These series cover a variety of topics, from politics to holidays to Internet safety to tattoos. A common thread in all of the books is the theme of community. In difference ways, each set asks questions that aim to help readers gain a better understanding of social structures. What is the role of the local library, hospital, police station, or firehouse? Who are the people who grow vegetables and/or raise livestock and fish? How are Christmas, Hanukah, and Kwanza celebrated? What are some religious or personal reasons for body art? Whether these books stick close to home or venture far, they all ask students to expand their understanding and consider their places in the human community.

Preschool-Grade 4

CANE, Ella. Communities in My World. ISBN 978-1-4765-3120-5; ISBN 978-1-4765-3462-6. LC 2013005894.

––––. Continents in My World. ISBN 978-1-4765-3123-6; ISBN 978-1-4765-3465-7. LC 2013005992.

––––. Countries in My World. ISBN 978-1-4765-3122-9; ISBN 978-1-4765-3464-0. LC 2013005990.

––––. Homes in My World. ISBN 978-1-4765-3118-2; ISBN 978-1-4765-3460-2. LC 2013005892.

––––. Neighborhoods in My World. ISBN 978-1-4765-3119-9; ISBN 978-1-4765-3461-9. LC 2013005893.

––––. States in My World. ISBN 978-1-4765-3121-2; ISBN 978-1-4765-3463-3. LC 2013005895.

ea vol: 24p. (Pebble Books: My World Series). further reading. glossary. index. map. photos. websites. Capstone. 2013. lib. ed. $21.32; pap. $5.95.

K-Gr 2–Attractively designed, these books introduce children to basic geography, from states to continents, and the variety of dwellings and neighborhoods in the U.S. The titles focusing on large landmasses are strong, with facts and statistics supported by maps, photos, and graphics that will draw children in. For example, stunning photographs of the Sahara and Australia’s large rock Uluru in Continents will interest readers of all ages. Topics such as government, currency, language, and population are expertly explored. Unfortunately, the three volumes that focus on life closer to home lack this informational richness. Instead, they contain casual observations such as “Cities are crowded.” Cities are again described as “crowded,” just pages later. Isn’t there more to say about urban environments? Children will not learn anything new or particularly insightful in these volumes, which will seem repetitive if read in one sitting. An uneven set.

CARR, Aaron. The Fire Station. ISBN 978-1-62127-344-8; ISBN 978-1-62127-349-3; ISBN 978-1-48961-665-4. LC 2013006840.

––––. The Hospital. ISBN 978-1-62127-345-5; ISBN 978-1-62127-350-9; ISBN 978-1-48961-666-1. LC 2013006832.

––––. The Library. ISBN 978-1-62127-346-2; ISBN 978-1-62127-351-6; ISBN 978-1-48961-667-8. LC 2013006709.

––––. The Police Station. ISBN 978-1-62127-347-9; ISBN 978-1-62127-352-3; ISBN 978-1-48961-668-5. LC 2013006708.

––––. The School. ISBN 978-1-62127-348-6; ISBN 978-1-62127-353-0; ISBN 978-1-48961-669-2. LC 2013006841.

ea vol: 24p. (My Neighborhood Series). photos. websites. Weigl. 2013. lib. ed. $27.13; pap. $12.95; ebk. $38.95.

PreS-Gr 2–This bright, upbeat series introduces children to the social and community services at the heart of every neighborhood, from the library to the hospital. Each page contains expansive, borderless photography. The white text is set apart in boxes with color backgrounds. The illustrations communicate most powerfully here, although the understated text, with its basic facts, also deserves praise. For example, in Fire Station, Carr notes that “The fire station has a large garage. This is where the fire trucks are parked.” And “Sometimes people stop and ask the police questions” in Police Station is another example of simple, strong writing. The photographs of neighborhoods include a range of urban and suburban settings, which affirms the homes of children of diverse backgrounds. Each book includes a quiz that encourages readers to test their visual knowledge of a place and a website that will take them to online resources. This series, which succeeds in inviting students to look more closely at their worlds, would be an ideal precursor to a neighborhood field trip.

DUSTMAN, Jeanne. Families Through Time. 32p. ISBN 978-1-4333-6991-9.

COAN, Sharon. I Can Work! 24p. ISBN 978-1-4333-7350-3.

DUSTMAN, Jeanne. A Family’s Story. 32p. ISBN 978-1-4333-6992-6.

MATTERN, Joanne. You Can Count on Me! 32p. ISBN 978-1-4333-6995-7.

MCARTHUR, Marcus. Immigration Stories. 32p. ISBN 978-1-4333-6998-8.

ea vol: (Primary Source Readers: Content and Literacy in Social Studies Series). glossary. index. map. photos. reprods. Teacher Created Materials. 2013. pap. $6.99.

PreS-Gr 2–This refreshing series includes diverse titles related to citizenship, responsibility, immigration, and families. Each book is written and designed in a simple, homespun manner that will appeal to children. Real kids and families rather than models grace many of these pages. Work shows a boy’s pride at earning stars for feeding his dog. Story, which explores several generations in the life of an ordinary family, contains charming vintage photos. This book, like Immigration, will inspire children to document their own histories. Time depicts loving families. Immigration is the gem in the series, introducing lesser-known stories of remarkable immigrants. Archival photography and manuscripts enliven the pages. Count takes a child’s responsibility beyond the home into the larger community. Photos depict children cleaning up a beach and helping the elderly.

EASON, Sarah. Chin Up, Charlie: Be Brave. ISBN 978-0-7660-4305-3.

––––. Come Clean, Carlos: Tell the Truth. ISBN 978-0-7660-4306-0.

––––. Don’t Play Dirty, Gertie: Be Fair. ISBN 978-0-7660-4307-7.

––––. Hand it Over, Harry: Don’t Steal. ISBN 978-0-7660-4308-4.

ea vol: 32p. (You Choose Series). glossary. illus. index. Enslow Elementary. 2013. lib. ed. $22.60.

Gr 1-2–These life-lesson books contain rudimentary cartoon artwork and invite children to ponder what they would do in ethically complex situations. For example, readers are asked what Harry should do if he doesn’t have any money but wants to give his mom a birthday present. Is it okay for him to pick flowers from his neighbor’s yard? Each title features a cookie-cutter character that serves as a stand-in for the children reading the book. Each scenario offers three choices and ends with a flat-footed explanation of which one was best and why. The end of every title includes a “How to use this book” spread, which adds little insight. Most situations, such as being the new kid at school and fear of the dentist, are believable, if bland. Children may find the ethical questions compelling. The fact that each situation only has one right answer is disappointing, as children are likely to skip ahead to read it rather than puzzle out solutions in a more critical way.

ETINGOFF, Kim. Dairy Products. ISBN 978-1-4222-2743-5; ISBN 978-1-4222-9075-0. LC 2013004737.

––––. Farmed Fish. ISBN 978-1-4222-2745-9; ISBN 978-1-4222-9077-4. LC 2013004739.

SINGER, Jane E. Meat. ISBN 978-1-4222-2746-6; ISBN 978-1-4222-9078-1. LC 2013004740.

––––. Rice. ISBN 978-1-4222-2747-3; ISBN 978-1-4222-9079-8. LC 2013004741.

ea vol: 48p. (Feeding the World Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. reprods. websites. Mason Crest. 2013. lib. ed. $19.95; ebk. $24.95.

Gr 2-4–Colorfully and carefully designed, these slim volumes offer comprehensive introductions to food production. Readers will gain a thorough understanding of where their food comes from and everything that happens to it before it reaches the dinner table. The introductory first chapters are the weakest parts of the books, but the writing seems more precise in subsequent sections. Factual material is punctuated with amusing anecdotes, such as a theory of how cheese was discovered: a man galloped on a horse with a bag of milk on a hot day and voila: cheese. The mixture of historical and contemporary photos complements the text. Sidebars are lengthy but not cumbersome, and the glossaries are adequate. There are no informative graphics or diagrams, which would have been appropriate for this subject. Nevertheless, these books promote discussion, critical thinking, and further research. Their main strength is their unbiased, evenhanded approach to divisive subjects such as vegetarianism and organic produce.

GAGNE, Tammy. Recycle Every Day. ISBN 978-1-60753-520-1. LC 2013010609.

––––. Save Energy Every Day. ISBN 978-1-60753-518-8. LC 2013008497.

––––. Take Care of the Earth Every Day. ISBN 978-1-60753-521-8. LC 2013008496.

SCHUH, Mari. Save Water Every Day. ISBN 978-1-60753-519-5. LC 2013010602.

ea vol: 24p. (Kids Save the Earth Series). diag. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Amicus. 2013. lib. ed. $27.10.

PreS-Gr 2–With its neon covers, vibrant photography, and “Let’s Do It” text boxes that contain accessible tips for conserving and recycling, this series will grab children’s attention. Each page is dynamic and energetic without being cluttered or busy. Headings such as “Use Every Drop” speak volumes and correspond perfectly to the illustrations. Take Care introduces the overarching theme of the series, while the other titles zoom in on three ways to participate in environmentalism. Each book explains a scientific concept, such as the water cycle, using clear diagrams and explanations. Vocabulary words such as “evaporate” are set apart in bold font and defined in language children will easily grasp. These scientific sections seamlessly transition into text that offers practical advice about conservation. The blend of theoretical and practical makes this a very readable series. Children will not be overloaded with dense information, but will gain enough facts to be inspired to act.

HERRINGTON, Lisa M. Groundhog Day. ISBN 978-0-531-27203-9; ISBN 978-0-531-27353-1. LC 2013014835.

––––. Hanukkah. ISBN 978-0-531-27201-5; ISBN 978-0-531-27351-7. LC 2013014853.

––––. Kwanzaa. ISBN 978-0-531-27204-6; ISBN 978-0-531-27354-8. LC 2013014854.

––––. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. ISBN 978-0-531-27205-3; ISBN 978-0-531-27355-5. LC 2013014852.

––––. Thanksgiving. ISBN 978-0-531-27206-0; ISBN 978-0-531-27356-2. LC 2013014851.

SCHILLER, Melissa. 100th Day of School. ISBN 978-0-531-27200-8; ISBN 978-0-531-27350-0. LC 2013014825.

TRUEIT, Trudi Strain. Christmas. ISBN 978-0-531-27202-2; ISBN 978-0-531-27352-4. LC 2013014834.

––––. Valentine’s Day. ISBN 978-0-531-27207-7; ISBN 978-0-531-27357-9. LC 2013014850.

ea vol: 32p. (Rookie Read-About: Holidays Series). glossary. illus. index. photos. websites. Children’s Press. 2013. lib. ed. $23; pap. $5.95.

PreS-Gr 2–This set offers concise historical information and an unbiased evaluation of the cultural significance of holidays. Every aspect of this series seems perfectly tailored to Common Core classrooms that strive to make nonfiction exciting. Clever chapter headings, such as “Meet a Furry Forecaster!” in Groundhog Day, draw students in. “Fast Fact!” text boxes and photo captions will grab their attention while providing additional information. Reproductions and gorgeous, glossy color photos will spark conversations. For example, one photo shows a woman holding an enormous groundhog aloft. Calendars invite numerical and spatial learning, and the arts-and-crafts projects will help readers synthesize facts. Even the tables of contents and glossaries are visually dynamic. Not a single inch of page space is wasted (e.g., page numbers are presented inside icons in the shape of the holiday’s symbol, such as a groundhog, heart or dreidel). Students will appreciate and be entertained by discovering new details with each read.

MILLER, Shannon. Be Nice Online. ISBN 978-1-4777-0756-2; ISBN 978-1-4777-1573-4. LC 2013000195.

––––. Don’t Share Your Address Online. ISBN 978-1-4777-1536-9; ISBN 978-1-4777-1569-7. LC 2012050007.

––––. Don’t Share Your Phone Number Online. ISBN 978-1-4777-0753-1; ISBN 978-1-4777-1568-0. LC 2012050006.

––––. Don’t Share Your Plans Online. ISBN 978-1-4777-0754-8; ISBN 978-1-4777-1570-3. LC 2012050005.

––––. Don’t Talk to Strangers Online. ISBN 978-1-4777-0755-5; ISBN 978-1-4777-1572-7. LC 2013000214.

––––. Keep Your Passwords Secret. ISBN 978-1-4777-1537-6; ISBN 978-1-4777-1571-0. LC 2012051004.

ea vol: 24p. (Internet Dos & Don’ts Series). glossary. index. photos. websites. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2013. lib. ed. $22.60; ebk. $22.60.

K-Gr 2–Internet safety basics are presented in clear, simple language for the youngest online users. The series balances enthusiasm about the Internet’s educational and social benefits with cautionary advice such as, “A stranger you chat with could bother you.” The otherwise competent writing falters in Be Nice, which contains vague statements (e.g., “Being nice is thinking about others’ feelings”) and devotes only two pages to online bullying. Address and Phone Number could have been combined into one title. The series avoids specifics when discussing websites and chat rooms, so it won’t become dated quickly. However, the absence of computer graphics seems a missed opportunity to teach technological skills. The stock images of children are bland and repetitive. Although this series might not be strong enough to be used in its entirety, individual titles do a satisfactory job of sparking essential (and perhaps life-saving) conversations about safety practices.

PETERSON, Megan Cooley. Black Cats. ISBN 978-1-4765-2181-7. LC 2013005730.

––––. Celebrate Halloween. ISBN 978-1-4765-2183-1. LC 2013005729.

––––. Jack-o’-Lanterns. ISBN 978-1-4765-2180-0. LC 2013006882.

––––. Trick-or-Treat Safety. ISBN 978-1-4765-2182-4. LC 2013006884.

ea vol: 24p. (Pebble Plus: Halloween Fun Series). further reading. glossary. illus. index. map. photos. websites. Capstone. 2013. lib. ed. $24.65.

PreS-Gr 2–This festive, informative series will help students get into the Halloween spirit. Colorful pages feature photographs of children in spooky costumes and rural autumn scenes. The texts evoke familiar images without using clichéd language (the word “boo!” is used sparingly). Celebrate offers a general overview of how people approach the holiday, describing parties, parades, and bobbing for apples. It also covers international celebrations, including the Irish custom of baking charms into bread and Canada’s Halloween firework shows. Black Cats and Jack-o’-Lanterns provide historical background for familiar symbols. Children will be intrigued to learn that people used to carve turnips instead of pumpkins, and that black cats were thought to contain witches’ spirits. In Safety, Peterson advises trick-or-treaters without ever slipping into a condescending tone. The voice throughout the series is celebratory and joyful. Each volume includes an activity.

Grades 5 & Up

BROWN, Tracy. Facebook Safety and Privacy. ISBN 978-1-4488-9569-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-9574-8.

BRYAN, Dale-marie. Smartphone Safety and Privacy. ISBN 978-1-4488-9573-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-9577-9.

CULP, Jennifer. Online Gaming Safety and Privacy. ISBN 978-1-4488-9570-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-9576-2.

HENNEBERG, Susan. Twitter Safety and Privacy: A Guide to Microblogging. ISBN 978-1-4488-9572-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-9578-6.

SUEN, Anastasia. Downloading and Online Shopping Safety and Privacy. ISBN 978-1-4488-9571-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-9575-5.

ea vol: 64p. (21st Century Safety and Privacy Series). bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. photos. reprods. websites. Rosen. 2013. lib. ed. $31.95; ebk. $31.95.

Gr 6-10–This series helps readers understand the joys and pitfalls of Facebook, Twitter, online gaming, and more. The authors present information and advice in a clear, concise, and informative manner, treating readers with respect and never taking on a scolding tone. Well researched, these books include studies that will inspire students to evaluate their own behavior. For example, a 2009 Identity Fraud Survey Report found that 18- to 24-year-olds took 132 days, on average, to recognize identity theft. Anecdotes from the media also spice up the writing. The example of Olympic competitors who were expelled from the 2012 summer games after tweeting racist messages shows that even the most high-achieving people can abuse the online forum. The strength of these volumes is in their technical precision. The authors clearly know their technology. If the design of the books is somewhat lackluster, at least there is a sense of variety or visual diversity from page to page, with helpful screen shots and website examples. The extensive bibliographies will help will further research. Though some of the information might soon be obsolete given how fast-changing technology is, these excellent volumes will be worthwhile for students new to technology and those wanting to increase their safety online.

CURRIE-MCGHEE, Leanne. Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Health. ISBN 978-1-60152-564-2. LC 2013009283.

––––. Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Teens. ISBN 978-1-60152-566-6. LC 2012049320.

HIRSCHMANN, Kris. Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Art. ISBN 978-1-60152-562-8. LC 2013005828.

STEWART, Gail B. A Cultural History of Tattoos. ISBN 978-1-60152-560-4. LC 2012050782.

SZUMSKI, Bonnie & Jill Karson . A Cultural History of Body Piercing. ISBN 978-1-60152-558-1. LC 2013009273.

ea vol: 80p. (The Library of Tattoos and Body Piercings Series). further reading. index. notes. photos. websites. ReferencePoint. 2013. lib. ed. $28.95.

Gr 8 Up–These books are well written, well researched, and engaging. Reluctant readers will be drawn in by the snappy, funny sidebars and clear photos, which are gorgeous and, at times, gory. Some students will be intrigued and others will be repulsed by images of flesh-eating diseases. The authors take a largely nonjudgmental tone as they describe the reasons teens and adults permanently alter their bodies. This series is nothing if not surprising and refreshing, with each page packed with information that teens will want to repeat and share. For example, naval piercing became fashionable “as the bikini culture took root in the 1950s.” Health discourages teens from body modification more than the others in the series, but it also makes an argument for the mental-health benefits some experience from body modification. Crammed with facts, anecdotes, and research studies, all of which are referenced, this set explores the complexity of a topic that might seem narrow at first glance.

DUDLEY, William. Thinking Critically: Stem Cell Research. ISBN 978-1-60152-586-4. LC 2013019398.

MOONEY, Carla. Thinking Critically: Cell Phones. ISBN 978-1-60152-580-2. LC 2013011853.

––––. Thinking Critically: Performance-Enhancing Drugs. ISBN 978-1-60152-584-0. LC 2013002802.

NAKAYA, Andrea C. Thinking Critically: Gun Control and Violence. ISBN 978-1-60152-606-9. LC 2013012392.

––––. Thinking Critically: Social Networking. ISBN 978-1-60152-588-8. LC 2012043628.

SZUMSKI, Bonnie with Jill Karson. Thinking Critically: Medical Marijuana. ISBN 978-1-60152-582-6. LC 2012047796.

ea vol: 80p. (Thinking Critically Series). chart. diag. further reading. index. map. notes. photos. websites. ReferencePoint. 2013. lib. ed. $28.95.

Gr 7 Up–Encouraging analysis through engaging, well-researched examinations of hot topics, these books are exceptional in both writing and design. Like many series of this type, the authors introduce the basics of an issue and then offer both sides of the debate. The first page of each chapter, “The Debate at a Glance,” offers bullet points that summarize common arguments pro and con. The design is spare, with understated graphics; bright, compelling photos; and text boxes that pull out interesting quotes. Easy-to-read graphs and charts add another layer of visual information. Powerful anecdotes make the issues more relevant. For example, Gun Control includes a story about a mother who acted in self-defense when an intruder came into her house and discusses the Newtown, Connecticut school shooting with great sensitivity. Stem Cell is particularly notable for its nuanced approach, deeply moving anecdotes, and clear scientific explanations. Through this series, young people can become better informed about these issues in mere hours and learn to synthesize and make sense of disparate information they may have gathered from news sources. Highly recommended.

HARRISON, Geoffrey C. & Thomas F. Scott . Church & State. ISBN 978-1-59953-589-0; ISBN 978-1-60357-569-0. LC 2013017064.

––––. The Fight for Freedom. ISBN 978-1-59953-588-3; ISBN 978-1-60357-568-3. LC 2013017970.

––––. Lethal Weapons. ISBN 978-1-59953-592-0; ISBN 978-1-60357-572-0. LC 2013014298.

––––. New Americans. ISBN 978-1-59953-591-3; ISBN 978-1-60357-571-3. LC 2013013010.

––––. Our Military. ISBN 978-1-59953-590-6; ISBN 978-1-60357-570-6. LC 2013016656.

ea vol: 48p. (Great Debates Series). bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. photos. reprods. websites. Norwood. 2013. lib. ed. $29.27; ebk. $21.95.

Gr 5-7–This series asks readers to consider contemporary and historical debates in America, from immigration to the use of firearms to the relationship between church and state. The authors craft both sides of their arguments with care. Chapters are introduced as questions, such as “Is the freedom of others worth fighting for?” The “Affirmative” and “Negative” sides of the debate are presented in boxes at the bottom of the page. Questions set apart in bold font throughout the texts encourage critical thinking. Unfortunately, the large summary boxes are distracting on pages that already contain graphics, texts, and photos. There should be a hierarchy of emphasis on the dated design elements; instead, every visual competes for attention. There is a dated textbook quality to the boxes with arrows that point up and down. These books are well written and carefully researched, but the clunky design could be a deal-breaker.

The best of these books encourage young people to view their communities, big and small, with curiosity and compassion. Children’s Press’s “Rookie Read-About: Holidays,” with its great visuals and concise descriptions of multicultural holidays, sets the gold standard for series for younger readers. Amicus’s “Kids Save the Earth” helps students feel responsible for their actions and learn easy ways to save water and resources. Mason Crest’s “Feeding the World” invites older readers to understand food production and make informed decisions about their diets. Rosen’s “21st Century Safety and Privacy” and ReferencePoint’s “The Library of Tattoos and Body Piercings” offer older students examples of scholarly works that reflect their lives and realities. Without denying the joys of Trick-Or-Treating or Facebook, many of this season’s series emphasize safety. At their best, these sets equip young people with essential skills, bolster their adventurous spirits, and challenge them to look more carefully at their worlds.