Reviews
His Royal Majesty of the Mushrooms: Book 3
“As in prior series episodes, the pleasure lies at least as much in inspecting the paneled illustrations for surreal details and peculiar creatures as it does in following the plotline. . . . A recipe for hazelnut fondant . . . caps this latest outing to the bustling hotel in an… View →
The Human Microbiome: The Germs That Keep You Healthy
“Although the topic is complex, this overview is presented clearly and without oversimplification. . . . This important topic is worthy of attention, and . . . this will serve middle and high school readers well.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
Understanding Suicide: A National Epidemic
“Facts counteract stigma and ignorance in this guide. . . . An effective, compassionate guide to a subject that needs one.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
“Fleischer’s primer tenders a wealth of insight in a generous and welcoming manner.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
“While minimal speech bubbles help convey some action, much of the plot is to be discovered in the funny, detail-rich illustrations, which children will enjoy poring over again and again. . . . Older toddlers and preschoolers will relate to these not-so-sleepy pups and delight in… View →
Doping in Sports: Winning at Any Cost?
“McPherson’s concise, informative overview offers a solid introduction to the issue of doping in the high-stakes world of big-time sports.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
Believe Your Eyes: Book 1
“Latina Cici is wholly likable, and her real-life concerns play out well juxtaposed with her more whimsical ones. A thoughtful and entertaining mix of fantasy and real-world problems.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
Floodwaters and Flames: The 1913 Disaster in Dayton, Ohio
“[T]he modern general public knows little of Dayton’s trial by flood and fire. . . . [An] exciting account of the little-known disaster that helped spawn the Federal Emergency Management Agency . . . [and] a good addition to historical collections anywhere.”—Kirkus View →
Dive into Danger
“®eaders will empathize with Austin’s first-person, present-tense narration as he sorts through the challenges of finding his own strengths and convictions. Aimed toward a sensitive adolescent male audience, this story has a straightforward, interesting plot and simple,… View →
The Bath Monster
“Never mind a monster under the bed; this one’s under the tub. . . . Good, clean fun.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
“An imaginative and visual pleasure as well as confirmation that spaceships don’t beep and blink but sound like spring cleaning.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
Luis Paints the World
“Farish’s restrained story moves at a slow pace, giving readers ample space to grasp the depths of Luis’ sorrow. . . . A wistful snapshot of a young artist and his family.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
Their Great Gift: Courage, Sacrifice, and Hope in a New Land
“Cleareyed photography . . . joins the intimate, individual family stories to the universal immigration experience with a love for freedom and the responsibility that it requires. . . . A heartfelt reminder of a significant American ideal.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
The Executioner's Daughter
“[Hardstaff] excels with her depiction of Tudor England, offering lavish descriptions of clothing and food . . . and a slew of stench and grime. . . . A richly detailed debut with a classic feel, full of grit, gore, and gilt.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
Have You Seen Elephant?
“A small child plays hide-and-seek with a surprisingly elusive (except to viewers) elephant. . . . Beyond the sheer absurdity, children will delight in details. . . . Younger audiences will be screaming ‘There it is!’ from the get-go.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews View →
The Island of Beyond
“This quiet, coming-of-age story is filled with quirky characters and is distinguished by a beautiful setting. And the timeless quest for love and acceptance will resonate with all readers. . . . In the middle of nowhere, Martin may just find himself. Quietly… View →
Detective Gordon: A Complicated Case
“[The] second Detective Gordon woodland mystery has all the charm and whimsy of the first. . . . [A] tale of intergenerational friendship that’s deeply respectful of its audience of young independent readers. . . . Readers will be hoping this isn’t Detective… View →
Tripping Back Blue
“This unusual and distinctive tale of family violence, addiction, and hope is fascinating . . . [with] an authentically complex and likable narrator. An emotional and original debut novel that will hook older teen readers and young adults.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
Plants vs. Meats: The Health, History, and Ethics of What We Eat
“Hughes is careful not to paint black-and-white pictures of any stance on food or make strident arguments for eating one type of food over another. . . . Good food for thought that won’t leave readers feeling stuffed.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
Masters of Disguise: Amazing Animal Tricksters
“[M]ost of the lineup here will be new even to well-read young naturalists. . . .®eaders are going to want to know more after these tantalizing glimpses. . . . [A] truly astonishing look at some of nature’s most ingenious predatory or survival strategies.”—starred, View →
The Final Four: The Pursuit of College Basketball Glory
“Doeden is clearly a sports enthusiast. . . . A solid collection of choice basketball nuggets.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
Tooth by Tooth: Comparing Fangs, Tusks, and Chompers
“As they did in Bone by Bone: Comparing Animal Skeletons, Levine and Spookytooth successfully combine science fact, interactive fun, and giggle-inducing pictures.”—Kirkus Reviews View →