A deep dive into the Bible passages about the Christmas story, historical records that relate, what various terms mean, what is factual and what is moA deep dive into the Bible passages about the Christmas story, historical records that relate, what various terms mean, what is factual and what is more traditional folklore, and where other Christmas-related traditions originated.
This is presented in a way that mimics common books aimed at curious kids interested in random facts. There are eye-catching photographs and illustrations, numerous side bars with related facts, and interactive questions/quizzes scattered throughout and one longer quiz at the end. It is super rare to find a book for middle grade readers that dives into the historical background of Bible stories and presenting them in context, but that's exactly what this does for the Nativity, and it does so in an very engaging format. Highly recommended to curious readers around Christmas....more
A biography of scientist Isaac Newton that explores some of his discoveries and how his Christian faith impacted his life and work.
This is a great, suA biography of scientist Isaac Newton that explores some of his discoveries and how his Christian faith impacted his life and work.
This is a great, succinct, but still comprehensive biography of Newton and the contributions he made to science and math fields. The book also explores his quotes about his faith and how it impacted his view of science and the world. I like that the book is in full color and includes many photos. It's an engaging, short biography just right for middle grade readers.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Deaths from disease and old age are mentioned, but nothing gory. The book does not go into Newton's rather gruesome eye research at all. Ethnic diversity: Mostly English white characters. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Newton's mother remarried after the death of her husband and she left little Newton with his grandparents because his new stepfather didn't like him....more
The narrator of the book informs you you are playing the part of Colin Smalley in a play set in 1762 Colonial America. He then walks you through the pThe narrator of the book informs you you are playing the part of Colin Smalley in a play set in 1762 Colonial America. He then walks you through the parts of your day, from daily chores to school to what you eat and drink and wear to what life is like in the community.
I liked that this had good information on daily life in Colonial America. I actually learned a few things from it. What felt very odd was that this included information on slavery at the time, but didn't make any moral commentary on it. It totally could have, especially since it is set up as a play in the present so commentary is possible. It just says your family doesn't have enough money to own slaves, which makes it seem like you would if you financially could?! I'd hesitate to use this just because of that. It could be used carefully for the rest of the information with mature and discerning middle grade readers. ...more
A collection of 40 short biographies of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who achieved monumental things or worked to change others' lives for theA collection of 40 short biographies of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who achieved monumental things or worked to change others' lives for the better in the US.
The people included in this collection are listed in order of their birth year, so it starts with the oldest and works up to the present. Each person has a 1 page illustration and 1 page biographical text. The author did a good job in including a wide variety of Asian/Pacific root cultures people were from. I did find it odd that the book included no one born from the 1980s or 1990s, but I also couldn't think off the top of my head who I would have suggested. I liked the wide variety of contributions the people included have made.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Some of the people died early from accidents or diseases or wars, but none is graphically described. Ethnic diversity: All Asian American, some Chinese American, Taiwanese American, Japanese American, Lao American, Thai American, Filipino American, Hmong American, Cambodian American, Hong Kong American, Indian American, Hawaiian American, and Samoan American. LGBTQ+ content: It is briefly mentioned that George Takei is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Other: A couple biographies mentioned people experiencing racism, being incarcerated during WWII, or being given unfair pay....more
A succinct history of the American Revolution that focuses on how spies were instrumental to both sides of the conflict, and brief bios of some of thoA succinct history of the American Revolution that focuses on how spies were instrumental to both sides of the conflict, and brief bios of some of those spies and what they did during the war.
I've read a lot of books about spies during WWI and WWII, but I think the only ones I've read about real spies from the American Revolution would be the Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales on the topic and a bio about Pinkerton. This was interesting, easy to read, and just the right length for middle grade readers. A lot of American Revolution history books can be dry, but this was definitely not.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Injuries in the war, deaths in the war, and hanging of spies are mentioned but not described in any detail. Ethnic diversity: The book highlights both men and women, American and British, white and Black. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Deception is involved in a lot of spy work....more
A history of the special submarine, Alvin, reinforced to go to extraordinary depths, the people behind its creation and operation, and the scientific A history of the special submarine, Alvin, reinforced to go to extraordinary depths, the people behind its creation and operation, and the scientific and historical moments it has be instrumental to.
This was an interesting look at our understanding of deeper places of the ocean and how Alvin has been a vital tool in that understanding. I found it really interesting how often they revamp and improve Alvin and the training that goes into being part of its crew. This was a unique little marine biology/marine history that is an engaging read and includes photos.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Some shipwrecks are mentioned (such as Titanic, which was found via Alvin) and the lives lost are also mentioned, but there isn't anything gory. Ethnic diversity: Most of the people working on/with Alvin are white Americans, some joint work with Europeans and others. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: It talks about claustrophobia a bit in one chapter....more
A global look at soccer, the various leagues and competitions around the world, and some of the best players/teams by region.
I like that this breaks tA global look at soccer, the various leagues and competitions around the world, and some of the best players/teams by region.
I like that this breaks things down by region, so you actually get to hear about some of the best soccer players in Africa, Asia, and Oceania in addition to the big European and Americas' stars. It also talks about the difference between various leagues, how they formed, what the leagues are called in each region, and how often they hold competitions. I appreciated that there was an equal amount of information on both mens' and womens' leagues and players as well. This book wen to print in 2021 (which it clearly states several times in the book), so stats and achievements are according to that date....more
Astronaut Terry Virts shares with readers how he trained to become an astronaut (from college to NASA's training), what it was like during his times iAstronaut Terry Virts shares with readers how he trained to become an astronaut (from college to NASA's training), what it was like during his times in space and what he did while there (from daily things like sleeping and eating to experiments and other tasks), and some of the history of space travel and where we're headed next.
This was the most detailed account I've read from an astronaut of what it is really like to go through training and be in space. It feels like an honest crash course in what all is involved in being an astronaut and should help readers figure out if this is something they really want to pursue, or if they are satisfied just learning about what they do. Virts was in space for 2 missions, one was a quick trip up and back in Endeavor, and the other lasted 200 days on the ISS. He writes very engagingly, and the book is presented with interesting sidebars and illustrations and photos. A fantastic STEM read for middle graders thinking of heading to the stars or just curious about what goes on up there. There are biographical elements to the book, but I would shelve it in general nonfiction as the focus is more about going to space than Virts' life.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Accidents that took the lives of astronauts and cosmonauts are mentioned, but kept middle grade appropriate in details. Ethnic diversity: Virts is a white American, he talks about his time in space with other Americans of various ethnic backgrounds (male and female) as well as some of his Russian and other international friends from time in the ISS. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: He does go over how to go to bathroom in space but it is done super tactfully and in such a way you could read it out loud to your grandma without blushing. He talks about some of the physical affects being in space has on human bodies, such as back pain, congestion, and dizziness/heaviness upon re-entry. ...more
A biography of scientists Johannes Kepler, how he ended up in the sciences after starting his studies in philosophy and religion, how is faith impacteA biography of scientists Johannes Kepler, how he ended up in the sciences after starting his studies in philosophy and religion, how is faith impacted his work and why he was persecuted during his time, the hardships he overcame, his fellow astronomers, and their amazing accomplishments in astronomoy before the advent of modern scientific tools.
An informative and attractively presented short biography on Johannes Kepler. I hadn't heard before that his eyesight had been damaged in an illness and he actually had a hard time seeing things that weren't up close. Kind of crazy for a many who made astronomy discoveries during the era of the initial development of telescopes. I liked all the quotes, especially about his Christian faith.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Nonviolent deaths from disease are mentioned, including some children. Ethnic diversity: Kepler was a white European, as are most of the others in the book. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Kepler actually had to move at one point because the Catholic town he was living in kicked out all the Protestants. The book talks about this persecution and the persecution he faced for presenting evidence for the sun being the center of the universe.
A nonfiction graphic novel/collection of infographics about sharks and other sea creatures.
Lowery definitely knows how to keep readers' interest with A nonfiction graphic novel/collection of infographics about sharks and other sea creatures.
Lowery definitely knows how to keep readers' interest with the types of facts he includes and his illustrations. There were a couple things I had never heard before. Random fact sponges and marine life fans should enjoy this book.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Some info on what they eat and dispelling of conceptions of how many people are hurt by sharks, but it also includes weird things found in a shark's stomach including people's arms and animal heads. Ethnic diversity: N/A LGBTQ+ content: N/A Other: Some of the text is in pretty small font, so not the best pick for readers with visual issues. Some readers may want to know he includes dates based on current evolutionary theory that may change as more evidence is gathered. ...more
A nonfiction graphic novel introduction to African elephants, their habits, habitats, with a special emphasis on their growth and maturity patterns.
ThA nonfiction graphic novel introduction to African elephants, their habits, habitats, with a special emphasis on their growth and maturity patterns.
This is easy to read and quite informative. The illustration style is attractive. The book does contain quite a bit of information about male elephants going into musth and female elephants going into estrus; it talks about mating but doesn't describe it, but curious readers could be prompted to ask some further questions of adults...so adults be prepared.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: See above Ethnic diversity: N/A LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Predation and other things that threaten elephant numbers, such as the ivory trade, are mentioned. One elephant dies of old age....more
A biography of George Washington Carver from childhood to death that covers his scientific achievements, his faith, and the different places he workedA biography of George Washington Carver from childhood to death that covers his scientific achievements, his faith, and the different places he worked.
This was attractively put together with numerous full color illustrations and period photos. There are frequent quotes from Carver's writings, and it was engagingly written. I haven't read a full biography of this brilliant man before, so it was interesting to learn more about him beyond his peanut work. The book was only 73 pages long, but felt like a decent biography of the inventor and professor.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Mistreatment of slaves is mentioned; sobering but no gory descriptions. Ethnic diversity: Black and white people of history included. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Racism, slavery, and injustices suffered by Black Americans are discussed, but in age-appropriate ways for the target middle grade readers....more
An informational graphic novel about what life was like for people in the United States once the US entered WWII. It looks at rationing, how everyday An informational graphic novel about what life was like for people in the United States once the US entered WWII. It looks at rationing, how everyday people helped the war effort, the different jobs that opened up to women during the time period, and how various ethnic groups were treated during the time period.
This was easily readable, attractively illustrated, and well-balanced in looking at both the good and the bad of life in the US during WWII. It was kept at a level very approachable even for the lower end of middle grade readers.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Fighting and deaths in the war are touched on briefly, nothing is shown. Ethnic diversity: A mixture of whites, Blacks, Latinx, and Japanese all highlighted. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Racial prejudice and injustices faced by Blacks, Latinx, and Japanese all included. ...more
A WWII autobiography of two Jewish Czech sisters, one of whom was hearing (Renee) and one who was deaf (Herta). After being on the run for quite a whiA WWII autobiography of two Jewish Czech sisters, one of whom was hearing (Renee) and one who was deaf (Herta). After being on the run for quite a while, they became so desperate to reunite with their parents that they turned themselves in to the Nazis and were transported to Auschwitz.
I have never read a true story of kids who were so lost and desperate to reunite with their family that they turned themselves in to the Nazis. The crazier part of the story is their survival, especially since one of them had a disability and was targeted by the doctor at Auschwitz who liked to do medical experiments on children. Since they were children at the time, this is written from a child's more innocent perspective. It is sobering but not quite as harrowing as some WWII autobiographies can be. Definitely a good choice for middle grade readers who are curious about the Holocaust but very sensitive.
Notes on content: Language: They talk about being called names, but I don't remember those being quoted. Sexual content: None Violence: People dying in the war and the prison camps are mentioned but not described much. Ethnic diversity: Mostly people from across Europe. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Discrimination against Jews and deaf people talked about....more
Kathy shares about growing up not sure where she belonged. Her mom was Thai, her dad was American. They lived in Bangkok, Thailand and she went to an Kathy shares about growing up not sure where she belonged. Her mom was Thai, her dad was American. They lived in Bangkok, Thailand and she went to an international school. She didn't feel totally at home in Bangkok, so she was counting down the days to their summer trip to Maine and her first summer camp experience. She was sure that camp was where she would fit in. But reality was a bit different.
I absolutely loved this. The students at my international school in Bangkok will totally identify with young Kathy. And even I, as an expat adult, can identify with not feeling like you totally fit in in any one place. It's a totally typical third culture kid experience, put into words and pictures excellently. I will need to buy more copies.
Notes on content: Language: None. Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: Kathy and her sister are mixed Thai/American, most other Americans depicted are white, a wide range of ethnicities at her school, and her housing community is very international. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: Some kids/adults make fun of her for being mixed or say she doesn't belong (in both places). Kathy is very insecure, but ends up in a somewhat better place by the end. Her parents are both older and this is not their first marriage, so she talks about how having older parents and step-siblings makes her feel. Her mom was also a bit of a workaholic and if her dad wasn't home, Kathy often felt lonely....more
A graphic novel history of humans harnessing electricity over the past couple hundred years.
I like that Brown researched and included some of the invA graphic novel history of humans harnessing electricity over the past couple hundred years.
I like that Brown researched and included some of the inventors often left out of these histories in the past because they were people of color. He has a Bangla inventor who made huge breakthroughs that led to the radio be the narrator for the book. Brown does an excellent job of tracing the path to modern electronics and explaining the science along the way. The former science teacher in me was quite satisfied with it. If you have money for only 1 electricity book for a middle grade reader, pick this one.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Brown does talk about some scientists messing with powers they didn't understand and how one man died in an ill-conceived experiment. (Not graphic.) He also talks about how they discovered muscles in frogs and human cadavers could be activated by electricity (again, not graphic and covered tactfully). Ethnic diversity: Brown does a good job of including scientists from all over the globe. LGBTQ+ content: None specified Other: He talks about Edison and Tesla's feud a little....more
An examination of the earliest appearances of stories about sea monsters, most specifically the kraken. The book then explores what real creature mighAn examination of the earliest appearances of stories about sea monsters, most specifically the kraken. The book then explores what real creature might have sparked these stories, such as perhaps the giant squid and how our knowledge of the giant and colossal squids have grown in the past couple hundred years.
This was the best What Do We Know about... book I've read so far. I like how it examined the relationship between sea monster stories/myths and our lack of knowledge about what lives in the worlds' oceans, and how discoveries about giant squids and colossal squids seem to explain where many of the kraken stories may have come from. Hand this to curious readers, random fact sponges, and sea monster fans.
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: None Violence: Fictional stories of sea monster attacks wrecking ships and drowning sailors are mentioned. Whale/squid battles are recounted and the injuries they can leave on each other. Ethnic diversity: Kraken-like tales from around the globe are related. Scientists from Europe, Japan, and New Zealand are highlighted. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Inspections of dead squid are described and some illustrations are included....more
Fran discovers a pond behind the new house and gets a lesson from the local amphibians about their characteristics, unique attributes, and habitats.
ThFran discovers a pond behind the new house and gets a lesson from the local amphibians about their characteristics, unique attributes, and habitats.
This is a solid introduction to amphibians, the stages of life in amphibians, what happens during metamorphosis, and how frogs survive different habitats (from where they lay their eggs to what they do in times of extreme weather).
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: Mating of frogs is briefly touched on in clinical, educational types of terms. Violence: Predation is mentioned. Ethnic diversity: The people in the book include 2 people of color and 1 Whiter person. LGBTQ+ content: Fran is referred to with they/them pronouns. Fan has 2 dads. Other: Some gross factor in things like the fact that many frogs eat their own skin. ...more
Caldecott winning illustrator Jerry Pinkney shares about his childhood and young adult life in this autobiography.
It was very interesting to learn howCaldecott winning illustrator Jerry Pinkney shares about his childhood and young adult life in this autobiography.
It was very interesting to learn how this renowned artist got into art, and the people who encouraged him along the way. He also talks about racial discrimination he experienced and how few people of color who were artists he knew of as a child. It makes it all the more astounding of all he accomplished throughout his career and gave to many children what he was missing in his childhood. Pinkney only completely rough sketches of all the illustrations he was planning to do for this book before he died, but they still were sufficient to bring his childhood and youth to life (though I'm sure the finish products he had planned would have been astounding). I liked how Pinkney brought his childhood to life but didn't make it overwhelming to the Elementary crowd. I also liked the conscious decision to make the book as dyslexic-friendly as possible (Pinkney was dyslexic himself and shares how some kindhearted adults helped him overcome the challenges that presented). A heartwarming autobiography from a beloved illustrator.
Notes on content: Language: Pinkney uses common language of the 40s/50s/60s to refer to Black people. Some of them are not as acceptable today, but none are outright racial slurs. He explains why he kept those terms in the back of the book. Sexual content: None Violence: None Ethnic diversity: Both Black and White Americans were important people in Pinkney's life LGBTQ+ content: None Other: Pinkney shares how scared he and his friends were of police as children and why. He also shares how he couldn't go in some stores and restaurants because of the color of his skin....more
You've probably heard of the big shots who worked on Enigma at Bletchley Park, but have you heard about any of the thousands of ordinary women and girYou've probably heard of the big shots who worked on Enigma at Bletchley Park, but have you heard about any of the thousands of ordinary women and girls who helped keep things running and assisted those big shots so they could achieve the successes they did? Candice Fleming introduces readers to 10 young women, many who were just teenagers, who signed up to help their country with little to no information about what they would be doing and ended up cracking difficult codes, indexing information uncovered, translating cracked codes into English, or running the Bombe machines. Meet Patricia Owtram, Jane Hughes, Mavis Batey, Sarah Norton, Diana Payne, Gwen Watkins, Ann Williams, Joanna Chorley, Charlotte Webb, and Marion Graham.
A fascinating look at what life was life for the young women who worked through WWII at Bletchley Park in various roles. It is great that more everyday heroes can be acknowledged, and that readers can see every little bit counts to make monumental achievements possible. Between chapters that introduce the different girls and what they did, Fleming gives readers a crash course in code and cipher breaking in easy to understand ways. A splendid nonfiction book on WWII for middle grade (though YA readers will definitely be interested too).
Notes on content: Language: None Sexual content: Fleming mentions how some of the girls fell in love and got married, but no mushy details really. Violence: Deaths in the war are mentioned, and the seriousness of situations is conveyed. No violence on page that I remember. Ethnic diversity: Most of the ladies were White British young women, but from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. LGBTQ+ content: None Other: The stress of the work and keeping such important secrets is talked about. The ceiling for jobs women could fill at Bletchley Park is discussed....more
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