Although bridges, the Great Wall, pyramids, and skyscrapers are marvelous feats, the titles in the Engineering Wonders series show how these structures began more as problems to solve than the visions of beauty they became. Filled with accessible text and a plethora of colorful examples from around the world, the individual books address the topic at hand rather than conform to a cookie-cutter series template. Bridges offers the similarities and differences among six types of bridges, including suspension, truss, and cantilever, in addition to important factors to consider—primarily weight—when building a bridge. Great Wall of China describes its symbolism and changing construction under numerous...

Forming opinions and creating cogent arguments are important skills for students to learn, and this series strives to develop these abilities in young readers. Each book centers on a different issue, offers two opposing sides, and asks readers to choose one. The presentation is simple. Each page features two to three sentences, which sometimes take the form of questions (“Is it fair to say a color is just for girls or boys?”). Color photos are used heavily, taking up more space than the text. At the end of each volume is a set of “Writing Tips” (which are more advanced...

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

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...