Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction

Once Upon a Medieval Craft

Once Upon a Medieval CraftOnce Upon a Medieval Craft by Annalees Lim, Supriya Sahai
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1, 2019
ISBN: 1541558790
Pages: 32
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

This is book in a series of crafting books from Lerner. The books are library bound, so they should hold up to wear and tear of little hands creating the fun projects inside. There are some terrific craft ideas for PreK–elementary-aged kids. The book boasts over 20 activities, and there are, but  it really walks a reader through hosting a themed party with and through these activities, from costumes to invitations to crafts and games and food for the party. The book is also peppered with facts about characters from medieval times, knights, jesters, royals as well as activities like jousting and archery. If you have a large craft section and crafters who enjoy checking out themed books, these would be great for your library. They are not inexpensive, so it might be best to just get the titles that would resonate most with your patrons. The other themes are dinosaurs, fairy tales, pirates, robots and aliens, and animals.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

three-stars

While I was Away

While I was AwayWhile I Was Away by Waka T. Brown
Published by Quill Tree Books on January 26, 2021
ISBN: 0063017113
Pages: 320
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

“While I was away” by Waka T. Brown is a middle grade memoir about the author’s time spent in a Japanese school one summer. Waka is in sixth grader living in Kansas, and is looking forward to her summer vacation with her friends. Her Japanese mother is unhappy with Waka’s Japanese fluency and decides to send her to Japan by herself to stay with her grandmother and go to Japanese school all summer long. The book starts with Waka’s hilarious attempts to convince her parents that she doesn’t need to go to Japan, but the bulk of the book is about Waka’s time in Japan both at school and living with her stern grandmother.

Waka’s journey to find inner strength and a connection with her grandmother is told in the first person, and you feel as if you are hearing the story directly from Waka. You can feeI what she is feeling. I was nervous that her arrival in Japan would be the start of nothing but bad experiences for her until she got more fluent, but the story focuses on both her failures and her successes from the beginning: though she makes mistakes in her speaking and writing classes, she is a star in PE, unlike in America where she is considered smart, but not athletic.

A heartfelt and at times very funny memoir of her time spent in sixth grade in Japan, this book is a welcome addition to your middle grade collection. Tweens and teens who like realistic fiction and biographies will enjoy Waka’s journey.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook.

four-stars

Space Encyclopedia

Space EncyclopediaSpace Encyclopedia: A Tour of Our Solar System and Beyond by David A. Aguilar, Patricia Daniels
Published by National Geographic Kids on November 3, 2020
ISBN: 1426338562
Pages: 208
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

Space enthusiasts rejoice! David Aguilar is back with another gorgeous tome of space facts and fun. This is the second edition of this National Geographic book, and it includes more up to date findings and knowledge of space as well as our space travel efforts. It is separated into sections regarding what we know and where we’re going. It also includes an in depth tour of the solar system. The book is chock full of stunning space photography, artist renditions of space, as well as fun infographics and sidebars with extra facts. Space enthusiasts will not be disappointed with this newest edition. Recommended for readers 8 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

The Coolest Stuff on Earth

The Coolest Stuff on EarthThe Coolest Stuff on Earth: A Closer Look at the Weird, Wild, and Wonderful by Brenda Scott Royce
Published by National Geographic Kids on November 3, 2020
ISBN: 1426338589
Pages: 192
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

This National Geographic book is loaded with information that will wow readers of all ages. Dolphins have their own language and call each other by name. There are beetles that shoot chemicals that are heated up to 100 degrees at potential predators. It is separated into sections—animals, history, technology, sports, etc. There are loads of gorgeous photographs throughout, as one would expect from National Geographic. The book is also full of interesting sidebars and infographics. Recommended for readers 8 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Kids vs. Plastic

Kids vs. PlasticKids vs. Plastic: Ditch the straw and find the pollution solution to bottles, bags, and other single-use plastics by Julie Beer
Published by National Geographic Kids on December 1, 2020
ISBN: 1426339100
Pages: 128
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

This is a great overview of the effects that plastics have on our environment. It includes some easy, real life examples of small steps kids and their families can take to reduce plastic use and thus, the plastic waste they generate. There are compelling photographs, infographics, sidebars, and stories throughout that will inspire readers to assess their reliance on plastics. Recommended for readers 8 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, ME

four-stars

You Call This Democracy?: How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People

You Call This Democracy?: How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the PeopleYou Call This Democracy?: How to Fix Our Government and Deliver Power to the People by Elizabeth Rusch
on March 31, 2020
ISBN: 0358176921
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

You Call This Democracy? is an accessible examination of America’s government. Rusch tackles this topic in a measured  yet impassioned voice and makes clear that while we do enjoy many important freedoms in the United States, our democracy is broken and we have the power to change it.

Twelve chapters cover issues such as gerrymandering, money in politics, voter disenfranchisement, and more. Examples of these issues are representative of both sides of the aisle giving balance to otherwise polarizing topics. Graphics help to break up the text and provide strong visualization of heavy information. Each chapter ends by telling teens what they can do to take action, allowing this book to not just teach, but to inspire our young citizens to get involved and make real change. Sections for further reading and source information are included.

Recommended for grades 6 and up.

Nominated for Cream of the Crop.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

five-stars

Exploring the White House

Exploring the White HouseExploring the White House: Inside America's Most Famous Home by Kate Andersen Brower
Published by Quill Tree Books on December 8, 2020
ISBN: 0062906410
Pages: 240
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
This is an entertaining and informative look inside the most famous house in our country. It is an account almost completely from the perspective of the full time staff who continue working in the White House when the residents change from one term to the other. It talks about the dedication of the staff to the House rather than to the people occupying it. It provides history of the White House, including the use of slaves, and includes how things have changed over the years. From flowers to china sets to dogs to bowling, this book covers the many facets of life in the White House. It is definitely interesting and an easy, quick read. Young historians and those interested in political figures will find it interesting. Every reader is certain to learn something. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Wild Girl: How to have incredible adventures

Wild Girl: How to have incredible adventuresWild Girl: How to have INCREDIBLE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES by Helen Skelton
ISBN: 1406387649
Genres: Adventure
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars
Helen Skelton is a British TV personality who has managed to have some pretty amazing adventures. The title of this book is misleading, however, as it is mostly an autobiography and does little to help readers figure out how to have adventures they can actually attain. Most people aren’t going to run an ultramarathon in Namibia, solo kayak over 2,000 miles on the Amazon, or tight rope walk between two buildings. Most people shouldn’t attempt these things. While the book is mildly entertaining to read, Skelton has clearly lived a very privileged life and been very lucky and financially supported in her endeavors. Prior to signing up for most of these feats, she had little to no experience and was obviously able to devote most, if not all, of her time to training. The book is inspiring in that it shows that a lot of hard work can equate to success (and some failures, which she does discuss). The layout of the book will also appeal to young readers as it is full of graphics, sidebars, and lots of color. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up who love an adventure story or who are into extreme sports.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Anatomicum

AnatomicumAnatomicum: Welcome to the Museum by Jennifer Z. Paxton, Katy Wiedemann
Published by Big Picture Press on September 10, 2020
ISBN: 1536215066
Pages: 112
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars
This large format book is the latest installment in the Welcome to the Museum nonfiction series. The book is broken into various bodily systems: musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, digestive, etc. Each section opens with some text introducing the bodily system with cursory details, though that level of information works for a book like this. As with previous installments in this series, it’s the illustrations that really bring this book to life. The ink and watercolor illustrations are simultaneously gorgeous, detailed, and informative. Capturing the human form in a beautiful and scientifically accurate manner is extremely difficult, and this illustrator (and tattoo artist) has accomplished it wonderfully. This is a great book for reluctant nonfiction readers or anyone who appreciates beautiful art combined with science. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up though younger readers may enjoy the illustrations to help them learn about the inside of their bodies.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Chemistry for Kids

Chemistry for KidsThe Kitchen Pantry Scientist: Chemistry for Kids: Homemade Science Experiments and Activities Inspired by Awesome Chemists, Past and Present by Liz Lee Heinecke
ISBN: 1631598309
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars
This book takes science experiments-at-home books a step further by including a one page biography of chemists before each experiment. It also has some unique experiments (elemental precipitation!) which is refreshing as a lot of these books have the same type of experiments over and over again (slime!). It would probably be best for older elementary to middle school students as some of the experiments are involved and take a while to complete. My only complaint with it is that it is part of the Kitchen Pantry Scientist series which implies that the supplies would be things one would have in their kitchen but some of the experiments require things that nobody has in their kitchen (118 small, clear containers with lids). Odd supplies aside, though, it has some exciting lessons and the bios are varied and interesting.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars