Reviews
Scarlatti's Cat
“Beccia’s painterly illustrations are evocative of the time period and have muted colors, plenty of detail, and a little whimsy thrown in for good measure….A fun historical read that could be used as a segue to discussing composers and artists or read simply as an… View →
K-Pop: Korea's Musical Explosion
“This highly accessible text focuses on K-Pop from the 1960s to the modern day, highlighting some of the biggest artists and most influential record labels….The addition of a selected bibliography featuring several websites and blogs makes this book a great tool for students… View →
Cold, Crunchy, Colorful: Using Our Senses
“This selection would be a wonderful tool for heightening a child’s awareness of all the sensory experiences afforded by an outing to the park or any other venue or for a fun sensory-based scavenger hunt at home on a dreary day. In any case, it’s a book that will be… View →
The Scar Boys
“Vlahos’s narrative flows easily and rings true….Distinguished in every way.” —starred, School Library Journal View →
Mumbet's Declaration of Independence
“Vividly colored illustrations reflect the generally hopeful tone of the story, while bold compositions and thickly layered paint suggest folk art. Freeman’s strength of character is reflected in her determined facial expressions and strong stance.” —School Library… View →
Welcome to the Tribe!: Book 1
“Bannister’s anime-influenced style makes for some adorable characters with vivid colors and cartoony scenery. The book is full of charm and sets the groundwork for future adventures in what will hopefully be a long-running series.” —School Library Journal View →
The Alliance
“Reluctant readers of this timely and realistic novel, told in alternating chapters, will cheer on Scott and Carmen and may even be inspired to take action at their own schools to form a GSA.” —School Library Journal View →
Map My Neighborhood
“Good examples of beginning narrative nonfiction that includes well-explained hands-on activities.” —School Library Journal View →
Energy and Waves through Infographics
“Each title does offer sheaves of basic information in particularly concentrated form…and the resources lists are above average.” —School Library Journal, Series Made Simple View →
“[T]his well-written novel will appeal to readers with artistic or literary leanings, or those with a fondness for Southern settings.” —School Library Journal View →
Fun Food Inventions
“This set is a browsers’ delight as well as a rich resource for science or pop-history report writers.” —School Library Journal, Series Made Simple View →
The Brain-Boosting Benefits of Gaming
“Young gamers who wonder what’s inside their Xboxes or how those dramatic graphics are created will come away from these satisfying volumes with plenty of facts.” —School Library Journal, Series Made Simple View →
Can You Tell a Stegosaurus from an Ankylosaurus?
“By encouraging readers to notice similarities and differences, the set engages them with age-appropriate critical thinking, making this set a natural choice for Common Core use.” —School Library Journal, Series Made Simple View →
“The author succeeds in creating a believable portrayal of an overly dramatic young teen with the expected afflictions and embarrassments that accompany this difficult age, such as first boyfriends and younger sisters.” —School Library Journal View →
Little Fish: A Memoir from a Different Kind of Year
“Readers leaving home for the first time will relate to the author as she shares her ambivalent feelings in comparing home and childhood friends versus college life and a newfound circle of friends.”—School Library Journal View →
“This would be a useful supplement to foster understanding of the refugee experience. It also makes a simple yet strong statement advocating peace and could precipitate discussions on many relevant issues in today’s world.” —School Library Journal View →
Army Delta Force: Elite Operations
“These eye-catching titles, each written in five short chapters, will be attractive to reluctant readers….The risks and destructive nature of the jobs aren’t sugarcoated, but the texts are not graphic.” —School Library Journal, Series Made Simple View →
Strange Foods
“These titles focus on things that are strange, silly, smelly, or just plain yucky, and they have enough trivia and facts to entertain readers for hours….©hildren will love browsing through them and sharing them with one another.” —School Library Journal View →
Dance Is Fun!
“Clean, crisp design supports the easy-reader format of this set, as does the repetitive, simple texts….Color photos of diverse children (including a girl in Football) illustrate each point and enhance the basic information.” —School Library Journal, Series… View →
Ski Superpipe
“Overall, this set uses a positive tone and conveys enthusiasm for these athletics, emphasizing that readers can practice them while keeping as safe as possible. Thumbnail sketches of innovators and youthful superstars will keep young readers engaged.” —School Library… View →
Sammy Spider's First Yom Kippur
“The focus is fully on the meaning of Yom Kippur, making this title both more concise and more powerful. The ideas of making poor choices and making amends are shown in a developmentally appropriate way, and the depiction of the custom of formally asking forgiveness is emotionally… View →