These series feature popular government and military subjects. “iCivics” introduces readers to various aspects of the United States government, including the functions of local governments and federal elections. Presidential pets in all forms are featured. Various aspects of the United States military are explored, including animals employed by the armed forces and elite units within the different branches, as are the military branches themselves. Some of these titles will be of real value.

Elementary

Gish, Ashley. AFSOC. ISBN 9781640263673.
––––. Army Rangers. ISBN 9781640263680.
––––. Delta Force. ISBN 9781640263697.
––––. Marine Force Recon. ISBN 9781640263727.
––––. MARSOC. ISBN 9781640263734.
Gish, Melissa. FBI Hostage Rescue Team. ISBN 9781640263703.
––––. Green Berets. ISBN 9781640263710.
––––. Navy Seals. ISBN 9781640263741.
––––. Night Stalkers. ISBN 9781640263758.
––––. SEAL Team Six. ISBN 9781640263765.
ea vol: 32p. (X-Books: Special Forces). The Creative Company/Creative Education. Jan. 2022. Tr $34.25.
Gr 3-5 –Readers are introduced to the various elite forces in the United States military in these ten titles. Facts provided include the specific duties of each group: for instance, Air Force Special Opps Command conducts secret rescue missions, the Special Operations Aviation Regminent—nicknamed the Night Stalkers—rescue hostages with helicopters, and Navy SEALS conduct maritime operations where diving is involved. The origin of each unit is included; two examples are that the Army Rangers descend from the Rogers Rangers of the French and Indian War, and Marine Force Recon was established in 1957. Where each force is headquartered and a brief overview of personnel and operations are also featured, as are colorful photographs to complement the narratives. The information related is good and comprehensive enough for the targeted reading levels; however, the texts are unfortunately dense and dry. These books will appeal to those with an intense interest in military operations, but browsers are unlikely to select. They are fine for reports. VERDICT Though the topics will appeal to some, these unexciting reads are at best an alternative purchase for libraries with a great demand for this information.

Hansen, Grace. Birds of Presidents. ISBN 9781098209230.
––––. Cats of Presidents. ISBN 9781098209247.
––––. Dogs of Presidents. ISBN 9781098209254.
––––. Farm Animals of Presidents. ISBN 9781098209261.
––––. Horses of Presidents. ISBN 9781098209278.
––––. Unusual Pets of Presidents. ISBN 9781098209285.
ea vol: 24p. (Pets of Presidents). Abdo/Kids Junior. Jan. 2022. Tr $29.93.
PreS-Gr 1 –These bright, cheerful volumes introduce youngsters to the various animals that were owned by the United States presidents. Readers learn about George Washington’s parrot, Bill Clinton’s pet cat Sox, Franklin Roosevelt’s terrier Fala, and the more unusual animals, such as the alligator owned by John Quincy Adams and the wallaby possessed by the Coolidges. Interesting facts are interspersed, such as Rutherford Hayes had the first Siamese cat in the United States and Woodrow Wilson sold his sheep to donate money to the Red Cross. While some photographs are featured, most illustrations are modern pictures of the corresponding pets. Not only do these volumes serve to educate readers about presidents’ relationships with animals, they also provide insight into the humanity of these powerful people, thus making them more accessible to young readers. VERDICT These titles provide pleasant and informative introductions to the personal lives of the presidents and should be considered for purchase.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Amin, Anita Nahta. Changing Laws. ISBN 9781087615370.
Bi, Selina Li. Making Decisions. ISBN 9781087615387.
Davies, Monika. Citizens of Planet Earth. ISBN 9781087615424.
Howard, Sherry. Voting for President. ISBN 9781087607153.
Nussbaum, Ben. What’s the Deal with Voting? ISBN 9781087615417.
Rice, Dona Herweck. Fannie Lou Hamer: Fighting for the Rights of Others. ISBN 9781087605128.
––––. State and Local Leaders. ISBN 9781087615394.
––––. Wise Words from U.S. Presidents. ISBN 9781087615431.
Sacre, Antonio. How Do Governments Spend Money? ISBN 9781087615448.
Schwartz, Heather E. Media Matters. ISBN 9781087615455.
ea vol: 32p. (iCivics). Teacher Created Materials. Feb. 2022. Tr $11.99.
Gr 4-6 –In this series, general topics of elementary civics classes are examined with varying degrees of success.Changing Laws, State and Local Leaders, and How do Governments Spend Money? provide adequate synopses of government functions. Citizens of Planet Earth addresses such issues as food inequity and climate change, and Media Matters provides tips on discerning real news from fake news and satire. Two titles in this series that stand out are Fannie Lou Hamer, which provides a nice introduction to a lesser-known Civil Rights activist, and Wise Words from Presidents, an unusual title which presents positive quotations on leadership from United States presidents. The volumes Voting for President and What’s the Deal with Voting? relate pertinent information about their respective subjects, but contain already outdated electoral maps. Short, fictional inserts designed to make the information more relevant to the reader, come across as a distraction to the report writers who will most likely select these books. Colorful photographs do enhance the text. VERDICT Most of these titles should be considered based on need for the subject, especially Fannie Lou Hamer and Wise Words from Presidents; however.

Bassier, Emma. Military Animal Messengers. ISBN 9781532169960.
Gale, Ryan. Military Animal Mascots. ISBN 9781532169953.
Rea, Amy C. Animals in Military Medicine. ISBN 9781532169946.
––––. Mine-Hunting Animals. ISBN 9781532169977.
Vilardi, Debbie. Animals in Military Action. ISBN 9781532169939.
––––. Supply Transport Animals. ISBN 9781532169984.
ea vol: 32p. (Military Animals). Abdo/DiscoverRoo. Jan. 2022. Tr $31.36.
Gr 3-6 –In these six volumes, readers receive a comprehensive review on the various roles animals have played in the military through the centuries. Interesting facts related include Hannibal’s employment of elephants as cavalry; therapy dogs have been used in the United States Army since 2007; dogs, cats, and pigeons have historically relayed messages from the battlefield; and dolphins are trained to find underwater mines. Explanations are also provided; for example, animals are quieter than military equipment and thus can go where vehicles cannot, and slugs can be used to determine the presence of gas. Colorful photos and other illustrations nicely complement the texts. Both animal and military enthusiasts will find the information fascinating. VERDICT Informative and entertaining, these books will attract those interested in animals and the military; they should be considered for purchase by both school and public librarians.

Rose, Simon. Air Force. ISBN 9781791141660.
––––. Army. ISBN 9781791141691.
––––. Coast Guard. ISBN 9781791141721.
––––. Delta Force. ISBN 9781791141813.
––––. Marine Corps. ISBN 9781791141752.
––––. Navy. ISBN 9781791141783.
ea vol: 24p. (U.S. Military Forces). AV2 Nonfiction. Sept. 2021. Tr $28.55.
Gr 3-6 –Basic information about United States military forces is provided in these introductory volumes. Readers learn the primary function of each branch, such as the Air Force provides air attacks against the enemy, and the Navy fights enemies at sea. A brief history of the individual branches includes a time line, weapons used throughout the years, and uniforms then and now. Modern jobs in the service, unrelated to combat but transferable to civilian life, are presented, such as careers in health care and electronics. Comprehensive enough for the targeted group of readers, these titles will engage only the most ardent enthusiasts. The title on Delta Force contains less information than the others, as most of its operations are secret. Though the included illustrations, mostly photographs, are colorful and attractive, the text is dense and uninviting— browsers will look at the pictures but are unlikely to enjoy the reads. VERDICT Though those interested in the military will find these volumes of use, their uninspired narratives will make these volumes of value only when reports are required; purchasers should consider only where there is a great need for the subjects.

Animal lovers should enjoy “Military Animals” (DiscoverRoo) and “Pets of the Presidents” (Abdo) for their engaging reads about both pets and working animals. Fannie Lou Hamer and Wise Words from the Presidents are two titles from the “iCivics” (Teacher Created Materials) series that may attract browsers. Those needing information on various aspects of the military will find “Military Forces” (AV2) helpful.