Reviews+

Eight endangered species and nine unusual animals are briefly profiled in these overviews. Each two-page chapter provides a limited introduction to a creature and is supported by beginning scientific vocabulary (defined on the page), a large close-up photo, and a fact box. Budding naturalists will enjoy browsing but will need to look elsewhere for depth. Common Core–related questions and range maps are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these First Facts: All About Animals titles: The Most Endangered Animals in the World and The Strangest Animals in the World.

Clear double-page spreads feature a variety of visual elements including charts, graphs, and maps; reproduced photographs and documents; and sidebars with critical-thinking questions. The series purports to promote the importance of primary source material, though the direct quotes in red font are injected rather unnaturally into the narratives. Still, these are adequate starting points for American history research. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Fact Finders: Primary Source History titles: A Primary Source History of U.S. Independence and A Primary Source History of Slavery in the United States.