The books in the Seeing Both Sides are intended as instructional tools for opinion writing. A teaching page before the table of contents in each book introduces vocabulary and background knowledge, as well as comprehension and extension activities. The back matter includes a page of writing tips for opinion writing, although the tips are not customized for particular issues. The main content of the books presents arguments for and against each issue. Well-chosen stock photos clarify and emphasize the points. Occasionally the issue or question at hand is not well defined, and arguments may lean one way. For example, the...

Simple sentences and big clear photos of a variety of kids stirring, taping, digging, and measuring will help bolster the confidence of young folks. The children depicted model good motor skills, working posture, and concentration, and their big smiles upon completion communicate their genuine pride in their accomplishments. Clear design and beautiful photos, especially in Lemonade Stand and Garden, add to the appeal. An abundance of front and back matter will help adults use these titles with children to improve vocabulary, comprehension, and subject mastery. VERDICT Strong options for how-to collections.- School Library Journal   VIEW NOW  

Using photos, maps, and diagrams, each volume presents a wealth of information about the subject disaster. The authors consider both natural and human factors that can trigger disasters, from shifting tectonic plates, which produce earthquakes or tsunamis, to mistakes that lead to nuclear meltdowns. Photos of historic and contemporary examples worldwide illustrate the events. The authors address aftermath and cleanup as well as research to predict and mitigate future occurrences. Guides for teachers and parents offer reading and discussion suggestions plus extension activities. The vocabulary and diagrams in Earthquakes are textbooklike, and the book includes the blanket recommendation “to bring...

After flipping through the utterly adorable full-color photos of cute creatures in the You Have a Pet What?! series, youngsters might want to ditch their doggies and rush to their nearest exotic-pets breeder. Before they’re out the door, however, make sure they get a load of the comprehensive text, which is packed with practical, clearly written information. Hedgehog profiles the prickly, roly-poly animal, from its shy demeanor and primitive origins to where to look if it escapes its cage. Mini Horse offers an overview of care, grooming, and decoding horse behavior, and though the author doesn’t explicitly mention how much space these eensie equines...

This series contains real world photographs from throughout history from each of the regions of the U.S. Each of the books starts with strategies for teachers; this addition is helpful and shows how this series can be used in the classroom. The series also offers the reader ideas on specific landmarks to visit. The photos are so beautiful that it makes the reader want to visit each of these regions. Glossary. Websites. Index.- Jessica Wilson, Pre-School Teacher, Head Start of Rockland Spring Valley, New York  Recommended    VIEW NOW