Topics this season range from the very worst people and events in history to the most remarkable landmarks and national parks—with a bit of everything in between. Readers can learn how to succeed as a samurai, take a look at the visionaries whose big ideas changed the way we live, and be amazed at harrowing survival stories. Titles that include the accomplishments of specific individuals highlight men and women from a variety of cultures, and individuals shown in photos and illustrations represent a diverse range of backgrounds. Support for readers ranges from glossaries and suggested reading to websites that offer additional information, craft ideas, and printable activities. With publishers working to correlate content to standards and offer more prompts for reflection and written responses, these series have plenty to offer.

Elementary

Andronik, Catherine M. How to Be a Roman Soldier. ISBN 9798875226830.
––––. How to Be an Ancient Greek Warrior. ISBN 9798875226847.
Yomtov, Nel. How to Be a Medieval Knight. ISBN 9798875226861.
––––. How to Be a Samurai. ISBN 9798875226854.
––––. How to Be a Viking. ISBN 9798875226823.
––––. How to Be an Aztec Warrior. ISBN 9798875226816.
ea vol: 32p. (How-To History). Capstone/Pebble. Aug. 2025. Tr $31.32.
Gr 1-3–Readers of this series will discover what it takes to succeed as a Greek hoplite, a samurai, or even a Viking. Short chapters and plentiful illustrations describe the life of a medieval knight or a Roman soldier and what qualifications were needed to become a fighter in each culture. The tools and training required are also covered, as well as success tips (e.g., taking up dancing to increase one’s agility as an Aztec warrior). The reasons why fighters were needed are explained—disagreements between Greek city-states, for example. Along with the table of contents, index, and glossary, there is also a quiz at the end of each book to test the reader’s knowledge. VERDICT An entertaining look at warriors from various cultures throughout history, and a good introduction for readers who enjoy learning about ancient times.

Hinton, KaaVonia. Overlooked Milestones of Black History. ISBN 9781546178026.
––––. Unsung Voices of Black History. ISBN 9781546177838.
Leslie, Jay. Hidden Landmarks of Black History. ISBN 9781546177852.
––––. Overlooked Creations of Black Art and Culture. ISBN 9781546178149.
ea vol: 40p. (From the Archives). Scholastic/Children’s Pr. Sept. 2025. Tr $29.00
Gr 3-5–Titles in this new series celebrate artistic accomplishments, people, events, and landmarks that may be less well-known, but are significant pieces of Black history. Readers are introduced to famous cowboy Bill Pickett, the first Black supermodel Donyale Luna, and activist Bayard Rustin along with sites such as the Penn School and events like an early open-heart surgery. Links between the present and historical people and events are pointed out. For instance, Constance Baker Motley being appointed as the first Black female federal judge was an inspiration to current Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Plentiful photos and illustrations support the text, and highlighted terms appear in the glossary. Each book ends with a timeline that includes thumbnail images for reference. A list of books for further reading is also provided. VERDICT A recommended purchase for collections looking to offer more coverage of important historical and cultural contributions by Black Americans.

O’Brien, Cynthia. Cave Survival Stories. ISBN 9798765669105.
––––. Desert Survival Stories. ISBN 9798765669112.
––––. Jungle Survival Stories. ISBN 9798765669129.
––––. Mountain Survival Stories. ISBN 9798765669136.
––––. Ocean Survival Stories. ISBN 9798765669150.
––––. Polar Survival Stories. ISBN 9798765669143.
ea vol: 32p. (Searchlight Books™— Survival Stories). Lerner. Aug. 2025. Tr $30.65.
Gr 3-5–Young readers who enjoy survival television shows will be drawn to these true stories of people trapped in caves, lost in the desert, or attacked by jaguars. Full-color photos make the locations pop off the page with scenes of life rafts on stormy seas or rescuers digging for avalanche victims. Every chapter begins with a brief explanation of the hazards possible, then each survivor’s story (which is only a couple of paragraphs in length). Sidebars offer survival tips for how to make a fishhook if you are lost at sea or how to safely collect rainwater to drink in the jungle. A glossary and suggested books and websites to learn more round out each book. VERDICT The brevity of the narratives makes this a good series for those who want to quickly satisfy their curiosity; they can skip to the stories that interest them the most and come back for more later.

Roesser, Marie. Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. ISBN 9781978543928.
––––. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial. ISBN 9781978543959.
ea vol: 24p. (America’s Amazing Landmarks). Enslow. Aug. 2025. Tr $24.27.
Gr 1-3–Large-scale photographs and informative captions alternate with pages of text to introduce readers to landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Each site is introduced, its historical significance explained, and information about visiting the location is provided. Details about the construction of the monuments and the dates they were founded or opened are also included. Along with images of the landmarks themselves, there are also maps showing their locations, photos of the work on the memorials, as well as visitors enjoying the landmarks. Boldface words in the text appear in the glossary. A table of contents and an index help locate needed information. There are also recommended books and websites for further research. VERDICT A colorful and useful introduction to historical landmarks around the U.S.; suitable for inclusion in a classroom lesson or for independent study.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Davis, Jane R. Ten Terrible Battles. ISBN 9781482472592.
––––. Ten Terrible Conquerors. ISBN 9781482472622.
––––. Ten Terrible Criminals. ISBN 9781482472653.
––––. Ten Terrible Kings and Queens. ISBN 9781482472684.
––––. Ten Terrible Pirates. ISBN 9781482472714.
––––. Ten Terrible Ways to Die. ISBN 9781482472745.
ea vol: 32p. (History’s Very Worst). Gareth Stevens. Aug. 2025. Tr $28.27.
Gr 4-6–Superlatives are attention grabbers, and these books capitalize on that attraction to extremes. Each chapter introduces a different person or event and sets them in historical context. Ten of the “very worst” are chosen for each title’s focus so that readers have a choice of reading about conquerors, pirates, or battles and then deciding for themselves which was the worst of all. Photos, maps, and other images support the short descriptions of the topics. Captions for the illustrations provide additional details. Fact boxes labeled “The Ugly Truth” also offer information, such as the number of casualties during a battle or how the Magna Carta limited King John’s power. Terms in bold are defined in the glossary, and suggested websites and books for further reading are also included. VERDICT A good collection for readers who enjoy face-offs and “who would win?” type comparisons.

Dittmer, Lori. The Iraq War: 12 Things to Know. ISBN 9781644668221.
––––. The Vietnam War: 12 Things to Know. ISBN 9781644668238.
Ventura, Marne. The American Revolution: 12 Things to Know. ISBN 9781644668207.
––––. The Civil War: 12 Things to Know. ISBN 9781644668214.
––––. The War in Afghanistan: 12 Things to Know. ISBN 9781644668245.
––––. World War I: 12 Things to Know. ISBN 9781644668269.
––––. World War II: 12 Things to Know. ISBN 9781644668276.
ea vol: 48p. (America at War). Black Rabbit/Top Rank. Jul. 2025. Tr $44.25.
Gr 4-7–The role of the United States in wars throughout history is presented in this series. Each book covers a different war and addresses how the U.S. became involved, major battles, the impact of the war, and the roles of key people. The books are written at a fourth-grade level and can be used in upper elementary grades or as hi-lo text in middle school. Plentiful images show weapons, recruiting posters, and draft cards among other details. The illustrations also help to break up the text into manageable segments. Fact boxes list statistics and other numerical data such as the weight of the tea dumped overboard during the Boston Tea Party, or the length of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. “Think about it” questions encourage readers to reflect on what they have learned. Each book ends with a timeline of key events, a glossary, and a resource list. VERDICT An easily accessible series that can support classroom instruction or satisfy individual curiosity.

Howell, Izzi. The Greatest Ideas in Conservation. ISBN 9781502675286.
––––. The Greatest Ideas in Entertainment. ISBN 9781502675316.
Newland, Sonya. The Greatest Ideas in Medicine. ISBN 9781502675347.
––––. The Greatest Ideas in Technology. ISBN 9781502675378.
ea vol: 32p. (Think Big). Cavendish Square. Aug. 2025. Tr $30.21.
Gr 4-8–“Think big” is a phrase that appears frequently in this series. Ideas for research projects and follow-up activities are found under that heading throughout each book. For instance, readers are encouraged to learn more about maglev trains and then think of how they could improve the system. Sidebars highlight the contributions of “genius” individuals such as NASA’s Katherine Johnson or Alexander Fleming and his discovery of penicillin. Each page has several eye-catching photographs, diagrams, or infographics and the text is broken into manageable sections under subheadings like “The Big Idea” or “How Does It Work?” Topics range from the Svalbard Global Seed Vault to Candy Crush. Some students may read these titles cover to cover, while others may dip in to look at specific subjects of interest. A glossary and suggestions for further information round out each book. VERDICT A good place for inspiration to start a research project or to satisfy personal curiosity.

Hudak, Heather C. Grand Canyon National Park. ISBN 9781098297169.
––––. Rocky Mountain National Park. ISBN 9781098297190.
Kaiser, Emma. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. ISBN 9781098297176.
––––. Yellowstone National Park. ISBN 9781098297206.
––––. Yosemite National Park. ISBN 9781098297213.
LaPierre, Yvette. Joshua Tree National Park. ISBN 9781098297183.
Lim, Angela. Zion National Park. ISBN 9781098297220.
Perdew, Laura. Acadia National Park. ISBN 9781098297152.
ea vol: 48p. (Iconic National Parks). ABDO/Core Library. Jul. 2025. Tr $37.07.
Gr 4-8–Whether readers are looking for information before a family trip or doing research for a report, these books have plenty to offer. Each title begins with a description of the featured park followed by a history of the area the park now occupies, including the presence of American Indian tribal lands and sacred sites in the past and the present day. There are also details about the plants and animals found within the park, recreation opportunities, and examples of how the park is maintained. Full-color photos show breathtaking images of Old Faithful, giant sequoias, and Petroglyph Canyon. “Straight to the Source” prompts readers to look closely at passages and reflect on the writer’s purpose and viewpoint. A recap of landmarks accompanied by thumbnail images closes out the book along with “Stop and Think” questions, glossary, and suggested resources. VERDICT The information about the area’s history, along with the other text features, makes these park guides very useful for class projects.

Hudson, Kirstie & Monique Polak. Just a Minute: Why Humans Tell Time. illus. by Paige Stampatori. ISBN 9781459840621.
Kehoe, Rachel. Cracking the Code: The Human Quest to Uncover Secrets. illus. by Meegan Lim. ISBN 9781459839595.
ea vol: 96p. (Orca Timeline). Orca. Sept. 2025. Tr $29.95.
Gr 4-7–This series explores big ideas and how they “have shaped humanity.” One of this season’s titles delves into why humans tell time and how people even try to manipulate it. Just a Minute readers will enjoy references to movies like “Back to the Future” and “Armageddon” that deal with time travel or the end of time. Cracking the Code starts with descriptions of the earliest codes and continues on to the scientists exploring the human genome. Sections on the Enigma Code and Navajo Code Talkers help connect the use of codes and encryption to pivotal historical events. Full-color illustrations and photos help to break up the text and support the narrative with images like code-breaking machines and an early atomic clock. Glossary terms appear in bold italicized font within the main body of the text. Resource lists include print and online suggestions. VERDICT A fascinating exploration that will answer the questions of enthusiasts on these topics.

Kaul, Jennifer. DK Super History Lewis and Clark Expedition. ISBN 9798217125609.
––––. DK Super History Susan B Anthony and Women’s Rights. ISBN 9798217125784.
ea vol: 48p. (DK Super History). DK. Sept. 2025. Tr $12.99.
Gr 3-6–Each of these books begins by discussing different perspectives on the events covered. For instance, Lewis and Clark’s expedition was a source of excitement for some Americans, but had other effects on Indigenous peoples already living in those territories. Where and when events took place and who was involved are all introduced, followed by a timeline, brief descriptions of the key individuals, and maps of important locations. The text is broken into chunks within each spread; a heading describes the main idea and subheadings offer supporting details. “Think about it” questions encourage reflection on what is read, while sidebars offer “Fascinating Fact” tidbits. “Lessons from History” asks readers to consider what has been learned from the events. A section in the back has readers examine primary and secondary sources, while a “Vocabulary Builder” offers a writing activity. Back matter includes a glossary, index, and quote attributions. VERDICT A good choice for social studies classrooms to support engagement and discussion.

Upper Middle School to High School

King, Ross. The Shortest History of Ancient Rome: A Millennium of Western Civilization, from Kingdom to Republic to Empire—A Retelling for Our Times. 272p. Sept. 2025. ISBN 9798893030587.
Walsh, Toby. The Shortest History of AI: The Six Essential Ideas That Animate It. 224p. Nov. 2025. ISBN 9798893030891.
ea vol: (The Shortest History Series). The Experiment. pap. $16.95.
Gr 9 Up–The promise of this series is “Thousands of years of history. One riveting, fast-paced read.” This season’s titles address the history of Rome and the history of AI. Walsh organizes the information on artificial intelligence into six essential ideas. Sidebars discuss topics such as the portrayal of AI in movies. King approaches Roman history in a chronological fashion from “kingdom to republic to empire.” The role of the Senate, the Punic Wars, and the fall of the empire are some of the many subjects covered. This is dense material due to its subject matter and the way it has been distilled. Both books have timelines and other images such as maps, artwork, and photos to support the text. The title on Rome also includes a family tree for the Julio-Claudian line. The authors are content specialists who not only explain the past, but also how it applies to the present and may influence the future. VERDICT A useful reference set, or a possible classroom purchase for Honors or A.P. courses.

“From the Archives” (Scholastic) digs deep to uncover bits of American history that may have been overlooked. “Iconic National Parks” (ABDO) offers varied perspectives about the parks by using primary sources describing the impact that park formation had on tribal lands in the area, providing a more rounded coverage of each park’s history.

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