Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction

Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life & Work

Dissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life & WorkDissenter on the Bench: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Life and Work by Victoria Ortiz
Published by Clarion Books on June 4th 2019
ISBN: 054497364X
Pages: 199
Goodreads
four-stars

More than a biography, this in-depth look at Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg parallels the events of her life that have led to the decisions she has made in several high-profile court cases.  Each chapter features a case that came before her, like Cincinnatian Jim Oberfefell’s fight to collect spousal benefits after the death of his partner. Ruth and her husband Marty understood well how essential it was to balance roles within a marriage, regardless of societal norms.  Ruth and Marty were married while still in college and found time to attend to their young daughter’s needs while both working full-time as law professors. The idea that all the nurturing and domestic care would fall on Ruth’s shoulders simply because she was a woman was ludicrous to them both, just as the idea that a loving spouse of twenty years could be told his future financial security was invalidated because he chose to love a person of the same gender.  Throughout her entire career RBG has fought against injustice even at a time and place in history when her opinions were unpopular. Black and white photos throughout the book truly humanize the participants of the court cases as well as offer private glimpes into the Ginsburgs’ life. While the cover is exciting and bright to appeal to middle school readers, the text and depth of this work is too sophisticated for early teens. This is an excellent addition to every high school biography collection. 

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook

four-stars

Solutions For a Cleaner, Greener Planet

Solutions For a Cleaner, Greener PlanetSolutions for a Cleaner, Greener Planet: Environmental Chemistry by Marc Zimmer
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1541519795
Pages: 120
Goodreads
four-stars

This book explains that chemistry is the key to understanding the underlying environmental issues facing our planet and it is the key to creating solutions. It begins with the basics, breaking down the science to the basics of atoms and elements. Heavy metals, pesticides, fuel and energy, and nuclear energy are the areas of focus. The dangers of leaded gasoline, the tragedies of water contamination in Flint, and the nuclear disasters at Chernobyl and Fukushima provide historical context to the science. The advantages and disadvantages of technologies like fracking, solar energy, wind energy are explored. Charts, graphs, and color photos are nicely formatted and provide context for readers. Innovative solutions are provided, but for the readers, the message is clear that we all must minimize our carbon footprint. Source notes, an extensive glossary, and a list of sources for Further Information are provided. This is a strong resource for high school libraries. Recommended for Grades 9 and up. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

four-stars

War in the Ring

War in the RingWar in the Ring: Joe Louis, Max Schmeling, and the Fight Between America and Hitler by John Florio, Ouisie Shapiro
Published by Roaring Brook Press on June 25th 2019
ISBN: 1250155746
Pages: 208
Goodreads
four-stars

American Joe Louis takes on German Max Schmeling in a historic boxing match while the world is on the brink of war.  The lives of these two men are recounted as they become boxers, rise to fame, fight their most famous matches, and then live out the rest of their lives.  The authors do an excellent job describing the men with both their successes and their flaws. The reader sees each as a human in a very tense global conflict.  Historic events are clearly described creating the background for this significant match-up, but do not take the focus. Readers gain a better understanding of how these men came to symbolize their nations and of racism facing both African-Americans and those of Jewish descent.  This is a well researched book including multiple quotes from journalists, announcers, and other primary sources. Black and white photographs in each chapter bring the words to life and help the reader visualize the crowds and the times. The end of the book contains nearly 50 pages of additional material including source notes, a bibliography, and an index.  Readers from 10-14 who enjoy boxing will devour this detailed account.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

four-stars

100 Most Dangerous Things on the Planet

100 Most Dangerous Things on the Planet100 Most Dangerous Things On The Planet (100 Most) by Anna Claybourne
on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1682974197
Pages: 112
Goodreads
three-stars

A nonfiction book divided into five sections covering 100 of the most dangerous things on the planet.  Sections are natural disasters, dangerous weather, lost in the wild, dangerous animals, and dangers caused by humans.  Each page has a description of the danger, what to do, a risk rating, a survival rating, and an interesting tip or fact.  Pages are packed with pictures and words written in varying fonts. Readers in grades 3-7 will learn about new dangers (a seiche) and familiar dangers (a mosquito).  The risk and survival ratings make it quick and easy to see the level of danger (very unlikely to meet a chimpanzee but only a 40% chance of survival if attacked). Teachers and parents will appreciate how the author puts an emphasis on avoiding each danger.  Perfect book for readers wanting to learn about the dangers in this world or who just love information.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

three-stars

Women in the Military: From Drill Sergeants to Fighter Pilots

Women in the Military: From Drill Sergeants to Fighter PilotsWomen in the Military: From Drill Sergeants to Fighter Pilots by Connie Goldsmith
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (Tm) on January 1st 2019
ISBN: 1541528123
Pages: 120
Goodreads
five-stars

This book gives a thoughtful look to the women in all branches of the United States Military, ranging from a brief overlook of their history in the military to powerful changes that have taken place. Even though women are still the minority in the military, their numbers are growing and providing them opportunities that hadn’t been available in the past. Inside are mini-biographies of various women that share their outlook from just entering boot camp to well seasoned veterans.

Recommended for grades 7 and up. There is a TOC, timeline of Historical Advances for Women, sources notes, bibliography, further information and an index. The context, photographs, and graphs are well organized an compliment the text with information easily located.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

five-stars

Raccoon Rescue

Raccoon RescueRaccoon Rescue by Kama Einhorn
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on April 9th 2019
ISBN: 1328767051
Pages: 160
Goodreads
four-stars

Raccoon Rescue tells the adventures of four baby raccoons rescued in California when only two weeks old.  Their story is dictated through the eyes of one of the babies, Mr. Green. Mr. Green describes the process of the Fab Four from rescue to release.  Pictures are on nearly every page assisting the reader in visualizing the story. Examples of x-rays, an intake exam form, and a growth chart are included also.  The book is written in large clear font with bullet pointed lists teaching the reader a great deal of information about raccoons. A bibliography, glossary, index, letter from the author, and a “how you can help” section are all located at the back of the book.  Einhorn does an excellent job of sending the message that wild animals are not pets and describes the extensive steps it takes to get baby raccoons from rescue through rehabilitation to release. Readers 8-12 with an interest in raccoons, animal rescue, or just enjoy looking at pictures of baby raccoons will find this book appealing and may also be interested in the other “True Tales of Rescue” books in this series. Some readers may struggle with reading a book written from the perspective of a baby animal, but still find relevant information for research.

Reviewed by Heather Hale, Easton School District, Easton

four-stars

Missing! Mysterious Cases of People Gone Missing Through the Centuries

Missing! Mysterious Cases of People Gone Missing Through the CenturiesMissing!: Mysterious Cases of People Gone Missing Through the Centuries by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Published by Henry Holt & Company on February 12th 2019
ISBN: 1250133408
Pages: 240
Goodreads
four-stars

These biographies of famous and not so famous people are informative and well written. The cases explored still have many unanswered questions surrounding their disappearances. The people included are Jimmy Hoffa, D.B. Cooper, Barbara Follett, Amelia Earhart, William Morgan, and the two princes in the Tower of London. Each story is well researched and when possible information about the person’s childhood is included. The black and white photographs and drawings add interest. The author’s choice of people is a good variety and will be read for pleasure and research. There is an extensive bibliography and index. Grades 5-9 Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

Secret Soldiers

Secret SoldiersSecret Soldiers: How the U.S. Twenty-Third Special Troops Fooled the Nazis by Paul B. Janeczko
Published by Candlewick Press on April 23rd 2019
ISBN: 0763681539
Pages: 304
Goodreads
four-stars

This is the story of the Twenty-Third Headquarters Special Troops. Their goal was to deceive the Nazis into believing that the sights and sounds they were experiencing were real. Camouflage tactics and sound engineering were created by a variety of people specially chosen to be a part of this elite “Ghost Army.” Artists, set designers, actors, sound engineers and others working together were able to accomplish their goal with inflatable tanks, guns, false radio broadcasts and other tactics. The author provides detailed information about the troops and their work that military buffs will enjoy. There are numerous black and white photographs and maps. The book is well written and informative. I found the highlighted sections within the chapters awkward. Stopping midsentence to read a highlighted area was cumbersome. An introduction, epilogue, source notes, extensive bibliography, image credits, and comprehensive index are included.  Grades 9-12, adult . Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

four-stars

The Owls Have Come to Take Us Away

The Owls Have Come to Take Us AwayThe Owls Have Come to Take Us Away by Ronald L. Smith
Published by Clarion Books on February 19th 2019
ISBN: 132884160X
Pages: 224
Goodreads
three-stars

Twelve year old Simon believes that he was abducted by aliens while on a camping trip alone with his parents. Simon is obsessed with aliens and UFOs. He loves playing video games that involve role playing. His brother’s girlfriend introduces him to a group who also believes in aliens and UFOs. Her father is a member of that group. Simon’s father is in the Air Force and appears disappointed in Simon. Simon’s mother thinks Simon has mental health issues. Bullying, bi-racial families, and life on a military base are all a part of this unique action packed novel. The story is told from Simon’s point of view. A fantasy story that Simon is writing is a part of the novel. The characters are well developed and believable. There are many layers in this suspense filled novel. It will keep readers guessing right up to the end. This novel will appeal to readers with an interest in aliens and UFOs. Grades 5-7 Reviewed by Kris Zuidema, retired school librarian, Standish

three-stars

Beyond Words: What Elephants and Whales Think and Feel

Beyond Words: What Elephants and Whales Think and FeelBeyond Words: What Elephants and Whales Think and Feel (A Young Reader's Adaptation) by Carl Safina
Published by Roaring Brook Press on April 23rd 2019
ISBN: 1250144639
Pages: 176
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Heartwarming and interesting, this slim nonfiction book gives a wonderful look into the lives of elephants and killer whales to explain how smart and compassionate they are.  Author Carl Safina embedded himself with researchers at Amboseli National Park in Kenya to simply learn to observe without judgement how elephants interact within their family groups, how they protect one another and how they teach their young.  While poaching remains a true horror for the elephants in the region, the herds are making some comebacks due to years of drought-free weather and better protections by conservancy groups. Elephants have distinct personalities and can often be seen as silly, joyful, irritated, tense or sad.  While it is easy to use our human emotions to understand their behaviors, researchers point out that it is important to respect these animals in their own magnificent way. Though an unlikely pairing for a book, the author next heads to the Pacific Northwest to view killer whales, members of the dolphin group, who also live in pods, train their young and work together in a highly intelligent way.  Threatened due to live capture by Sea World and other tourist centers in the 1960s and 70s and now facing inhospitable waters to fish and thrive, killer whales remain an ancient presence in the ocean. All the more fascinating is that killer whales are playful and tender when encountering humans. They have been known to save stranded boats and kayakers by encircling them and guiding them back to safe waters.  While a truly fascinating addition to nonfiction animal collections, this is a book for inquisitive and deep thinkers.  

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School

four-stars