(4) 4-6 Native American Oral Histories series. Each book provides information about the Native American tribes of the region, retells several traditional stories, and quotes contemporary Native storytellers discussing the tradition. Color photos and maps break up the accessible texts; researchers may find the writing prompts and links in this Common Core–focused series distracting. There are four other fall 2017 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Native American Oral Histories titles: Traditional Stories of the Southwest Nations, Traditional Stories of the Great Basin and Plateau Nations, Traditional Stories of the Arctic and Subarctic Nations, and Traditional Stories of the Northeast Nations.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 Exploring America's Regions series. This pleasantly written and up-to-date series of guidebooks provides brief overviews of each titular U.S. region, followed by concise chapters on history, landmarks, wildlife, industry, and people and culture (including Native peoples). Features throughout the texts offer further resources, critical thinking questions, and engagement with primary source quotes. Photos and maps enhance the information. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Exploring America's Regions titles: Exploring New England, Exploring the Mid-Atlantic, Exploring the Midwest, Exploring the Southwest, Exploring the South, and Exploring the West.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Exploring America's Regions series. This pleasantly written and up-to-date series of guidebooks provides brief overviews of each titular U.S. region, followed by concise chapters on history, landmarks, wildlife, industry, and people and culture (including Native peoples). Features throughout the texts offer further resources, critical thinking questions, and engagement with primary source quotes. Photos and maps enhance the information. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Exploring America's Regions titles: Exploring New England, Exploring the Mid-Atlantic, Exploring the Midwest, Exploring the Southwest, Exploring the South, and Exploring the West.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) 4-6 Searchlight Books: What Can We Do about Pollution? series. Though standard (and somewhat choppy) in describing the types of pollution or waste in each category and the problems they create, these texts may extend kids' outlooks and interest in the subjects. Illustrated with appropriate color photos and infographics, the books conclude with ways in which adults and kids can help, including writing to their representatives in government. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Searchlight Books: What Can We Do About Pollution titles: Transportation Pollution, Nuclear Pollution, Agricultural Pollution, Manufacturing Pollution, Household Waste, and Fossil Fuel Pollution.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) 4-6 Earth-Friendly Projects series. Illustrated by Roger Stewart. Each title presents an ecological dilemma before providing clear instructions for the featured household project to help rectify the problem. Accessible layouts and organization unite the books, as do consistent graphics, although the featured dew drop leaves on each page are as distracting as they are decorative. The introductions contain useful stock photographs, and simple illustrations accompany the projects. There are four other fall 2016 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Earth-Friendly Projects titles: Build a Flytrap, Build a Neighborhood Library, Build a Rain Barrel, and Build a Birdhouse.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 Survival Guide series. Color photos of disaster devastation, fanged creatures, and poisonous plants will enhance the appeal of these slim, dully designed books for those who enjoy contemplating life's hazards. Some real-life incidents are referenced, along with solid tips about emergency kits, signaling for help, and avoiding the worst dangers. There are four other spring 2015 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Survival Guide titles: How to Survive in the Wilderness, How to Survive a Tsunami, How to Survive an Animal Attack, and How to Survive an Earthquake.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) 4-6 Ready for Military Action series. These books provide information about different military technologies. Each book covers history, mechanics, tactics, and strategies related to the subject; details about how soldiers use the equipment on the job are also included. Black-and-white and color captioned photos and well-placed sidebars supplement the dry but accessible texts. Distracting critical thinking prompts direct readers to do further research. There are four other spring 2015 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Ready for Military Action titles: Powerful Military Vehicles, Incredible Military Weapons, Fascinating Military Submarines, and Awesome Military Robots.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Amazing Reptiles series. Using age-appropriate vocabulary and colorful photographs, each title includes five short chapters on the animal's features and behavior, touching on diet, habitat, reproduction, and threats to survival. Common Core–focused sections with reading-comprehension questions, writing prompts, and web links may distract casual readers or researchers. "Fast Facts" and a "Stop and Think" section are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Amazing Reptiles titles: Copperheads, Alligators, Geckos, and Bearded Dragons.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen