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Engineer It! Bridge Projects
Consider Skyscraper and select the other titles as needed.
This series clearly explains engineering principles through hands-on projects. Six-page introductions define each engineered structure, briefly describing its construction, uses, and different types. Five or six activities follow, and "Digging Deeper" sidebars expand on the science involved. Simple directions, inexpensive materials lists, and plenty of helpful photographs make this series a good choice for budding engineers. Each book concludes with a three-question quiz. Glos.
A Journey with Christopher Columbus
These are first-rate research materials presented with much care for reluctant readers.
These introductory texts emphasize primary sources in the telling of history. Photographs of the modern-day locations, historical documents, maps, and paintings enhance the texts, which detail each individual's voyages, his place in the age of exploration, and broader historical context. Frequent questions encourage readers to make modern connections and question the morality of the explorer's choices. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
Make It Yourself! Paper Pop-Up Art
The stellar titles in this attractive series are Comics & Graphic Novels and Paper Pop-Up Art, while the projects in Bots & Circuits are hard to follow and are found in other books.
This series centered on makerspaces should give middle-grade makers, crafters, and hobbyists fresh ideas to spark their creative imaginations. Framed with a boilerplate introduction to makerspaces and standard safety messages and materials lists, each volume offers stepped project directions illustrated with clear photos; useful "tip" sidebars appear throughout. Younger crafters may need some adult help, but they'll be motivated. Glos., ind.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Not recommended.
These starter biographies have fact-driven texts illustrated with uncaptioned photos (or historical art in [cf2]Washington[cf1]). The choppy writing is easy to read, but the volumes provide little in the way of substantive background about these First Ladies. Appended lists of quick stats and key dates may be helpful when writing reports. Glos., ind.
Crayola Fall Colors
A fine choice that encourages readers to both explore their creativity and learn about artistic terms and colors in nature. Useful for primary elementary collections and medium to large public libraries.
While ostensibly introducing young kids to seasons and the colors observable during each, this series' obvious marketing makes it more of an advertising campaign for the familiar crayon brand. Each volume contains vibrant, seasonal photos with a simple descriptive text. Young children might enjoy looking for all the (Crayola-brand) colors identified in the appended guide. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Maps: What You Need To Know
An eye-catching selection, this will introduce a variety of basic topics to young readers.
These books are cursory introductions to the topics of civics and economics. [cf2]Government[cf1] outlines the basic functions of American government and how its three branches operate. [cf2]Money[cf1] describes the role currency plays in American culture, briefly touching on supply and demand, interest, and savings. Informative sidebars and charts, stock photographs, and appended critical thinking questions provide additional context. Reading list. Glos., ind.
From Cocoa Beans to Chocolate
A clever triple-dip into agriculture concepts, career awareness, and ELA sequencing skills for younger elementary students.
In each book, a child prepares to eat something but first learns how the food is produced by being transported to various places involved. The second-person texts cover countries of origin, growing and harvesting conditions, and processing details. Simple, engaging illustrations featuring a diverse cast of kids will appeal to young readers. Reading list, websites. Glos.
Bright and Happy Room: DIY Projects for a Fun Bedroom
Win over avid accessorizers with this series.
These volumes contain affordable and straightforward-seeming bedroom-makeover craft projects--such as a driftwood jewelry hanger ([cf2]Glam[cf1]) and washi tape frames ([cf2]Bright[cf1])--designed to "help you develop your own personal style and make your room into a...space that celebrates you." DIY-ers, particularly those with girly-girl tastes, are likely to find inspiration in the colorful, cleanly designed pages.
Chief Joseph
An additional selection for libraries serving primary grades.
These starter biographies offer brief descriptions (with one to three sentences per page) about important Native American figures; historical art and photos as well as contemporary scenic photos accompany the sparse texts. Only very cursory details about each subject is offered, but the series may serve as an adequate introduction for younger readers. Lists of quick stats and key dates are appended. Glos., ind.
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