Winning by Giving

Gr 3–5—This upbeat series is perhaps most helpful for parents looking for a resource to help their kids gain a new perspective on matters such as academic success, community involvement, patience, and being part of a team. The books have a light touch, which may help readers be more receptive to the messages. Bold graphics and bright, dynamic photographs add appeal. Each volume opens with a list of vocabulary words for kids to define and questions that will help educators establish students' prior knowledge and expectations before reading the book. The titles conclude with questions and an activity for teachers and parents to use in checking reading comprehension and content mastery or to expand discussion of the topic. The less-than-substantial texts mean that this set is not particularly useful for report writing, but the friendly advice warrants a place on library shelves.