Bow, James. Binge Drinking (Straight Talk About series). New York: Crabtree, 2015. 978-0778722045. 48p. $30.60. Gr. 7-12.

In the series, Straight Talk About…topics are discussed in detail. A table of contents introduces the sensitive information to readers.  Chapters begin with a clear definition of the topic coupled with pictures and individual personal statements relating to situations teens have encountered when facing the specific issue. The author effectively uses the text to talk to readers in an effort to make authentic connections. Photographs are bright, carefully placed, and whenever possible, symbolic in representing text. A feature specifically helpful from a purchasing standpoint is how the book takes into consideration timeless photos, meaning there are few photos of human subjects, focusing on the subject matter. It creates a longevity of the book making it last longer on the library shelves. Subheadings are clear, important words are bold-faced and further defined within text as well as in the glossary. Because the intended audience is students aged 12 and up, there are other resources listed in the back of the book relative to teens in both the United States and Canada as well as frequently asked questions with detailed answers. Informative and straight to the point, these nonfiction resources are perfect for a struggling teen or a student who is researching specific topics.

The series includes Dealing with Loss, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, and Digital Dangers.  Because the books are only 48 pages, students will easily find what they are looking for in researching them. The table of contents outlines what exactly students are looking for. It cannot be stressed enough how the photographs and images in the book are timeless. Too often libraries have resources that are outdated not only because of content, but even more because of the images that turn away readers. The authors did this series justice in being forward thinking and non-judgmental.

362.2; Social Issues         Brooke Gerlach, Manheim Central MS

 

Cohen, Marina. Deserts Inside Out. New York: Crabtree, 2015. 978-0778706274. 32p. $27.60. Gr. 4-6.

Ecosystems Inside Out is a series filled with short bursts of information about particular biomes throughout the world. Within each double page spread, readers will learn about the animals inhabiting the ecosystem, the keywords hierarchy of its inhabitants, and relationships between the plants and animals that live there and the nonliving resources found there. Text features are obvious and include bright fonts, bold-faced vocabulary, and subheadings. Even more the author gives the reader an activity to extend and enrich. Locator maps help readers visualize the place in the world the biome is found. The text digs deeper with an “Eco Up Close” section providing readers with facts enriching topics discussed. The glossary is thorough and provides definitions students will clearly comprehend. There is a list of additional resources if readers are in need of more information.

Educators will find these resources as a phenomenal extension piece for their science units. Students will be able to learn the basics of the biome, while also enriching their knowledge. The pictures of the biomes and that animals are vibrant and timeless. Taken in the peak seasons for all of these biomes, the photographs and the way they are graphically placed, draws attention to the brilliance in the visuals. Not only will educators embrace the text structure of the books, giving the ability to use each section as one piece to aid in both remediation and enrichment, but also the ability to introduce material initially. Additional titles include: Wetlands, Rain Forests, Grasslands, Oceans, Islands, Tundra, Rivers and Lakes, Mountains, and Forests.  This series is a must have resource for any middle school collection.

577.7; Ecosystems      Brooke Gerlach, Manheim Central MS