Reviews

Each presentation covers appearance, habitat, skill, and traits for its subject while also comparing and contrasting the focal animal with other mammals by text, photos, and charts. Some comparisons seem natural (similar-looking African elephants and white rhinos); some surprisingly revealing (both sperm whales and vampire bats use echolocation); some random, without relevant comparative features (grizzly bears and titi monkeys). Reading list, websites. Bib., glos, ind. Review covers the following Comparing Animal Traits titles: African Elephants, Gray Wolves, Grizzly Bears, Humpback Whales, Mountain Gorillas, Platypuses, Siberian Tigers, and Vampire BAts.

In this useful series, the orderly stages in working through a middle-school research project are covered, with many examples to clarify the process for beginners. From narrowing a topic, forming a thesis, judging relevant and trustworthy sources, and understanding advertising bias to avoiding plagiarism in writing the final report, common student concerns are addressed. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following Info Wise titles: Analyze and Define the Assignment, Assess and Select Your Sources, Identify and Evaluate Advertising, Research and Synthesize Your Facts, and Write and Revise Your Project.

Clear organization helps make fairly dense content accessible. Four sections (e.g., "Milestones in Motion") begin with a pictorial timeline of selected milestones, such as Newton's 1687 laws of motion, followed by illustrated text that expounds on these milestones. The selections are generally sound, though somewhat limited, and the prose undistinguished. A suggested activity lacks sufficient background. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.