Reviews

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Cover: Unsolved Mysteries

Boston Strangler (Unsolved Mysteries) – Booklist

A disquieting entry in the Unsolved Mysteries series, this account of the hunt for the killer of (at least) 11 Boston-area women between 1962 and 1964 is not only laced with lurid details but also presents a case study in media-fueled terror and how public pressure to resolve… View →

 
Cover: Best Sport Ever

Best Sport Ever – School Library Journal, Series Made Simple

This series celebrates eight popular sports and cites the reasons that so many people are passionate about them. Each volume draws readers in with a chapter describing a key moment in that sport’s history. For example, Hockey highlights the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” when the U.S.… View →

 
Cover: Essential Issues Set 3

Indigenous People's Rights (Essential Issues) – School Library Journal

Marsico provides a broad overview of indigenous cultures from around the globe before delving into the common problems faced by many of them and outlining possible solutions, with a particular focus on the pros and cons of fair-trade initiatives. This book will give beginners a strong… View →

 
Cover: Big Buddy Biographies Set 7

Big Buddy Biographies Set 7 – School Library Journal

Full-page, full-color photographs are supplemented with clear descriptive explanations, and “Did You Know” quick-fact boxes and eye-catching graphics appear throughout. With their large print and one or two paragraphs per page, these books are a good fit for beginner and transitional… View →

 
Cover: Essential Critiques Set 2

How to Analyze the Works of J.K. Rowling, Stephenie Meyer (Essential Critiques) – School Library Journal

These titles engage students in the process of literary criticism by using works with which most teens are familiar. The chapters are broken down into small, easy-to-manage sections with headings, and helpful tools and guides appear throughout. In modeling clear examples of literary… View →

 
Cover: Essential Critiques Set 2

How to Analyze the Films of Tim Burton, James Cameron, George Lucas (Essential Critiques) – School Library Journal

These titles provide insight into what critical theory is and how popular films can be analyzed through different schools of criticism. There is also some basic biographical information provided about the filmmaker. The authors do not overwhelm readers; instead they approach each… View →

 
Cover: Essential Events Set 7

Civil Rights Movement (Essential Events) – Booklist

An opening chapter on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech during the 1963 March on Washington sets the scene for the dramatic struggles and triumphs to come in this entry in the Essential Events series. A final chapter looks at the impact of the… View →

 
Cover: World of Mythology Set 2

World of Mythology Set 2 – Booklist

For kids who have graduated from the Greeks and Romans and are looking to delve into the lore of other cultures, the books in the World of Mythology series will be tempting. Rather than retelling particular legends, the books focus on presenting a who’s who for each pantheon and… View →

 
Cover: Holidays Set 3

Juneteenth (Holidays) – Booklist

Presenting information as straightforwardly as possible, this entry in the Holidays series centers around Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery. A variety of festive photographs and a few pieces of period artwork break up the text and reinforce key concepts. In an age… View →

 
Cover: Essential Lives Set 7

Essential Lives Set 7 – School Library Journal

The authors of these biographies present information that is current, accurate, and relevant, while also providing an overview of their subjects’ early lives and cultural significance. The books are primarily positive in tone, delivering a balanced, informative description of each… View →

 
Cover: Inside the Industry

Inside the Industry – Library Media Connection

This series looks at a specific broad field, and breaks it down to specific jobs within the industry. The depth of coverage is good for elementary students and middle school students. . . . Recommended. View →

 
Cover: Children's Authors Set 6

Children's Authors Set 6 – School Library Journal

The lives of popular authors are briefly chronicled in a chatty style. Each book contains the relevant information necessary for reports. High-quality, full-color photos appear throughout these solid choices especially for reluctant readers. View →

 
Cover: Essential Lives Set 7

Ho Chi Minh (Essential Lives) – School Library Journal

Opening with his 1945 speech declaring Vietnam’s freedom and naming himself president, this biography continues with a brief summary of Ho Chi Minh’s accomplishments. Johnson then goes back to his childhood and moves through his life chronologically. Several potentially confusing points, View →

 
Cover: Cool Stuff

Cool Stuff for Reading & Writing (Cool Stuff) – Booklist

The Cool Stuff series presents a pretty irresistible package for those inclined to glue, paint, and pin. This volume addresses the readers, journalists, and poets out there who appreciate the authenticity and personalization that print provides by offering up to six different ways View →

 
Cover: Dogs Set 9

Dogs Set 9 – Horn Book Guide

Easy-to-read. . .texts help young animal lovers decide which breed of dog is best suited to them. . . . The vivid photographs will be winners with dog lovers. View →

 
Cover: World of Mythology Set 2

World of Mythology Set 2 – School Library Journal

Ollhoff writes in a clear and engaging fashion, presenting complex issues in a way that will be easy for youngsters to grasp. The photographs and reproductions of art tie directly into the texts; the short biographies of various gods in each book will be helpful to beginners. Strong… View →

 
Cover: World of Mythology Set 2

World of Mythology Set 2 – Horn Book Guide

Reproductions of ancient artwork as well as modern illustrations provide colorful portraits of the featured gods. View →

 
Cover: Cool Stuff

Cool Stuff – Horn Book Guide

The six to ten unusual craft projects in each of these books will intrigue creative middle schoolers. . . . Directions are clear and photos show finished objects. . .[and] introductions, safety points, and conclusions frame the projects. View →

 
Cover: Sports Gear

Sports Gear – Horn Book Guide

Each volume introduces equipment used in a variety of sports including baseball, badminton, table tennis, and waterskiing. The format includes an up-close look at the item, explanatory text, and a photograph of the gear in action: “Golfers use sticks called clubs. . . .A putter is… View →

 
Cover: Inside the NBA *2011

Inside the NBA – Horn Book Guide

Rich with facts, play by play game details, and an abundance of archival photographs, these volumes provide engaging histories. . . . The squads’ triumphs and tragedies are supported by stats, quotes, and anecdotes. View →