Many of the books highlighted here involve some sort of interdisciplinary component, be it art activities, recipes, or literacy elements. The ability of students to relate what they are learning to other subject areas and to be encouraged to have hands-on experiences are fantastic ways for them to continue to get a deeper understanding of the series’ subjects. Some sets reviewed below might be improvements on series you already own, and others, such as Facts On File’s “Computers, Internet, and Society,” take on fairly new fields of study.

Preschool-Grade 4

BOOTHROYD, Jennifer. From Assembly Lines to Home Offices: How Work Has Changed. ISBN 978-0-7613-6748-2; ISBN 978-0-7613-8000-9. LC 2011005067. ----. From Chalkboards to Computers: How Schools Have Changed. ISBN 978-0-7613-6744-4; ISBN 978-0-7613-8001-6. LC 2010048832. ----. From Marbles to Video Games: How Toys Have Changed. ISBN 978-0-7613-6746-8; ISBN 978-0-7613-8002-3. LC 2011001116. ----. From the Model T to Hybrid Cars: How Transportation Has Changed. ISBN 978-0-7613-6743-7; ISBN 978-0-7613-8003-0. LC 2011001113. ----. From Typewriters to Text Messages: How Communication Has Changed. ISBN 978-0-7613-6745-1; ISBN 978-0-7613-8004-7. LC 2010045737. ----. From Washboards to Washing Machines: How Homes Have Changed. ISBN 978-0-7613-6747-5; ISBN 978-0-7613-8005-4. LC 2010048831. ea vol: 32p. (Lightning Bolt Books: Comparing Past and Present Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Lerner. 2011. PLB $25.26; ebook $18.95. K-Gr 2-This visually dynamic series engages kids from the covers all the way through to the end with its vibrant colors and striking images. Each page has brilliant photographs from the past opposite present-day images for comparison. In addition to contrasting then and now, each book concludes with how things have also stayed the same. The "Names to Know" section, short bios of people who made significant or interesting contributions to the covered field, is an excellent addition. The further-reading sections include a mix of websites and print resources.

International Cuisine

AYTER, Roman. Foods of the Middle East. ISBN 978-1-4339-5718-5; ISBN 978-1-4339-5720-8. LC 2010052688. GARTEN, Ethan Y. Foods of West Africa. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4339-5722-2; ISBN 978-1-4339-5724-6. LC 2010053250. MATTHEW, John. Foods of Italy. ISBN 978-1-4339-5710-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-5712-3. LC 2010049785. PEARCE, Kevin. Foods of Mexico. ISBN 978-1-4339-5714-7; ISBN 978-1-4339-5716-1. LC 2010050703. SHEA, Mary Molly. Foods of India. ISBN 978-1-4339-5706-2; ISBN 978-1-4339-5708-6. LC 2010048165. SHEA, Therese. Foods of China. ISBN 978-1-4339-5702-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-5704-8. LC 2010046737. ea vol: 24p. (Culture in the Kitchen Series). map. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2011. PLB $22.60; pap. $8.15. Gr 3-5—Though delectable fare graces all of the covers, these books mainly explain the customs influencing the region or country’s cuisine. Each chapter spread provides information about food history, staple ingredients and how they differ by region, popular meals, and native crops opposite full-color photos. Captions and fact boxes labeled “Another Bite” provide additional information. There is a single recipe per book of food particular to the cuisine, for example chapati in India and homemade pasta in Italy, which will enhance country reports or projects.—Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

GAGNE, Tammy. Using Technology to Find Your Family History. charts. ISBN 978-1-58415-951-3; ISBN 978-1-61228-094-3. LC 2011000716. HINMAN, Bonnie. Basic Genealogy for Kids. notes. ISBN 978-1-58415-949-0; ISBN 978-1-61228-092-9. LC 2011000616. LEAVITT, Amie Jane. Design Your Family Tree. charts. ISBN 978-1-58415-952-0; ISBN 978-1-61228-095-0. LC 2011000715. ORR, Tamra. How to Research Your Ancestry. charts. ISBN 978-1-58415-950-6; ISBN 978-1-61228-093-6. LC 2011002754. ea vol: 48p. (A Kid's Guide to Genealogy Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Mitchell Lane. 2011. PLB $29.95; ebook $29.95. Gr 3-6-This series does a great job of helping kids realize that history is filled with interesting people and giving them tips about how to conduct genealogical research in a variety of creative ways. Each book engages readers from the start with a brief introduction about why family history is important. As with other books of this type, the approach is to look at family history as a puzzle and take on the role of a detective. Similar themes are reinforced throughout the set. Basic Genealogy is weaker than the others, with no keywords in bold and chapters that aren't broken into sections, making the text appear dense even though the content is sound. Giving personal examples of their own family histories and using vivid photographs and illustrations, the authors speak to readers and show them how much fun research can be. HIBBERT, Clare. My Busy Day. ISBN 978-1-60753-101-2. LC 2011001097. ----. My Busy Week. ISBN 978-1-60753-102-9. LC 2011001096. ----. My Busy Year. ISBN 978-1-60753-103-6. LC 2011001095. ----. Our Busy Lives. ISBN 978-1-60753-104-3. LC 2011001094. ea vol: illus. by Silvia Raga. 24p. (Busy Times Series). index. Websites. CIP. Amicus. 2011. PLB $24.25. Pre-K-Gr 2-This neat series explores typical daily events (Day), schedules (Week), the seasons (Year), and the stages of life, from "First Steps" to the death of an elderly relative (Lives). Each spread has highlighted sight words, and many contain hidden clocks. Small, circular insets show events that are happening beyond the main action. Discussion moments appear on each page about pretty much everything from what you do with your time to families to cultures to growing old. Holidays and religious customs from around the world are briefly mentioned and add conversation starters. "Notes for Adults" and extension activities are included. This series has many possibilities for teachers and inquisitive students. HORD, Colleen. My Safe Community. ISBN 978-1-61741-795-5; ISBN 978-1-61741-997-3. LC 2011925065. ----. Need It or Want It? ISBN 978-1-61741-793-1; ISBN 978-1-61741-995-9. LC 2011925063. ----. What's My Role? ISBN 978-1-61741-794-8; ISBN 978-1-61741-996-6. LC 2011925064. MITTEN, Ellen K. Consumers and Producers. ISBN 978-1-61741-790-0; ISBN 978-1-61741-992-8. LC 2011924835. ----. Goods or Services? ISBN 978-1-61741-791-7; ISBN 978-1-61741-993-5. LC 2011924836. ----. Moving People, Moving Stuff. ISBN 978-1-61741-792-4; ISBN 978-1-61741-994-2. LC 2011924837. ea vol: 24p. (Little World Social Studies Series). photos. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Rourke. 2011. PLB $22.80; pap. $7.96. K-Gr 2-A terrific series for cultivating a sense of civic and economic responsibility at an early age. Hord's books focus on how kids and adults can be responsible and caring at home, school, and in the community. Mitten does an excellent job introducing the concept of economics through everyday experiences and explaining how community members play a role in civic life. Her books dovetail one another quite nicely. One of this series's strongest points is that it will inspire readers and make them feel good about taking part in society at all levels. The simple texts, age-appropriate language, and common themes make these titles welcome additions. MARA, Wil. What Should I Do? At the Pool. ISBN 978-1-61080-056-3. LC 2011000131. ----. What Should I Do? If a Stranger Comes Near. ISBN 978-1-61080-049-5. LC 2011012313. ----. What Should I Do? If I See a Stray Animal. ISBN 978-1-61080-050-1. LC 2010053753. ----. What Should I Do? If There Is a Fire. ISBN 978-1-61080-053-2. LC 2010052172. ----. What Should I Do? In the Car. ISBN 978-1-61080-052-5. LC 2010053593. ----. What Should I Do? Near a Busy Street. ISBN 978-1-61080-051-8. LC 2010052615. ----. What Should I Do? On My Bike. ISBN 978-1-61080-055-6. LC 2011000127. ----. What Should I Do? On the Playground. ISBN 978-1-61080-054-9. LC 2011000128. ea vol: 24p. (Community Connections: What Should I Do? Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Cherry Lake. 2011. PLB $24.22. K-Gr 2-These books are well intentioned, but the language and information are not entirely appropriate for the audience and their messages are often negative and frightening. Some titles mention death in a blunt manner, and there are scary images, such as a smashed car and a cowering child. Each volume focuses on the danger associated with the featured situation, but the eventual safety tips are useful. The advice places a lot of pressure on children, such as checking the safety of car seats and playgrounds, which is probably intended to empower readers but instead comes off as burdensome. Stranger and Fire are the strongest in the series, with the best practical tips and guidelines. The final page in each book usually has a more calming message, such as in Playground, where readers are reminded that "Bumps and scratches are a normal part of being a kid!" It's unfortunate that these messages weren't at the beginning of the books. MARTINEAU, Susan. Being Honest. ISBN 978-1-59920-489-5. LC 2010046933. ----. Caring for Others. ISBN 978-1-59920-490-1. LC 2011011723. ----. Dealing with Bullying. ISBN 978-1-59920-491-8. LC 2010053877. ----. Dealing with Differences. ISBN 978-1-59920-492-5. LC 2011011724. ----. Respecting Others. ISBN 978-1-59920-493-2. LC 2011000251. ----. Understanding Feelings. ISBN 978-1-59920-494-9. LC 2011011725. ea vol: illus. by Hel James. 32p. (Positive Steps Series). photos. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Smart Apple Media. 2011. PLB $27.10. Gr 2-4-Each short book discusses big ideas (e.g., jealousy, racism, and caring for others) that could easily be spread out over the course of a school year. Young readers might be drawn to the comic-book-like speech bubbles employed throughout and the art, which is a mix of cartoons and photographs. However, the layouts look busy and dated. Still, while they cover too much too fast for children to read on their own, these titles might be helpful for parents to share with a child who is having an issue with a particular topic, such as bullying. They are also good choices for classrooms, where teachers could make use of their scenarios, role-playing ideas, and other creative games and activities. RAATMA, Lucia. Staying Safe Around Fire. ISBN 978-1-4296-6820-0; ISBN 978-1-4296-7193-4. LC 2011003313. ----. Staying Safe Around Strangers. ISBN 978-1-4296-6821-7; ISBN 978-1-4296-7195-8. LC 2011009999. ----. Staying Safe on the Playground. ISBN 978-1-4296-6822-4; ISBN 978-1-4296-7197-2. LC 2011006045. ----. Staying Safe on the School Bus. ISBN 978-1-4296-6823-1; ISBN 978-1-4296-7199-6. LC 2011006046. ea vol: 24p. (First Facts: Staying Safe Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Capstone. 2011. PLB $23.99; pap. $6.95. K-Gr 2-.These books do a wonderful job of discussing in developmentally appropriate ways issues pertinent to young children. Chapter spreads include a full-page, full-color photograph and a few sentences in large type. Throughout the series, the major emphasis is on the importance of trusted adults. The thoughtful tips are all manageable and great for building confidence. Each title includes definitions and an activity.

Grades 5 & Up

ANDERSON, Judith. Kidnapping and Piracy. maps. ISBN 978-1-59920-398-0. LC 2011004296. ----. People Trafficking. maps. ISBN 978-1-59920-397-3. LC 2010042512. FLINT, Dirk. Drug Crime. maps. ISBN 978-1-59920-393-5. LC 2010041749. ----. Gun Crime. ISBN 978-1-59920-395-9. LC 2010046771. ----. Policing and Justice. ISBN 978-1-59920-399-7. LC 2010047546. HYNSON, Colin. Cyber Crime. ISBN 978-1-59920-396-6. LC 2010043232. ----. Forensics. ISBN 978-1-59920-394-2. LC 2010040106. VAUGHAN, Jenny. Juvenile Crime. maps. ISBN 978-1-59920-400-0. LC 2010054333. ea vol: 44p. (Inside Crime Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Smart Apple Media. 2011. PLB $34.25. Gr 7-10-Dealing with a variety of heavy topics, this series is laid out in an interesting and well-organized way. Every book does a great job of clearly and objectively discussing the multifaceted issues associated with its subject. Topics or aspects related to the crime are covered on spreads that contain a lot of information, but will not overwhelm readers. The many captioned images supplement the texts. Real examples are constantly referenced, but in-depth case studies in each book bring readers even further into the topics. A note to teachers and parents in the further-information section addresses Internet safety and advises adult supervision when consulting the websites listed. AUGUSTIN, Byron. The Food of Mexico. charts. ISBN 978-1-60870-237-4; ISBN 978-1-60807-690-7. LC 2010013830. KRAS, Sara Louise. The Food of Italy. ISBN 978-1-60870-236-7; ISBN 978-1-60807-689-1. LC 2010021542. KUMMER, Patricia K. The Food of Thailand. charts. ISBN 978-1-60870-238-1; ISBN 978-1-60870-691-4. LC 2010023508. ORR, Tamra B. The Food of China. ISBN 978-1-60870-243-3; ISBN 978-1-60870-687-7. LC 2010039293. ----. The Food of Greece. ISBN 978-1-60870-235-0; ISBN 978-1-60870-688-4. LC 2010035820. ea vol: 64p. (Flavors of the World Series). maps. photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2011. PLB $31.36; ebook $31.36. Gr 3-6-These books are filled with information, full-color photos, and recipes, giving readers a great resource to delve deeper into their study. Beginning with an illustrated topographical map, each title explains how the land and climate have shaped what kinds of foods are important to the featured country. Food regions are then discussed alongside another colorful map. Sidebars highlight foods, places, and other information. How food plays a part in family life, as well as in festivals and religious holidays, is covered at great length. Each volume ends with a final discussion of the nutritional implications of the country's diet. The overall focus is on appreciating and understanding the people of each nation. DIPRIMIO, Pete. We Visit Iran. ISBN 978-1-58415-954-4; ISBN 978-1-61228-099-8. LC 2011016765. EJAZ, Khadija. We Visit Oman. ISBN 978-1-58415-962-9; ISBN 978-1-61228-104-9. LC 2011000724. HINMAN, Bonnie. We Visit Pakistan. ISBN 978-1-58415-960-5; ISBN 978-1-61228-103-2. LC 2011030763. LAROCHE, Amelia. We Visit Turkey. ISBN 978-1-58415-956-8; ISBN 978-1-61228-096-7. LC 2011030765. O'NEAL, Claire. We Visit Iraq. ISBN 978-1-58415-955-1; ISBN 978-1-61228-097-4. LC 2011016771. ----. We Visit Yemen. ISBN 978-1-58415-961-2; ISBN 978-1-61228-106-3. LC 2011016773. ORR, Tamra. We Visit Afghanistan. ISBN 978-1-58415-959-9; ISBN 978-1-61228-102-5. LC 2011000723. SAUL, Laya. We Visit Israel. ISBN 978-1-58415-957-5; ISBN 978-1-61228-098-1. LC 2011024706. TRACY, Kathleen. We Visit Kuwait. ISBN 978-1-58415-958-2; ISBN 978-1-61228-100-1. LC 2011002756. ----. We Visit Saudi Arabia. ISBN 978-1-58415-963-6; ISBN 978-1-61228-085-1. LC 2011000728. ea vol: 64p. (Your Land and My Land: The Middle East Series). maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Websites. CIP. Mitchell Lane. 2011. PLB $33.95; ebook $33.95. Gr 4-8-With an emphasis on everyday people, each title humanizes the region for children who might be confused by the political instability depicted in the news. Thoughtful introductions, maps, and "Facts at a Glance" give readers a good starting point. The titles then explore the featured country's history, geography, government, religion, and, most importantly, people. A recipe and an activity, such as creating a cuneiform tablet in Iraq, are included in each book. In particular, Afghanistan, which dedicates a chapter to important people and divides the chapters with subject headings, is noteworthy. However, all of the books present an optimistic look forward while pointing out the obstacles and intricacies of the region. FRANCHINO, Vicky. It's Cool to Learn About the United States: Northeast. charts. ISBN 978-1-61080-180-5. LC 2011003647. MARSICO, Katie. It's Cool to Learn About the United States: Southeast. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-181-2. LC 2011006971. ORR, Tamra B. It's Cool to Learn About the United States: Midwest. charts. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-179-9. LC 2011004481. ----. It's Cool to Learn About the United States: Southwest. charts. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61080-183-6. LC 20110206031. SOMERVILL, Barbara A. It's Cool to Learn About the United States: West. charts. ISBN 978-1-61080-182-9. LC 2011003479. ea vol: 48p. (Social Studies Explorer Series). map. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Cherry Lake. 2011. PLB $29.93. Gr 3-6-This series is a fine introduction to America, region by region. Each book explains the geographical commonalities, as well as topography, history, government, and traditions of the area. In addition to the strong texts, there are matching games and several interdisciplinary activities, including recipes and math activities, all of which will keep kids engaged and hopefully bring about a richer understanding of our nation's diversity. Final "Fast Facts" spreads list enjoyable tidbits, such as the highest recorded temperature in the region and all of the professional sports teams. PLOTKIN, Robert. Computer Ethics. 224p. ISBN 978-0-8160-7755-7. LC 2010050907. ----. Computers and Creativity. 204p. charts. ISBN 978-0-8160-7754-0. LC 2010044839. ----. Computers in Science and Mathematics. 224p. ISBN 978-0-8160-7757-1. LC 2010047046. ea vol: (Computers, Internet, and Society Series). diags. photos. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Facts On File. 2011. PLB $45. Gr 7-10-Digital natives get the context they need in order to better understand the world around them in this series. The volumes contain historical background about computers and explain how the technology works. The author shows the great creative, collaborative, and innovative potential that computers have. While Plotkin is definitely an advocate for innovation, he also points out the challenges that arise as new knowledge emerges. Ultimately, the series is about how technology can enhance human interaction if approached in the right way. The introductions are clear in laying out what is to come in the subsequent chapters, and interesting profiles appear throughout. Overall, most of the books reviewed are colorful and exciting, without being too busy. Smart Apple Media's "Inside Crime" and Mitchell Lane's "Your Land and My Land" will be useful for middle school research papers. Rourke's "Little World Social Studies" and Amicus's "Busy Times" can enhance social-studies units.