When asked to name a hero, children often have a variety of responses, ranging from athletes to parents. The latest crop of career nonfiction titles introduces readers to the men and women behind some very dangerous jobs from elite police task forces to scientists braving the extreme Antarctic terrain to chart climate change. Contributing to society’s well-being, these individuals are at the heart of this season’s well-researched, engaging, and eye-catching books.

Elementary

Gr 2-5 –Exploring careers that mix brains with physically demanding work, the titles in this series shed light on often less frequently covered career choices, many which society could ill afford to do without. The subject is refreshing and the texts cover a range of topics, from tools of the trade and training to safety precautions and future opportunities. In each, vibrant photographs of individuals on the job, graphic organizers, and “Digging Deeper” sidebars supplement the primary text and should keep students interested and engaged. Despite the lack of extras, the series is a winning testament to the jobs that are crucial to our communities. VERDICT Strong additions to career collections.

Gr 4-6 –Filled with action-packed photos and straightforward information, the volumes in this set will have readers on the edge of their seats as they vicariously experience the often thrilling operations of police search-and-rescue workers. Although some of the real-life examples may be scary to some, the outcomes are generally positive and provide students with an honest look at jobs that are often dangerous, but satisfying for the brave individuals who risk their lives to save others. Vibrant spreads as well as brief yet fascinating text boxes add further interest to topics that will leave readers breathless and eager to learn more. VERDICT These well-written and highly engaging books earn high marks and will appeal to thrill seekers.

Gr 3-5 –This series involves readers from the opening page of each volume. Real-life examples, engaging presentation, and striking photos work together to immerse students in the dangerous work of these brave men and women. Brief, easy-to-read blocks of text highlight the skills, training, and safety precautions needed in order to succeed and survive. Each chapter is followed by “Take the Test!,” a reading comprehension quiz that reads more like a training checklist than a means to review content. Coupled with the invigorating design and visuals, with paint-splatter graphics and star-shaped sidebars, the series is energetic and should appeal to reluctant readers and those looking for action-packed career choices. VERDICT Students will eagerly pick up these fact-filled volumes.

Gr 4-6 –Showcasing six distinct branches of engineering, this descriptive set introduces students to the discipline in straightforward, concise language. Each information-packed book defines the field, exploring its history, current developments, and future directions, giving readers a greater understanding of the profession. Every page of text is followed by a page of photos or other images, providing readers with information for different learning styles. The subject matter is fresh and contemporary, and the design of the books, from the use of shades of blue to the inclusion of graphic organizers, is crisp and appealing. VERDICT An excellent addition to school and public libraries, especially those with growing STEM collections.

Gr 2-5 –In these thrilling volumes readers are introduced to six public service careers that are dangerous but necessary. Infomation on the education/training required and equipment and tools used provide students with a clear understanding of just how specialized (in both skill and commitment) these jobs are. Action photos, including an image of SWAT team members rappelling down a building, are memorable and illustrate the risky nature of the occupations. “Fast Fact!” sidebars offer bite-sized information that supports and advances the primary text in an engaging way. The inclusion of less-covered careers, such as smokejumper and air marshal, is a refreshing choice. VERDICT Solid options to fill collection gaps.

Gr 3-5 –Showcasing six high-interest careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, the volumes in this informative series give students an up-close look at these hard-working scientists both in the lab and in the field. While the jobs included here represent just a fraction of the numerous STEM-focused career possibilities, the books are unified in their emphasis that math skills are crucial regardless of the profession. The design of each volume is aesthetically appealing in that it reflects the focus of the book—Software Developer and Electrical Engineer, for example, include purple circuitry images at the top and bottom of many pages—and visually reinforces what the audience is reading; brief sidebars accomplish this textually. VERDICT A solid addition to library careers and science sections.

K-Gr 2 –Focusing on agencies in the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, and Israel, these brief volumes introduce early readers to the world of espionage using easy-to-understand language and simple sentences. Students become acquainted with national agencies such as the CIA and KGB, spy history, various tools of the trade, and notable spies and their work. Archival images of people and artifacts, including fake passports and bullet pens, make the text more meaningful, while a “Top-Secret Activity” engages and supports relevant information introduced earlier in the text. Bright yellows, reds, blues, and greens pop against the white pages and work brilliantly as reminders that spies rely upon blending in, not standing out, in order to do their jobs effectively. VERDICT A fine introductory series for young readers.

Gr 2-5 –Appealing to young military buffs and history enthusiasts, this collection spans the years between each unit’s earliest operations and their contemporary missions. Although slim in format and information, each title gives readers a glimpse of the subject operation including relevant information such as names and dates, while a corresponding time line at the bottom of the page identifies the conflict as well as the mission’s location, goal, and outcome. Archival photographs and reproductions accompany the accounts and underscore the valor and grit of the soldiers. Key words appear in bold and are defined in sidebars and the glossary; other sidebars provide readers with quick facts of interest, such as the SEAL in Navy SEAL standing for sea, air, and land. VERDICT While lacking in-depth information, the series provides a solid starting point for independent research.

Gr 3-5 –Focusing on lesser-known U.S. military units, this series is fascinating and informative. A riveting introductory narrative starts each volume and puts readers right into the action, then whisks them through each special force’s history and purpose. Each unit’s training regimen is explained in great detail, shedding light on the physical stamina, strong fortitude, and intelligence required of the men in these positions. Jaw-dropping facts—Delta Force estimates that more than 90 percent of Delta Force recruits drop out during the selection process—as well as time lines and each unit’s insignia, provide readers with a wealth of information. The sharp photos, several of which show these brave individuals in action, further illustrate the elite nature of these military forces. VERDICT Readers will be hard-pressed to put these down.

K-Gr 2 –Celebrating the heroic work of civil servants in the United States and around the world, these books allow beginning readers to see the similarities in how these professionals work to make the world a safer place. Simple, straightforward language and sentence structure enable students to quickly digest and understand the material. The clean, uncluttered design allows readers to easily navigate the text, while large, colorful photos introduce them to a diverse, multicultural cast of people. A three-question multiple-choice quiz at the completion of each volume assesses reading comprehension in a low-pressure way (thanks to accompanying visual clues) that will build student confidence. VERDICT First-rate nonfiction that will appeal to readers interested in emergency services as well as those looking for a thrilling read.

Middle to High School

Gr 6 Up –Exploring the numerous career opportunities available to individuals serving in the six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, this text-heavy series moves beyond the standard look at what each branch does, focusing instead on nine specific jobs, from the entry-level to more advanced positions. Job descriptions address education, required skills and personality, working conditions, salary, and advancement opportunities. The text also looks ahead to the occupation outlook and employment prospects in the civilian world. The minimalist black-and-white design puts the emphasis on the information, and while a few color photos sporadically break up the blocks of text, their inclusion seems incidental and adds very little to the overall package. VERDICT These well-written overviews, although short on visuals, are excellent resources for the numerous career possibilities the military has to offer.

Gr 5-8 –Tracing today’s innovations to the past, with a nod toward their future, the titles in this engaging series will grab readers’ attention through their striking photography, archival images, and topical subject matter. Crisp, colorful photos share space with black-and-white images, giving readers a visual snapshot of each innovation’s evolution through the years; similarly, time lines at the beginning of each chapter progressively mark breakthroughs that are key to readers’ understanding the subject’s development over time. The subject matter is timely and interesting, especially in Recycling, which connects environmental science with salvage, repurposing, and art. The inclusion of career statistics at the end of each volume provides students with pertinent information such as median annual salary, projected job growth, and projected increase in the number of jobs. VERDICT Libraries can’t go wrong with these welcome additions.

Gr 8 Up –This thoroughly researched, text-heavy series introduces readers interested in construction to career possibilities and explores the training and skills necessary for the jobs. In each, four chapters that focus on educational requirements, activities and responsibilities, and current and future outlooks deliver an honest, realistic look at the profession. Vibrant photos provide much-needed splashes of color amidst pages of black-and-white text; captions enclosed in yellow rectangles, blue headings, and a blueprint at the top of each new chapter create a unified design scheme that allows readers’ attention to stay focused on the material. VERDICT Although a bit dry, this comprehensive series provides a strong introduction to the construction industry.

Gr 4-6 –Fascinating overviews of scientists at work outside of the lab will certainly capture the attention and imagination of readers as they join these risk-taking professionals in the field. The exciting and the mundane are covered as the text details on-the-job dangers and everyday tasks. The inclusion of numerous color photos allows readers to see individuals working in such extreme locations as the Aquarius underwater lab and Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. Graphic organizers, such as charts, tables, and graphs, and informative fact boxes enhance the text by giving readers a better understanding of these STEM careers. The true allure, however, is in the series’ choice of subjects, which includes lesser-explored extreme jobs in cave geology and Antarctic research as well as familiar high-interest careers as forensic scientists and astronauts. VERDICT First-purchase considerations for most collections.

Gr 5-8 –Four dangerous yet necessary professions are explored in this gripping series featuring dramatic narratives, fascinating facts, and sharp photography. Discussion of these high-interest, risky occupations include general job information, such as education and training requirements, daily activities, and tools of the trade, which are complemented by bright yellow “Fact” boxes (“Only four smokejumpers have died during a parachute jump since 1940.”). The inclusion of “Critical Thinking Using the Common Core” components allows students to reflect upon their reading, adding increased engagement. VERDICT Put these on display in careers or science and technology—they won’t stay on the shelves very long.

ABDO’s riveting “Special Ops” will absorb readers with its gripping real-life examples and action photos of the heroic men who serve as members of Delta Force. Rosen’s well-written “Hands-On Jobs” shines light on less-explored professions. Older readers will appreciate Rosen’s well-researched and vibrant “Out of the Lab” series. Similarly, “Calling All Innovators” from Children’s Press combines archival images, time lines, and solid research to link the past to the present while acknowledging the future. Depending upon collection needs, libraries can’t go wrong with the other series reviewed.

Audrey Sumser, Kent State University at Tuscarawas, New Philadelphia, OH