Series Made Simple

Gr 5—8—Though these books provide more information about their subjects than the other celebrity biography series on this list (there is a discussion of each star's childhood, rise to fame, and accomplishments), the information is not always conveyed clearly, and can sometimes be too casual—a discussion of pop music in Miley Cyrus, for example, statesj , "…when it's hot, it's HOT!" Also, quotes from sources such as the Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal are used and there is a bibliography, but citations are not given...

Gr 5—8—Those who choose to mix epoxy instead of watercolors and feel more comfortable in a hardware store than an art store are the target audience for this series...

Gr 4—7—In this examination of a mix of characters from pop-culture, folklore, and history, vague phrasing allows for misinterpretation...

Gr 1—2—Written in shorter sentences than the publisher's 2010 "Let's Visit" series but comparable in reading level, this random gathering of country profiles offers information such as "The French eat bread with their meals" and "Cooking varies from one area of Spain to another...

Gr 5—8—Scientific theories and laws are thoroughly defined and put into context with plenty of background and historical knowledge...

Gr 1—3—This series covers some kid favorites and the pictures pop off its glossy pages, but it has no further appeal...

K-Gr 2—These introductions present mammals that are generally active at night, with short comments on their habitats, feeding habits, defenses, birth and growth of young, and average lifespan for creatures that successfully "stay safe...

Gr 3—6—This series is sure to be as popular as the subjects themselves...

Gr 6—8—Like the "How They Made Things Work!" series above, this one tackles innovations from ancient cultures, but here they are grouped together by type rather than by area or period...