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(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Lisa K. Weber.
Each of the book's nine chapters features three case studies about newsworthy nature-related events broadly grouped into topics such as water, physics, space, and future discoveries. Two of them are true, one isn't, and readers are encouraged to use reason to figure out the fake. The brightly colored pages include photographs and diagrams, as well as suggestions to stimulate discussion. Answers are appended. Bib., ind.
(3)
4-6
Epic Fails series.
Illustrated by
Tim Foley.
This irreverent but entertaining volume provides brief overviews of the careers of United States presidents, with a focus on their bad luck, poor choices, and most controversial politics. Written in a conversational tone that will appeal to young readers, each chapter features a theme such as "Dead Presidents," "Eccentric Presidents," and "Unlucky Presidents," among others; black-and-white illustrations and photographs appear throughout. Timeline. Bib., ind.
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Lisa K. Weber.
In the authors' dynamically designed follow-up to their science-focused title Two Truths and a Lie: It's Alive!, nine chapters tell three intriguing stories about historical or recent events, places, and people. Section-ending summaries challenge readers to determine which one is fake (answers are appended). Sidebars extend the critical thinking for readers, and a "Research Guide" encourages appropriate use of resources. Bib., ind.
120 pp.
| Roaring Brook/Flash Point
| July, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-250-15055-4$15.99
|
PaperISBN 978-1-250-15056-1$6.99
(3)
4-6
Epic Fails series.
Illustrated by
Tim Foley.
Failure has been the hallmark of humans' attempts at flight, starting with the mythological figure Icarus. The Wright Brothers were no exception, but Slader shows how their perseverance ultimately led to success, including their contributions to aviation after their successful Kitty Hawk flight. A light, humorous tone and plenty of black-and-white illustrations and photos make this an engaging read. Timeline. Bib., ind.
(3)
4-6
Epic Fails series.
Illustrated by
Tim Foley.
That failures lead to success is the theme of this history of space flight, from early rockets through missions to the moon to the present. The Apollo 1 tragedy and other NASA missteps are discussed as leading to the triumphant Apollo 11 moon walk. A light, humorous tone and plenty of black-and-white illustrations and photos make this an engaging read. Timeline. Bib., ind.
32 pp.
| Whitman
| April, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8075-6112-6$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Ashley Crowley.
Kai describes his feelings about his father's recent death as "waves" that come over him "in no special order": sad waves, mad waves, even sometimes happy waves. When his family joins a group of other bereaved families, Kai learns coping techniques. The naive, childlike mixed-media illustrations express emotional changes through color. A useful book for individualized child-adult sharing. An author's note and resources are appended.
32 pp.
| Simon Spotlight
| August, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-5344-2147-9$17.99
|
PaperISBN 978-1-5344-2146-2$4.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-5344-2148-6 New ed. (2006)
(3)
K-3
Ready-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Buket Erdogan.
These easy-reader editions (originally published as picture books Mouse's First Fall and Mouse's First Summer, respectively) feature "slightly different text" but keep the same low-key, season-themed adventures of adorably inquisitive Mouse and big sister Minka. Question-and-answer texts ("Over there, Mouse finds something green and tickly. / What is it? A grassy hill!") and Erdogan's original round-edged illustrations are both appealing. Review covers these Ready-to-Read titles: Mouse Loves Fall and Mouse Loves Summer.
32 pp.
| Simon Spotlight
| May, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-5344-2057-1$17.99
|
PaperISBN 978-1-5344-2056-4$4.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-5344-2058-8 New ed. (2004)
(3)
K-3
Ready-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Buket Erdogan.
These easy-reader editions (originally published as picture books Mouse's First Fall and Mouse's First Summer, respectively) feature "slightly different text" but keep the same low-key, season-themed adventures of adorably inquisitive Mouse and big sister Minka. Question-and-answer texts ("Over there, Mouse finds something green and tickly. / What is it? A grassy hill!") and Erdogan's original round-edged illustrations are both appealing. Review covers these Ready-to-Read titles: Mouse Loves Fall and Mouse Loves Summer.
40 pp.
| HarperCollins/Harper
| January, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-239198-8$17.99
(4)
K-3
During a storm, migrating flamingo Mingo crash-lands on a farm; in addition to a broken wing, he can't recall who he is or where he fits in. Once he remembers, he still has to find a way home. Each problem's solution comes too easily, but the gouache and digital illustrations are striking, particularly the contrast between neon-pink Mingo and his earth-toned surroundings.
(3)
4-6
In each of nine chapters, the authors present three fascinating, hard-to-believe scientific reports about plants, animals, or people and then challenge readers to figure out which is a hoax. Answers are appended, but a "Research Guide" encourages appropriate use of resources for kids to judge validity on their own; throughout, sidebars provide discussion topics and extension ideas that foster critical thinking. Bib., ind.
311 pp.
| Little
| June, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-316-31209-7$17.99
|
EbookISBN 978-0-316-31210-3
(3)
4-6
Guts & Glory series.
Illustrated by
C. M. Butzer.
Using modern language, short sections, graphics, and black-and-white illustrations, this book examines the American Revolution in a highly readable fashion. With a focus on key figures, readers will experience events as seen by Thomas Jefferson, Molly Pitcher, Betsy Ross, Ben Franklin, and (of course) George Washington. Each chapter is introduced with a quote and includes excerpts from primary sources. Detailed and engaging. Bib., ind.
(4)
4-6
British boy Matthew's OCD has consumed him: he can't go to school, he over-washes his hands, and he barely leaves the window in his room. But when a neighborhood toddler disappears, he must overcome his fears to help solve the mystery. Thompson realistically captures Matthew's anxiety and first foray back into the world, though the disclosure of his disorder's origin is simplistic and the resolution too neat.
377 pp.
| Clarion
| January, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-544-64840-1$17.99
(3)
YA
Mixed-race teen Myra knows two social realities in New Heart City: one of "Plat" privilege and the other steeped in discrimination against "Lefties," mainly for the kind's untrustworthy ability to flicker in and out of visibility. Myra has avoided flickering all her life, but recent reports of unseen vandals may disrupt that. Detailed magical descriptions and highly developed social dynamics immerse readers in this world.
344 pp.
| Holt
| April, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-1-62779-134-2$17.99
(4)
4-6
The only white kid at his Japanese school, twelve-year-old American Jason is viciously picked on by his classmates. The bullying becomes increasingly violent--and Jason nearly dies. That he decides to stay at his school in order to "make things change for others" veers a little too close to white savior clichés, but Thompson's well-written verse novel is otherwise gripping.
32 pp.
| Houghton
| September, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-544-70711-5$17.99
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Justin K. Thompson.
A lone fox observes its environs--once a forest, now suburbia. The first-person narrative is straightforward, with twinges of nostalgia; the angular illustrations feature retro-looking architectural details. Then the tone shifts: the fox sees construction workers--but what they're building is a wildlife preserve and "highway wildlife underpass," a safe pass-through for the animals. An author's note tells more about these types of structures.
289 pp.
| Putnam
| October, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-1-101-99680-5$17.99
(3)
YA
Amy and her cousin Dee were kidnapped as children. Now sixteen, Amy has returned home--alone. Emotionally scarred and afraid, Amy refuses to talk about her kidnapper or what happened to Dee. While Amy acclimates to normal teenage life, Thompson keeps readers on the edge of their seats as flashbacks slowly divulge the disturbing details of Amy's captivity until all is revealed.
(3)
4-6
Color by Dave Stewart. Violet's hard-working parents are barely scraping by when her father disappears. On a search mission with oddball pals, Violet stumbles into adventures that reaffirm the importance of family, tenacity, and creativity in a society over-focused on status and materialism. Dynamic art, an imaginative space setting, and a successful blend of juvenile humor with serious social commentary set this graphic novel apart.
84 pp.
| Simon
| October, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4814-5706-4$19.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-4814-5707-1 Reissue (1999)
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Hilary Knight.
The now classic tale of the little girl who makes merry mayhem from her digs on the top floor of New York's Plaza Hotel is reissued with an appended scrapbook. Included are a lengthy essay by Marie Brenner describing Eloise's impact on popular culture and Kay Thompson's life and an illustrated autobiography by Hilary Knight.
40 pp.
| Farrar
| June, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-374-30051-7$17.99
(3)
PS
Illustrated by
Paul Schmid.
The toddler tells the reader why "my dog is the best": "he plays dead" (the illustration shows the dog sleeping), "he rolls over" (the dog sleeps on his back), "he helps the firemen" (a toy firetruck is placed atop the sleeping dog). This playful book has a clear, concise text and exuberant illustrations with soft colors, sketchlike lines, and lots of white space.
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Sean Qualls.
Yeboah, born in rural Ghana in 1977 with only one functional leg, grew up to become a national hero and disabilities activist. Learning to ride a bike brought him to the national stage: he embarked on a 400-mile bicycle ride through Ghana, spreading his message that "being disabled does not mean being unable." The text is clearly written; mixed-media illustrations match its upbeat tone.