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K-3
Pebble Plus: Hands-On Science Fun series.
With descriptive directions and large, clear photographs, each appealing volume takes readers step-by-step through a simple experiment then explains the science behind it. A few materials may be hard to find, and the target audience will need adult help, but the concrete examples lend themselves well to the concepts of force (Pom-Pom) and measurement (Wind). Additional content available through the Capstone 4D app. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Plus: Hands-On Science Fun titles: How to Make a Pom-Pom Flyer and How to Make a Wind Speed Meter.
(3)
K-3
Pebble Plus: Hands-On Science Fun series.
With descriptive directions and large, clear photographs, each appealing volume takes readers step-by-step through a simple experiment then explains the science behind it. A few materials may be hard to find, and the target audience will need adult help, but the concrete examples lend themselves well to the concepts of force (Pom-Pom) and measurement (Wind). Additional content available through the Capstone 4D app. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Plus: Hands-On Science Fun titles: How to Make a Pom-Pom Flyer and How to Make a Wind Speed Meter.
40 pp.
| HarperCollins/Tegen
| February, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-284494-1$17.99
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K-3
Illustrated by
Lorraine Nam.
Introduction by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Berne's upbeat text describes the famous astrophysicist's life from childhood (when he discovered his love of outer space at the planetarium) to adulthood (when he became director of the Hayden Planetarium). She encourages readers to maintain a sense of wonder about the universe and their place in it. Colorful cut-paper and digital collage illustrations enhance the excitement and feeling of infinite possibilities. Reading list, websites. Glos.
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4-6
Alternator Books: They Survived series.
An abundance of photos--both black-and-white and color--accompany vivid descriptions of Shackleton and his crew and their massive effort to survive after their ship is trapped in ice in Antarctica. Moving logically and chronologically, Doeden depicts the bravery and teamwork that resulted in the crew surviving the ordeal. Back matter includes "Surviving Deadly Situations" tips that encourage perseverance and self-reliance. Reading list. Glos., ind.
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4-6
Alternator Books: They Survived series.
While the sinking of the Titanic is probably familiar to young readers, the heroism of Louis Zamperini may not be. Both readable volumes contain detailed texts accompanied by both black-and-white and color photos. The chronological narratives are compelling, enhanced by boxed photo captions. Each book concludes with a "surviving deadly situations" feature with practical tips for doing just that. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: They Survived titles: Surviving a World War II Prison Camp and Surviving A Shipwreck
199 pp.
| Disney-Hyperion
| January, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-1-368-00029-1$16.99
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4-6
Secrets of Topsea series.
Illustrated by
Rachel Sanson.
Ocean-loving, boat-building Talise stars in this second installment, with her schoolmates (including Davy from A Friendly Town That's Almost Always by the Ocean!) featured in their own chapters. Seemingly random nonsense--friendly spirits, uncertain ocean tides, a lost narwhal--once again develops into a thoughtful, entertaining story of friendship as the children grapple with fitting in but also being themselves in their wacky town.
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K-3
Illustrated by
Scott Brundage.
A cumulative tale modeled after "The House That Jack Built" depicts the journey of the first three astronauts who traveled to the moon on Apollo 11. Additional bulleted facts accompany the author's lyrical, descriptive verses up to the welcome afforded the heroic travelers upon returning home. Brundage's cool palette enhances a mainly night-set story well-suited to bedtime reading. Reading list. Bib.
(3)
4-6
Gideon's unhappy that his family moved to Nevada the summer before seventh grade. He is, however, intrigued by next-door neighbor Roona, even though she sometimes wears a blanket cape and talks about magic. But Roona's life is complicated, leaving quiet, sheltered Gideon quickly out of his depth. Themes of parental mental illness and abuse are handled sensitively in this surprisingly weighty friendship story.
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4-6
Alternator Books: They Survived series.
In clear, vivid texts, these series entries tell the true stories of two courageous individuals: surfer Hamilton, who lost an arm in a shark attack, and professional climber Ralston, who amputated his own hand to escape being trapped in a canyon. Both books rely on photographs from their movie versions, clearly noted in the captions, and include tips on dealing with deadly situations. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: They Survived titles: Surviving a Canyon and Surviving a Shark Attack
(3)
4-6
Alternator Books: They Survived series.
In clear, vivid texts, these series entries tell the true stories of two courageous individuals: surfer Hamilton, who lost an arm in a shark attack, and professional climber Ralston, who amputated his own hand to escape being trapped in a canyon. Both books rely on photographs from their movie versions, clearly noted in the captions, and include tips on dealing with deadly situations. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: They Survived titles: Surviving a Canyon and Surviving a Shark Attack
282 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| May, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-3366-6$16.99
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4-6
Annabelle is relieved to be finished with seventh grade. An academically struggling scholarship day student, she doesn't fit in at her fancy island boarding school. Swimming, on the other hand, comes easily to Annabelle--but even that becomes complicated when she is recruited for the high-school swim team. In this fast-moving, believable story, likable Annabelle must navigate shifting friendships, the attention of an older boy, and her long-absent father's reentry in her life.
(3)
4-6
Introspective Joey discovers that a girl has built a treehouse (mistaken for a spaceship) on the hill he visits alone to play his guitar. He nicknames the girl "Marsh," short for Martian, and is baffled and fascinated by her. As the two forge a friendship based on music, Marsh's poignant backstory emerges. This well-crafted Australian novel explores the nuances of friendship and family.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Luke Flowers.
This collection of songs and poems by the iconic television host offers nostalgia for adults who grew up listening to his comforting, empowering messages. As well, the combination of imagination-encouraging silliness and reassurance that it's okay to feel sad or angry sometimes should resonate with a new generation of readers. Bright, cheerful illustrations complement the rhymes and free verse, best suited to shared reading. Ind.
(3)
4-6
Alternator Books: They Survived series.
While the sinking of the Titanic is probably familiar to young readers, the heroism of Louis Zamperini may not be. Both readable volumes contain detailed texts accompanied by both black-and-white and color photos. The chronological narratives are compelling, enhanced by boxed photo captions. Each book concludes with a "surviving deadly situations" feature with practical tips for doing just that. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: They Survived titles: Surviving a World War II Prison Camp and Surviving A Shipwreck
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Tatjana Mai-Wyss.
The forest animal friends from Bunny's Book Club are back at the library but disappointed to learn that human Josie will soon begin school. With Josie worried about making new friends, the menagerie decides to attend school, too; the critters explore classrooms before reuniting with Josie on the playground. Pleasing watercolor illustrations depict this cute spin on the first-day-of-school story with gentle silliness.
32 pp.
| Boyds/Wordsong
| March, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-1-62979-169-2$16.95
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K-3
Illustrated by
Jana Christy.
A diverse set of children take turns detailing their growth milestones in this collection of rhyming verse, a few of which are--very effectively--written in two voices. The colorful digital drawings depict each child learning to ride a bike, attend a birthday party, go onstage, etc. The final poignant poem about a girl and her new sibling circles neatly back to the title.
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K-3
Illustrated by
Alan Marks.
Slade uses the moon's unique vantage to celebrate the twelve men who have walked on its surface, some of whose names will likely be new to readers. Watercolor illustrations capture the moon's rocky surface and other small details, the most poignant being the faces of the three Apollo 13 astronauts whose lunar mission was aborted. Extensive endnotes and photographs add richness. Reading list, timeline. Bib.
266 pp.
| Simon
| March, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-1-5344-1955-1$17.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-5344-1957-5
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4-6
At age four, Sam fell into an abandoned well. Now eleven, Sam has skipped two grades and is battling his national-news-making past--and his parents--to fulfill his dream of becoming a chef. As the story moves between Sam's ordeal in the well (with an acerbic talking armadillo) and the present day, unrealistic characters mar the promising premise. The heartfelt ending, however, infuses the story with warmth.
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4-6
Alternator Books: They Survived series.
An abundance of photographs and clear, vivid text portray the 1970 Apollo 13 disaster. The chronological narrative leads readers through the routine early stages of the mission, the explosion and its aftermath, and the astronauts' safe return to earth. The photographs are mostly archival, including only a few clearly captioned movie stills. Survival tips are included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
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PS
Illustrated by
Briony May Smith.
In this warmhearted story, a girl feels she'll never shine like her older sister until her grandfather briefly (and simply, for preschoolers) describes the birth of the universe and the stars: "Everything and everyone is made of stardust." Appealing, detailed illustrations encourage repeated perusals, with the final pages hinting that the little sister indeed finds her way to shine (as an astronaut in adulthood).