A strong social science collection nurtures children’s natural curiosity, helping them make sense of the world around them. This season’s selections dive into big questions about the food we eat, the events shaping our world, and the role of religion in society. Some books take a lighter approach, sparking wonder and discovery, while others explore darker topics, examining the complexities of human nature and history. With engaging storytelling and thought-provoking topics, these books encourage young readers to explore, question, and understand the complexities of our society.

Elementary

Berendes, Mary. St. Patrick’s Day Shamrocks. ISBN 9781503894211.
Merrick, Patrick. Easter Bunnies. ISBN 9781503894181.
––––. Fourth of July Fireworks. ISBN 9781503894198.
––––. Thanksgiving Turkeys. ISBN 9781503894228.
Stevens, Kathryn. Christmas Trees. ISBN 9781503894174.
––––. Halloween Jack-o’-Lanterns. ISBN 9781503894204.
ea vol: 24p. (Holiday Symbols). The Child’s World/Wonder. Jan. 2025. Tr $32.79.
Gr 1-3 –This series explores the symbols associated with some of America’s most well-known holidays, featuring large, vibrant photos with accompanying information in text boxes. However, the choice of yellow font for vocabulary words—sometimes placed against blue or green backgrounds—may create accessibility challenges for some readers. While the series provides brief overviews of each holiday and its symbols, the discussion often lacks depth. For instance, Stevens states that Christmas trees originated in Germany as reminders of summer during winter, oversimplifying a tradition with deeper pagan roots and symbolic meaning. Similarly, the discussion of Easter references the goddess Eastre but uses the less common spelling “Eastre” instead of “ ostre” and incorrectly claims that no one believes in her today—an assertion modern pagans would dispute. Though visually appealing, the series’ omissions and accessibility concerns weaken its impact. VERDICT Skip this one.

Bird, F.A. Blackfoot. ISBN 9781098296193.
––––. Choctaw. ISBN 9781098296209.
––––. Chumash. ISBN 9781098296216.
––––. Hopi. ISBN 9781098296223.
––––. Inuit. ISBN 9781098296230.
––––. Muscogee. ISBN 9781098296247.
––––. Shawnee. ISBN 9781098296254.
––––. Shoshone. ISBN 9781098296261.
––––. Ute. ISBN 9781098296278.
––––. Wampanoag. ISBN 9781098296285.
ea vol: 32p. (Native American Nations Set 2). ABDO/Checkerboard Library. Jan. 2025. Tr $34.22.
Gr 3-5–This series provides basic information about Native American nations in bite-size chapters. Each chapter is one page long and the content is clearly described by the chapter headings, making information easy to find. Facing each page of text is a full-page photo with a caption. While reading this series, children will learn about each nation’s homeland, including their physical structures as well as social hierarchy. They will read about family life and the roles of men, women, and children in the home and society. Each book features an important leader from the nation and information about them in modern society. The books close with a glossary, an index, and a QR code linking to online resources. Beginner researchers will find this an easy-to-use resource. VERDICT Purchase where Native American research material is needed.

Bolte, Mari. Christian Festivals and Traditions. ISBN 9780756594572.
Ganeri, Anita. Hindu Festivals and Traditions. ISBN 9780756594497.
Golkar, Golriz. Islamic Festivals and Traditions. ISBN 9780756594411.
Kaur, Jasneet. Sikh Festivals and Traditions. ISBN 9780756594251.
Raij, Emily. Jewish Festivals and Traditions. ISBN 9780756594336.
Shey, Sarah. Buddhist Festivals and Traditions. ISBN 9780756594657.
ea vol: 32p. (Religious Festivals and Traditions). Capstone/Pebble. Jan. 2025. Tr $31.32.
Gr 1-3–Religions include many holy days and traditions. This series introduces readers to the festivals and traditions of the world’s largest religions. Each book begins with information about the religion. The large, clear text explains how it started, the deities, holy texts, and primary beliefs. The following chapters each highlight a different holiday. The text includes the original reason for the holiday and how it is observed. Readers will learn about traditional foods, activities, and symbolism. The text highlights differences in customs depending on the location. The final chapter explores life events such as funerals and marriages. The pages are adorned with religious artwork and photos of festivities, food, and people. The back matter includes a glossary, an index, and a list of resources. VERDICT A simple, visually appealing series that celebrates diverse religious practices.

Collins, Ailynn. Jeepers! The Mystery of Simple Machines! ISBN 9781669084587.
––––. Jinkies! The Mystery of States of Matter! ISBN 9781669084662.
––––. Ruh-roh! The Mystery of Chemical Reactions! ISBN 9781669084747.
––––. Zoinks! The Mystery of Forces and Motion! ISBN 9781669084822.
ea vol: 32p. (Scooby-Doo! Science Adventures). Capstone. Jan. 2025. Tr $31.32.
Gr 3-5–Jinkies! Everyone’s favorite crime-solving dog takes a break from hunting ghosts to help explain STEM fundamentals in this playful and engaging series. Each book opens with a fun scenario—whether the gang is investigating a Renaissance faire or Scooby and Shaggy are baking a cake—that naturally leads to a scientific inquiry. Why is my ice cream melting? What simple machines are used at the fair? The text connects the science behind these questions to real-world applications, such as how roasting marshmallows demonstrates combustion or how gears are used in clocks, bikes, and windmills. Diagrams clarify key processes, while fact boxes highlight essential scientific concepts. Familiar characters appear throughout, reacting to the information in entertaining ways. Each book also includes instructions for simple STEM projects. The back matter features a glossary, index, and additional resources. VERDICT A fun, fact-filled exploration of STEM principles that’s informative and entertaining.

Doty, Abby. Candy: From Idea to Market. ISBN 9798889984047.
––––. Snack Chips: From Idea to Market. ISBN 9798889984054.
––––. Sneakers: From Idea to Market. ISBN 9798889984061.
––––. Sports Gear: From Idea to Market. ISBN 9798889984078.
––––. TV: From Idea to Market. ISBN 9798889984085.
––––. Video Games: From Idea to Market. ISBN 9798889984092.
ea vol: 32p. (Products: From Idea to Market). North Star/Focus. Jan. 2025. Tr $31.35.
Gr 2-4–Young readers may wonder where their favorite products come from, and this series attempts to explain the product creation process. The books outline the process from the initial brainstorming to customer input, creation, transportation, and marketing. The text covers the differences that can be found between big and small businesses. There are explanations of focus groups, prototypes, and trends. Readers will learn about the types of machines that can be found in factories producing the products and how companies choose their packaging and marketing strategies. Unfortunately, the same information is covered in most of the books with some changes depending on what type of product it is. Each book concludes with text-dependent questions, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. VERDICT An interesting endeavor but lacking in content.

Holt, Amy & Alicia Z. Klepeis. Chile. ISBN 9781502672919.
Lombardo, Jennifer & Alicia Z. Klepeis. Portugal. ISBN 9781502672858.
Lombardo, Jennifer & Joanne Mattern. Sweden. ISBN 9781502672827.
Lombardo, Jennifer & Kaitlyn Duling. Vietnam. ISBN 9781502672889.
Reynolds, Donna & Kaitlyn Duling. Russia. ISBN 9781502672940.
Thorpe,Judy & Alicia Z. Klepeis. Indonesia. ISBN 9781502672971.
ea vol: 32p. (Exploring World Cultures (Second Edition)). Cavendish Square. Jan. 2025. Tr $31.64.
Gr 3-5–Take a tour of nations with this engaging and informative series. Each book offers a quick, comprehensive overview, beginning with the country’s physical geography and striking landscapes. Readers then explore the nation’s history, including Indigenous groups, early settlements, and key leaders who shaped its development. A survey of the government, elections, and the economy follows, covering major industries, trade partners, exports, and job markets. A chapter on the environment highlights native wildlife, conservation efforts, natural disasters, and responses to climate change. The final sections examine daily life, from traditional and modern cuisine to popular sports, holidays, languages, and religions. Captivating photos enhance the text, while the back matter provides a glossary, an index, and additional resources for further research. VERDICT Eye-catching, accessible, and packed with valuable information, this series is an excellent resource for young researchers.

Schuh, Mari. From Corn to Cereal. ISBN 9798892001090.
––––. From Grove to Fruit Salad. ISBN 9798892001106.
––––. From Potato to Chip. ISBN 9798892001113.
––––. From Wheat to Pasta. ISBN 9798892001120.
ea vol: illus. by Jeanine Murch. 24p. (Who Made My Lunch?). Amicus. Jan. 2025. Tr $37.10.
Gr 2-4–Lovely illustrations help tell the story of the foods we eat. Beginning with just a seed, each book follows an ingredient’s journey from planting and harvesting to storage and processing in factories. Readers will discover how different machines transform raw produce into familiar foods like chips, fruit salad, and pasta. The text also explores where these plants grow and the special care needed to keep them healthy. Detailed illustrations highlight different grain types, growth stages, farm machinery, and storage silos. A world map shows the regions where each plant thrives, adding a global perspective. The back matter includes a glossary and both online and print resources for further exploration. VERDICT This engaging series nurtures children’s natural curiosity about their everyday world. Recommended.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Eberth, Kristin. 12 Things to Know About Water Access. ISBN 9781645823902.
Hayes,Vicki. 12 Things to Know About Climate Change. ISBN 9781645823841.
––––. 12 Things to Know About Invasive Species. ISBN 9781645823865.
––––. 12 Things to Know About Political Parties. ISBN 9781645823872.
––––. 12 Things to Know About Space Exploration. ISBN 9781645823889.
––––. 12 Things to Know About the Stock Market. ISBN 9781645823896.
––––. 12 Things to Know About Wild Weather. ISBN 9781645823919.
McKenzie, Precious. 12 Things to Know About Global Immigration. ISBN 9781645823858.
ea vol: 48p. (Today’s Headlines). Black Rabbit/Top Rank. Jan 2025. Tr $44.25.
Gr 4-7–Understanding current events can be difficult without the proper background knowledge. This series attempts to bridge that knowledge gap by explaining twelve important facts about a select topic. Readers will learn about the negative effects of farming, fossil fuels, and deforestation; the reasons for migration and how immigrants benefit their new nation; and different instances of invasive species causing environmental damage. The chapters are short and informative with colorful photos and graphics adorning each page. Throughout the chapters, sidebars offer interesting statistics. Reflection questions ask readers to consider their own actions and positions. The back matter includes a fact sheet, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. VERDICT This series provides students with a solid foundation to help them understand the news of the day.

Kleiman, Jennifer. Birthdays Around the World. ISBN 9781668956564.
––––. Celebrating Families Around the World. ISBN 9781668956588.
––––. Celebrating Seasons Around the World. ISBN 9781668956595.
––––. Independence Days Around the World. ISBN 9781668956540.
––––. New Years Around the World. ISBN 9781668956557.
––––. Weddings Around the World. ISBN 9781668956571.
ea vol: 32p. (How the World Celebrates). Cherry Lake/45th Parallel. Jan. 2025. Tr $32.07.
Gr 5-8–This delightful series explores how different cultures celebrate family, birthdays, national holidays, and other significant moments throughout the year. Each chapter presents a celebration in a narrative format, incorporating traditional activities, foods, and songs. Readers will discover unique customs, such as Mexico’s playful cake-in-the-face birthday tradition and South Korea’s first birthday celebration marking the start of childhood. In China, families honor their elders, while the Zulu introduce newborns to their ancestors through special ceremonies. Vibrant images showcase traditional foods and clothing, while fun facts appear in small text boxes. The books conclude with an interactive activity, additional resources, a glossary, and an index. VERDICT A worthy addition to any library.

Purdie Salas, Laura. Chick-fil-A. ISBN 9798892603102.
––––. Chipotle Mexican Grill. ISBN 9798892603119.
––––. Dunkin’. ISBN 9798892603113.
––––. Panera Bread. ISBN 9798892603126.
––––. Starbucks. ISBN 9798892603157.
––––. Taco Bell. ISBN 9798892603140.
ea vol: 32p. (Favorite Food Franchises). Mitchell Lane. Jan. 2025. Tr $34.28.
Gr 4-6–Do you ever wonder about the history of your favorite fast-food restaurants? This series gives young readers a behind-the-scenes look at popular chains. Each book explores the founder’s story and the origins of the first restaurant. Readers learn about the decor’s special meaning, what a visit is like, and how to order. There is a quick rundown of the menu including the nutritional value, or lack thereof, of the foods offered. The series also covers the restaurants’ philanthropy efforts and doesn’t shy away from controversies, such as Chick-fil-A’s ownership beliefs, Panera’s E. coli outbreak, and ethical concerns about Starbucks’s supply chain. Each book begins with tips for reading nonfiction with children and concludes with a time line, a glossary, an index, additional resources, and a reading comprehension quiz. VERDICT A fun, informative, and thought-provoking series for young foodies.

Upper Middle School to High School

Cummings, Judy Dodge. Edmund Kemper: The Co-Ed Killer. ISBN 9781098295332.
Mooney,Carla. Harold Shipman: Dr. Death. ISBN 9781098295349.
––––. Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker. ISBN 9781098295370.
Morris,Rebecca. Joseph James DeAngelo: The Golden State Killer. ISBN 9781098295363.
––––. Ted Bundy: The Campus Killer. ISBN 9781098295387.
Streissguth,Tom. John Wayne Gacy: The Killer Clown. ISBN 9781098295356.
ea vol: 112p. (Serial Killers). ABDO/Essential Library. Jan. 2025. Tr $42.79.
Gr 9 Up–This series offers an in-depth exploration of infamous killers, focusing on their victims, methods, and capture. Many of the books begin with a victim’s story, emphasizing the real suffering caused by these crimes. The killers’ childhoods and family lives are examined, with connections drawn between trauma and later actions without asserting direct causation. The descriptions of murders are detailed yet not sensationalized, but readers should be prepared for disturbing content, including dismemberment, necrophilia, and cannibalism. Arrests and trials are clearly presented, as are judicial and investigative mistakes that occurred during the cases. Additional context about people involved in the cases is provided through textboxes. Sections titled “Forensic Spotlight” highlight investigative methods, and “Essential Facts” include a timeline, quotes, and societal impacts. Each book concludes with resources, including a glossary, an index, source notes, and further reading. VERDICT A thorough, balanced, and somber look at history’s most infamous killers.

The need for informed voters has never been greater, so series like “Today’s Headlines” (Black Rabbit) deserve a space in nonfiction collections. It helps young people build a strong foundation for critical thinking, encouraging them to engage with current events thoughtfully. “Serial Killers” (ABDO) treats its readers with respect, acknowledging that young adults are capable of grappling with history’s darker moments. Unlike sensationalized true crime books, it takes a sensitive approach, honoring the victims and their families. Meanwhile, “Religious Festivals and Traditions” (Capstone) is a vibrant celebration of global diversity, illustrating how traditions shape both religious and social identities. Together, these books offer a well-rounded perspective on the world, balancing knowledge, awareness, and cultural appreciation.

FALL 2025 SERIES MADE SIMPLE REVIEWS