Series Made Simple

These books explore natural disasters in short passages of attention-grabbing (if sensationalized like the series title) text illustrated with colorful photographs and digital renderings. Misleading terminology and some unclear illustrations may lead to confusion. Each volume is similarly organized, with final spreads dedicated to speculation about future natural disasters and interesting related facts. Timeline. Ind.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.