staff
2,367 Articles
Last 30 days
Last 6 months
Last 12 months
Last 24 months
Specific Dates
From:
To:
Traditional Stories of the California Nations
Those seeking in-depth information would do better to look elsewhere.
Each book provides information about the Native American tribes of the region, retells several traditional stories, and quotes contemporary Native storytellers discussing the tradition. Color photos and maps break up the accessible texts; researchers may find the writing prompts and links in this Common Core focused series distracting. There are four other fall 2017 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind.
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 Photographs of the modern-day locations, historical documents, maps, and paintings enhance the texts, which detail each individual's voyages, his place in the age of exploration, and broader historical context.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.
Mysteries of the Egyptian Pyramids
An additional purchase for large collections.
Each book in this series looks at a different ancient city or monument and explores unanswered questions about its construction and uses. Both historical and modern views are provided, with differences explained by recent research and technology. Plentiful photographs and illustrations bring the sites to life. "Dig Deep!" and "Myth Alert!" sidebars provide additional interesting context and detail. Reading list, timeline, websites. 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.
Are You Psychic?: Facts, Trivia, and Quizzes
This series is going to be very popular in middle school libraries.
These informative volumes about personality, dreams, and memory each begin with a chapter on previous beliefs and theories, followed by five or six chapters outlining current knowledge on the topic. Frequent photographs and line drawings accompany the plentiful quizzes and entertaining activities throughout, which let kids challenge themselves. A concluding activity to try with friends and family is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Dimes
Ideal for educators as well as those curious about money.
While the books are superficial piecemeal, collectively this series could enhance children's basic understanding of money and build an appreciation for America's monetary system. Each book provides just the slightest information on the currency's history, manufacturing, honoree(s), design, and security features. The accompanying photographs include close-ups of discussed features. There are six other fall 2017 books in this series. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
