Rick and Rachel Build a Research Report

Gr 3–5—These titles provide youngsters with the steps to follow to produce a well-written report, story, or piece of narrative nonfiction. Each title begins with a note from a character with important terms in bold font. Report finds Rick and Rachel learning to write a research paper using note cards to organize information. Frank and Fiona create a story as part of a contest at school in the second book. In Nonfiction, Neil and Nan brainstorm; use a graphic organizer to sort through the beginning, middle, and end of their work; and learn about descriptive and linking words, and using a hook to get readers' attention. Each title ends with a spread that outlines the creative process the characters followed in the narrative. The children are the same ages as the target audience, and the many ideas will encourage young scribes. The text and illustrations (many full page) are nicely balanced. Solid additions for libraries with gaps to fill.—Janene Corbin, Rosebank Elementary School, Nashville, TN