The series in this section explore the craft of writing, genres, online literacy, languages, and grammar. Several books encourage readers to try out different writing strategies and areas. Others show how language allows human beings to communicate, both verbally and on the page. A number of these books provide a road map as readers explore the power of language and literature.

Preschool-Grade 4

GANERI, Anita. French. ISBN 978-1-4329-5079-8; ISBN 978-1-4329-5086-6. LC 2010043783. ----. Hindi. ISBN 978-1-4329-5081-1; ISBN 978-1-4329-5088-0. LC 2010043785. MEDINA, Sarah. German. ISBN 978-1-4329-5184-9; ISBN 978-1-4329-5186-3. LC 2010043792. ----. Italian. ISBN 978-1-4329-5183-2; ISBN 978-1-4329-5185-6. LC 2010043791. ----. Spanish. ISBN 978-1-4329-5080-4; ISBN 978-1-4329-5087-3. LC 2010043784. RAATMA, Lucia. Mandarin. ISBN 978-1-4329-5084-2; ISBN 978-1-4329-5091-0. LC 2010043790. ----. Polish. ISBN 978-1-4329-5083-5; ISBN 978-1-4329-5090-3. LC 2010043789. ----. Urdu. ISBN 978-1-4329-5082-8; ISBN 978-1-4329-5089-7. LC 2010043788. ea vol: 32p. (Languages of the World Series). map. photos. further reading. index. Websites. CIP. Heinemann. 2011. PLB $26.; pap. $7.99. K-Gr 2-These clearly laid out books are full of cultural information and useful phrases in the featured languages. A section in each volume even gives a little etymology lesson, where readers learn how English words are derived from and connect to other languages. These titles also look at family life, school, sports, and food to illuminate different cultures. The books include a useful pronunciation guide. For beginning language learners, the uncluttered pages provide a nice balance of words and pictures. Useful for reports or simply for introducing children to the world around them. LEAR, Edward. The Table and the Chair. illus. by Jeff Ebbeler. ISBN 978-1-60973-156-4. LC 2011005002. STEVENSON, Robert Louis. Bed in Summer. illus. by Jesse Reisch. ISBN 978-1-60973-151-9. LC 2011004997. ----. The Land of Counterpane. illus. by Nancy Harrison. ISBN 978-1-60973-152-6. LC 2011004998. ----. The Little Land. illus. by Rebecca Thornburgh. ISBN 978-1-60973-153-3. LC 2011004999. ----. My Shadow. illus. by Molly Idle. ISBN 978-1-60973-154-0. LC 2011005000. TOLKIEN, J. R. R. Oliphaunt. illus. by Dan McGeehan. ISBN 978-1-60973-155-7. LC 2011005001. ea vol: 24p. (Poetry for Children Series). CIP. The Child's World. 2011. PLB $24.21. K-Gr 3-This series stands apart from other poetry sets for youngsters by focusing on one poem per book, giving readers a chance to savor every word. With a different artist for each title, the illustrations are as unique as the poems. The full texts, as well as a note about what makes a poem a poem, appear at the end. A short biography of the poet and illustrator complete each volume.

Grades 5 & Up

BEUTEL, Roger & Lauren Spencer. Writing a Narrative. ISBN 978-1-4488-4683-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-4689-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-4695-5. LC 2010051939. ----. Writing About Issues. ISBN 978-1-4488-4682-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-4688-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-4694-8. LC 2010050038. COOK, Jaye E. & Lauren Spencer. Writing Personal Stories. diags. ISBN 978-1-4488-4684-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-4690-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-4696-2. LC 2010050039. HUBBARD, Frances K. & Lauren Spencer. Writing to Inform. diags. ISBN 978-1-4488-4681-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-4687-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-4693-1. LC 2011006535. MCGUINNESS, Denis E. & Lauren Spencer. Writing to Describe. diags. ISBN 978-1-4488-4680-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-4686-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-4692-4. LC 2010050057. NOLAN, Chris & Lauren Spencer. Writing to Persuade. ISBN 978-1-4488-4685-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-4691-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-4697-9. LC 2011000304. ea vol: 64p. (Write Like a Pro Series). charts. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Rosen Central. 2011. PLB $30.60; pap. $12.95; ebook $30.60. Gr 5-8-These books explore various writing styles. Steps are clearly laid out with prompts and questions to get students on the right track with their compositions. Examples illustrate different kinds of writing techniques, such as using omniscient narration. All of the books discuss how to brainstorm, compose first drafts, revise and edit, and share finished work with others-either online or in print. The useful resource sections list reputable places where children can submit their writing for publication. A helpful, accessible series. CURRIE, Stephen. Online Privacy. ISBN 978-1-60152-194-1. LC 2011023649. MARCOVITZ, Hal. Online Gaming and Entertainment. ISBN 978-1-60152-191-0. LC 2011018701. ----. Online Information and Research. ISBN 978-1-60152-192-7. LC 2011012623. MOONEY, Carla. Online Predators. ISBN 978-1-60152-193-4. LC 2011020180. ----. Online Security. ISBN 978-1-60152-195-8. LC 2011022438. WHITING, Jim. Online Communication and Social Networking. ISBN 978-1-60152-190-3. LC 2011023648. ea vol: 96p. (Issues in the Digital Age Series). photos. further reading. index. notes. Websites. CIP. ReferencePoint. Nov. 2011. PLB $27.95. Gr 9 Up-This series tackles the ever-changing landscape of the Internet. Each book highlights an issue that students might face, such as online predators, protecting one's privacy, and determining a quality research website. Anecdotes are sprinkled throughout as well as technological histories like how Google and Wikipedia came to be. Both sides of issues are presented in an unbiased manner. For example, Entertainment explores the positive aspects of online gaming and the negative impact of addiction, while Social Networking examines the benefits and drawbacks to virtual networking and communication. The personal stories help the readable texts flow smoothly. Crossover and repetitive information weaves itself into several of the books. ELISH, Dan. Fiction. ISBN 978-1-60870-497-2; ISBN 978-1-60870-649-5. LC 2010018776. ----. Plays. ISBN 978-1-60870-499-6; ISBN 978-1-60870-651-8. LC 2010048840. ----. Screenplays. ISBN 978-1-60870-501-6; ISBN 978-1-60870-653-2. LC 2010026164. EVANS, Julie A. Journalism. chron. glossary. ISBN 978-1-60870-498-9; ISBN 978-1-60870-650-1. LC 2010048839. MUSSARI, Mark. Poetry. ISBN 978-1-60870-500-9; ISBN 978-1-60870-652-5. LC 2010042468. ea vol: 96p. (The Craft of Writing Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. index. notes. Websites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2011. PLB $34.21; ebook $34.21. Gr 6-10-This series has a lot more to it than just steps on how to write. Each book includes a chapter on the history of the featured genre, highlighting important figures and showing changes throughout the decades. The texts then walk aspiring writers through the creation process, using old as well as contemporary literary examples. Sidebars contain quotations from authors such as Stephen King and Tennessee Williams, and journalists such as Ernie Pyle and Margaret Bourke-White as well as full texts of poems from the likes of e. e. cummings and Langston Hughes. Terminology and formatting specific to each genre is clearly explained and incorporated smoothly into the texts. The last section of each title offers multiple prompts and ideas to motivate writers. Each book could stand on its own, but together they offer an even richer experience. FANDEL, Jennifer. Picture Yourself Writing Nonfiction: Using Photos to Inspire Writing. ISBN 978-1-4296-6125-6; ISBN 978-1-4296-7207-8. LC 2011002116. LLANAS, Sheila Griffin. Picture Yourself Writing Fiction: Using Photos to Inspire Writing. ISBN 978-1-4296-6127-0; ISBN 978-1-4296-7205-4. LC 2010052357. SALAS, Laura Purdie. Picture Yourself Writing Poetry: Using Photos to Inspire Writing. ISBN 978-1-4296-6124-9; ISBN 978-1-4296-7209-2. LC 2010052356. TYLER, Barbara A. Picture Yourself Writing Drama: Using Photos to Inspire Writing. ISBN 978-1-4296-6126-3; ISBN 978-1-4296-7203-0. LC 2010052358. ea vol: 32p. (Fact Finders: See It, Write It Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Capstone. 2011. PLB $25.99; pap. $7.95. Gr 3-6-Short, bright, and bold, these books are filled with colorful photographs and writing prompts. The authors ask questions about the works depicted, such as the famous "Migrant Mother" image and a shot of a snarling tiger, in order to help readers generate ideas for writing. Even though the series is divided into different fields, the writing tips and strategies can be applied across genres. Teachers or wannabe writers will find this series useful. Visually stimulating and written with a strong voice, these books will help any child embark on a creative adventure. KUIPER, Kathleen, ed. Poetry and Drama: Literary Terms and Concepts. 237p. appendix. ISBN 978-1-61530-490-5; ISBN 978-1-61530-539-1. LC 2010045788. ----. Prose: Literary Terms and Concepts. 244p. ISBN 978-1-61530-494-3; ISBN 978-1-61530-543-8. LC 2010047949. ea vol: (The Britannica Guide to Literary Elements Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. glossary. index. CIP. Britannica Educational. 2011. PLB $43.45; ebook $43.45. Gr 10 Up-Expansive looks at the history and terminology associated with poetry, prose, and drama. Everything from haiku to cantos, alliteration to rhythm, comedies, tragedies, and other dramatic devices is covered in Poetry. Prose is divided into chapters such as "Novel," "Satire," and "Romance." Prominent figures from a variety of literary areas are highlighted in text boxes. The books are good for reports and for accessing technical information on literary matters; however, students will not gravitate naturally to them. Given the dry writing and complex subjects, they are unlikely to hold readers' attention and as a whole feel more appropriate as college-level material. RIGGS, Ann. Adjectives and Prepositions. illus. ISBN 978-1-60818-091-2. LC 2010028298. ----. Common Grammatical Mistakes. ISBN 978-1-60818-092-9. LC 2010028300. ----. Nouns and Pronouns. ISBN 978-1-60818-093-6. LC 2010028301. ----. Phrases, Clauses, and Conjunctions. ISBN 978-1-60818-094-3. LC 2010028302. ----. Sentence Types and Punctuation. illus. ISBN 978-1-60818-095-0. LC 2010028299. ----. Verbs and Adverbs. illus. ISBN 978-1-60818-096-7. LC 2010028303. ea vol: 48p. (Understanding Grammar Series). charts. reprods. photos. bibliog. glossary. index. CIP. Creative Education. 2011. RTE $23.95. Gr 5-8-Filled with fun graphics and eye-catching photographs, this series walks readers through both basic and more complicated grammar rules. Interspersed throughout the texts are tables that, for example, distinguish between irregular and regular verbs. The "Build Your Own Sentence" activities encourage readers to try out some of the rules they've learned. The books also use examples from famous works of literature and well-known writers to illustrate grammatical points. Visually appealing and well designed, these titles will be fun for grammar aficionados or students who want to know more about the English language and how it works. Although the series is aimed at older elementary and middle school students, struggling readers might have a hard time decoding and comprehending these texts. Heinemann's "Languages of the World" is informative and varied in its breadth of languages and cultures. With its additional literary and historic information, Marshall Cavendish's "Craft of Writing" stands out among books about writing for upper level age groups, while Rosen's "Write Like a Pro" is a readable resource for the middle school crowd. Capstone's "Fact Finders: See It, Write It" would be a great addition to any language arts teacher's library. Britannica Educational's "Britannica Guide to Literary Elements" books are too dense to hold high school students' attention.