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. The fact that similar subject matter is covered in several series makes them easy to contrast and compare. There is something for all levels here, whether students are learning introductory language concepts in Raintree’s “Hide and Seek” series or being exposed to research and basic tenants of the Common Core State Standards in PowerKids’s “Core Skills” series. Taken as a whole, the below sets show how words surround us and writing and research helps us explore, organize, and synthesize them.

Preschool-Grade 4

CONNORS, Kathleen. Contractions at the Zoo. ISBN 978-1-4339-7183-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-7186-0. LC 2011050606.
–––– . Homophones at Home. ISBN 978-1-4339-7187-7; ISBN 978-1-4339-7190-7. LC 2011051767.
–––– . Opposites at the Park. ISBN 978-1-4339-7191-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-7194-5. LC 2011051766.
–––– . Punctuation at the Game. ISBN 978-1-4339-7195-2; ISBN 978-1-4339-7198-3. LC 2011052711.
–––– . Rhyming on the Road. ISBN 978-1-4339-7199-0; ISBN 978-1-4339-7202-7. LC 2011051765.
–––– . Synonyms at School. ISBN 978-1-4339-7203-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-7206-4. LC 2011052731.
ea vol: 24p. (Word Play Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2012. PLB $22.60; ebook $22.60.
K-Gr 2–After an introduction to the title concept, these volumes examine word pairings, rhymes, punctuation, etc. in greater detail. Colored boldfaced print identifies the key words throughout the series. Repeated terminology helps readers internalize important ideas. The settings are kid-friendly, and the color photographs feature children at play, animals, and familiar situations. Opposites and Synonyms may be particularly useful for classrooms. Charts at the end of each book reiterate key ideas and the suggested websites include links to online games.

HIGGINS, Nadia. Super Apostrophe Saves the Day! ISBN 978-16147-32655. LC 2012932871.
–––– . Super Comma Saves the Day! ISBN 978-16147-32679. LC 2012932873.
–––– . Super Exclamation Point Saves the Day! ISBN 978-16147-32686. LC 2012932874.
–––– . Super Period Saves the Day! ISBN 978-16147-32709. LC 2012932875.
–––– . Super Question Mark Saves the Day! ISBN 978-16147-32716. LC 2012932876.
–––– . Super Quotation Marks Saves the Day! ISBN 978-16147-32723. LC 2012932877.
LYNETTE, Rachel. Super Colon Saves the Day! ISBN 978-16147-32662. LC 2012932872.
–––– . Super Parentheses Saves the Day! ISBN 978-16147-32693. LC 2012932878.
ea vol: illus. by Mernie Gallagher-Cole. 24p. (PunctuationBooks Series). The Child’s World. 2012. PLB $27.07.
K-Gr 3–The town of Punctuation Junction is filled with punctuation marks doing their jobs and getting along–except for when they don’t. What happens when all the apostrophes float away, or the parentheses decide to add too much information to everyday objects, or the colons go missing? The superhero punctuation marks are called in to save the day, of course. This series stars not only marks such as commas, periods, question marks, and exclamation points, but also the more exotic colons and parentheses. Readers can test their punctuation knowledge at the end of the book with an activity. More information about the punctuation mark can be found at the back of the book. These introductions are not as well done as many extant grammar books, but they may draw in some children with the superhero theme.

NUNN, Daniel. Colors in English. ISBN 978-1-4329-6656-0; ISBN 978-1-4329-6663-8. LC 2011046690.
–––– . Colors in French: Les Couleurs. ISBN 978-1-4329-6651-5; ISBN 978-1-4329-6658-4. LC 2011046542.
–––– . Colors in German: Die Farben. ISBN 978-1-4329-6653-9; ISBN 978-1-4329-6660-7. LC 2011046565.
–––– . Colors in Italian: I Colori. ISBN 978-1-4329-6655-3; ISBN 978-1-4329-6662-1. LC 2011046688.
–––– . Colors in Polish: Kolory. ISBN 978-1-4329-6654-6; ISBN 978-1-4329-6661-4. LC 2011046567.
–––– . Colors in Spanish: Los Colores. ISBN 978-1-4329-6652-2; ISBN 978-1-4329-6659-1. LC 2011046562.
ea vol: 24p. (World Languages: Colors Series). photos. index. CIP. Heinemann. 2012. PLB $21.99; pap. $5.99.
K-Gr 2–Sharp color photographs and simple sentences teach children colors and some basic vocabulary from different languages. The titles all follow the same structure and use the same photographs for each object. Because an English book is also included, children can compare languages and translate with ease. Students can come to this set with no prior knowledge and interact with the texts with or without an adult. The versatility of this series makes it stand out; it’s a strong fit for multi-lingual classrooms or communities. Since the main sentences are only in the title language for every volume, learners are asked to totally immerse themselves in the new vocabulary. An extensive dictionary with rough pronunciation is at the back of each foreign language book as is a note to parents and teachers that briefly explains how each language uses articles.

NUNN, Daniel. In Front of or Behind: Where’s Eddie? ISBN 978-1-4109-4714-7; ISBN 978-1-4109-4720-8. LC 2012000357.
–––– . Inside or Outside: Where’s Eddie? ISBN 978-1-4109-4713-0; ISBN 978-1-4109-4719-2. LC 2012000356.
–––– . Left or Right: Where’s Eddie? ISBN 978-1-4109-4712-3; ISBN 978-1-4109-4718-5. LC 2012000354.
–––– . Near or Far: Where’s Eddie? ISBN 978-1-4109-4715-4; ISBN 978-1-4109-4721-5. LC 2012000359.
–––– . On or Under: Where’s Eddie? ISBN 978-1-4109-4711-6; ISBN 978-1-4109-4717-8. LC 2012003789.
ea vol: illus. by Steve Walker. 24p. (Hide and Seek Series). photos. CIP. Capstone/Raintree. 2012. PLB $24.50; pap. $8.95.
Prek-K–These bright books combine stock photos with a drawing of a cartoon elephant, Eddie, to teach concepts such as near or far, on or under, and left or right. Each title first defines the featured terms (“Under means below something”), then asks readers to find Eddie. For example, in Left or Right, children are asked, “Where is Eddie? Do you see him to the left or the right of the flowers?” A page turn reveals the answer. Final pages contain true or false statements (e.g., “Eddie is under the bed. True or False?”). Answers are located in the back of each book. The concept words are in bold print, making them easy to find. A larger trim size promotes group and shared reading experiences, but because each title follows the same pattern, students can work up to interacting with the books independently. Children will enjoy finding Eddie and the set’s playful humor.

SCHEUNEMANN, Pam. At School: Word Building with Prefixes and Suffixes. ISBN 978-1-61714-969-6; ISBN 978-1-61480-115-3. LC 2010054482.
–––– . At the Party: Word Building with Prefixes and Suffixes. ISBN 978-1-61714-968-9; ISBN 978-1-61480-116-0. LC 2010054485.
–––– . Caring for Pets: Word Building with Prefixes and Suffixes. ISBN 978-1-61714-970-2; ISBN 978-1-61480-117-7. LC 2010054481.
–––– . In the Garden: Word Building with Prefixes and Suffixes. ISBN 978-1-61714-967-2; ISBN 978-1-61480-118-4. LC 2010054483.
–––– . In the Kitchen: Word Building with Prefixes and Suffixes. ISBN 978-1-61714-966-5; ISBN 978-1-61480-119-1. LC 2010054480.
–––– . Playing Sports: Word Building with Prefixes and Suffixes. ISBN 978-1-61714-971-9; ISBN 978-1-61480-120-7. LC 2010054484.
ea vol: 24p. (Word Building Series). photos. glossary. CIP. ABDO. 2012. PLB $25.65; ebook $25.65.
PreS-K–Multiple examples and ways to use new words make this series a strong selection. Each volume opens by defining “word building,” “prefix,” and “suffix” and then moves into constructing words. For example, a spread in School shows how “health” can become “unhealthy” and “healthiest.” Sample sentences appear along alongside color stock photographs. A bright sidebar explains each prefix and suffix as well as grammar rules or more words. A concluding story provides further context for the new language. “Match It Up!” quizzes deliver opportunities for readers to fill (but not write) in the blanks with the correct word choices. Because the same suffixes and prefixes are used in most of the books, picking and choosing individual volumes might be a more economic choice.

STJOHN, Amanda. How a Library Works. ISBN 978-16147-32471. LC 2012932866.
–––– . How an e-Book Works. ISBN 978-16147-32488. LC 2012932867.
–––– . How to Check Out a Book. ISBN 978-16147-32495. LC 2012932864.
–––– . How to Find a Book. ISBN 978-16147-32501. LC 2012932862.
–––– . How to Find Information Online. ISBN 978-16147-32518. LC 2012932865.
–––– . How to Treat a Book. ISBN 978-16147-32525. LC 2012932863.
ea vol: illus. by Bob Ostrom. 24p. (Library Skills Series). further reading. glossary. websites. The Child’s World. 2012. PLB $28.50.
K-Gr 2–Stew Rabbit and Opal Owl love everything about the library, and they enjoy learning about how to find, check out, and take care of books. The titles include up-to-date technology such as self-checkout, downloading e-books, and using online searches for research. Bright cartoon illustrations fill the pages opposite the texts. Glossaries provide definitions of boldfaced words found in the text and use them in sentences. For example, after defining the word, “record,” readers are told, “Opal read the record to see if the book was in the library.” “Tips to Remember!” in each title highlight strategies Stew and Opal use. While the stories err on the cheesy side, they do put real situations into a story context, which works for young readers.

THOMSON, Ruth. Adventure Stories. ISBN 978-1-59771-405-1. LC 2011049893.
–––– . Fairy Tales. ISBN 978-1-59771-406-8. LC 2011049892.
ea vol: 32p. (It’s Fun to Write Series). illus. glossary. CIP. Sea-to-Sea. 2012. PLB $28.50.
Gr 2-4–Each book contains four stories that are used as models. Expressive vignettes accompany the tales. Corresponding activities for aspiring writers to try out follow each example, e.g., in Adventure, readers are asked to rewrite a story from a different character’s point of view. In Fairy Tales, after an abridged version of “Cinderella,” children are encouraged to make up an invitation to an event, modeled after Cinderella’s invitation to the ball. The variety of suggested writing exercises, along with the short model stories that can be read in a single class period, makes this a serviceable series. Back matter includes even more writing ideas and a grammar glossary.

Grades 5 & Up

BODDEN, Valerie. Doing Primary Research. ISBN 978-1-60818-204-6. LC 2011040490.
–––– . Finding Print & Subscription Sources. ISBN 978-1-60818-205-3. LC 2011040491.
–––– . Navigating the Library. ISBN 978-1-60818-206-0. LC 2011040492.
–––– . Using the Internet. ISBN 978-1-60818-207-7. LC 2011040493.
ea vol: illus. by Elwood H. Smith. 48p. (Research for Writing Series). bibliog. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Creative Education. 2012. PLB $35.65.
Gr 8 Up–The how-to-research advice in this series is thoughtful and well-articulated. The titles explain information such as the difference between qualitative and quantitative data, how to evaluate sources (both in print and online), and the importance of reference librarians. However, the design (which is made of blocks of text against white backgrounds) might make sustained reading difficult, especially for struggling readers. Entertaining cartoon illustrations provide some visual relief. Quality selected bibliographies and online resources are listed at the back of each volume. Recommended for writers who have had some experience with the research process.

COLEMAN, Miriam. Cite It: Selecting Credible Sources. chart. ISBN 978-1-4488-7452-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-7679-2. LC 2012005773.
–––– . Find It: Searching for Information. chart. diag. ISBN 978-1-4488-7451-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-7678-5. LC 2012003846.
–––– . Plan It: Conducting Short-Term and Long-Term Research. diags. ISBN 978-1-4488-7450-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-7677-8. LC 2012002141.
–––– . Present It: Understanding Contexts and Audiences. diag. ISBN 978-1-4488-7455-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-7682-2. LC 2012008061.
–––– . Prove It: Gathering Evidence and Integrating Information. diag. ISBN 978-1-4488-7453-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-7680-8. LC 2012006010.
–––– . Share It: Using Digital Tools and Media. ISBN 978-1-4488-7454-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-7681-5. LC 2012007209.
ea vol: 32p. (Core Skills Series). photos. reprods. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2012. PLB $25.25; ebook $25.25.
Gr 4-6–If there ever was an example to not judge books by their covers, this series is it. What looks like a slightly dry set about researching, planning, and presenting is actually a readable and accessible collection. The titles contain everything from descriptions of graphic organizers that can help students arrange their research to how to cite different sources of information. Rather than just telling readers about researching, the series gives lots of examples, putting project possibilities into context. The titles ask and answer important questions, such as “Why Do I Need Evidence?” and “Why Do I Need to Cite?” Cite It and Plan It might be the most helpful of the bunch for students embarking on reports. Captioned colored photographs, reproductions, and diagrams further develop ideas discussed in the text, and useful “Quick Tip” text boxes and resources are sprinkled throughout. The link at the back of each volume leads to up-to-date web resources.

DOEDEN, Matt. Get Your Nose Out of Joint: And Other Medical Expressions. ISBN 978-0-7613-8163-1; ISBN 978-1-4677-0078-8. LC 2011045097.
–––– . Put On Your Thinking Cap: And Other Expressions About School. ISBN 978-0-7613-7891-4; ISBN 978-1-4677-0080-1. LC 2011040792.
–––– . Stick Out Like a Sore Thumb: And Other Expressions About Body Parts. ISBN 978-0-7613-7887-7; ISBN 978-1-4677-0075-7. LC 2011044560.
DONOVAN, Sandy. Keep Your Eye on the Ball: And Other Expressions About Sports. ISBN 978-0-7613-7889-1; ISBN 978-1-4677-0081-8. LC 2011044705.
–––– . Until the Cows Come Home: And Other Expressions About Animals. ISBN 978-0-7613-7890-7; ISBN 978-1-4677-0082-5. LC 2011035429.
HEOS, Bridget. At the Eleventh Hour: And Other Expressions About Money and Numbers. ISBN 978-0-7613-8164-8; ISBN 978-1-4677-0079-5. LC 2011044561.
–––– . Cool as a Cucumber: And Other Expressions About Food. ISBN 978-0-7613-7888-4; ISBN 978-1-4677-0076-4. LC 2011044706.
LARSEN, C. S. All Pooped Out: And Other Gross Expressions. ISBN 978-0-7613-7892-1; ISBN 978-1-4677-0077-1. LC 2011036216.
ea vol: illus. by Aaron Blecha. 32p. (It’s Just an Expression Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Lerner. 2012. PLB $26.60; ebook $19.95.
Gr 4-6–Ever wonder where the phrase “goody two-shoes” comes from or why we say we’re “all pooped out” when we feel tired? This series explores the usage and origin of dozens of well-known and less-familiar idioms. Typically, a spread is devoted to information about each expression. First, the idioms are used in a mini-story context and then elaborated on for meaning. Photographs and cartoon illustrations help further explain the phrases. The pages are well designed, and the texts are lively. Since many of the idioms have mathematical, historical, or scientific connections, this series may be used across curriculums, with plenty of opportunities for writing activities. While further reading is suggested, source notes are not included, making follow-up difficult.

DUNKLEBERGER, Amy. Write a Mystery in 5 Simple Steps. ISBN 978-0-7660-3835-6. LC 2010037618.
LIEURANCE, Suzanne. Write a Romance in 5 Simple Steps. ISBN 978-0-7660-3837-0. LC 2010045044.
LITWIN, Laura Baskes. Write Horror Fiction in 5 Simple Steps. ISBN 978-0-7660-3836-3. LC 2010038776.
MCKAY, Laura Lee. Write Fantasy Fiction in 5 Simple Steps. ISBN 978-0-7660-3834-9. LC 2010037973.
PETERS, Jeffrey Edward. Write a Graphic Novel in 5 Simple Steps. illus. ISBN 978-0-7660-3888-2. LC 2011026954.
SCHUMAN, Michael A. Write Science Fiction in 5 Simple Steps. ISBN 978-0-7660-3844-8. LC 2010045199.
ea vol: 48p. (Creative Writing in 5 Simple Steps Series). further reading. glossary. index. notes. websites. CIP. Enslow. 2012. PLB $23.93.
Gr 5 Up–Quotations and examples from authors such as J.K. Rowling, Christopher Paolini, Stephen King, Stan Lee, and others make this series stand out. Separated into five chapters, each volume begins with a section about inspiration and ends with information about getting published. Lists of contemporary and classic literature, as well as movies, give readers plenty of models to help them create their pieces. The organizational strategies and writing exercises are user-friendly. The books are narrated in such a way that readers are treated like real writers no matter their age. Sidebars tackle additional topics. Unfortunately, there are no illustrations, only the occasional design element. Resources specific to each genre and places for writers to look into publishing are given. The age-level appropriateness varies by title; Romance and Horror contain disclaimers at the top of their recommended genre reading lists.

RINGSTAD, Arnold. The Bizarre Origins of Kangaroo Court and Other Idioms. ISBN 978-16147-32310. LC 2012932807.
–––– . The Compelling Histories of Long Arm of the Law and Other Idioms. ISBN 978-16147-32327. LC 2012932808.
–––– . The Intriguing Sources of Hold Your Horses and Other Idioms. ISBN 978-16147-32334. LC 2012932811.
–––– . The Over-the-Top Histories of Chew the Scenery and Other Idioms. ISBN 978-16147-32341. LC 2012932812.
–––– . The Peculiar Stories Behind Raining Cats and Dogs and Other Idioms. ISBN 978-16147-32358. LC 2012932813.
–––– . The Shocking Stories Behind Lightning in a Bottle and Other Idioms. ISBN 978-16147-32365. LC 2012932809.
–––– . The Thrilling Sources of Push the Envelope and Other Idioms. ISBN 978-16147-32372. LC 2012932814.
–––– . The Unbelievable Origins of Snake Oil and Other Idioms. ISBN 978-16147-32389. LC 2012932810.
ea vol: illus. by Dan McGeehan. 32p. (Idioms Series). The Child’s World. 2012. PLB $29.93.
Gr 4-6–Each idiom in this series is given its own page, which is divided into three sections: meaning, origin (when known), and example sentences to help put the phrases in context (e.g., “Once in a blue moon, Meghan drank a soda with lunch instead of her usual vegetable juice.”). The meanings are clear, and a humorous, literal cartoon drawing illustrates each idiom. For example, the picture corresponding to “burn the candle at both ends” is a candle burning from both ends. The volumes are not organized in any discernible way. Unlike Lerner’s “It’s Just an Expression” series, there is no main theme to tie the phrases together. Readers will not be able to distinguish what information each title contains without opening it up. The lack of back matter further weakens the set.

If you are looking for books that have good back matter, check out Enslow’s “Creative Writing in 5 Simple Steps” for its thorough reading lists, The Child’s World’s “Library Skills”for its context specific glossary, and Sea-to-Sea’s “It’s Fun to Write”for the multitude of writing activities. Raintree’s “Hide and Seek”provides an active reading experience for the preschool set. Prior knowledge may be needed to tackle Creative Education’s thoughtful “Research for Writing.” The best picks of the group are Heinemann’s “World Languages: Colors” for its usability in multilingual classrooms, Enslow’s “Creative Writing in 5 Simple Steps” for its readability factor and strong examples, and Lerner’s“It’s Just an Expression” because of its cross-curricular possibilities. The surprise stand-out is PowerKids’s “Core Skill”; it’s chock-full of applicable and approachable information on subjects that could easily be stale and boring.