(4) 4-6 Code Red series. This series entry chronicles the destruction caused when Hurricane Sandy slammed the East Coast in 2012. Dramatic photos and compelling first-person accounts do more to convey the superstorm's power and devastating aftermath than the stilted text does. A final spread briefly profiles four people (including Chris Christie) who were directly affected by the event. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jill Leibowitz

(4) 4-6 It's My State! series. Each of these books provides information students need for assignments on individual states (state flag, bird, animal, fossil, song, etc.). A chronology of important dates, famous residents, a recipe, and a craft are included. Though the format will appeal to children in third to fifth grades, the text is frequently written on a more challenging level. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these It's My State! titles: Montana, Arizona, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Kansas, and North Dakota.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) 4-6 It's My State! series. Each of these state overviews provides general information about its subject--plants and animals, history, people, government--as well as countless specifics, from the state's nickname to a representative dish (recipe provided). Despite the clean, photo-rich layouts, the dry texts won't likely lure anyone who is not a report writer or a resident. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these It's My State! titles: Alaska, New Hampshire, Delaware, Virginia, Idaho, and Missouri.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 It's My State! series. Each of these state overviews provides general information about its subject--plants and animals, history, people, government--as well as countless specifics, from the state's nickname to a representative dish (recipe provided). Despite the clean, photo-rich layouts, the dry texts won't likely lure anyone who is not a report writer or a resident. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these It's My State! titles: Alaska, New Hampshire, Delaware, Virginia, Idaho, and Missouri.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 It's My State! series. These complete and well-organized state books have appealing covers, a clear inside design, colorful quote and fact bubbles, and photos with rounded edges and informative captions. The writing is dry and somewhat impersonal, but overall the books will be useful for report writers. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these It's My State! titles: Colorado, South Dakota, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, and Utah.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister