Preschool-Grade 4

BULLARD, Lisa. Caleb’s Hanukkah. illus. by Constanza Basaluzzo. ISBN 978-0-7613-5077-4; ISBN 978-0-7613-8587-5; ISBN 978-1-4677-0119-8. LC 2011051539.
–––– . Carter’s Christmas. illus. by Katie Saunders. ISBN 978-0-7613-5074-3; ISBN 978-0-7613-8584-4; ISBN 978-1-4677-0120-4. LC 2011046172.
–––– . Daniela’s Day of the Dead. illus. by Holli Conger. ISBN 978-0-7613-5084-2; ISBN 978-0-7613-8585-1; ISBN 978-1-4677-0121-1. LC 2012000537.
–––– . Grace’s Thanksgiving. illus. by Katie Saunders. ISBN 978-0-7613-5076-7; ISBN 978-0-7613-8589-9; ISBN 978-1-4677-0122-8. LC 2011048493.
–––– . Hailey’s Halloween. illus. by Holli Conger. ISBN 978-0-7613-5083-5; ISBN 978-0-7613-8586-8; ISBN 978-1-4677-0123-5. LC 2011046171.
–––– . Kevin’s Kwanzaa. illus. by Constanza Basaluzzo. ISBN 978-0-7613-5075-0; ISBN 978-0-7613-8588-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-0124-2. LC 2011044857.
ea vol: 24p. (Cloverleaf Books: Fall and Winter Holidays Series). further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Millbrook. 2012. PLB $23.93; pap. $6.95; ebook $17.95.
K-Gr 2– Fictional children describe family celebrations in these volumes that are suitable for either individual or group reading. In each title, short chapters have double-page layouts that showcase preparations, discuss the featured event’s history and origins, and describe how the narrator’s family celebrates it. Religious aspects are covered in a general way that emphasizes history and tradition. Paragraph-length sidebars provide supplemental details. All the cartoon illustrations are nicely done, with bright colors and animated characters–although those drawn by Saunders are the most engaging. The books conclude with instructions for a simple craft or recipe. Appealing selections.

GREVE, Meg. Friends. ISBN 978-1-61810-129-7; ISBN 978-1-61810-262-1. LC 2011945273.
–––– . Integrity. ISBN 978-1-61810-137-2; ISBN 978-1-61810-270-6. LC 20119
45282.
HICKS, Kelli L. Honesty. ISBN 978-1-61810-132-7; ISBN 978-1-61810-265-2. LC 2011945276.
–––– . Responsibility. ISBN 978-1-61810-130-3; ISBN 978-1-61810-263-8. LC 2011945274.
REED, Cristie. Look on the Bright Side. ISBN 978-1-61810-136-5; ISBN 978-1-61810-269-0. LC 2011945281.
–––– . Problem Solving. ISBN 978-1-61810-133-4; ISBN 978-1-61810-266-9. LC 2011945278.
STEINKRAUS, Kyla. Let’s Work Together. ISBN 978-1-61810-135-8; ISBN 978-1-61810-268-3. LC 2011945278.
–––– . May I Please? ISBN 978-1-61810-138-9; ISBN 978-1-61810-271-3. LC 2011945283.
WILLIAMS, Sam. Are You a Bully? ISBN 978-1-61810-134-1; ISBN 978-1-61810-267-6. LC 2011945279.
–––– . Sharing. ISBN 978-1-61810-131-0; ISBN 978-1-61810-264-5. LC 20119
45275.
ea vol: 24p. (Little World Social Skills Series). illus. photos. glossary. index. websites. Rourke. 2012. PLB $22.79; pap. $7.95.
K-Gr 2–Full-page color photos of a diverse group of adorable kids are the most appealing element of this series, which helps early readers learn about building character and social skills. The books’ word counts range from around 70 to a little over 250 words each, and the layouts (which typically have a sentence or two on the left and the photo on the right) are clean and easy to read. Some titles, such as Integrity and Honesty, define concepts and describe the associated behaviors. Others, such as Sharing and Friends, focus on suggestions for developing social skills. Dialogue bubbles voiced by cartoon creatures ask questions or suggest behaviors. The depicted social scenarios are age-appropriate. Most titles include activity pages with quizzes, exercises, or actions readers can practice. The content in this set is standard fare, but the titles are so attractive that they will draw an audience.

HALL, Pamela. A Bully-Free Bus. ISBN 978-1-61641-844-1; ISBN 978-1-61478-846-1. LC 2011038551.
–––– . A Bully-Free Party. ISBN 978-1-61641-845-8; ISBN 978-1-61478-847-8. LC 2011038552.
–––– . A Bully-Free Playground. ISBN 978-1-61641-846-5; ISBN 978-1-61478-848-5. LC 2011038553.
–––– . A Bully-Free School . ISBN 978-1-61641-847-2; ISBN 978-1-61478-849-2. LC 2011038554.
–––– . Making a Bull-Free World. ISBN 978-1-61641-848-9; ISBN 978-1-61478-850-8. LC 2011038555.
–––– . Staying Bully-Free Online. ISBN 978-1-61641-849-6; ISBN 978-1-61478-851-5. LC 2011038556.
ea vol: illus. by Bob Ostrom. 24p. (A Bully-Free World Series). glossary. websites. CIP. ABDO/Magic Wagon. 2012. PLB $27.07; ebook $27.07.
Gr 1-3–Brief chapters present bullying scenarios and tell beginning readers how to diffuse or resolve them. Situations (including name calling, hitting, rumor spreading, and online cruelty) are realistic and age-appropriate for the intended audience. The same “Bully Test” is included at the end of each book to help students become aware of and avoid bullying behavior. Ostrom’s vividly colored cartoon-style illustrations depict a diverse group of children engaged in the scenarios and they add to the appeal of the books. This set will help readers understand what bullying is and why it is so hurtful, and offer them workable solutions to cope with it. These titles are helpful for individual use, but they are also suitable for classrooms, making them strong choices for primary-grade libraries.

INGALLS, Ann. Basic Manners. ISBN 978-16147-32235. LC 2012932440.
–––– . Being a Good Guest. ISBN 978-16147-32242. LC 2012932439.
–––– . Good Manners at School. ISBN 978-16147-32259. LC 2012932441.
–––– . Good Manners During Special Occasions. ISBN 978-16147-32297. LC 2012932442.
–––– . Good Manners in Public. ISBN 978-16147-32266. LC 2012932470.
–––– . Good Manners on the Phone. ISBN 978-16147-32280. LC 2012932471.
–––– . Good Manners with Family. ISBN 978-16147-32273. LC 2012932472.
–––– . Good Table Manners. ISBN 978-16147-32303. LC 2012932469.
ea vol: illus. by Ronnie Rooney. 24p. (Good Manners Series). further reading. glossary. index. websites. The Child’s World. 2012. PLB $27.07.
K-Gr 3–Bright double-page sections combine advice about politeness with large, often full-page illustrations. Ingalls emphasizes that manners are based upon respect and consideration for others, and her suggestions for developing good habits are clear and understandable. Occasional jokes and humorous suggestions enliven the text and are age-appropriate. Most of Rooney’s colorful cartoons depict a diverse group of kids doing the proper thing, but a few show examples of selfish or unmannerly behavior. “Did You Know?” factoids provide additional information or tell readers about customs in other countries. Brief glossaries define terms and use them in sentences; a “Quick Quiz” at the end of each book reinforces main points. These titles are suited for a number of educational settings as well as for individual reading, making them strong choices for emerging readers.

Grades 5 & Up

BAILEY, Diane. The Future of Communication. ISBN 978-1-60818-221-3. LC 2011040506.
–––– . The Future of Space Exploration. ISBN 978-1-60818-223-7. LC 2011040508.
–––– . The Future of Warfare. ISBN 978-1-60818-225-1. LC 2011040510.
DITTMER, Lori. The Future of Architecture. ISBN 978-1-60818-220-6. LC 2011040503.
–––– . The Future of Medicine. ISBN 978-1-60818-222-0. LC 2011040507.
–––– . The Future of Transportation. ISBN 978-1-60818-224-4. LC 2011040509.
ea vol: 48p. (What’s Next? Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Creative Education. 2012. PLB $35.65.
Gr 5-9–While the books in this series do eventually get around to the possible futures of important segments of modern civilization, they open with fairly lengthy overviews of each topic’s history and significance. They then discuss how past progress and trends in current technology and research might affect innovation and make plausible and realistic predictions. Authors also objectively address the ethical, social, and environmental issues that will accompany those future developments. Texts are supplemented by large, well-captioned color photos and reproductions and brief sidebars about related topics. These volumes are informative and well written, but given the many extant titles about the topics, they are best suited as additional purchases for report writing.

BARBER, Nicola. Fighting Poverty. ISBN 978-1-4329-6385-9; ISBN 978-1-4329-6392-7. LC 2012000586.
GOGERLY, Liz. Caring for Animals. ISBN 978-1-4329-6384-2; ISBN 978-1-4329-6391-0. LC 2012000580.
LANGLEY, Andrew. Saving the Environment. ISBN 978-1-4329-6389-7; ISBN 978-1-4329-6396-5. LC 2012000691.
ROONEY, Anne. Responding to Emergencies. chron. ISBN 978-1-4329-6388-0; ISBN 978-1-4329-6395-8. LC 2012000690.
SENKER, Cath. Improving Healthcare. ISBN 978-1-4329-6386-6; ISBN 978-1-4329-6393-4. LC 2012000687.
SPILSBURY, Louise. Protecting and Caring for Children. chron. ISBN 978-1-4329-6387-3; ISBN 978-1-4329-6394-1. LC 2012000688.
ea vol: 64p. (Charities in Action Series). photos. further reading. charts. maps. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Heinemann. 2012. PLB $35; pap. $9.99.
Gr 6-9–This series highlights the work of international charitable organizations and encourages students to become personally involved in altruistic endeavors. Chapters describe why tragedies such as poverty, endangered animals, and sickness exist, and the authors use the stories of aid workers and the recipients of help and other primary sources to illustrate the positive impacts organizations have. Authors have admiration for the groups they profile and emphasize the importance of continuing financial and volunteer support for them. Captioned color photos and charts supplement the text, while sidebars profile individuals and feature anecdotes and additional facts. Contact information for aid organizations can be found at the end of each title. Readers interested in volunteer work will be able to find most of this information elsewhere.

CARLSON, Janet F. Personality and Abnormal Psychology. 148p. ISBN 978-0-8160-8287-2; ISBN 978-1-4381-4147-3.
HAKALA, Christopher M & Bernard C. Beins. Learning and Thinking. 128p. ISBN 978-0-8160-8284-1; ISBN 978-1-4381-4145-9.
HOLMES, Jeffrey D. & Sheila K. Singh. Social Psychology. 122p. ISBN 978-0-8160-8283-4; ISBN 978-1-4381-4148-0.
KEITH, Kenneth D. History, Perspectives, and Applications. 158p. ISBN 978-0-8160-8281-0; ISBN 978-1-4381-4144-2.
SHELLEY-SIRECI, Lynn M. Developmental Psychology. 158p. ISBN 978-0-8160-8282-7; ISBN 978-1-4381-4143-5.
ea vol: (Student Handbook to Psychology Series). charts. diags. photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Facts On File. 2012. PLB $50; ebook $50.
Gr 9 Up–Written by academic experts, these exceptional introductions to psychology all share an objective, conversational style that is readable and makes even difficult concepts accessible to teens. The books are logically arranged, with overviews of each subfield’s history, background, landmark research and scholarship, and current status, as well as numerous real-life examples and summaries of research results. Sidebars add information about case studies, research and measurement methods, and other related topics. Illustrations include charts, graphs, diagrams, and photos. These superior sources for either beginning or advanced researchers will help students understand the discipline of psychology, and they are well written enough to hold the attention of interested general readers. They merit inclusion in all secondary collections.

CONNOLLY, Sean. Communism. reprods. ISBN 978-1-59920-802-2. LC 2011050893.
–––– . Democracy. map. ISBN 978-1-59920-803-9. LC 2011040096.
–––– . Dictatorship. reprods. ISBN 978-1-59920-804-6. LC 2011048317.
–––– . Monarchy. reprods. ISBN 978-1-59920-805-3. LC 2011040092.
–––– . Theocracy. reprods. ISBN 978-1-59920-806-0. LC 2012000152.
ea vol: 48p. (Systems of Government Series). photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Smart Apple Media. 2012. PLB $35.65.
Gr 6-9–In these volumes published simultaneously for a British and American audience, Connolly objectively defines types of government and centers on contemporary examples from around the world to describe how they work and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. That focus limits inclusion of background information that would help students understand the origins and evolution of the systems, and the books are likely to become dated quickly. Brief chapters include numerous sidebars, time lines, primary-source excerpts, and guiding questions to encourage student thought. Examples and captioned photos and illustrations highlight more British and Commonwealth countries than titles published solely for an American audience. This set lacks enough detail to be useful for reports.

COVALESKI, John. Hacking. ISBN 978-1-60152-268-9. LC 2012014159.
PARKS, Peggy J. Cyberbullying. ISBN 978-1-60152-262-7. LC 2011047780.
–––– . Cyberwarfare. ISBN 978-1-60152-264-1. LC 2012020131.
–––– . The Digital Divide. ISBN 978-1-60152-266-5. LC 2012021782.
–––– . Online Addiction. ISBN 978-1-60152-270-2. LC 2012014191.
ea vol: 96p. (Compact Research: The Internet Series). charts. photos. chron. further reading. index. notes. websites. CIP. ReferencePoint. 2012. PLB $27.95.
Gr 9 Up–Designed as research sources, these titles begin with introductory overviews, followed by four chapters that each pose and answer an important question about the topic. Three chapters explore the issue in depth, and the final chapter describes possible solutions or future implications. Each section has three parts: a clearly written and objective description that includes background information and examples taken from current events or real-life situations; a selection of primary-source quotations that encompass a variety of viewpoints; and a data section with statistics, charts, and graphs. A few average-quality photos plus lists of people and organizations and detailed source notes supplement the texts. These books will help student researchers, but the writing is occasionally dry and, given the rapidity of technological change, they are likely to date quickly. An additional purchase based upon the need for report materials.

DESETTA, Al, ed. Pressure: True Stories by Teens About Stress. 165p. ISBN 978-1-57542-412-5. LC 2012013824.
LONGHINE, Laura, ed. Rage: True Stories by Teens About Anger. 165p. ISBN 978-1-57542-414-9. LC 2012016889.
VANDERBERG, Hope, ed. Vicious: True Stories by Teens About Bullying. 167p. ISBN 978-1-57542-413-2. LC 2012015908.
ea vol: (Real Teen Voices Series). index. CIP. Free Spirit. 2012. pap. $11.99.
Gr 8 Up–Teens from New York-based Youth Communication pen autobiographical essays about their struggles with bullies, anger about bad home situations and unfair treatment, and pressure to conform or be successful. While not graphic or overly profane, their well-written stories are often harrowing to read, with frank accounts of abuse, neglect, sexuality, and crushing loneliness. Vicious is the darkest of the three, focusing on the destructive results of cruelty. In contrast, what is most striking about Rage and Pressure is the teens’ resilience as they seek aid, learn coping strategies, or find outlets for self-expression. Introductions and concluding sections provide general information and resources. Teens will identify with the writers, discover that their own problems are not unique, and be encouraged to find help, making these titles, particularly Rage and Pressure, solid choices.

DOEDEN, Matt. Health Smarts: How to Eat Right, Stay Fit, Make Positive Choices, and More. ISBN 978-0-7613-7023-9; ISBN 978-1-4677-0157-0. LC 2011041280.
–––– . Safety Smarts: How to Manage Threats, Protect Yourself, Get Help, and More. ISBN 978-0-7613-7022-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-0156-3. LC 2011044268.
DONOVAN, Sandy. Communication Smarts: How to Express Yourself Best in Conversations, Texts, E-mails, and More. ISBN 978-0-7613-7024-6; ISBN 978-1-4677-0158-7. LC 2011044269.
–––– . Volunteering Smarts: How to Find Opportunities, Create a Positive Experience, and More. ISBN 978-0-7613-7021-5; ISBN 978-1-4677-0155-6. LC 2011044265.
ea vol: 64p. (USA TODAY Teen Wise Guides: Lifestyle Choices Series). charts. photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. 21st Century Bks. 2012. PLB $31.93; ebook $23.95.
Gr 8 Up–This subset in the “USA Today Teen Wise Guides” series provides suggestions and strategies to help young adults stay safe or improve life skills. Both authors use friendly, conversational styles, resulting in narratives that are straightforward and readable, with key facts and tips highlighted so readers can easily find the main points. Reprints of articles and graphs from the pages of USA Today reinforce main ideas or provide additional information. Health and Safety offer standard tips readily available in many other formats and preexisting sets. The topics fall into the “for-your-own-good” category, making teen interest unlikely. Communication and Volunteering cover topics not always addressed in classes and could be useful investments.

HILL, Z. B. Asians. map. ISBN 978-1-4222-2463-2; ISBN 978-1-4222-9336-2.
PALMER, Bill. Jews. ISBN 978-1-4222-2466-3; ISBN 978-1-4222-9339-3.
SEBA, Jaime. Blacks. ISBN 978-1-4222-2464-9; ISBN 978-1-4222-9337-9.
–––– . The LGBT Community. ISBN 978-1-4222-2467-0; ISBN 978-1-4222-9340-9.
ea vol: 64p. (Gallup Guides for Youth Facing Persistent Prejudice Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. websites. Mason Crest. 2012. PLB $22.95; ebook $28.95.
Gr 5-8–Each volume opens with a chapter that defines prejudice, stereotypes, and racism with examples. The second chapters discuss the history of prejudice against the groups of people, followed by chapters containing first-person accounts from victims. The concluding sections tell readers how to combat prejudice in themselves and others. Captioned photos and sidebars supplement the texts. The titles have a cookie-cutter feel, with all four sharing almost identical first and last chapters. There are also some content weaknesses: Jews doesn’t even wade into the complicated historical and contemporary relationship between Islam and Judaism, and LGBT presents a highly controversial claim of the early Christian church officially blessing gay marriage as an established fact. These factors limit effectiveness, and the books do not stand out in a crowded field.

LITTLEWOOD, Peter. Endangered Species. ISBN 978-1-59920-507-6. LC 2011017064.
–––– . Rain Forest Destruction. ISBN 978-1-59920-512-0. LC 2011017067.
OXLADE, Chris. Global Warming. charts. ISBN 978-1-59920-508-3. LC 2011017065.
ROONEY, Anne. Infectious Diseases. charts. reprods. ISBN 978-1-59920-510-6. LC 2011000249.
SENKER, Cath. Immigrants and Refugees. charts. ISBN 978-1-59920-509-0. LC 201000248.
–––– . Poverty and Hunger. charts. ISBN 978-1-59920-511-3. LC 2011017066.
ea vol: 48p. (Mapping Global Issues Series). maps. photos. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. websites. Smart Apple Media. 2012. PLB $35.65.
Gr 6-9–Colorful layouts with numerous maps and graphs dominate this series, which provides an international perspective on important issues. Brief chapters frame problems, discuss their causes, and suggest possible solutions, using maps to illustrate the locations and extent of threats. Large color photos, sidebars, and “Case Study” text boxes augment the main texts, but documentation is sparse. The titles are written from an activist standpoint, but most devote a decent amount of space to opposing viewpoints. The exception is Global, which includes extreme forecasts about rising sea levels and gives skeptical viewpoints about the changing climate only a few paragraphs before concluding that “we must mitigate to reduce global warming.” These titles’ map-centered focus will help readers improve reading and thinking skills, and, with the exception of Global, provide sufficient coverage and objective analysis. However, most of these topics have received such wide exposure that these books will be additional purchases for many libraries.

Many of the topics in these series have received wide coverage in extant titles. The best of the group is Facts On File’s “Student Handbook to Psychology,” which is so well written and informative that it merits inclusion in all secondary libraries. ABDO’s “A Bully-Free World,” Millbrook’s “Cloverleaf Books: Fall and Winter Holidays,” The Child’s World’s “Good Manners,” Rourke’s “Little World Social Skills,” and Free Spirit’s “Real Teen Voices” are informative takes on frequently covered or high-interest topics that are good choices for libraries that need new or replacement materials. Others, such as Heinemann’s “Charities in Action,” Creative Education’s “What’s Next?” Twenty-First Century’s “USA TODAY Teen Wise Guides: Lifestyle Choices,” and Smart Apple’s “Mapping Global Issues” are generally well written, but either discuss subjects that will have little audience appeal or fail to find a distinguishing new perspective, making them additional to most collections. Smart Apple’s “Systems of Government” and Mason Crest’s “Gallup Guides for Youth Facing Persistent Prejudice” have flaws that limit their effectiveness.