Series Made Simple: Our Guide to Series Nonfiction
In 2007, Pluto Was Out. This Year, Umami Is In. Henrietta Thornton-Verma, Editor, Series Made Simple - 11/01/2009
Recently, my daughter brought home her first kindergarten assignment. The homework sheet showed the human tongue, with four taste areas drawn in: bitter, sour, sweet, and salty. Her job was to sketch what she had eaten and connect the food with the appropriate taste, drawing a line from Scooby Snack, for example, to the sweet-tasting portion of the tongue. More
In 2007, Pluto Was Out. This Year, Umami Is In. Henrietta Thornton-Verma, Editor, Series Made Simple - 11/01/2009
Recently, my daughter brought home her first kindergarten assignment. The homework sheet showed the human tongue, with four taste areas drawn in: bitter, sour, sweet, and salty. Her job was to sketch what she had eaten and connect the food with the appropriate taste, drawing a line from Scooby Snack, for example, to the sweet-tasting portion of the tongue.
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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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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
Rockin’, Rollin’ and Ridin’ with Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck. CD. 23 min. Prod. by Big Truck Music. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2009. $8.99.
Gr 1-5–A veteran of Noggin Channel and PBS Kids, Frezza created these eight exceptional rock ‘n roll songs for elementary grade children who are too old for Raffi, but not old enough for adult pop music.
Friends and colleagues of the late Effie Lee Morris may enjoy this photo of the children's librarian, which Nicholas Glass, founder and executive director of Teachingbooks.net, recently found on his computer. It was taken at the 2009 ALA Annual Conference in Chicago, and features (from left) Ashley Bryan, Christopher Myers, and Morris, also an advocate for children's literature and library service to youngsters with impaired vision, who died of cancer on November 10, 2009.
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Rockin’, Rollin’ and Ridin’ with Rebecca Frezza & Big Truck. CD. 23 min. Prod. by Big Truck Music. Dist. by CDBaby.com. 2009. $8.99. 
