Captain Cat Goes to Mars

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by Emma J. Virjan

Captain Cat and his friend, Pilot Matt, fly their spaceship to Mars. They meet some friendly aliens there and explore the surface of the planet. A storm comes up and they wait it out with their new friends and some yummy snacks. Unfortunately, the storm tips over their spaceship, which cracks it. Their alien friends save the day with some glue and tools. The intrepid astronauts take off and their new friends follow behind.

This book, part of the Ready to Read series, is a very accessible story, with simple text that rhymes that are not overwhelming for the beginning reader. Engaging illustrations make it even more fun. Add this to your collection for those newly minted readers in your school.

The New Rooster

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by Rilla Alexander

Rooster has just arrived in his new home to start his new job – waking the guests of the ZZZ Hotel. He awakens and gives his signature  “OCKCAY AWAY OODLEDAY OODAY.” No one wakes up! He tries using a megaphone and just gets protests in a variety of languages before the other animals go back to sleep. Deciding he isn’t cut for this job, he prepares to leave. He doesn’t want to travel on an empty stomach, so he cooks breakfast. The smell of the wonderful food rouses the sleepy animals, who rush share this delicious fare and thank Rooster. He doesn’t understand their languages, but he has discovered a way to connect – by sharing! The story ends with an illustration containing Rooster’s new business,  “OCKCAY AWAY OODLEDAY OODAY DINER”.

This boldly illustrated book is a fine addition to any library, telling a story of a newcomer who finds his passion in his new home and discovers a way to connect to others. A sweet, fun immigration story that students will enjoy. They might even want to try Rooster’s language – pig Latin!

Tierra, Tierrita Earth, Little Earth by Jorge Tetl Argueta

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This is the fourth and final book in the Mother Earth series by Jorge Argueta and illustrator Felipe Ugalde Alcantara. This trilingual book is told from the point of view of Mother Earth. Each page includes Spanish and English and the poem is included in Nahuat at the end of the book. Mother Earth is a planet, creation, and nature. The book depicts an appreciation for and a celebration of Mother Earth. The colorful illustrations complement the text and evoke a feeling of peace and tranquility.

Animals at Risk: Rhinoceroses by Rachel Grack

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There are five species of rhinoceros and three of them are critically endangered. This informational text gives a few facts about rhinoceroses as well as information as to why they are at risk. The reader learns that human impact is the main reason that rhinoceroses are considered vulnerable. The book also describes things that are currently being done to help rhinoceroses.

The Animals At Risk series focuses on animals that are in danger of being extinct and what can be done to help them. The series includes many text features that aid the reader in their learning including maps showing the animals range, diagrams, bold words to highlight important vocabulary and a glossary. This series is a part of the Blast Off Reader Level 2 series and is 24 pages. The text is 2-3 sentences per page with color photographs.

Animal Battles: Ostrich vs. Cheetah

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Ostrich vs. Cheetah is part of the Animal Battles series. In this series, two animals face off against each other. Each book starts off with a description of the two competitors, their attack moves, their secret weapons and then finally the battle. The narrative text at the end describes the fight scene and will certainly catch the reader’s’ attention. The book has 4-5 sentences per page for each animal and color photographs.

Text features such as bold words, text boxes, maps, a table of contents, glossary and an index are incorporated to aid the readers. Profiles of animal statistics include the height and weight as well as the physical advantages of each animal and habitat.

In Ostrich vs. Cheetah, a cheetah hiding in the tall grass stalks an ostrich. Each animal has unique characteristics that could lead to it winning this face-off. Which animal will come out on top? This series is perfect for fans of Who Would Win.

Animal Battles: Tiger Shark vs. Leopard Seal

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Tiger Shark vs. Leopard Seal is part of the Animal Battles series. In this series, two animals face off against each other. Each book starts off with a description of the two competitors, their attack moves, their secret weapons and then finally the battle. The narrative text at the end describes the fight scene and will certainly catch the reader’s’ attention. The book has 4-5 sentences per page for each animal and color photographs.

Text features such as bold words, text boxes, maps, a table of contents, glossary and an index are incorporated to aid the readers. Profiles of animal statistics include the height and weight as well as the physical advantages of each animal and habitat.

In Tiger Shark vs. Leopard Seal, the tiger shark attacks the leopard seal as it enters the water. Each animal has unique characteristics that could lead to it winning this face-off. Which animal will come out on top? This series is perfect for fans of Who Would Win.

Animal Battles: American Alligator vs. Wild Boar

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American Alligator vs. Wild Boar is part of the Animal Battles series. In this series, two animals face off against each other. Each book starts off with a description of the two competitors, their attack moves, their secret weapons and then finally the battle. The narrative text at the end describes the fight scene and will certainly catch the reader’s’ attention. The book has 4-5 sentences per page for each animal and color photographs.

Text features such as bold words, text boxes, maps, a table of contents, glossary and an index are incorporated to aid the readers. Profiles of animal statistics include the height and weight as well as the physical advantages of each animal and habitat.

In American Alligator vs. Wild Boar, an American alligator is sneaking up on a wild boar, but the boar hears the alligator. Each animal has unique characteristics that could lead to it winning this face-off. Which animal will come out on top? This series is perfect for fans of Who Would Win.

Animal Battles: Dung Beetle vs. Tarantula Hawk by Nathan Sommer

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Dung Beetle vs. Tarantula Hawk is part of the Animal Battles series. In this series, two animals face off against each other. Each book starts off with a description of the two competitors, their attack moves, their secret weapons and then finally the battle. The narrative text at the end describes the fight scene and will certainly catch the reader’s’ attention. The book has 4-5 sentences per page for each animal and color photographs.

Text features such as bold words, text boxes, maps, a table of contents, glossary and an index are incorporated to aid the readers. Profiles of animal statistics include the height and weight as well as the physical advantages of each animal and habitat.

In Dung Beetle vs. Tarantula Hawk, the two insects meet underground. Each insect has unique characteristics that could lead to it winning this face-off. Which will come out on top? This series is perfect for fans of Who Would Win.

Animals at Risk: Tasmanian Devils by Rachel Grack

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Tasmanian devils are marsupials that are feisty. This informational text gives facts about Tasmanian devils as well as information as to why they are at risk. The reader learns that Tasmanian devils are at risk because of farming, cars, and disease. The book also explains things that are being done to help Tasmanian devil populations.

The Animals At Risk series focuses on animals that are in danger of being extinct and what can be done to help them. The series includes many text features that aid the reader in their learning including maps showing the animals range, diagrams, bold words to highlight important vocabulary and a glossary. This series is a part of the Blast Off Reader Level 2 series and is 24 pages. The text is 2-3 sentences per page with color photographs.

Animals at Risk: Snow Leopards by Rachel Grack

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Snow leopards are big cats living in the snowy mountains of Central Asia. This informational text gives a few facts about snow leopards as well as information as to why they are at risk. The reader learns that human impact is the main reason that snow leopards are considered vulnerable. The book also describes things that are currently being done to help snow leopard populations.

The Animals At Risk series focuses on animals that are in danger of being extinct and what can be done to help them. The series includes many text features that aid the reader in their learning including maps showing the animals range, diagrams, bold words to highlight important vocabulary and a glossary. This series is a part of the Blast Off Reader Level 2 series and is 24 pages. The text is 2-3 sentences per page with color photographs.

Animals at Risk: Axolotls by Rachel Grack

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Axolotls are amphibians that only live in one lake in Mexico City. This informational text gives facts about axolotls as well as information as to why they are at risk. The reader learns that axolotls are at risk due to human impact, scientists study axolotls to learn how to possibly treat human sickness and how we can help axolotls.

The Animals At Risk series focuses on animals that are in danger of being extinct and what can be done to help them. The series includes many text features that aid the reader in their learning including maps showing the animals range, diagrams, bold words to highlight important vocabulary and a glossary. This series is a part of the Blast Off Reader Level 2 series and is 24 pages. The text is 2-3 sentences per page with color photographs.

The Sun

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Curiosity about the Sun during a solar eclipse sends the character on an imaginary journey to the sun. At the end of the mission, young readers will have learned interesting facts about the Sun.

While the story starts with the characters wearing glasses to look at the eclipse, a stronger reminder is needed that looking at the sun without protection can harm your eyes at any time.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers. 

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.

Moons

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This journey of imagination explores some of the over 200 moons in our Solar System. The character’s curiosity while observing Earth’s moon leads to an imaginary trip to look closer at some of the moons of Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The Blastoff! Missions series Moons title does a good job at reinforcing the concept of a moon as a scientific term rather than the name of the body that orbits Earth.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers. 

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.

The Asteroid Belt

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This Blastoff! Mission title begins in a science museum. The character’s imagined travel to the asteroid belt is filled with information. By describing objects in the asteroid belt using recognizable objects – smaller than a house or like a lumpy potato – the concepts become more comprehensible for young readers. By the end of the adventure, the reader has a glimpse at the diversity and continuous change of the donut shaped area of our solar system known as the asteroid belt.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers. 

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.

The Dwarf Planets

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Pluto and its reclassification as a Dwarf Planet intrigues children of all ages. The Dwarf Planets in the Blastoff! Missions series helps fan the reader’s curiosity while introducing five dwarf planets. While their size is an essential characteristic classifying dwarf planets, each of the dwarf planets in the book are noticeably unique. As the reader embarks on the journey of imagination with the characters in the book, questions are woven into the story to further engage young readers.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers. 

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.

The Inner Planets

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In The Inner Planets, the reader joins a boy on a plane as he daydreams about investigating the planets between the sun and the asteroid belt. The exploration of the inner planets begins by identifying Earth as a rocky planet and its place in our solar system. The book then jumps to Mercury and moves outward from the sun.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers.

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.

The Outer Planets

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After passing the asteroid belt, Blastoff Jimmy helps the reader learn about the outer planets of our solar system. The book divides the outer planets into gas giants and ice giants. Dwarf planets are not includes in this title.

In the Blastoff! Missions: Journey Into Space series young readers can explore the wonders of our solar system. Each title begins with 3 mission goals; one focused on fluency, one on comprehension, and one on critical thinking. In addition to Jimmy who accompanies the reader on all the missions, each title has a different main character reflecting diversity in race and including a character with a physical disability. Through the conversational narrative, the reader is brought along on a mission of discovery. At the end of the informational text, there is a glossary, index, and To Learn More section which has three print suggestions and guidance to access suggested digital resources at factsurfer.com. Each title wraps up with three extension questions in the Beyond the Mission section.

The predictable format, easy to read text, and colorful supporting illustrations make the content accessible for developing early readers. Scientific details are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. This, combined with’ exposure to various media interpretations of space travel may blur the lines between fact and fiction for young readers. With The Outer Planet title, it would be helpful if scientific information was communicated in relation to aspects of living on earth that a young child could understand.

Blastoff! Missions: Journey to Space series is a playful STEM introduction to astronomy for curious young scientists.

Linty: A Pocketful of Adventure

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Pocket lint is a common experience for children and adults alike. Linty is a humorous story of a piece of pocket lint in graphic novel format. With a low reading level and some repetitive text, this is good introduction to graphic novels for young readers working on reading independently.

Linty is content with the narrow confines of his life and his repetitive days living in the pocket of neatly folded jeans.. He’s a bit disconcerted when a boy puts on the jeans and his world starts to move. His new adventures include meeting new friends added to his pocket home and a ride through the wash. He finally recognizes the value of both his pocket home and the friends he’s made.

Can Clam Go?

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Looking for sharks? Friendship? Humor? Can Clam Go? has it all. In this pre-level 1 Ready to Read title, Adam Lehrhaupt has created a fun little story with only a few words per page. In addition to sight words, the text is made up of repetitive, rhyming, and easily decodable words. The colorful illustrations add to the humorous appeal of this title.

Currently there are two books in the Shark Chums series.

A Blue Kind of Day

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When Coen is having a blue kind of day, the feelings are murky, prickly and tense. When the feelings just won’t go away, he curls up in a ball on his bed and refuses to get up. His Mom, Dad, and sister all try to convince him to get up, then try to distract him from his feelings, and finally they snuggle close and wait. With their waiting, they validate Coen’s feelings and show they’ll be there for him.

A Blue Kind of Day describes the miasma of depression from the perspective of a young child. In words and pictures, the book offers a supportive and accepting narrative to remind children that they are not alone in their big feelings.

Her Epic Adventure: 25 Daring Women Who Inspire a Life Less Ordinary

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Her Epic Adventures is divided into five sections; sky, peaks, ice, land, and water. Each section starts with a two paragraph explanation of some of the challenges associated with exploring that area of earth – especially for women. The book then highlights the perseverance and bravery of four women. From Charlotte Small around the turn of the 19th century to the Black Mambas founded in 2013, the women highlighted in the book span both time and geographical location. Each illustrated two page spread provides biographical information about the featured woman as well as appropriate supporting details, such as a map, tip, quote, or fact.

Endpapers include a paragraph and illustration each of about five additional women adventurers and an interview with Lois Pryce, an adventurer who rode her motorcycle from Alaska to Argentina. Also included is a world map showing the locations of the women’s adventures, resources, and an index.

Her Epic Adventure is an inspiring read for any would-be adventurer, especially for those who’s spirit leads them outside society’s traditional path.

Nubia: Real One by L.L. McKinney and Robyn Smith

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This DC graphic novel flawlessly presents a strong message of fighting injustices and coming into your own against all odds, paired with deep characters and gorgeous illustrations. Since she was young, Nubia has had superpowers but has always hidden her abilities because when people see her, they assume the worst of her. An entitled and hateful boy begins to threaten Nubia’s best friend, Quisha, Nubia begins to use her powers to fight injustices and become a superhero in a society that keeps trying to force her down. The colorful and vivid illustrations paired with the message of bringing up people who have been forced down create a complex, bold graphic novel of coming into one’s own against all odds. This brave and persevering graphic novel built of thoughtful and often witty dialogue and vivid illustrations encourages activism for equality in society for BIPOC, fighting for social justice, as well as showing people the importance of supporting each other for who you are. Comic-book readers and social activism readers alike will appreciate the powerful messages bringing awareness to the struggles of becoming a superhero when most of society is up against you. Reviewed by a Washington Middle School Student,

Time Out

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By Sean Hayes, Todd Milliner, and Carlyn Greenwald

Time Out is a great novel for upper-middle to high school readers. Barclay Elliot is the high school basketball star that is expected to lead his team to the championship this year. He “walks on water” to all in his small hometown. Barclay decides that he is going to come out at the first pep rally and has a rude awakening when the town and his team do not have his back. Barclay learns what it means to be an upstander in his community. He learns that true friends can help a person get through hard times. This coming-of-age novel is a must-read for all who are navigating friendships and school. There are some rude homophobic remarks said by the basketball players and bad language throughout which makes it more appropriate for grades 8-12.

Seton Girls

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Traditions and connections are more important than most things at Seton Academic Prep. The football team has gone to the playoffs every year since 2006 when Cooper Adams was quarterback and he attributed it to the Seton Girls. A playoff birth became the expectation of every quarterback since and they would continue their “tradition” of making that happen with those exact Seton Girls. Enter “J” and “Alz”, two outsiders whose academic and extracurricular merits gave them scholarships to attend Seton. J and Alz have been a couple since they were kids and they walked into a hornet’s nest of affluent, and at times obnoxious, teenagers. J’s JV quarterback skills are promising for his senior year but first Parker will lead the team, and it’s “tradition” to win. Over the course of the summer though, Parker’s control of the “tradition” is lost, because of a few of the Seton Girls, including Alz’s brave decision and Britt’s recognition of how to play the player. In a story that would hopefully never happen, readers will discover just who the Seton Girls are, how have more control than they realize, and how certain traditions are meant to be broken. References to sex and partying are strung throughout the text but this is tame for high school audiences today.

Hands

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Torrey Maldonado

A short, quick read in an authentic voice, this book really packs a punch – all while wondering how hands CAN be a powerful force in the world without them getting him into trouble. Trev faces a number of challenges in this story, but the central problem is how to keep all the promises he’s made to people he loves. This comes down to how he’s going to use his hands – to fight off his stepfather’s potential abuse of his mom once he’s out of jail for hitting her OR trust the adults around him to protect his family and use his hands for their other promise & potential, drawing. He trains to become strong, but using his hands to fight will have consequences that will limit his other strengths. I really liked the dialogue in the book. It sounds real. It’s the short, choppy sentences of Trev’s real language that give the book so much authenticity. Every chapter is extremely short (1-3 pages) which should help get this book read by students who may not love to read but will love Trev’s story. The end feels incomplete-ish, but I think that’s deliberate. We know what Trev decides he’s going to do at the end, but the events that will put him to the test have not happened yet. We must trust, like he must, in the people around him. Perhaps there will be a sequel, but I think it’s okay if there is not. I highly recommend this book!