Category Archives: Recommend

Moon Dark Smile

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A sequel of sorts to Night Shine, this book takes place in a captivating fantasy world with an interesting social structure and engaging magical forces that shape the world and its people.  Characters are vibrant and complex, and I was definitely curious with each chapter to learn more about who or what was at work in the lives of the characters.

Names and gender identity play an important part in the story, and this was often distracting.  I found myself frequently having to flip back to previous chapters to trace a complex name to figure out who a character was or why they were significant, and while I enjoyed the gender-fluid pronouns and descriptions I had trouble tracking who was sword fighting, wielding magic or even simply speaking, sometimes even within a single paragraph. Readers will enjoy the rich magic of this world, the poetic mythology that shapes its cultures, and the unflinching and comfortable representations of LGBTQIA+ characters – but keep a character list handy!

The Noh Family

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The Noh Family by [Grace K. Shim]
Family mysteries, clashing cultures, and long… dramatic… pauses… The Noh Family tells the story of 18-year-old Chloe Chang and her sudden discovery of the Korean family she never knew she had.  The SUPER RICH Korean family she never knew she had.  With all the haunting secrets and plot twists of a K-drama, this book is a fun dive into another culture and the process of becoming an insider while still being an outsider.  Chloe’s struggle to define herself as a young adult is honest and engaging, and the exploration of what love and loyalty within a family really mean is surprisingly sweet and genuine.  Readers will enjoy the Korean language, customs, and foods (yum!), as well as the high fashion, glamorous lifestyles, and insider scoop on the lives of the rich and famous.

Countries of the World: Russia

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By Rebecca Sabelko

Russia 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 expansive Russian country as well as some of the exotic items the people eat including: kasha, pirozhki, and borscht. 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: Mexico

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By Monika Davies

Mexico 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 Mexico as well as some of the exotic items the people eat including: pozole, chilaquiles, and dulce de leche. 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: Japan

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By Rebecca Sabelko

Japan 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 Japanese Islands as well as some of the exotic items the people eat including: miso soup, sushi and sashimi. 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: Italy

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By Rebecca Sabelko

Italy 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 weather of the Italian peninsula as well as some of the exotic items the people eat including: risotto, salsa al pomodoro and delicious gelato. 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: Iraq

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By Rebecca Sabelko

Iraq 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 Iraq such as: the Arabian horned viper and the sand cat as well as some of the exotic foods the people eat including: quzi, khubz and dates. 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: India

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By Monika Davies

India 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 Indian sub-continent as well as some of the exotic items the people eat including: chapati, dal and biryani. 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: France

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By Rebecca Sabelko

France 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 France including: the Genet and the Egyptian Vulture as well as some of the exotic items the people eat including: croissants, crepes and bouillabaisse. 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: 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.