(3) 4-6 U.S. Government: Behind the Scenes series. Slim but thorough, these titles discuss why each featured governmental agency was created, introduce some key players, and examine how areas of concern and focus change with politics. The clear narratives are logically organized to make the details of complicated bureaucracies accessible to middle-school report writers. Informative sidebars, captioned photos, charts, and diagrams help elucidate the texts. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these U.S. Government: Behind the Scenes titles: The Department of Energy and The Department of Homeland Security

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Space Exploration series. Each volume profiles an aspect of space exploration, from the numerous Mars missions to the latest telescopes that see into deep space. There are profiles of relevant historical scientific efforts, in-depth explanations of the science and technology, and discussions of what missions and projects are planned for the near-future. A space image, artistic interpretation, or photograph of researchers is found on every page. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Space Exploration titles: Breakthroughs in Mars Exploration, Breakthroughs in Planet and Comet Research, Breakthroughs in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life, Breakthroughs in Deep Space Science, Breakthroughs in Space Travel, and Breakthroughs in Stars Research.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Space Exploration series. Each volume profiles an aspect of space exploration, from the numerous Mars missions to the latest telescopes that see into deep space. There are profiles of relevant historical scientific efforts, in-depth explanations of the science and technology, and discussions of what missions and projects are planned for the near-future. A space image, artistic interpretation, or photograph of researchers is found on every page. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Space Exploration titles: Breakthroughs in Mars Exploration, Breakthroughs in Planet and Comet Research, Breakthroughs in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life, Breakthroughs in Deep Space Science, Breakthroughs in Space Travel, and Breakthroughs in Stars Research.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Space Exploration series. Each volume profiles an aspect of space exploration, from the numerous Mars missions to the latest telescopes that see into deep space. There are profiles of relevant historical scientific efforts, in-depth explanations of the science and technology, and discussions of what missions and projects are planned for the near-future. A space image, artistic interpretation, or photograph of researchers is found on every page. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Space Exploration titles: Breakthroughs in Mars Exploration, Breakthroughs in Planet and Comet Research, Breakthroughs in the Search for Extraterrestrial Life, Breakthroughs in Deep Space Science, Breakthroughs in Space Travel, and Breakthroughs in Stars Research.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Shy Guides series. Joining a group, befriending new people, speaking to an audience (large or small): all can cause anxiety, self-doubt, even a panic attack. Using an informal approach, Kenney presents strategies for dealing with and mastering these feelings and provides assurances that they are normal and controllable. Boxed "Life Tips," personal stories of famous people (Barack Obama, actor Robert Pattinson), and color photos add specifics. Reading list. Ind. Review covers these Shy Guides titles: Getting Out and Getting Along and Quiet Confidence.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Shy Guides series. Joining a group, befriending new people, speaking to an audience (large or small): all can cause anxiety, self-doubt, even a panic attack. Using an informal approach, Kenney presents strategies for dealing with and mastering these feelings and provides assurances that they are normal and controllable. Boxed "Life Tips," personal stories of famous people (Barack Obama, actor Robert Pattinson), and color photos add specifics. Reading list. Ind. Review covers these Shy Guides titles: Getting Out and Getting Along and Quiet Confidence.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) YA Sharks that live to be over four hundred years old? Ten-thousand-year-old plants? Jellyfish that may be immortal? As scientists study these long-living organisms, particularly their DNA, they can learn more about human aging. Plenty of sidebars and photos, as well as the engagingly written text on an interesting topic, make this a good nonfiction choice for reluctant readers. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Digital Makers series. Part of a high-interest series about digital presence, these volumes broadly outline the steps to getting started with online creation. Each text focuses primarily on generalities and style over technical detail and provides several real-world examples and resources. Cheerful, patterned graphics and bright photographs complement the appealing subject matter. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Digital Makers titles: Create Your Own Blog and Design and Build Your Own Website.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Digital Makers series. Part of a high-interest series about digital media, this introduction to online video production explores the process from idea (or lack thereof) to uploaded video. The broad explanations leave room for technological shifts, though only YouTube is named, with various stars profiled. Cheerful, patterned graphics and bright photographs complement the appealing subject matter. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: STEM Smackdown series. These lively narratives investigate controversies surrounding who actually developed widely used STEM advances. Each text traces an invention's history, technology, and development by following the contest between two people, each of whom have claimed to be the true inventor. Well-designed with captioned color and black-and-white photographs, paintings, and diagrams, the books should intrigue readers and encourage further research. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: STEM Smackdown titles: Who Invented the Light Bulb?, Who Invented the Radio?, Who Invented the Telephone?, Who Invented the Airplane?, Who Invented the Movie Camera?, and Who Invented the Television?

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: STEM Smackdown series. These lively narratives investigate controversies surrounding who actually developed widely used STEM advances. Each text traces an invention's history, technology, and development by following the contest between two people, each of whom have claimed to be the true inventor. Well-designed with captioned color and black-and-white photographs, paintings, and diagrams, the books should intrigue readers and encourage further research. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: STEM Smackdown titles: Who Invented the Light Bulb?, Who Invented the Radio?, Who Invented the Telephone?, Who Invented the Airplane?, Who Invented the Movie Camera?, and Who Invented the Television?

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: STEM Smackdown series. These lively narratives investigate controversies surrounding who actually developed widely used STEM advances. Each text traces an invention's history, technology, and development by following the contest between two people, each of whom have claimed to be the true inventor. Well-designed with captioned color and black-and-white photographs, paintings, and diagrams, the books should intrigue readers and encourage further research. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: STEM Smackdown titles: Who Invented the Light Bulb?, Who Invented the Radio?, Who Invented the Telephone?, Who Invented the Airplane?, Who Invented the Movie Camera?, and Who Invented the Television?

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) YA Kenney introduces the evidence for exoplanets, planets beyond our solar system; the narrative then provides detailed descriptions of current methods of detection and the advancements in telescopes that allow these careful measurements. Profiles of various exoplanets highlight the possibilities for life on some of them. Photos, color renderings, and diagrams help elucidate the text. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Searchlight Books: Fear Fest series. Chilling paranormal tales abound in this series. Each volume focuses on a specific type of paranormal activity and provides accounts from throughout history. The texts wisely ground the series in science by including debunkings and realistic explanations for the stories. Illustrations and photographs accompany the text on each page and help set the spooky mood. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Searchlight Books: Fear Fest titles: Mysterious UFOs and Aliens, Spine-Tingling Urban Legends, Chilling Ancient Curses, Eerie ESP, Spooky Haunted Houses, and Frightful Ghost Ships.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Ancient Mysteries series. Each book in this series looks at a different ancient city or monument and explores unanswered questions about its construction and uses. Both historical and modern views are provided, with differences explained by recent research and technology. Plentiful photographs and illustrations bring the sites to life. "Dig Deep!" and "Myth Alert!" sidebars provide additional interesting context and detail. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Ancient Mysteries titles: Mysteries of the Egyptian Pyramids, Mysteries of the Great Wall of China, Mysteries of Easter Island, Mysteries of Pompeii, Mysteries of Machu Picchu, and Mysteries of Stonehenge.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Ancient Mysteries series. Each book in this series looks at a different ancient city or monument and explores unanswered questions about its construction and uses. Both historical and modern views are provided, with differences explained by recent research and technology. Plentiful photographs and illustrations bring the sites to life. "Dig Deep!" and "Myth Alert!" sidebars provide additional interesting context and detail. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Ancient Mysteries titles: Mysteries of the Egyptian Pyramids, Mysteries of the Great Wall of China, Mysteries of Easter Island, Mysteries of Pompeii, Mysteries of Machu Picchu, and Mysteries of Stonehenge.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Searchlight Books: Fear Fest series. Chilling paranormal tales abound in this series. Each volume focuses on a specific type of paranormal activity and provides accounts from throughout history. The texts wisely ground the series in science by including debunkings and realistic explanations for the stories. Illustrations and photographs accompany the text on each page and help set the spooky mood. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Searchlight Books: Fear Fest titles: Mysterious UFOs and Aliens, Spine-Tingling Urban Legends, Chilling Ancient Curses, Eerie ESP, Spooky Haunted Houses, and Frightful Ghost Ships.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Key Questions in Physical Science series. Each volume lucidly introduces a major topic in the physical sciences through definitions of important terms, profiles of scientists and their historic discoveries, and applications to everyday experiences. Most pages include numerous relevant photographs and clear diagrams of science concepts. A "Try It!" activity is included at the end of each book. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Key Questions in Physical Science titles: Energy Investigations, Forces and Motion Investigations, Magnetism Investigations, Sound and Light Waves Investigations, States of Matter Investigations, Electricity Investigations.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Key Questions in Physical Science series. Each volume lucidly introduces a major topic in the physical sciences through definitions of important terms, profiles of scientists and their historic discoveries, and applications to everyday experiences. Most pages include numerous relevant photographs and clear diagrams of science concepts. A "Try It!" activity is included at the end of each book. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Key Questions in Physical Science titles: Energy Investigations, Forces and Motion Investigations, Magnetism Investigations, Sound and Light Waves Investigations, States of Matter Investigations, Electricity Investigations.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Key Questions in Physical Science series. Each volume lucidly introduces a major topic in the physical sciences through definitions of important terms, profiles of scientists and their historic discoveries, and applications to everyday experiences. Most pages include numerous relevant photographs and clear diagrams of science concepts. A "Try It!" activity is included at the end of each book. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Key Questions in Physical Science titles: Energy Investigations, Forces and Motion Investigations, Magnetism Investigations, Sound and Light Waves Investigations, States of Matter Investigations, Electricity Investigations.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford