Series Made Simple

Editorial:  A Lesson in Everything Back Page:  There’s Always Room for More: Suggestions for Series Nonfiction Reviews:  Working on the Edge: Careers  Society, Safety, and the Changing Times: Social Science  Monster Mash: Mythology, Folktales, and More...

Like the astronauts on our cover, I'm a fan of the D.I.Y. mindset ("do it yourself" for those not up on your home improvement lingo). Fortunately, I don't need to worry about repairing a space More...

Do your students hunger to learn more about famous treasure hunters or can they not get enough books about high-tech gadgets or prehistoric life? Our reviewers have learned through requests in their libraries and classrooms More...

>This fall's selection of career-centered series is predominantly devoted to "extreme," often dangerous occupations. Every branch of the military is explored, as is the work of first responders and a variety of other high-risk vocations, More...

Many of the books highlighted here involve some sort of interdisciplinary component, be it art activities, recipes, or literacy elements. The ability of students to relate what they are learning to other subject areas and More...

Thanks to the likes of Edward Cullen and Percy Jackson, supernatural creatures and mythology are everywhere in fiction these days. Books for elementary and high school students are full of references to all kinds of More...

Books about animals have no trouble finding an audience, and the efforts reviewed below are no exception. All of these titles have consistently amazing photographs that serve to instill an understanding of how important animal More...

Animal books are favorites for reports and for pleasure reading. Most of these titles feature an appealing book design that will attract browsers. Unfortunately, the writing, while serviceable, is not always engaging. Some books are More...

This latest generation of environmental books stresses the importance of living sustainably. Young readers are introduced to the fact that their actions impact the planet, for good or bad, while older readers are asked to More...

These series fall neatly into two groups: introductions to the gathering and processing of forensic evidence from archaeological or crime scenes—and everything else. The latter category contains general surveys of the natural world and collections More...

How does the universe behave? Early on, people sought supernatural, religious, or mythological explanations for what they observed-eventually, and sometimes begrudgingly, discarding these theories and turning to science for explanations and understanding. The discoveries that More...

For the youngest readers, math series are most appealing when they contain a gimmick. Among the hooks this fall are endearing animals adding and subtracting, creating your own adventures while solving math problems, and the More...

Even as our exploration of the high frontier is entering a new, privatized phase, astronomers are discovering additional wonders. Unfortunately, only hints of this scientific ferment are on display in the roundup below. Though bright, More...

The World Health Organization Constitution states that "health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." Proper nutrition, an active lifestyle, and a clear More...

Arts-and-crafts books can inspire hands-on learners to turn pages; encourage children who are all thumbs to glue some googly eyes onto a pompom, and, in a pinch, entertain a classroom on a rainy day. What More...

There are common sports (baseball, basketball, football, etc.) that readers already know a little about. Then there are the unfamiliar sports (extreme surfing, ice dancing, capoeira, etc.) that pique children's interest. This season's bunch of More...

The series in this section explore the craft of writing, genres, online literacy, languages, and grammar. Several books encourage readers to try out different writing strategies and areas. Others show how language allows human beings More...

Americans have a unique national identity. We are confident in our diverse culture, our rule of law, and the social and economic mobility that draws immigrants from countries around the globe. But it can be More...

History lovers have long known that studying the past is about more than just memorizing dates and places. History can be gross and messy, or full of adventures as people move from place to place More...

For a biography to be effective, the information must be engaging, engrossing, and educational. The most enjoyable of them paint a fascinating, clear picture of their subjects while grabbing readers' attention and imparting knowledge. Biographies More...

Series Made Simple, a supplement to School Library Journal, compares nonfiction series in various subject categories. See the articles to find out which series our reviewers found the most valuable this season. More...

Series Made Simple, a supplement to School Library Journal, compares nonfiction series in various subject categories. See the articles below to find out which series our reviewers found the most valuable this season, and back to November 2008. More...

Also in this article:SportsPreschool to Grade 4Grades 5 & UpThe Bottom LineSportsBooks on a wide variety of sports are popular all year round, but some inspire more immediate interest during specific seasons. Librarians can expect More...

Also in this article:MachinesPreschool to Grade 4Grades 5 & UpThe Bottom LineMachinesAn enormous variety of powered vehicles is covered in the 620s. Students can read about almost every kind of transportation available in books that More...

Also in this article:Myths and Other StoriesPreschool to Grade 4Grades 5 & UpThe Bottom LineMyths and Other StoriesLong before the advent of the printed word, myths, legends, and tales of ghosts, goblins, gods, and monsters More...

Also in this article:History Preschool to Grade 4 Grades 5 & Up The Bottom LineHistory Every teacher confronts the question, 'So what?'; Sometimes it is verbal, more often it comes in the form of an More...

Also in this article:EnvironmentPreschool to Grade 4Grades 5 & UpThe Bottom LineEnvironmentHow best to care for the environment is one of today's most controversial issues. How do we maintain a reasonable quality of life while More...

Also in this article:Earth Science & GeographyPreschool to Grade 4Grades 5 & UpThe Bottom LineEarth Science & GeographyRecent earthquakes in Haiti and Chile have brought Earth science to the fore. Children want to know whether More...

Also in this article:BiographyPreschool to Grade 4Grades 5 & UpThe Bottom LineBiographyIn Howard's End, E.M. Forster wrote, 'Only connect!'; How aptly this applies to biographies because connecting with people is, undoubtedly, a crucial part of More...

Also in this article:Current IssuesGrades 5 & UpThe Bottom LineCurrent IssuesIt seems as though there's always something new to worry about, some issue that's so complicated that it's hard to understand. These series, exploring topics More...

Also in this article:Arts & CraftsPreschool to Grade 4Grades 5 & UpThe Bottom LineArts & CraftsA well-designed and well-written how-to book can hook even children who have little interest in the intrinsic rewards of reading. More...

Also in this article:AnimalsPreschool to Grade 4Grades 5 & UpThe Bottom LineAnimalsWhat do amphibians and marsupials have in common? Other than the fact that their young are born before they are fully developed, they are More...

Also in this article:World History - 900Unexplained EncountersWorld History - 900Selecting a world-history series that combines an appropriate amount of information with an appealing presentation can be difficult. However, for libraries in need of new More...

Also in this article:BiographyBiographyFrom ancient Greece to last month's headlines, this selection of biographies and collective biographies covers a huge span in time and distance. Looking for browsable, up-to-the-minute choices on tween stars? Check. How More...

Also in this article:American History - 900American History - 900One of the traditional goals of education has been for students to develop a solid understanding of the past. What is often missing, however, from both More...

Also in this article:Sports - 700Heroes of Court and FieldSports - 700Sports series this season run the gamut from offering the same old basics on popular sports with some new design angles, to covering some More...

Also in this article:Art - 700Lines of ExpressionArt - 700When a kid runs up to you excitedly demanding seven clothespins, two yards of elastic cord, a funnel, tempera paint, and a clean, empty jar, you More...

Also in this article:Pets - 600Pets - 600Today, exotic and strange pets are more common than ever, and these series feature some popular and curious breeds, as well as old friends. Treatments include basic facts More...

Also in this article:Machines - 600Machines - 600Books on huge equipment and machinery, transportation vehicles, and fast cars are perennially popular. Whether they feature ships, planes, trucks, snowmobiles, or tractors, the colorful covers will entice More...

Also in this article:Science Projects - 500Science Projects - 500'Science fair'; is a phrase that often strikes fear in students and their parents. Where do you get an idea? How do you do an experiment? More...

Also in this article:Physical Science - 500Physical Science - 500Kids have so many questions! How do you get electricity from a waterfall? Where does gas come from? What's a rainbow? How's plastic made? The series More...

Also in this article:Life Science - 500Whodunit?Life Science - 500If there's a trend in life science series this season, it seems to be toward the 'extreme.'; In an effort to catch young readers' attention, titles, More...

Also in this article:Health & Safety - 500Health & Safety - 500Developing good safety habits, eating the right foods, and staying fit always have relevance to the lives of young people, and with healthcare and More...

Also in this article:Earth Science - 500Space OdysseyEarth Science - 500There's more to earth science than earthquakes and volcanoes. The best books on the topic strike a balance between exciting descriptions of natural disasters and More...

Also in this article:Environment - 300Environment - 300Environmental issues are currently some of the most publicized aspects of contemporary science. This fall, publishers have responded to the public's interest in green topics, and a slew More...

Also in this article:Environment - 300They Live Where?Environment - 300Green living comes alive in these series for eco-minded students. Books with recycling pigs, hybrid vehicles, and geothermal heat will help kids learn about and advocate More...

Also in this article:Animals - 500Underwater WondersAnimals - 500Every continent on this planet has lost species and is in danger of losing more. While not each one of these series is specifically focused on saving More...

Also in this article:Current Issues - 300Current Issues - 300The issues that dominate the nightly news and the blogosphere can be confusing for adults, but for children and teens, they can be overwhelming. Therefore, books More...

Also in this article:Careers - 300Careers - 300From kindergarten to high school, 'what I want to be when I grow up'; is a topic continually worth exploring, especially in an era when many people are More...

Recently, my daughter brought home her first kindergarten assignment. The homework sheet showed the human tongue, with four taste areas drawn in: bitter, sour, sweet, and salty. Her job was to sketch what she had More...

Architecture of the past, from ancient and mysterious ruins to the landmarks that helped form this country, captures the imaginations of students. Studying these structures not only helps them learn about how buildings of yore More...

Several of this season's sports series are inventive offerings that emphasize a unique angle to a sport or an athlete, rather than the standard how-to-play-the-game approach. Bright photographs and colorful pages enhance narrative texts that More...

Without a fundamental knowledge of language and mathematics, higher-level thinking skills are impossible. Many of the titles listed below can help support the efforts to make our children readers, writers, and, most importantly, thinkers.ANDERSON, Jill. More...

Children's history books of a generation ago are like analog TV. The picture is adequate, but sometimes it is grainy, and the entire setup is rather dull and uninspired. Today's titles, on the other hand, More...

Biographies have such potential. Nothing is more compelling than real life, and the best of these books make readers feel as though that life is happening to a person that they have come to know. More...

Also in this article:The Bottom LineBilingual concept books have been available for some time, and it is easy to guess why; the sparse text in the original English language titles makes it easy to convert More...

Also in this article:Religion - 200Religion - 200For many, religion is a deeply personal issue, one that is knit to a person's intrinsic beliefs about life, death, personal conduct, and what is sacred. While the More...

Also in this article:The Bottom LineWith current events available to students with just the click of a button, it becomes more and more important to make sure that those events are put into historical context. More...

Also in this article:The Bottom LineUneven quality marks this gathering of new titles about life from centuries past. On the one hand, newly fledged readers now have a chance to meet Cleopatra, and middle schoolers More...

Also in this article:American IdolsThe Bottom LineWith the glut of books on American history available today, it can be difficult for publishers to find a way to make their titles stand out from the pack. More...

Also in this article:The Bottom LineParadoxically, it seems that in our sports-obsessed culture more Americans lead sedentary lives than ever before, and obesity, diabetes, and heart disease rates are all on the rise, even among More...

Also in this article:The Bottom LineFollowing instructions is a basic life skill. One of the ways we can encourage children to hone this ability is to offer them an array of attractive, clearly written how-to More...

Also in this article:The Bottom LineThe rising price of a gallon of gas has yet to stifle even adults' interest in cars, motorcycles, trucks and the like; it is likely young readers' fascination will continue More...

Also in this article:A Laboratory Mix-Up: Varied ScienceThe Bottom LineHealth advice can be as simple as 'Wash your hands.'; But beyond learning how to avoid germs, there are overwhelming health and safety issues facing children More...

Children have always loved animal books, since domestic animals are easy to relate to, and the allure of wild, exotic creatures is difficult to resist. The challenge for publishers is to create books that are More...

From the soil they walk on to the stars in the sky, children are surrounded by science. It seems that there is a never-ending supply of science-oriented books that try to capture the wonder of More...

Also in this article:The Bottom LineFrom the eldritch-looking aye-aye to the near-ubiquitous mosquito, the animal world offers a natural continuum that extends to the furthest reaches of our planet. Recognizing the endless fascination that animals More...

Also in this article:The Bottom LinePhysical science covers a lot of territory as the topics in the series listed below will confirm. The varied age levels and contents in these offerings will help to make More...

Also in this article:Dollar Sense: FinanceThe Bottom LineLibraries are stocking a varied selection of books to help students learn and practice their math and problem-solving skills through appealing characters and interesting, real-world scenarios. These series More...

Also in this article:Zigzag through NatureThe Bottom LineThese series present the plant kingdom from a variety of angles. '21st Century Junior Library: Plants'; is pitched at the kinetic learner, as it has little text, no More...

Also in this article:Spineless Wonders: InvertebratesThe Bottom LineWarm-blooded, furry, and generally cute, mammals draw plenty of interest for school assignments, recreational reading, and sometimes just for browsing. These three series attempt to provide material that More...

Also in this article:The Outdoor LifeThe Bottom LineTopics in the life sciences continue to be hot this year. Hardly a week goes by without headlines about stem-cell research and genetic diseases. Research in those areas More...

Also in this article:BFF: Pets and KidsThe Bottom LineWhen it comes to sharks, snakes, dinosaurs, and sea creatures, a cover illustration alone is often enough to capture the interest of young readers. A fish or More...

As science advances, its intersection with humanity takes on ever-greater importance. These series provide the information needed to understand new technological advances while offering a context for how science impacts society's traditions and beliefs. The More...

Manners matter, and character counts, but imparting those lessons to children in an effective, interesting book can be a challenge. An engaging tale is an effective communication tool, but a lecture disguised as a story More...

New national policies and programs to promote conservation measures and the development of alternative energy sources keep environmental issues in the news. The series below introduce past and present champions of such causes, remind students More...

Also in this article:The Bottom LineThe approaches taken by current nonfiction series to tackle social issues-including the use of case studies and personal narratives-are as diverse as the issues themselves. The wide variety of topics More...

Also in this article:The Bottom LineIntroducing students to the world of work often consists of occupation awareness at the primary level, career exploration in middle grades, and professional preparation in high school. Once a dangled More...

In many elementary schools, an annual career day is part of the curriculum, as is a unit on what makes a community, how it functions, and who contributes to it. The "Our Community" and "People More...

Also in this article:The Bottom LineResources in the area of emotional health satisfy student requests for factual information and offer teens the opportunity to responsibly explore issues of personal concern. There's no question that adolescence More...