(4) 4-6 Rev Up Your Writing series. Illustrated by Mernie Gallagher-Cole. Each book defines the titular writing form; highlights key elements (such as salutation and signature in Letters or characters and setting in Fictional); and suggests tips for planning, finding inspiration, and writing form-appropriate pieces. The titles covering nonfiction unfortunately do not discuss citation strategies. Sample writing passages with associated questions reinforce the serviceable instruction; cartoonish illustrations break up the text. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Rev Up Your Writing titles: Rev Up Your Writing in Informational Texts, Rev Up Your Writing in Nonfiction Narratives, Rev Up Your Writing in Blogs, Rev Up Your Writing in Fictional Stories, Rev Up Your Writing in Letters and E-mails, Rev Up Your Writing in Opinion Pieces, and Rev Up Your Writing in Procedural Texts.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(4) 4-6 Rev Up Your Writing series. Illustrated by Mernie Gallagher-Cole. Each book defines the titular writing form; highlights key elements (such as salutation and signature in Letters or characters and setting in Fictional); and suggests tips for planning, finding inspiration, and writing form-appropriate pieces. The titles covering nonfiction unfortunately do not discuss citation strategies. Sample writing passages with associated questions reinforce the serviceable instruction; cartoonish illustrations break up the text. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Rev Up Your Writing titles: Rev Up Your Writing in Informational Texts, Rev Up Your Writing in Nonfiction Narratives, Rev Up Your Writing in Blogs, Rev Up Your Writing in Fictional Stories, Rev Up Your Writing in Letters and E-mails, Rev Up Your Writing in Opinion Pieces, and Rev Up Your Writing in Procedural Texts.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(4) 4-6 Daily Life in US History series. Designed to engage students for Common Core standards, these United States history books present their material in various ways, including simplified summaries, quotations from primary sources, "perspectives" sidebars, suggested activities and discussion questions, and "Day in the Life" segments. Archival photos and/or period-style illustrations break up the chapters. There are four other spring 2015 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Daily Life in US History titles: Life During the Industrial Revolution, Life During the Revolutionary War, Life During the Great Depression, and Life on the Frontier.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Great Minds of Science series. Featuring innovative scientists, several from underrepresented groups, these biographies discuss childhood interests, study, diligence, and professional achievements, from tobacco farmer Banneker's almanac to Earle's underwater research and publications. Some effective primary material linked to online resources is included; frequent integrative questions and prompts may distract general researchers. Many photos and diagrams illustrate the text, though the pale-yellow-type captions aren't optimal. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Minds of Science titles: Charles Drew, George Washington Carver, Sylvia Earle, Jane Goodall, Charles Darwin, and Benjamin Banneker.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Great Minds of Science series. Featuring innovative scientists, several from underrepresented groups, these biographies discuss childhood interests, study, diligence, and professional achievements, from tobacco farmer Banneker's almanac to Earle's underwater research and publications. Some effective primary material linked to online resources is included; frequent integrative questions and prompts may distract general researchers. Many photos and diagrams illustrate the text, though the pale-yellow-type captions aren't optimal. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Minds of Science titles: Charles Drew, George Washington Carver, Sylvia Earle, Jane Goodall, Charles Darwin, and Benjamin Banneker.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian