Reading Rocks! Child’s World, 2023. 32 p. $32.08 each. Grades 3-5.

Gigliotti, James.  Knight Life. 978-1-503-85823-7.
Teitelbaum, Michael. Pirate Life. 978-1-503-85821-3.

These titles are the most recent entries to the Reading Rocks! series of high interest books on a variety of topics. Knight Life and Pirate Life appear to be updated versions of previous editions from 2009 and 2007, respectively. Told in simple but engaging text, the authors go beyond the myth and legend to present honest, yet age appropriate, assessments of the lives of these figures from history. In Knight Life, Gigliotti describes the origins of knighthood, their training, weaponry, armor, and modern day knights. Working from the premise that pirates were “pretty awful” people, Teitelbaum discusses their history and crimes, life aboard ship, pirate lingo, and superstitions. He also takes a quick look at notorious pirates from both film and history. Each book contains a table of contents, an index, and suggested readings. Subject specific vocabulary is highlighted in the text and defined in the glossary. The “Think About It” section features a few thought provoking questions (e.g. “Do you think the idea of chivalry was good? Would it be useful today?”). There are attention grabbing drawings and photographs throughout the text.

THOUGHTS: Elementary libraries in need of high interest nonfiction books that students will enjoy reading will want to consider these.

940.1 Knights
972.9 Pirates