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Crack the Pirate Code
Consider only where there are fervent fans of pirates.
O'Donnell provides basic insights into the world of piracy. [cf2]Code[cf1] discusses how pirates lived by a code and also covers the rules and punishments--including the means of inflicting death--used when crewmembers disobeyed. [cf2]Gear[cf1] touches on types of ships, weapons, ropes, sails, and navigational instruments necessary for operation on the high seas. Colorful illustrations enhance the abbreviated texts. Reading list. Glos., ind.
Engineering Mount Rushmore
A good choice for tweens interested in a mix of history, engineering, and geography.
Each book in this engaging engineering-focused series describes the history and construction of a famous structure, and explains how the landmark is maintained today. Sidebars (some with prompts and website links) as well as photographs, drawings, and diagrams enhance each main text's four chapters. Each book includes "Straight to the Source" pages quoting a primary source, discussion questions throughout, and additional appended facts. There are four other fall 2017 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind.
3-D Printers
A must-have addition for collections exploring the maker movement and STEM topics or with a special interest in engineering.
The high-tech vehicles and equipment discussed in these brief introductory texts are still being developed, though some are operational today. Each book briefly traces the technology's history, current uses, and future possibilities and risks in clearly written text. Unfortunately, the books' layouts are boxy and boring, with full-color stock photographs and sometimes unclear infographics that add little to the content. Timeline. Glos., ind.
Asteroids & Meteoroids
This series will circulate best in libraries in need of astronomy materials for younger elementary students.
The formation and makeup of objects in the solar system are simplistically addressed in brief sentences that do little to explain the often complicated concepts they contain. Five to eight words are repeated throughout each book and poorly defined in a glossary; some words and concepts ([cf2]gravity[cf1], [cf2]orbit[cf1]) repeat across volumes. Eye-catching images of stars and planets dominate the clean layouts. Glos., ind.
The Amazing Lewis and Clark Expedition
The readable text makes this series, with the exception of The Amazing Lewis and Clark Expedition, a serviceable addition to public and school libraries.
Blashfield offers readers a cursory introduction to this important event in American history. The overview describes Lewis and Clark's expedition from St. Louis to the Pacific, including encounters with Native American groups and the value of Sacagawea to the trip's success. The brief, readable text is enhanced with informative sidebars, maps, stock photographs, paintings, and appended critical thinking questions. Reading list. Glos., ind.
Mysterious UFOs and Aliens
Purchase where elementary collections are lacking paranormal subject matter that covers a range of ages and reading abilities.
Chilling paranormal tales abound in this series. Each volume focuses on a specific type of paranormal activity and provides accounts from throughout history. The texts wisely ground the series in science by including debunkings and realistic explanations for the stories. Illustrations and photographs accompany the text on each page and help set the spooky mood. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Alabama
This readable set will have students ready to travel; consider for browsers and/or those tasked with a short report.
This series guides readers on a road trip through each state, unrealistically crisscrossing it to visit important locales. Maps and photographs catalog a cartoon family's visits to natural, industrial, and historical sites such as the Grand Canyon, Independence Hall, state capitals, etc. State facts (symbols, song, flag, etc.) are appended, plus a brief content quiz. There are forty-five other fall 2017 books in this series. 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.
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