NONFICTION

Superbrain: The Insider's Guide to Getting Smart

by Toronto Public Library
illus. by Dave Whamond. 72p. appendix. glossary. notes. Annick. 2015. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9781554517350; pap. $9.95. ISBN 9781554517343.
COPY ISBN
Gr 4–6—Full of minibios and magazine-style quizzes and relying on a fun, superhero motif, this volume is a research manual in disguise. Easy to grasp sections on evaluating sources, recognizing bias, and building critical thinking skills make this a standout among similar guides. Various practical study and tips such as KWL charts, recipe card bibliographies, and sticky note organization are also presented. Some sections—for instance, "What Kind of Leader Are You?"—seem out of place but do little to detract from the overall organization. While few students will pick up this book on their own, homeschooling families or motivated young researchers might find hints to help them fight a learner's "number one villain—ignorance."
VERDICT This title will do best face out on displays and may need some shelf-talking help once filed with the rest of nonfiction.
Reviewed by Jennifer Wolf, Beaverton City Library, OR , Jun 01, 2015

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