(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Science in Action series. The physical science topics of sound, light, force, motion, and states of matter are explained through their applications in contexts with broader appeal (Glaciers and Stars are about matter more than their title phenomena). The textbooklike prose, accompanied by stock photographs, detailed diagrams, and well-aligned activities, emphasizes key vocabulary words. Although aimed at elementary-school readers, the concepts are much more advanced. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Science in Action titles: The Science of Color, The Science of Glaciers, The Science of Music, The Science of Race Cars, The Science of Roller Coasters, and The Science of Stars.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Science in Action series. The physical science topics of sound, light, force, motion, and states of matter are explained through their applications in contexts with broader appeal (Glaciers and Stars are about matter more than their title phenomena). The textbooklike prose, accompanied by stock photographs, detailed diagrams, and well-aligned activities, emphasizes key vocabulary words. Although aimed at elementary-school readers, the concepts are much more advanced. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Science in Action titles: The Science of Color, The Science of Glaciers, The Science of Music, The Science of Race Cars, The Science of Roller Coasters, and The Science of Stars.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Science in Action series. The physical science topics of sound, light, force, motion, and states of matter are explained through their applications in contexts with broader appeal (Glaciers and Stars are about matter more than their title phenomena). The textbooklike prose, accompanied by stock photographs, detailed diagrams, and well-aligned activities, emphasizes key vocabulary words. Although aimed at elementary-school readers, the concepts are much more advanced. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Science in Action titles: The Science of Color, The Science of Glaciers, The Science of Music, The Science of Race Cars, The Science of Roller Coasters, and The Science of Stars.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Science in Action series. The physical science topics of sound, light, force, motion, and states of matter are explained through their applications in contexts with broader appeal (Glaciers and Stars are about matter more than their title phenomena). The textbooklike prose, accompanied by stock photographs, detailed diagrams, and well-aligned activities, emphasizes key vocabulary words. Although aimed at elementary-school readers, the concepts are much more advanced. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Science in Action titles: The Science of Color, The Science of Glaciers, The Science of Music, The Science of Race Cars, The Science of Roller Coasters, and The Science of Stars.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Science in Action series. The physical science topics of sound, light, force, motion, and states of matter are explained through their applications in contexts with broader appeal (Glaciers and Stars are about matter more than their title phenomena). The textbooklike prose, accompanied by stock photographs, detailed diagrams, and well-aligned activities, emphasizes key vocabulary words. Although aimed at elementary-school readers, the concepts are much more advanced. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Science in Action titles: The Science of Color, The Science of Glaciers, The Science of Music, The Science of Race Cars, The Science of Roller Coasters, and The Science of Stars.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Science in Action series. The physical science topics of sound, light, force, motion, and states of matter are explained through their applications in contexts with broader appeal (Glaciers and Stars are about matter more than their title phenomena). The textbooklike prose, accompanied by stock photographs, detailed diagrams, and well-aligned activities, emphasizes key vocabulary words. Although aimed at elementary-school readers, the concepts are much more advanced. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Science in Action titles: The Science of Color, The Science of Glaciers, The Science of Music, The Science of Race Cars, The Science of Roller Coasters, and The Science of Stars.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Graphic Library: Science of Sports with Max Axiom series. Illustrated by Caio Cacau. A "super scientist" equipped with gadgets and superpowers explains the physics of familiar sports, deconstructing action shots with "voiceovers" and cutaways that enhance readers' sports knowledge while offering accessible, engaging explanations of key physics concepts. Unfortunately, extraneous information and shoehorned-in narratives dilute the books' usefulness and appeal. Additional sports facts are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Graphic Library: The Science of Sports with Max Axiom titles: The Science of Football with Max Axiom, Super Scientist and The Science of Hockey with Max Axiom, Super Scientist.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross

(4) 4-6 Graphic Library: Science of Sports with Max Axiom series. Illustrated by Caio Cacau. A "super scientist" equipped with gadgets and superpowers explains the physics of familiar sports, deconstructing action shots with "voiceovers" and cutaways that enhance readers' sports knowledge while offering accessible, engaging explanations of key physics concepts. Unfortunately, extraneous information and shoehorned-in narratives dilute the books' usefulness and appeal. Additional sports facts are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Graphic Library: The Science of Sports with Max Axiom titles: The Science of Football with Max Axiom, Super Scientist and The Science of Hockey with Max Axiom, Super Scientist.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard How-To Library: Cool Art with Math & Science series. Color photographs and diagrams combine with simple texts to explain the featured mathematical or scientific concept. Brief introductions to the topics are followed by four art projects that turn theory into practical application. Sidebars provide supply lists, applicable terms, and photographs to complement the step-by-step instructions. The overuse of exclamation points in the texts is unfortunate. Glos., ind. Review covers these Cool Art with Math & Science titles: Cool Flexigon Art, Cool Optical Illusions, Cool Paper Folding, and Cool String Art.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard How-To Library: Cool Art with Math & Science series. Color photographs and diagrams combine with simple texts to explain the featured mathematical or scientific concept. Brief introductions to the topics are followed by four art projects that turn theory into practical application. Sidebars provide supply lists, applicable terms, and photographs to complement the step-by-step instructions. The overuse of exclamation points in the texts is unfortunate. Glos., ind. Review covers these Cool Art with Math & Science titles: Cool Flexigon Art, Cool Optical Illusions, Cool Paper Folding, and Cool String Art.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard How-To Library: Cool Art with Math & Science series. Color photographs and diagrams combine with simple texts to explain the featured mathematical or scientific concept. Brief introductions to the topics are followed by four art projects that turn theory into practical application. Sidebars provide supply lists, applicable terms, and photographs to complement the step-by-step instructions. The overuse of exclamation points in the texts is unfortunate. Glos., ind. Review covers these Cool Art with Math & Science titles: Cool Flexigon Art, Cool Optical Illusions, Cool Paper Folding, and Cool String Art.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard How-To Library: Cool Art with Math & Science series. Color photographs and diagrams combine with simple texts to explain the featured mathematical or scientific concept. Brief introductions to the topics are followed by four art projects that turn theory into practical application. Sidebars provide supply lists, applicable terms, and photographs to complement the step-by-step instructions. The overuse of exclamation points in the texts is unfortunate. Glos., ind. Review covers these Cool Art with Math & Science titles: Cool Flexigon Art, Cool Optical Illusions, Cool Paper Folding, and Cool String Art.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Science Library: Earth's Treasures series. This series tracks the history, natural origins, and modern uses of valuable elements and minerals. In addition to their cultural and geological backgrounds, Petersen discusses where they can be found today; sidebars suggest ways for readers to find or interact with them. Maps, diagrams, rather dull photos, and garish gem-stone borders don't add much to the clear and informative texts. Glos., ind. Review covers these Earth's Treasures titles: Diamonds, Gold, Jade, and Pearls.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Science Library: Earth's Treasures series. This series tracks the history, natural origins, and modern uses of valuable elements and minerals. In addition to their cultural and geological backgrounds, Petersen discusses where they can be found today; sidebars suggest ways for readers to find or interact with them. Maps, diagrams, rather dull photos, and garish gem-stone borders don't add much to the clear and informative texts. Glos., ind. Review covers these Earth's Treasures titles: Diamonds, Gold, Jade, and Pearls.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Science Library: Earth's Treasures series. This series tracks the history, natural origins, and modern uses of valuable elements and minerals. In addition to their cultural and geological backgrounds, Petersen discusses where they can be found today; sidebars suggest ways for readers to find or interact with them. Maps, diagrams, rather dull photos, and garish gem-stone borders don't add much to the clear and informative texts. Glos., ind. Review covers these Earth's Treasures titles: Diamonds, Gold, Jade, and Pearls.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Science Library: Earth's Treasures series. This series tracks the history, natural origins, and modern uses of valuable elements and minerals. In addition to their cultural and geological backgrounds, Petersen discusses where they can be found today; sidebars suggest ways for readers to find or interact with them. Maps, diagrams, rather dull photos, and garish gem-stone borders don't add much to the clear and informative texts. Glos., ind. Review covers these Earth's Treasures titles: Diamonds, Gold, Jade, and Pearls.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Biography Library: Women in Science series. Beginning with a brief introduction and summary of accomplishments, each blandly written title presents a chronological biography of an influential female scientist. Captioned archival and stock photographs complement the superficial if accessible texts; challenges and controversies as well as successes are included. Reluctant readers may benefit from the high-interest, low-vocabulary approach. A follow-up activity encourages further study. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Biography Library: Women in Science titles: Rachel Carson, Joanne Simpson, Mae Jemison, and Antonia Novello.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Biography Library: Women in Science series. Beginning with a brief introduction and summary of accomplishments, each blandly written title presents a chronological biography of an influential female scientist. Captioned archival and stock photographs complement the superficial if accessible texts; challenges and controversies as well as successes are included. Reluctant readers may benefit from the high-interest, low-vocabulary approach. A follow-up activity encourages further study. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Biography Library: Women in Science titles: Rachel Carson, Joanne Simpson, Mae Jemison, and Antonia Novello.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Biography Library: Women in Science series. Beginning with a brief introduction and summary of accomplishments, each blandly written title presents a chronological biography of an influential female scientist. Captioned archival and stock photographs complement the superficial if accessible texts; challenges and controversies as well as successes are included. Reluctant readers may benefit from the high-interest, low-vocabulary approach. A follow-up activity encourages further study. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Biography Library: Women in Science titles: Rachel Carson, Joanne Simpson, Mae Jemison, and Antonia Novello.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Biography Library: Women in Science series. Beginning with a brief introduction and summary of accomplishments, each blandly written title presents a chronological biography of an influential female scientist. Captioned archival and stock photographs complement the superficial if accessible texts; challenges and controversies as well as successes are included. Reluctant readers may benefit from the high-interest, low-vocabulary approach. A follow-up activity encourages further study. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Biography Library: Women in Science titles: Rachel Carson, Joanne Simpson, Mae Jemison, and Antonia Novello.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale