Readers of this season’s biographies can expect to travel through time to meet characters from long ago, investigate various careers by meeting stars of today, and be inspired to invent and create.
Public and Private Lives: Social Science | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
All of us have a private self with thoughts, ideas, and beliefs that influence our public behavior in many ways–including our religious and political affiliations, the ways we see the world, and our interactions with both those close to us and communities. One of the purposes of education is to encourage students to develop values and attitudes that will help them be happy, productive citizens. Covering everything from bullying to holidays and the future of communication, the books in [...]
Common Core and Common Sense: Editorial | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
Series Made Simple Fall 2012Cover and illustration by Daniel Pelavin
When I get interested in a topic, I become obsessed. I don’t really have hobbies; I have infatuations. I don’t have favorite movies or novels; I have look-but-don’t-touch collections. And when it comes to learning about a new subject, I can’t just read one book on it—I have to read everything I can get my hands on.
And that is why so much of the Common Core State Standards [...]
Packs, Pods, and Prides: Animals | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
This season’s animal titles are thoughtfully designed to support Common Core State Standards with good use of nonfiction text features and subject-specific vocabulary. Whether students are requesting books for research or for recreational reading, the abundant photographs and conversational narratives ensure that they will be engaged and will come away with increased background knowledge. Several series explain classification and interaction within a species’ habitat, environment, or group. While many of the animals highlighted are old favorites, students [...]
Endless Discoveries: General Science | Series Made Simple 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
In 1894, physicist Albert Michelson wrote:“The more important fundamental laws and facts of physical science have all been discovered, and these are now so firmly established that the possibility of their ever being supplemented in consequence of new discoveries is exceedingly remote.
Urban Legends and Ancient Tales: Mythology, Folktales, and the Supernatural | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
The number of new titles featuring the Greek and Roman gods proves that they are just as popular as ever. Whether discussing mythology in terms of the stars, with biographies of the gods, or in a graphic-novel format, the classics remain current. North American folklore has also not been left behind, with several new titles on figures from tall tales and folk customs. Finally, urban legends, lost worlds, the paranormal, and tales of strange creatures round out the selections. [...]
Creature Magnetism: Animals | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
There’s no denying that children are drawn to the library’s 590 shelves, making it essential to acquire new material. However, it’s important to choose judiciously from the many series published each year. Are you looking for a fresh outlook or design? A sensational subject to attract reluctant readers? Replacements for much-handled books on popular creatures, such as sharks or dinosaurs? This year’s offerings include all of the above, as well as several quality choices [...]
The World Inside and Around You: Life Science | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
From understanding how their own bodies function to observing plants, animals, seasonal changes, and weather phenomena, students devote much of their time learning about topics featured in these series. Close-up photos, clear visual presentations, and lively texts will engage readers with some sets. Others will be perused only if assigned. Although there are solid choices to update or supplement collections, purchase of entire series may not always be necessary, depending on available resources.
Preschool-Grade 4
BALLEN, Karen. [...]
Numbers Everywhere: Mathematics | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
With the implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS), the need for informational books has increased; math volumes must satisfy both the language arts informational text standards and the mathematics standards.
Great Gadgets: Machines, Tools, and Technology | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
From kindergartners with truck obsessions to high school students researching the latest inventions, books on technology are always in demand. Some notable topics appear in this fall’s crop of books: simple machines and tools, amazing vehicles, and the development of technology over time.
Writing, Words, and Wondering: Language and Literacy | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
Books about foreign languages, genre writing, research, and grammar make up this eclectic group of literacy and language books. There are some strong collections in the bunch that combine snappy writing with fresh perspectives on old subjects.
From Sea to Shining Sea: American History | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
America can be described in one word: diverse. The nation’s history, though short as far as other national histories go, is complex. From its conception as a refuge for religious dissidents to its 21st-century manifestation as a major world power, America has undergone breath-taking changes.
Make It, Do It, and Read All About It: Arts and Activities | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
Crafts, activities, and performance. These are tried-and-true techniques for engaging kids in a topic while encouraging their creative juices to flow. But there’s nothing more frustrating than a cookbook with beautiful pictures and cryptic instructions, or a craft book in which the projects are so difficult that Martha Stewart and her whole staff would have trouble achieving successful results. Books like these have to be field tested before suggesting that kids try them out. Luckily for you, this [...]
Nonfiction Series and the Common Core State Standards: Back Page | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
All the World’s a Stage: World History | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
The emotional and intellectual capacitiesof humans make for some engaging drama, and what an extraordinary backdrop is ours for playing out our triumphs and tragedies. These series below explore humanity through the ages: in competition and cooperation, destruction and creation, division and unity.
For the Fun of It: Mixed Categories | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
Whether intended to fill young readers in on a broad range of scientific or historical topics or simply to inspire delighted disgust, the titles below all feature mixes of bright color photos or images, easily absorbed passages of expository narrative (with some wordless exceptions), closer looks at selected incidents or facts in side boxes, and enrichment material that ranges from rudimentary lists of print and web resources to closing quizzes and corny jokes.
Occupational Success: Careers | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
Students, whether they are just learning about different jobs within a community or older readers exploring a variety of interests, think about the careers they might choose as adults.
Exploration and Recreation: Sports | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
Reading about recreational activities (not to be confused with “recreational reading,” though there can be overlap) is no substitute for actually getting outdoors or onto the field or court.
