The Importance of Scientific Theory. San Diego: Reference Point Press, 2016. $38.60 ea. $231.60 set of 6. 80p. Gr. 7 and up.

Allen, John. The Importance of Atomic Theory. 978-1-60152-786-8.

Allen, John. The Importance of Cell Theory. 978-1-60152-888-9.

Allman, Toney. The Importance of Germ Theory. 978-1-60152-890-2.

Allman, Toney. The Importance of the Laws of Motion. 978-1-60152-892-6.

Currie, Stephen. The Importance of Evolution Theory. 978-1-60152-896-4.

Parks, Peggy J. The Importance of Plate Tectonic Theory. 978-1-60152-894-0.

The Importance of Scientific Theory series from Reference Point Press looks at specific scientific discoveries and the development of scientific thought throughout history and in modern day.  In The Importance of Atomic Theory, John Allen looks at what the atomic theory is, how it was developed, the impact of nuclear energy, modern medicine and medical technology, and the impact of atomic theory in chemistry and consumer electronics.  Each book in the series includes a foreward, a timeline of important dates in the history of the topic, source notes, a section about the pioneers and important scientists in the field, a section for further research, and an index.  Titles also include photographs and diagrams along with “pop out boxes” with information about particular incidents, tragedies, events, and people within the specific scientific theory area of study and red “words in context” boxes that explain terms.  THOUGHTS:  This is an excellent addition to high school science collections.  This series will allow further exploration of topics that may only be briefly covered in the curriculum (Can you say…science research!).

Scientific Theory       Erin Parkinson, Lincoln JSHS, Ellwood City

Whiting, Jim. Soccer Champions. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 2016. $12.00 ea. 48p. Gr. 7 and up.

AC Milan. 978-1-60818-590-0.

Bayern Munich. 978-1-60818-587-0.

FC Barcelona. 978-1-60818-586-3.

Liverpool FC. 978-1-60818-588-7.

Manchester United. 978-1-60818-589-4.

Real Madrid. 978-4-60818-591-7.

Soccer Champions, a new series from Creative Education, takes a look at the history, players, and current state of some of the most famous football clubs in the world.  Each text includes colorful and black and white photos of matches, players, and the club as a whole and is broken into chapters that explain how the club developed into one of the most famous football clubs in the world.  Each text also includes “Memorable Matches”, a timeline explaining some of the best match ups in club history; “Famous Footballers”, highlighting the clubs’ best and most well-known players; “Titles”, those held by the club; a selected bibliography; websites for more information, and an index.  THOUGHTS:  This is a must-have series for junior high and high schools with a love of soccer.  Students will enjoy reading up on the football clubs and teams, especially with the Summer Olympics coming soon.

Soccer       Erin Parkinson, Lincoln JSHS, Ellwood City

Agents of Government. Mankato, MN: Creative Education, 2016. $26.95 ea. $161.70 set of 6. 48p. Gr. 7 and up.

Bodden, Valerie. Federal Reserve System. 978-1-60818-546-7.

Bodden, Valerie. National Transportation Safety Board. 978-1-60818-548-1.

Wimmer, Teresa. Environmental Protection Agency. 978-1-60818-544-3.

Wimmer, Teresa. Federal Bureau of Investigation. 978-1-60818-545-0.

Wimmer, Teresa. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 978-1-60818-547-4.

Wimmer, Teresa. Peace Corps. 978-1-60818-549-8.

Agents of Government, a new series from Creative Education, looks at six different departments within the United States government.  Each text is divided into chapters with focuses on aspects of the particular agency.  For example, in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, chapter titles include: “Introduction”, a brief overview of the FBI; “Law and Disorder”, a chapter focused on the creation of the FBI and the development of the agency; “Gangs and Controversies”, focuses on the mafia, counterintelligence, white collar crime, espionage, and counterterrorism; “Stabilizing Structure”, a chapter about the structure of the FBI and current state of the department, and finally, “Securing the Unknown”, a chapter about the changes in the FBI after the attacks on September 11, 2001, and how the focus of the agency has changed.  Within each chapter of each book, sections “Agency Insiders” and “Around the World” are included.  In the FBI text, these sections include topics such as Emma Goldman, the Rosenbergs, Public Enemy No. 1, and the KGB.  In addition to the interesting chapters and sections, each text also includes a glossary and index along with color and black and white photos that support the topics presented and the agency as a whole.  THOUGHTS: This is a must-have nonfiction series for all junior high and high schools.  Even if the topics do not correspond directly with curricular areas (most should with government and/or history courses), the information about the agencies is very interesting and could be used during career research or for personal entertainment/exploration.

Social Sciences (300s); Government       Erin Parkinson, Lincoln JSHS, Ellwood City