The latest additions to the Leaders like Us series give readers a chance to dig into the stories of two inspiring Asian American figures. In Grace Lee Boggs, readers meet this Chinese American activist who became involved in many grassroots causes, from affordable housing to civil rights to women’s rights. The text follows Boggs from a childhood marked by poverty to her academic successes and long career in community activism. Philip Vera Cruz looks at an activist from the Philippines, who fought for farmworkers’ rights in California. The book describes Cruz’s ambition to be a “Fountain-pen boy” (a scholarship student...

This charmingly illustrated biography series introduces young readers to leaders in diverse fields. Before and after reading activities are supplied for caregivers; these include how to close-read a text and how to tap into background knowledge. Minimal text and large drawings tell the story of the individual, from tales of their childhoods to important milestones in their careers. Following the text is a time line of their life, a glossary, an index, text-dependent questions, and an extension activity. VERDICT The friendly style, reader resources, and easy text make this an excellent series for reluctant readers. — School Library Journal  ...

This series introduces readers to the many types and subtypes of different living things, including mammals, fish, arthropods, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as basic concepts like evolution, how different classes and species of animals are organized, distinguishing characteristics of different animal types, and more. Concepts are explained in short, simple paragraphs, as well as through simple diagrams, full-color photographs, and suggested activities, like making comparisons between their own human features and those of their favorite animals, animal subtypes, and species. These books include comprehension questions that will help growing readers remember what they learn and practice as they...

This engaging six-part Spanish-language series explains essential scientific concepts in playful, humorous ways. Each book is packed with fascinating facts about science, nature, the human body, and how the study of these concepts has evolved over time (for example, the history of stargazing and locating asteroids in space before telescopes were invented). Questions you never thought to ask yourself, like “why don’t cows climb trees?” and “do animals ever cry?”, are explained in fun, interactive ways that will support what readers are learning, inside and outside the classroom. The layout of these books includes a balance of photographs, simple diagrams,...

This five-book series in Spanish introduces different aspects of plant biology to readers in the early elementary grades. Through diagrams, illustrations, and short chapters, various aspects of plant life are revealed, including leaves, soil, stems, flowers, and roots. Each book is divided into seven or eight short chapters that explain the many varieties of each type of plant or plant part, different species of plants, and the role that different plants play in their ecosystems. Text is surrounded by plenty of white space, making it easy to read, and clear visual representations help put essential information in context. The strength...