Kuskowski, Alex.  Cool Refashioned.  Mankato, MN: ABDO, 2016. 32p. $19.95 ea. Gr. 3-6.    

Scarves & Ties Fun & Easy Projects. 978-1-62403-703-0.

Sweaters Fun & Easy Fashion Projects. 978-1-62403-704-7.

This series introduces upper elementary through middle school age readers to the world of making.  It includes step by step directions to refashion items with brightly colored photographs, a glossary, index, table of contents and list of recommended tools and materials to make making easy.  THOUGHTS:  With so many libraries adding Makerspaces, this is a welcome addition.  Students are always in need of a book to help them with crafting.  This series is highly recommended for elementary and middle school libraries.

646; Crafts     Anastasia Hanneken, School Lane Charter School

 

Learning About Our Global Community (series). New York: Crabtree, 2016. 24p. $17.95 ea. Gr K-3.

Barghoorn, Linda. Foods in Different Places. 978-0-7787-2009-6.

McNiven, Lauren & Crystal Sikkens. Birthdays in Different Places. 978-0-7787-2011-9.

McNiven, Lauren. Schools in Different Places. 978-0-7787-2013-3.

Morganelli, Adrianna. Clothing in Different Places. 978-0-7787-2010-2.

Morganelli, Adrianna. Transportation in Different Places. 978-0-7787-2014-0.

O’Brien, Cynthia. Homes in Different Places. 978-0-7787-2012-6.

This is a great basic introduction to communities around the world. Each book begins with a statement that we all share this earth but have similarities and differences in the connection to our daily life. From there, the topics are covered in a manner that is understandable to young readers with logical headings and progression. The text features for nonfiction are all present for instructional purposes. Perhaps the best part is the balance of general statements with specific examples mixed in, giving the needed range of lifestyles while still making it relatable.  THOUGHTS: This is a good series to use as a research tool for 2nd grade level readers. Also great discussions for communities with a large ELL population or those who may need the exposure to other worlds.

Cultures of the World; Series NF      Dustin Brackbill, State College Area School District

 

 

Travel with the Great Explorers (series). New York: Crabtree, 2016. 32p. $14.99 ea. Gr 3-6.

Dalrymple, Lisa. Explore with Francisco Pizarro. 978-0-7787-1700-3.

Dalrymple, Lisa. Explore with James Cook. 978-0-7787-1701-0.

O’Brien, Cynthia. Explore with James Franklin. 978-0-7787-1703-4.

O’Brien, Cynthia. Explore with John Cabot. 978-0-7787-1702-7.

As the tagline on the back of the books claim, “Pack your bags- we’re going on an incredible trip!” Readers get to see a quick, engaging synapsis of each explorer from the 14 choices available. The outline of each book is the same, with identical chapter headings and format. The text is short and full of graphics, photos, and activities, reminding readers of the DK books mixed with the You Wouldn’t Want to Be series. The downfall of this format is the storyline of the explorer gets jumbled, but a timeline, glossary, and extra resource list at the back get interested researchers to keep on traveling. THOUGHTS: These go well as a set and could be a quick lesson review on text features for older elementary classes. Also a good example for readers of how to make research interesting and engaging for the reader.

History; Exploration    Dustin Brackbill, State College Area School District