Cooking Chemistry

Extreme Sports

Praise for the series:

Gr 2–4—Readers will explore the mechanics of extreme sports through the lens of physics in this series. It delves into the science behind impressive moves, such as how gravity and buoyancy work together to keep a surfboard riding a wave, or how weight shifts enable a surfer to turn. These intriguing explanations can help participants refine their skills or serve as valuable resources for young researchers studying the science of sports. However, readers seeking information about famous athletes or the history of these sports may be disappointed, as the series focuses exclusively on science. Eye-catching color photographs showcase a diverse range of athletes performing remarkable feats, though they are not images of widely recognized stars. Each book concludes with a hands-on science experiment to reinforce physics concepts, as well as a glossary, an index, and suggestions for further reading. VERDICT Recommended for collections where students might be interested in the intersection of science and sports. –School Library Journal

When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth

Praise for the series:

K-Gr 2—Dinosaur words are some of the first, most exciting words young readers learn, and these titles build on that hype. There are key vocabulary terms folded into simple, short sentences and paired with images for additional context. There are color illustrations of dinosaurs both with and without feathers for knowledgeable fans. The enticing past is shown alongside the exploratory present day of paleontologists studying these prehistoric creatures in color photographs. The blending of the two media allows for a pleasant merging of the imagined past and real present, one influenced by the other. VERDICT Highlighting some of the most popular prehistoric creatures, these titles are perfect for libraries looking to build their dinosaur collections for emerging readers. –School Library Journal

Engineering Masterpieces

Members of the Animal Kingdom

Praise for the series:

Gr 4–6—These well-organized introductions to animal kingdoms feature clear language and effective visual content. Opening chapters provide general information about animal classification, followed by facts about the primary characteristics within the featured kingdom. The main text covers general commonalities, while photographs, captions, and text boxes provide specific examples. For instance, a paragraph about the cold-blooded nature of insects is accompanied by a text box describing how they might gather together to stay warm and a photograph of huddling ladybugs. The same structure is applied to subsequent chapters on habitat, life cycles, movement, and hunting. Nearly all animals in the photographs are identified through captions or text. A final chapter highlights three or four particularly unique representatives of the class. VERDICT Appealing and accessible introductions to animal classification. –School Library Journal

Look Into the Human Body

Praise for the series

Gr 3–5—The human body is a collection of interconnected systems that each perform important tasks. Fresh medical vocabulary is spliced throughout the sentences present. The diagrams and medical images assist greatly with the context clues for the vocabulary. Much like the systems described in each title, these books connect and build off each other to give a fuller understanding of what makes up the human body. As an added bonus, simple tips are included to help readers maintain healthy systems and whole bodies. VERDICT These titles complement health topics and would be a great fit for classrooms and school libraries. –School Library Journal

Understanding Geology

Natural Disasters Where I Live

Life Cycles of Living Things

Energy Sources

Seven Continents of the World

Praise for the series:

Gr 3–4—This series explores the seven continents of Earth. Titles start with support for caregivers and educators with before, during, and after reading questions and prompts. The table of contents has up to six chapters that cover getting to know the continent, landforms and climate, natural resources, plants and animals, countries and cities, culture and people. Small paragraphs with bold vocabulary words are paired with full page pictures. Info bubbles with facts about the continent appear throughout the chapters, such as “Most Colombian emeralds are mined in the eastern Andes mountains” (South America). The back matter has a glossary, index, and comprehension questions that connect to the text. Although there is not a lot of text and the font is small, this makes the titles less intimidating while remaining introductory. VERDICT A good choice for older elementary readers learning about the continents. -School Library Journal

Exploring Countries

Praise for the series:

Gr 1–2—These titles provide a basic profile of each country for beginning readers. The books open with guided discussion questions for educators and caregivers for before, during, and after reading to help build reading skills. Pages include one to three sentences paired with colorful photos and informative graphics, including picture captions and basic maps. Vocabulary words are in bold and are presented with pictures in the glossary along with the definition. For example, a picture of a lavender field in France is shown next to a definition where lavender is defined as: “a sweet-smelling plant with light purple flowers” (France). The text highlights Indigenous people where applicable along with well-known landmarks, plants, animals, and geographic features of the country. VERDICT Serviceable profiles of various countries for beginning readers. –School Library Journal

All About the US Military

Praise for the series:

K-Gr 3—Young military enthusiasts will find these five colorful volumes both informative and attractive. In short, simple prose the author details the missions, jobs, weapons, and uniforms of the five branches of the U.S. armed forces. Readers learn about the M4 rifle that shoots up to 950 bullets per minute, the Air Force F-22 fighter plane, the M-ATV that can drive Marines through mud and water, icebreakers used by the Coast Guard to keep waterways navigable, and the F/A-18s that fly off of Navy carriers. All titles feature information on age, citizenship, and training requirements as well as the different types of jobs airmen, soldiers, sailors, and marines do. Bright photographs enhance the text with the diversity of each branch’s members, weapons, and work locations. VERDICT These perennial favorite subjects will be welcomed by youngsters with an interest in the military and should be considered by public and school libraries. –School Library Journal

Microwaves

Praise for the book:

K-Gr 2—These titles feature objects and processes that will be familiar to students, such as video games, cell phones, and GPS. The connection of each type of wave to kids’ everyday lives makes the content relevant to young readers…Each book ends with directions for an activity to explore the concepts covered…The series could be read to first graders or explored independently by older students. VERDICT A solid introduction to the concepts; a good addition to collections. –School Library Journal

Protecting the Amazon Rainforest

Praise for the book:

Gr 4–7—The world’s most important biomes and the environmental threats they face are explored in this colorful series. Each of the four biomes has its own volume and features full-page, high-resolution photographs and infographics that provide lesser-known facts about these delicate and endangered ecosystems…Learners will expand their reading comprehension thanks to the quiz at the end of each chapter, and infographics and simple maps provide context without being overwhelming. Boldface words with a glossary, an index, and suggestions for further reading are also included. VERDICT This series, ideal for smaller early to middle grade collections, offers an introduction to endangered biomes and ways to save them. –School Library Journal

Aztec Civilization

Praise for the book:

“Easy-to-understand text is presented in large print and, along with the color photos and short chapters, invites the reader to explore these ancient cultures.” —School Library Connection