add diversity by way of Australia. . . . Hand to readers who enjoy quiet plotlines with plenty of View →
The Maypop Kidnapping: A Quinnie Boyd Mystery
“[A] tale that captures readers’ attention within the first few pages and keeps up the pace through the last chapter. The characters are relatable, refreshingly human, and very funny. . . . [T]his title hits just the right note of suspense without being too scary. . . .… View →
Just My Type: Understanding Personality Profiles
“Each point is countered with leading criticisms, encouraging readers to weigh information to draw personal conclusions. . . . Prompts and activities throughout make the content more relatable. . . . A helpful introductory resource to the topic.”—School Library Journal View →
Dead Zones: Why Earth's Waters Are Losing Oxygen
“[This] book covers a worrisome topic in more detail than readers will find elsewhere. . . . A significant overview for serious eco-activists or any students interested in our planet’s oceans and waterways.”—School Library Journal View →