As Spring unleashes its many shades of green, and some of us begin thinking about bringing the book from the couch to the porch swing in anticipation of the changing seasons, we once again feel the power of looking around, digging deeper into what surrounds us—both near and far—and seeing what there is to discover. The books in this season’s Series Made Simple are here to support young readers and the librarians and educators who help them as they make this seasonal transition.

These titles are united in their theme of investigation, and there’s loads to examine and absorb. Whether it is learning about hip-hop artists or activists, the pets of U.S. Presidents, or the important work of animals in the military, there is something here for every reader. Students can travel to places like the Bermuda Triangle or Atlantis, uncover important elements of civil rights movements, and unearth ideas for sustainable energy and ways to help with the climate crisis. Topics range from the evolution of technology in video games or phones to stories of ghost ships or haunted dolls—healthy offerings for those who are champions of armchair exploration and those who are ready to don their mud boots and head outside this spring.

It is curiosity that keeps us moving forward, both in our communities and in our collections. We hope that this Series Made Simple edition helps libraries support readers’ drive to inquire, scrutinize, and consider all that is before them.
 

Darcie Abbene, Series Made Simple Project Manager