Reviews
Special Forces
“With a magazinelike layout, this series presents small chunks of information in eye-popping spreads that will entice reluctant readers.” —School Library Journal, Series Made Simple View →
Out of Control
“These authors pack a lot of drama and sports action into about 100 pages…. Students will appreciate the real-life issues and ethical dilemmas that the players face.” —School Library Journal View →
Street Art
“Each of these hi/lo titles focuses on a different aspect of popular culture…. They contain short but interesting interviews with leading figures and discussions of trends.” —School Library Journal, Series Made Simple View →
Muay Thai: Kickboxing Combat
“Students who are fascinated by martial arts will find much to enjoy in this series…. Action-packed photographs and interesting sidebars will keep readers engaged.” —School Library Journal, Series Made Simple View →
Documents of Freedom: A Look at the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the U.S. Constitution
“With as much pep as a Sousa march, these titles delineate the hows and whys of U.S. government…. While each book stands by itself, as a whole, they emphasize the relationships between the government’s many parts.” —School Library Journal, Series… View →
Big Birthday
“Clifton-Brown’s use of color, texture, shadow, and spot-on facial expressions with a bit of mixed-media collage thrown in is a delightful partner to the text…. Hosford’s rhyming text is fun to read, and kids will enjoy hearing about a great idea gone… View →
Hannah's Way
“Hannah is having difficulty adjusting to her new life on the Iron Range in Depression-era Minnesota. She has yet to make friends when her teacher announces that the class will be going on a picnic on Saturday and the children should arrange car pools. As an observant Jew, Hannah… View →
Sadie and the Big Mountain
“Sadie loves going to preschool at Temple Beth El where she sings songs, climbs on the tall gym outdoors, dresses up in costumes, and plays with her classmates. But on Monday, when her teacher tells the children about the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, Sadie gets nervous. She learns… View →
Feet and Puppies, Thieves and Guppies: What Are Irregular Plurals?
“Crazy costumes, silly glasses, and comical expressions keep the mood as light as the author’s bouncy narration…. This volume is a great addition to classroom and library collections.” —School Library Journal View →
Who Were the Accused Witches of Salem?: And Other Questions about the Witchcraft Trials
“This accessible guide is attractively designed and concisely written…. A solid, informative title.” —School Library Journal View →
Catch & Release
“This is a novel about acceptance and moving on when life throws a curveball.” —School Library Journal View →
A Leaf Can Be . . .
“A lovely observation about nature, suitable for a variety of science units or individual sharing.” —School Library Journal View →
A Secret Keeps
“Any child who has ever anticipated a surprise or experienced the delight of a new pet will enjoy this story.” —School Library Journal View →
Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of Black Peter: Case 11
“This graphic format brings the lesser-known Sherlock adventures to light. Readers who enjoy the series will be pleased with these additions.” —School Library Journal View →
Beep and Bah
“The story is awash in fanciful colors, quirky backdrops, kid humor (Nickelodeon style), wonderful expressions, and plenty of action. Sure to have kids clamoring for more.” —School Library Journal View →
Elmer and Super El
“The spreads are done in vivid colors and have everything Elmer fans have come to expect. This adorable tale shows young readers that even superheroes need help once in a while.” —School Library Journal View →
Drowning Instinct
“The novel begins slowly but quickly builds steam—and controversy—with unexpected turns and revelations. Neither the victims nor the predators are stereotypical and that ambiguity, while unsettling, is sure to spark discussion.” —School Library Journal View →
I Want to Win!
“The quirky pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations, which are replete with amusing details, enliven the simple, sweet story. The protagonist’s facial expressions are particularly comical. Fans will cheer on Little Princess in her quest for victory.” —School… View →
What Are the Articles of Confederation?: And Other Questions about the Birth of the United States
“The ‘six questions’ approach (who, what, where, when, why, how) provides a useful framework, taking readers through events in an easy-to-understand progression…. Period paintings, prints, and maps provide visual interest. Teachers will appreciate the list of… View →
“Expressive animal characters stand in for people, but their activities and the objects they use, from hairbrushes to running shoes, all relate solidly to a youngster’s experience. Cheery pen-and-ink illustrations pop off the background, which makes effective use of white… View →
The Girl Who Owned a City: The Graphic Novel
“Jones’s illustrations are shaded in brown and green earth tones and are filled with movement and life. The faces of the children are angular and interesting, looking realistically like kids who have been struggling to survive. This will be an ideal recommendation for readers View →
Lights Out Shabbat
“A rare snowstorm in Georgia knocks out the electricity one Friday night just as Shabbat begins. A boy spends the visit with his grandparents playing in the snow and enjoying their time together. Just after Havdalah (the end of the Jewish Sabbath), the power is restored. ‘It… View →