Not So Civilized Reviewed by Brian Odom, Pelham Public Library, AL - 11/01/2009
World History - 900 Selecting a world-history series that combines an appropriate amount of information with an appealing presentation can be difficult. However, for libraries in need of new lucid and inviting cultural and ancient histories, the standouts below have the potential to introduce some fascinating cultures.
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Get Off the Couch Reviewed by Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA - 11/01/2009
Sports - 700 Sports series this season run the gamut from offering the same old basics on popular sports with some new design angles, to covering some unusual topics that have not been fully explored before. Successful sets have an attractive page layout and an appropriately sized font for the intended audience, while enhancing the narrative with striking, colorful photographs.
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Do It Yourself Reviewed by Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA - 11/01/2009
Science Projects - 500 “Science fair” is a phrase that often strikes fear in students and their parents. Where do you get an idea? How do you do an experiment? What steps are required? But science projects are not limited to science fairs. What are students, parents, or teachers to do in order to learn more about the world around them? Luckily, some new series provide activities re...
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How It All Works Reviewed by Ragan O’Malley, Saint Ann’s School, Brooklyn, NY - 11/01/2009
Physical Science - 500 Kids have so many questions! How do you get electricity from a waterfall? Where does gas come from? What’s a rainbow? How’s plastic made? The series included here for younger readers provide a solid scientific foundation and attempt to pique interest in the physical world we live in, while those aimed at a slightly older audience tackle larger questions and g...
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Which One Is Right? Reviewed by Cara Moffett, South College - 11/01/2009
Pets - 600 Today, exotic and strange pets are more common than ever, and these series feature some popular and curious breeds, as well as old friends. Treatments include basic facts about the animals plus their history, characteristics, distinctive qualities, likes and dislikes, and care instructions.
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Under the Hood Reviewed by Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS - 11/01/2009
Machines - 600 Books on huge equipment and machinery, transportation vehicles, and fast cars are perennially popular. Whether they feature ships, planes, trucks, snowmobiles, or tractors, the colorful covers will entice young readers. These series cover the allure, use, and, sometimes, sport of the many vehicles.
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Eew, That’s Gross! Reviewed by Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI - 11/01/2009
Life Science - 500 If there’s a trend in life science series this season, it seems to be toward the “extreme.” In an effort to catch young readers’ attention, titles, text, and photos are focusing on anything that can be labeled disgusting. The selections cover a range of topics, from an introduction to genetics and various life-forms to human senses and body parts and ...
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2009 National Book Awards On the red carpet with nominees in the Young People's Literature category.
Photos by Rocco Staino.
SLJ Covers 2009 A bigger and better view of SLJ's covers from 2009
BookExpo America 2009: SLJ's Day of Dialog School Library Journal held a Day of Dialog in conjunction with the annual BookExpo America on May 28, 2009 at the Brooklyn Public Library. Full story: bit.ly/1a0G7o
Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (unabr.). 9 cassettes or 9 CDs. 11 hrs. Recorded Books (recordedbooks.com). 2009. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4407-3888-3: $67.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4407-3892-0: $97.75. Gr 7 Up–Seventeen-year-old Jessica Packwood was adopted as an infant and raised in rural Lebanon County, PA, by a socially conscious vegan couple.
Celebrity decorator Evette Rios reads to enthusiastic second graders at the Brooklyn Brownstone School library as part of a First Book donation event. The Eight O' Clock Coffee brand and Candlewick Press are teaming up to contribute 20,000 books to children across the country through their partnership with First Book, an organization that provides new books to children in need.
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Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side (unabr.). 9 cassettes or 9 CDs. 11 hrs. Recorded Books (recordedbooks.com). 2009. cassette, ISBN 978-1-4407-3888-3: $67.75; CD, ISBN 978-1-4407-3892-0: $97.75. 
