Thank you for visiting.
This content is exclusive to subscribers only.
As a digital subscriber, you’ll receive unlimited access to Horn Book web exclusives and extensive archives, as well as access to our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database.
To access other site content, visit The Horn Book homepage.
Log In
Don't have a Horn Book Account?
Register Now
Register Now
Yasuda, Anita
13 Reviews
(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
Presidential Perspectives series.
These books look at significant events by focusing on the sitting presidents' actions and motivations. The simply written texts are informative; some events are presented out of chronological order, but timelines help reorient readers. Sidebars include opposing viewpoints, primary source quotes, writing prompts, and critical-thinking questions. The open design includes archival reproductions and photos. There are four other spring 2016 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Presidential Perspectives titles: The Civil Rights Movement through the Eyes of Lyndon B. Johnson, World War I through the Eyes of Woodrow Wilson, September 11 through the Eyes of George W. Bush, and The Louisiana Purchase through the Eyes of Thomas Jefferson.
Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant
(4)
4-6
Wild West series.
This series presents condensed information about the development of the American West in the 1800s (e.g., the Louisiana Purchase; building the Transcontinental Railroad) and the people who helped shape this region. Although details are limited, these books may inspire a deeper curiosity about this colorful historical period. Sidebars, maps, captioned archival photographs and paintings, and back matter activity prompts add interest. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Wild West titles: Famous Lawmen, The Oregon Trail, The Pony Express, The Louisiana Purchase, Notorious Outlaws, Women of the American West, and The Transcontinental Railroad.
Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg
(4)
4-6
Wild West series.
This series presents condensed information about the development of the American West in the 1800s (e.g., the Louisiana Purchase; building the Transcontinental Railroad) and the people who helped shape this region. Although details are limited, these books may inspire a deeper curiosity about this colorful historical period. Sidebars, maps, captioned archival photographs and paintings, and back matter activity prompts add interest. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Wild West titles: Famous Lawmen, The Oregon Trail, The Pony Express, The Louisiana Purchase, Notorious Outlaws, Women of the American West, and The Transcontinental Railroad.
Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg
(3)
4-6
Back from Near Extinction series.
Each volume follows the featured animal's journey to the brink of extinction and back. Four chapters cover the species' decline over time; its physical characteristics, diet, behavior, and reproduction; specific threats to its survival; and various conservation efforts. Layouts with large stock photos, maps, charts, and text boxes enhance the informative, workmanlike texts. Comprehension exercises and writing prompts appear throughout. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Back from Near Extinction titles: Giant Galápagos Tortoise, Gray Wolf, Grizzly Bear, California Condor, American Alligator, Humpback Whale, American Bison, and Bald Eagle.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
(3)
4-6
Back from Near Extinction series.
Each volume follows the featured animal's journey to the brink of extinction and back. Four chapters cover the species' decline over time; its physical characteristics, diet, behavior, and reproduction; specific threats to its survival; and various conservation efforts. Layouts with large stock photos, maps, charts, and text boxes enhance the informative, workmanlike texts. Comprehension exercises and writing prompts appear throughout. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Back from Near Extinction titles: Giant Galápagos Tortoise, Gray Wolf, Grizzly Bear, California Condor, American Alligator, Humpback Whale, American Bison, and Bald Eagle.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
(3)
4-6
Native Nations of North America series.
Each book introduces the major Native American nations of its geographic area. The straightforward texts touch on traditional way of life; well-known members such as artists or prominent citizens; controversial history with the U.S. and Canadian governments; and contemporary economies. Historical and modern photos round out the cleanly designed presentations. There are three other fall 2015 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Native Nations of North America titles: Native Nations of the Great Basin and Plateau, Native Nations of California, Native Nations of the Arctic and Subarctic, Native Nations of the Northwest Coast, and Native Nations of the Plains.
Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey
(3)
4-6
Native Nations of North America series.
Each book introduces the major Native American nations of its geographic area. The straightforward texts touch on traditional way of life; well-known members such as artists or prominent citizens; controversial history with the U.S. and Canadian governments; and contemporary economies. Historical and modern photos round out the cleanly designed presentations. There are three other fall 2015 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Native Nations of North America titles: Native Nations of the Great Basin and Plateau, Native Nations of California, Native Nations of the Arctic and Subarctic, Native Nations of the Northwest Coast, and Native Nations of the Plains.
Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey
(4)
K-3
Our Great States series.
These graphically pleasing travel guides highlight the top ten sites to see and things to do in each place. Although the books read like brochures and may include quickly outdated information, kids will appreciate the engaging second-person narratives and many photos. A map and facts are appended. There are twelve other spring 2015 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. This review covers the following Our Great States titles: What's Great About Oregon?, What's Great About Arizona?, What's Great About Washington, DC?, What's Great About South Dakota?, What's Great About Maine?, and What's Great About Mississippi?.
Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello
(4)
K-3
Our Great States series.
These graphically pleasing travel guides highlight the top ten sites to see and things to do in each place. Although the brochure-like books may include quickly outdated information, kids will appreciate the engaging second-person narratives and many photos. A map and facts are appended. There are ten other fall 2015 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Our Great States titles: What's Great About Vermont?, What's Great About West Virginia?, What's Great About Kentucky?, What's Great About Alaska?, What's Great About New Jersey?, and What's Great About Michigan?.
Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello
(4)
1-3
Sports Illustrated Kids: Victory School Superstars series.
Illustrated by
Jorge Santillan.
All of the students at Victory School for Super Athletes have athletic super-talents. But they also have things to learn about themselves and their abilities: in Skateboard, Tyler learns about responsibility, and in Softball, Alicia learns the value of practice. With super-slick manga illustrations, these peachy but simple chapter books will resonate with young athletes. Timeline. Glos. Review covers these Sports Illustrated Kids: Victory School Superstars titles: I Am on Strike Against Softball and I've Got the No-Skateboard Blues.
Reviewer: Kari Allen
(3)
K-3
Short Tales: Native American Myths series.
Illustrated by
Mark Pennington.
Each of these titles tells one unembroidered, straightforward Native American story about the world's creation or some natural phenomenon, introduced by brief information about the tribe from whence it emanated. There is nothing exceptional about these small-trimmed offerings, though the mythology is nicely distilled for younger children. The color-saturated, active illustrations recall those of graphic novels. Review covers these Native American Myths titles: The Colors of a Sunset, Coyote, Iktome, and the Rock, How the World was Made, and Sky Woman and the Big Turtle.
Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin
13 reviews
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.