Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction

Crossing on Time Steam Engines, Fast Ships, and A Journey o the New World

Crossing on Time Steam Engines, Fast Ships, and A Journey o the New WorldCrossing on Time: Steam Engines, Fast Ships, and a Journey to the New World by David Macaulay
Published by Roaring Brook Press on May 7th 2019
ISBN: 1596434775
Pages: 128
Goodreads
three-stars

In David Macaulay’s newest book we learn through text and illustrations how scientists and others improved methods for creating power that lead to the development of the steam engine, that lead to faster and more reliable boat travel. The illustrations explaining the development of these engines are beautiful and well detailed.

Reviewed by Melissa Madigan

three-stars

Horses

HorsesHorses: The Definitive Catalog of Horse and Pony Breeds by Scholastic Inc.
Published by Scholastic Inc. on February 26th 2019
ISBN: 1338360817
Pages: 208
Goodreads
five-stars

A stunningly photographed catalog of the more than 150 horse and pony breeds in the world, this book is a horse-lover’s dream. The book starts with a history of the relationship between humans and horses and explains the variation of size and category of horses. The book separates out horses into Light Horses, Ponies, and Heavy Horses and ends with a section on caring for horses. It is jam-packed with facts and cultural tidbits. There is an extensive glossary, a fantastic table of contents, and an index. The biggest drawback of the book is its size. It is printed in a large format, which could be difficult for little hands, but since this allows for more and larger photographs, this is not really a ding against the book. A wonderful addition to any public or school library collection.

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

five-stars

Little Monsters of the Ocean: Metamorphosis Under the Waves

Little Monsters of the Ocean: Metamorphosis Under the WavesLittle Monsters of the Ocean: Metamorphosis Under the Waves by Heather L Montgomery
Published by Millbrook Press (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1541528980
Pages: 56
Goodreads
four-stars

Intriguing, alluring, compelling and instantly satisfying, Little Monsters of the Ocean is bound to become a favorite of young budding marine biologist.  The text is composed of scientific terminology yet there is humor that will please intermediate and middle level students.  Using the scientific theory, Montgomery asks questions throughout the book which make the students think deeper.  Those students who possess an interest in microscopic animal life will dive directly into the introduction which identifies the six small monsters.

Full page illustrations are amazing while the specific color background selected enhances each animal.  Text blocks offer information which may be viewed as gross or as seriously interesting.    Life cycle charts are helpful and the life stages chart is a valuable inclusion.  Unfortunately, several of the bibliography items are older but the list of scientists who contributed is impressive.  Add this to intermediate and middle grade media center and consider for public libraries.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME

four-stars

Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration

Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of ImmigrationOpen Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration by Bryan Caplan, Zach Weinersmith
Published by First Second on October 29th 2019
ISBN: 1250316960
Pages: 256
Goodreads
five-stars

In this graphic non-fiction book, economics professor Bryan Caplan teams up with cartoonist Zach Weinersmith to demonstrate why open borders are the best way to handle immigration, both scientifically and ethically.  With a clear cartoon style and a wealth of graphs, Caplan walks the reader through objections to immigration, ultimately showing how open borders benefit the United States specifically and the world as a whole, while walking the line between political sides that can often be highly contentious.

Fantastic for middle school, high school, and even adult patrons, Open Borders will be in high demand wherever graphic non-fiction is popular.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

five-stars

Cutting-Edge Artificial Intelligence

Cutting-Edge Artificial IntelligenceCutting-Edge Artificial Intelligence by Anna Leigh
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1st 2018
ISBN: 1541523482
Pages: 32
Goodreads
four-stars

Cutting-Edge Artificial Intelligence is a refreshing deviation from what I usually hear about A.I. which is that it’s inevitable that one day robots will rebel and own us. The photo that shows a robot trying to make a pizza is reassurance that that day is very far away.  Instead of fear mongering this book focuses on what A.I. is used for now, what it’s particularly successful at and what the future plans are for it. There’s a clear and interesting explanation of how A.I. works and how it is programmed. Kids in grades 4-6 are likely to enjoy this and recognize how often A.I. is used in everyday life. It would also be a good choice for anyone learning about robots, technology or biotechnology.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten free Library, Bath

four-stars

CLIMATE CHANGE AND EXTREME STORMS

CLIMATE CHANGE AND EXTREME STORMSClimate Change and Extreme Storms by Mary Dykstra
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1541538633
Pages: 32
Goodreads
two-stars

This climate book reports on the hazards of climate change, highlighting recent newsworthy hurricanes, storms and flooding.  The text also explains how we are trying to offset the damage, by building storm-sturdy buildings, roads, and bridges and how we can track these approaching storms with satellites and warning systems.

Other than turning off the lights, however, it does not give any solutions or suggestions that children could engage in to help solve this crisis.  It does not explain how these changes occurred in our climate.  There is a page dedicated to what children can do to help prepare for a storm, how to donate items to people in need, and referring them to local pet shelters to offer assistance.  A brief timeline, glossary and fact sheet for more referrals is found in back of book.

The text is very readable; photos are informative.  I would have preferred to see the glossary terms explained in bubbles or boxes in the text of book, rather than in back.

Reviewed by Irene Hall, Witherle Memorial Library, Castine

two-stars

The Miracle and Tragedy of the Dionne Quintuplets

The Miracle and Tragedy of the Dionne QuintupletsThe Miracle and Tragedy of the Dionne Quintuplets by Sarah Miller
Published by Schwartz & Wade on August 27th 2019
ISBN: 1524713813
Pages: 320
Goodreads
five-stars

In May of 1934, in a small Canadian town, 5 baby girls were born into a family with 5 older siblings and became a global sensation as their lives and of their family are thrown into the spotlight. Their total birth weight was 13 pounds. Yvonne, Cecile, Emilie, Annette and Marie are subsequently removed from their home and basically raised by the government of Ontario across the street in a custom-built hospital — all of this to protect the girls from showmen and exploitation.

Respectfully written and sometimes heart wrenching story of the world’s most famous babies in a time when miracles were meant to be. Recommended for grades 10 and up. TOC, notes and indexes are available.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Between Worlds: Folktales of Britain and Ireland

Between Worlds: Folktales of Britain and IrelandBetween Worlds: Folktales of Britain and Ireland by Kevin Crossley-Holland
Published by Candlewick Press on October 8th 2019
ISBN: 1536209414
Pages: 352
Goodreads
four-stars

This U.S. edition was originally published in 2018 in the U.K. The author’s choice of forty-eight folktales and his retelling is exceptional. The collection is divided into themes. The author includes the source or sources used for his each of his retelling of the folktale and if he changed the title. All original titles are noted. A pronunciation guide is in the front of the book. There is a forward and afterward by the author. The black and white illustrations add to the magic of this superb collection of scary, funny, adventurous, and witty folktales. Readers will recognize some of the traditional stories and enjoy discovering lesser known folktales. I recommend this for readers ages 10 and up. Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish.

four-stars

Bringing Down a President

Bringing Down a PresidentBringing Down A President: the Watergate Scandal by Andrea Balis, Elizabeth Levy, Tim Foley
Published by Roaring Brook Press on August 6th 2019
ISBN: 1250176794
Pages: 240
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

A just-in-time publication as Americans face another impeachment, Bringing Down a President: The Watergate Scandal, introduces a new generation to “All the President’s Men.”  With a consistent layout throughout the text, there are “Fly on the Wall” explanations of the events surrounding the Watergate break along with direct quotes from the key players (both those supporting and opposing Nixon).  The book has black and white illustrations throughout and has the appearance of a nonfiction text designed for middle schoolers in mind. However there is prolific profanity throughout the book, some within the quotations, and others used simply to add sensationalism.  While thought-provoking and informative, this is a complicated and terrifying era of American history that many middle and high school students will struggle to make sense of.

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook

three-stars

The Magnificent Migration: On Safari with Africa’s Last Great Herds

The Magnificent Migration: On Safari with Africa’s Last Great HerdsThe Magnificent Migration: On Safari with Africa’s Last Great Herds by Sy Montgomery
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on June 11th 2019
ISBN: 0544761138
Pages: 176
Goodreads
five-stars

Sibert medalist, Sy Montgomery takes the reader to the plains of Africa to join a prestigious team of scientists, guides, and photographers on her greatest quest yet- follow the herds of wildebeests that migrate with the rains. Led by her friend and the world’s foremost expert on wildebeests, Dr. Richard Estes, they will follow the wildebeest which according to Montgomery “drive the ecology and evolution of the largest savanna ecosystem in the world.” She goes on to say that wildebeest migration defines wild Africa. Montgomery always excites her readers with an abundance of  facts, supported by  extraordinary photographs, on this trip those of father rand son team Roger and Logan Wood.  Montgomery details her trip as they follow the migration of a quarter of a million beasts along with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelles in the largest movement of animals on land. This is a book that takes time to read and reread. Not only does the reader gain information on the herds but there are stories of other animals- lions that climb trees to escape biting insects, Arctic terns that fly from Antarctica to Africa, then to South America and on to the Arctic, hyenas, red crabs, and hippos cover just some of those in the book. This is Montgomery at her best! A must for every library ! Use in grades 5 and up.

Reviewed by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray

five-stars