Category Archives: Recommendation

Countries of the World: England

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By Monika Davies

England covers basic information of the country. It has appealing images and maps as well as words in bold that correlate to a Glossary at the end of the book. Readers will be interested in the unique animals of the British Isles as well as some of the exotic items the people eat including: Bangers and mash, fish and chips and biscuits served with tea. This book is recommended for any library where students at a young age do country research or for English language learners.

The Blastoff! Readers Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: All about the country, land and animals, life for the people, and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 1-3. They are at “Level 2 which offers early readers a bit more challenge through varied sentences, increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Countries of the World: China

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By Monika Davies

China covers basic information of the country. It has appealing images and maps as well as words in bold that correlate to a Glossary at the end of the book. Readers will be interested in the unique animals of the Asian continent, favorite sports like: table tennis and Tai Chi, as well as some of the exotic items the people eat including: Sichuan pork, Peking duck and dumplings. This book is recommended for any library where students at a young age do country research or for English language learners.

The Blastoff! Readers Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: All about the country, land and animals, life for the people, and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 1-3. They are at “Level 2 which offers early readers a bit more challenge through varied sentences, increased text load, and test-supportive special features.

Countries of the World: Canada

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By Monika Davies

Canada covers basic information of the country. It has appealing images and maps as well as words in bold that correlate to a Glossary at the end of the book. Readers will be interested in the unique animals of the northern area of the North American continent as well as some some of the people’s favorite sports such as: Curling and Hockey. Famous Canadian dishes such as: Poutine and the dessert, Beavertail are mentioned as well. This book is recommended for any library where students at a young age do country research or for English language learners.

The Blastoff! Readers Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: All about the country, land and animals, life for the people, and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 1-3. They are at “Level 2 which offers early readers a bit more challenge through varied sentences, increased text load, and test-supportive special features.

Countries of the World: Brazil

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By Monika Davies

Brazil covers basic information of the country. It has appealing images and maps as well as words in bold that correlate to a Glossary at the end of the book. Readers will be interested in the unique animals of the Amazon and Brazil as well as some of the exotic items the people eat including: Quindim and sweet Brigadeiros. This book is recommended for any library where students at a young age do country research or for English language learners.

The Blastoff! Readers Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: All about the country, land and animals, life for the people, and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 1-3. They are at “Level 2 which offers early readers a bit more challenge through varied sentences, increased text load, and test-supportive special features.

Countries of the World: Australia

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By Rebecca Sabelko

Australia covers basic information of the country. It has appealing images and maps as well as words in bold that correlate to a Glossary at the end of the book. Readers will be interested in the unique animals of the Australian continent as well as some of the exotic items the people eat including: Vegemite, Witchetty Grubs and sweet Lamingtons. This book is recommended for any library where students at a young age do country research or for English language learners.

The Blastoff! Readers Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: All about the country, land and animals, life for the people, and facts. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 1-3. They are at “Level 2 which offers early readers a bit more challenge through varied sentences, increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Too Cute! Baby Wolves

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By Elizabeth Neuenfeldt

Baby Wolves is a beginner reader non-fiction book that discusses the early part of the wolf’s life cycle from newborn to juvenile and finishes at adulthood. It is very descriptive about daily life, where they live, care for the baby, and family/pack structure. The images are adorable and will interest any young reader.

Part of a series from Bellwether Media, this beginner non-fiction book Contains: a sight word list, a Glossary, Index, Animal Facts and Links to reading level appropriate sites to get more information about the animal. This book is recommended for your elementary library.

Too Cute! Baby Cows

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by Rachel Barnes

Baby Cows is a beginner reader non-fiction book that discusses the early part of the cows life cycle from newborn to juvenile and finishes at adulthood. It is very descriptive about daily life, baby care, and family structure. The images are adorable and will interest any young reader.

Part of a series from Bellwether Media, this beginner non-fiction book Contains: a sight word list, a Glossary, Index, Animal Facts and Links to reading level appropriate sites to get more information about the animal. This book is recommended for your elementary library.

Too Cute! Baby Raccoons

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by Elizabeth Neuenfeldt

Baby Raccoons is a beginner reader non-fiction book that discusses the early part of the raccoons life cycle from newborn to juvenile and finishes at adulthood. It is very descriptive about daily life, where they live, how baby’s are cared for, and family structure. The images are adorable and will interest any young reader.

Part of a series from Bellwether Media, this beginner non-fiction book Contains: a sight word list, a Glossary, Index, Animal Facts and Links to reading level appropriate sites to get more information about the animal. This book is recommended for your elementary library.

Too Cute! Baby Squirrels

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By Elizabeth Neuenfeldt

Baby Squirrels is a beginner reader non-fiction book that discusses the early part of the squirrels life cycle from newborn to juvenile and finishes at adulthood. It is very descriptive about daily life, care of a baby squirrel and family structure. The images are adorable and will interest any young reader.

Part of a series from Bellwether Media, this beginner non-fiction book Contains: a sight word list, a Glossary, Index, Animal Facts and Links to reading level appropriate sites to get more information about the animal. This book is recommended for your elementary library.

Too Cute! Baby Monkeys

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By Rachel Barnes

Baby Monkeys is a beginner reader non-fiction book that discusses the early part of the monkey’s life cycle from newborn to juvenile and finishes at adulthood. It is very descriptive about daily life and family structure. The images are adorable and will interest any young reader.

Part of a series from Bellwether Media, this beginner non-fiction book Contains: a sight word list, a Glossary, Index, Animal Facts and Links to reading level appropriate sites to get more information about the animal. This book is recommended for your elementary library.

Too Cute! Baby Sloths

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Rachel Barnes

Baby Sloths is a beginner reader non-fiction book that discusses the early part of the sloth life cycle from newborn to juvenile and finishes at adulthood. It is very descriptive about daily life and family structure. The images are adorable and will interest any young reader.

Part of a series from Bellwether Media, this beginner non-fiction book Contains: a sight word list, a Glossary, Index, Animal Facts and Links to reading level appropriate sites to get more information about the animal. This book is recommended for your elementary library.

Animals At Risk: Giant Tortoises by Rachel Grack

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Giant tortoises are huge land turtles that once thrived in their habitats, but human impact have caused them to be endangered. This informational text gives facts about giant tortoises as well as information as to why they are at risk. The reader learns about reasons why giant tortoises are at risk, why they are important to the environment and ways that we can help them.

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: Black-footed Ferrets by Rachel Grack

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What is a black-footed ferret? Black-footed ferrets once lived across the Great Plains, but their numbers diminished as their habitat was destroyed. This informational text gives facts about black-footed ferrets as well as information as to why they are at risk. The reader learns why black-footed ferrets are important and ways that we can help them.

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: Blue Whale by Rachel Grack

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Blue whales are the largest animals on earth but hunting and human impact on their habitat have caused their numbers to diminish. This informational text gives facts about blue whales as well as information as to why they are at risk. The reader learns about reasons why blue whales are at risk, why they are important and ways that we can help them.

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: Cheetahs by Rachel Grack

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Cheetahs are the fastest animals on land but as humans have spread into their habitats, their numbers have diminished. This informational text gives facts about cheetahs as well as information as to why they are at risk. The reader learns about reasons why cheetahs are at risk, why they are important and ways that we can help cheetahs.

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.

Noni the Pony Counts to a Million

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Alison Lester, Author/Illustrator

Noni returns in a fourth book about counting. Noni counts from one to ten but then expands to dozens, hundreds, thousands and finally ends under millions of stars. What a beautifully illustrated picture book that allows younger readers a better understanding of what these overwhelmingly large numbers are. I would recommend this book to be included within an elementary library’s counting books.

Walter Had a Best Friend

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Deborah Underwood, Author Sergio Ruzzier, Illustrator

Walter and Xavier are best friends until they meet Penelope. Soon, Walter no longer Is Xavier’s best friend. He is sad and lonely because his friendship is not the same now that Penelope is in the picture. He feels like there is a hole in his heart where Xavier used to be. Eventually, he decides that one sunny is going to be a good day. Walter goes out on his own to create his own adventure only to find that one can find friends in the most interesting places. This is a wonderful book about how friends come and go and that’s okay. I would highly recommend this picture book for elementary school.

Dark on Light

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Dianne White, Author, Felicita Sala, Illustrator

Children adventure out at dusk to see the world in a different way. These siblings discover things in the dark that are beautiful and mysterious and thus diminish their fear of the nighttime. This is a beautiful story with folk style art in which the rhythmical text blends in a way that young readers would enjoy.

Stories to Keep You Alive Despite Vampires

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By Ben Acker

This is the next book you should read after you have read and enjoyed “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark”. As the reader you are being held captive in the house of vampires where you have found this book. Our narrator (and author) intertwines his story and experience with the vampires within the short stories written. The end has a great twist that will make you laugh. This collection of spooky short stories will be enjoyed by any student who likes to be scared and laugh about it. I would highly recommend this book for upper elementary and middle school students.

The Sleepever

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By Michael Regina

When Matthew and his mother and sister return home from a family vacation the find that their nanny has passed away suddenly. Ruby cannot be easily replaced and the entire family grieves. Things seem to be getting back to normal when Miss Swan arrives wanting the job. Still mourning, Matthew’s friends decide they want to come over for a sleepover to cheer him up. Miss Swan allows them to eat anything they want and do pretty much anything but soon, Matt starts to wonder if she is a witch with evil intentions. Will Matt, is sister and his friends survive the night? This is a suspenseful graphic novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. This book is recommended for 4 grade to 8th grade.

Busy Betty

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Written by Reese Witherspoon, Illustrated by Xindi Yan

Betty is a whimsical go-getter who is always on the move. When she is getting ready for a playdate she realizes that her dog, Frank, really needs a bath. This is where things go a little crazy. In her attempts to clean Frank, Betty makes things messier than ever. But when her friend, Mae, arrives with even better ideas, success is in the future. This book shows that even the best laid plans can go not as planned but that with resilience and ingenuity, one can be successful.

Azar on Fire

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By Olivia Abtahi

Reviewed by Lucas H. 12th grade – I gave Azar on Fire by Olivia Abtahi 4/5 stars because it had great disability representation, diverse characters, and an enjoyable story, but the pacing and some of the plot points felt a bit off.”Azar on Fire” follows 14-year-old Azar Rossi, a disabled and multiracial teen who accidentally damages $1000 worth of school property and is given the ultimatum to pay the school back or join the battle of the bands, leading her to form a band with diverse members to win the competition. The realistic fiction genre of this book brings to life the struggles of LGBTQIA+ characters in a way that is relatable and emotionally impactful for readers. The author’s skillful use of descriptive language and attention to detail transports readers into the characters’ world, making for an engaging and thought-provoking read.I enjoyed the book’s diverse representation of characters, including the protagonist Azar, who is multiracial and has a disability, as well as her bandmates, who are all people of color. The author also did a good job of portraying Azar’s gradual acceptance of her disability throughout the story. I didn’t like how some parts of the story felt out of place and didn’t contribute much to the plot. Some scenes felt awkwardly inserted, such as Azar’s visit to Eben’s house and the sudden mention of her demisexuality.

We Deserve Monuments

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By Jas Hammonds
Reviewed by Arianna S.11th grade
The overall concept of this book was a good one, although the execution of it could have been better. Avery Anderson was a high school girl who was up and moved to Washington D.C. with her mother to live with her severely ill grandmother. Tensions were high due to Avery’s mother and her grandmother having past issues that were never talked about or resolved.  The anticipation of finding out the past of Avery’s mother and her grandmother’s past makes this fictional mystery worth reading for those who like slow burners. This book was relatively easy to read, with the content and the way it’s written. This book had many things going on and at times the plot would jump around to the point where some topics or ideas in the book seemed pointless.  

Sunshine

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A little science meets fun outside in the warmth of sun in this part of the Weather Forecast series by author Kirsten Chang.

Sunshine provides warmth and light ,and also helps plants grow.

There is a graphic on HOW EARTH GETS SUNSHINE, a two word glossary with a photo for each word, and more information safely provided on FACTSURFER.com website.

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong

Snow

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A little science meets fun outside in the beauty of snow in this part of the Weather Forecast series by author Kirsten Chang.

Snow provides water once it melts, but before that happens it is frozen ice crystals.

There is a graphic on HOW SNOW FORMS, a five word glossary with a photo for each word, and more information safely provided on FACTSURFER.com website.

Submitted for Annette McQueen by Mary Pong