Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction

Crossing Niagara

Crossing NiagaraCrossing Niagara: Candlewick Biographies: The Death-Defying Tightrope Adventures of the Great Blondin by Matt Tavares
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on October 16th 2018
ISBN: 1536203416
Pages: 40
Goodreads
one-star

“Crossing Niagara” c2018 can be crossed off your list of books to purchases. This is a chapter book version of the original picture book published in 2016, published as a reformatted edition under the series, “Candlewick Biographies.” The volume is about half the size, and is simply a reduced-size version with chapter headings inserted on the pages. This lacks the double page fold out of the picture book that helps readers grasp the vast size of the crossing.

If you need a book on the Great Blondin, purchase the 2016 picture book edition.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Old Town Elementary School Library, Old Town

one-star

My Family Divided

My Family DividedMy Family Divided: One Girl's Journey of Home, Loss, and Hope by Diane Guerrero
Published by Henry Holt & Company on July 17th 2018
ISBN: 1250134862
Pages: 256
Goodreads
five-stars

With all that is happening with immigration in the United States today, Diane Guerrero’s autobiography about her experiences as the daughter of undocumented immigrants is sad, angering and leaves the reader asking questions. This book is the YA version of  In the Country We Love: My Family Divided . The photographs  are of her family and are placed throughout various chapters.

Her personal account is filled with happy family moments, celebrations, love of family, community and country along with the determination of not only her family , but others like theirs, to be hard working and lawful members of the country they hoped to be citizens of.

At the back of the book there are sources listed where the reader can learn more about the immigration reform debate being held in the United States and how the reader can get involved, if interested. Recommended for grades 7-12.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School

five-stars

Mysteries of Machu Picchu

Mysteries of Machu PicchuMysteries of Machu Picchu by Elizabeth Weitzman
Published by Lerner Publications (Tm) on August 1st 2017
ISBN: 1512440183
Pages: 32
Goodreads
three-stars

Elizabeth Weitzman’s “Mysteries of Machu Picchu” starts with Hiram Bingham’s discovery of the ancient Incan city high in the Andes mountains and continues through the work of archaeologists and preservation efforts today. The book is filled with photographs and interesting facts about Machu Picchu; I particularly liked the “Myth Alerts,” which described previous ideas about the city that were proven to be false. A glossary and “further information” section in the back of the book offer more info for curious readers.

This book is aimed at readers in grades 3 through 6. While it was interesting, I would say that this is not a must-buy for non-fiction collections, unless you have a lot of readers who are very interested in archaeology or history.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook

three-stars

Apollo 8: The Mission that Changed Everything

Apollo 8: The Mission that Changed EverythingApollo 8: The Mission That Changed Everything by Martin W. Sandler
Published by Candlewick Press on September 19th 2018
ISBN: 0763694894
Pages: 176
Format: Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Full of color and black and white images along with glossy pages, this nonfiction book offers an historical glimpse at the successful launch that put the United States at the front of the space race in the late 1960s.  The book begins with a look at the engineering evolution of rocket launches dating as far back as the 1920s and the creation of NASA in Huntsville, Alabama in 1958. Focusing on the three astronauts, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders, as pioneers and daredevils helps explain just how uncharted and dangerous this mission was.  Interviews with the wives of these pilots gave a unique perspective as to what an impact this space program had both on the nation and at a personal level. The layout is at times problematic with inserted articles interrupting the flow of the chapter’s body of text. It can be several pages before you can pick up with the writing. This is a better fit for a high school nonfiction collection due to complex text and historical references that are not often taught at the middle school level.

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook

four-stars

Dreams and What They Mean

Dreams and What They MeanDreams and What They Mean: Facts, Trivia, and Quizzes (Mind Games) by Elsie Olson
Published by Lerner Publications on August 1st 2017
ISBN: 1512434175
Pages: 32
Goodreads

In the book, Dreams and What They Mean, Elsie Olsen explores the science and history of dreams. Readers begin with learning about the commonality of dreams throughout history. Then they present insightful questions with well supported historical answers. The sleep cycle is explained clearly in simple language. An elementary presentation about the psychology of dreams is given by introducing Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. The meanings behind what and who we dream about are illustrated with comical factoids. There are also quizzes to make the reader more aware of their personal dream life.

The book is bright with fun illustrations and photos. There are threads for the reader to follow during practical application pages. More difficult words are in bold font to lead the reader to the glossary which is located at the back of the book. At the conclusion of the book, there is a list of prompts for the reader to create their own dream journal. This would be a fun class project for 3rd – 5th grades or could be used as a family activity.

This quality title will benefit the readers by helping them learn self-awareness. Both school and public libraries would benefit by adding this title to their collection.

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library

Fandom: Fic Writers, Vidders, Gamers, Artists, and Cosplayers

Fandom: Fic Writers, Vidders, Gamers, Artists, and CosplayersFandom: Fic Writers, Vidders, Gamers, Artists, and Cosplayers by Francesca Dipiazza
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (CT) on January 1st 2018
ISBN: 1512450499
Pages: 120
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
three-stars

Fandom: Fic Writers, Vidders, Gamers, Artists, and Cosplayers is an overview of fandom and fan culture. Author Francesca Davis DiPiazza examines what a fandom is and some of the various ways that fans contribute to those fandoms including writing stories about characters, creating art and videos, coding games, and sewing elaborate costumes. Unlike many guides on fandom, DiPiazza delivers facts, history, and definitions without falling into a cringy territory of acting like it’s mysterious, new, or strange behavior. The information provided is broad and covers a lot of fandoms and types of fan creations. However, it’s difficult to imagine who exactly this book would be for. Kids who aren’t in fandoms don’t want to learn this way about them and kids who are might be turned off by all of the basic definitions. Adults are unlikely to venture into the youth section to learn about this. Strongly recommended if you have the audience for it, but an additional purchase elsewhere.

Reviewed by Sarah Cropley, Scarborough Public Library.

three-stars

Cute as an Axolotl

Cute as an AxolotlCute as an Axolotl: Discovering the World's Most Adorable Animals by Jess Keating
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on August 28th 2018
ISBN: 1524764477
Pages: 48
Goodreads
four-stars

The most recent book in the World of Weird Animal series, this title features seventeen of the world’s most adorable animals.  Each animal is highlighted with a 4-color photograph on one side with a brief description, fun fact with cartoon like illustration, and a sidebar with facts on the facing page.  Included are information on the species name, size, diet, habitat, predators and predators and threats. An interesting assortment of animals that most likely will not be known to young readers.  The book does an excellent show explaining how all of the animals have adapted to survive.  The back pages include a page on the science of cute that includes interesting information on how cuteness could be a survival strategy. Also included is a glossary of words that were highlighted in the  text.  Many of these words would be new to readers so this is an important addition to the book.  A very strong addition to both public and school libraries, this book will delight those with an interest in learning about animals.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library

four-stars

1968: Today’s Authors Explore a Year of Rebellion, Revolution, and Change

1968: Today’s Authors Explore a Year of Rebellion, Revolution, and Change1968: Today's Authors Explore a Year of Rebellion, Revolution, and Change by Marc Aronson, Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Published by Candlewick Press (MA) on September 11th 2018
ISBN: 0763689939
Pages: 208
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
five-stars

1968 was a momentous year in history. The Vietnam War was at its height and protests were also at a height. The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy, Jr. were both assassinated, there were protests in Chicago at the Democratic Convention, Mexico City just ahead of the 1968 Mexico Olympics, at the Olympics, in Prague, and in Paris. China was undergoing a “Cultural Revolution.” This book of essays covers historic events that took place 50 years ago and many of these issues are still relevant today. The editors offer this book in hopes readers will reflect on issues and protests from 1968 and how they have shaped our world today. Some pieces are memoirs, others are extensively-researched. The book includes author notes, source notes, bibliography, and index.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

 

 

five-stars

Economic Inequality

Economic InequalityEconomic Inequality: The American Dream Under Siege by Coral Celeste Frazer
Published by Twenty-First Century Books (CT) on January 1st 2018
ISBN: 1512431079
Pages: 128
Goodreads
four-stars

Beginning with the American Revolution, Coral Celeste Frazer traces and defines economic inequality in America. She brings the topic right up to the present covering the outsourcing of jobs, the threat of automation, as well as the impact of gender and race on economics. Frazer expertly defines ideas like income versus wealth, gerrymandering, and potential solutions to such as basic income. Personal stories are highlighted from the main text throughout the book to bring the topics to a relatable level. Although Frazer works hard to remain neutral, readers will leave with a feeling that more could and should be done to rectify the worsening economic inequality in the United States. She encourages social action by highlighting the work of unions and encouraging readers to vote with their dollars. Source notes, glossary, a selected bibliography and index are included.

Grades 8 and up.

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

four-stars

John Lewis: Courage in Action

John Lewis: Courage in ActionJohn Lewis: Courage in Action by Matt Doeden
Published by Lerner Publications on January 1st 2018
ISBN: 1541512383
Pages: 48
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction
Goodreads
four-stars

Beginning with a gripping scene of racially motivated violence as a member of The Freedom Riders, John Lewis:  Courage in Action masterfully grabs the reader’s attention with Lewis’ acts of bravery and determination.  Lewis, the son of sharecroppers, was extremely bright and impassioned at a young age to fight for civil rights.  In his early twenties he had already worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy and was making a name for himself as a leader.  Organizing peaceful protests gave Lewis the desire to see change affected at the government level. Serving on the City Council in Atlanta was a springboard to later securing a seat in the US Congress where he still tirelessly fights against injustice.  Black and white, and color photos add interest to every page. The text is well chosen for high readability and both reluctant and avid readers will find this biography interesting and engaging. A timeline of Lewis’ major life events follows the text, as well as suggestions for further reading.  A fitting and timely biography for all upper elementary and middle school libraries.

Reviewed by Suzanne Dix, Westbrook Middle School, Westbrook

four-stars