(3) 4-6 Translated by Laura Watkinson. Illustrated by Wendy Panders. In this overview of concepts from the many scientific disciplines within the earth sciences, topics are organized into chapters on geology, planetary science, weather, water, and geography. Though a large number of ideas are covered, they are clearly explained and organized to present comprehensive coverage of the field. Plentiful if small illustrations throughout include helpful diagrams.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by M. S. Corley. Reynolds presents stories of thirty-five people--some well-known (Nelson Mandela, Hillary Rodham Clinton); some less recognizable (Maryam Mirzakhani, Erik Weihenmeyer)--who experienced failure before attaining their goals. Additional "Flop Files" and sidebars briefly introduce others who were initially unsuccessful. Direct questions and an informal tone should engage readers. One hundred additional questions about success and failure are appended. A thoughtful challenge to kids who think perfection is required.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Be What You Want series. Bedell is realistic about job requirements and helps readers understand pluses and minuses of veterinary animal care as well as many other careers involving domestic and wild animals, including farming, conservation, training, and research. A dynamic narrative is peppered with "Spotlights" on real professionals, interviews, quizzes, and more, but the layout would benefit from photos instead of dull clip art. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 4-6 Eighteen-year-old Cerone, already a veteran in the philanthropic world, describes her inspiration in selecting causes and suggests thirty-six "PhilanthroParty" (fundraising and community-building event) ideas in a breezy and inspiring first-person voice; thematic recipes, activities, and anecdotes are included with each. Lively layouts with tons of color photos on thick, glossy pages reflect the spirit of excitement in the text and activities.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 An unusually practical guide to making friends, keeping friends, and knowing when to end a friendship. Clinical psychologist Kennedy-Moore and parenting writer McLaughlin offer tips on recognizing others' "stop signals," naturally joining activities, matching the tone of a conversation, and more. The dense black-and-white format may seem off-putting, but relevant cartoon scenarios, (eye-roll-inducing) jokes, and reflection questions break up a highly readable text. Reading list. Glos.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(3) YA This sequel to Girls Who Rocked the World offers short profiles of forty-five notable girls and women from throughout history and around the world. From biblical queen Esther to present-day rock climber Ashima Shiraishi, the names will be a mix of the familiar and unknown to American readers. Additional sidebar facts accompany the brief biographical sketches and include real teens' own aspirations. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(4) YA Drawing on interviews with "super-amazing," successful young adults, Wooster gives teens relevant but commonplace advice on "connecting...to the things that make you want to jump out of bed in the morning." Interviewees offer a range of approaches, and "self-discovery quizzes" and "exploratory exercises" may prove useful. Unfortunately, a didactic adult voice predominates the narrative. A discussion guide and extensive resources list are included.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(4) YA This essay collection includes both teen erotica and feminist essays on sexual empowerment. While obviously a tough sell for some environments, the book's only real flaw is its unevenness in tone. As a whole, stories let teens see sex for whatever it may be for them (pleasurable or confusing, passionless or loving). Extensive back matter features resources (and reassurance) for parents, further reading, and websites.

Reviewer: Sarah Hannah Gomez

(3) YA Nineteen teenage poets--members of Get Lit, an L.A.-based organization that empowers teens to become passionate about literature, self-expression, and social consciousness--share their personal stories, a classic poem each finds meaningful, and an honest, often raw response poem he or she has written based on that classic. Writing prompts are included in each chapter. Teachers will appreciate the alignment with Common Core Standards.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 4-6 From Cleopatra to Coco Chanel and on to Michelle Obama and young YouTube stars, this collective biography features more than a dozen fashion icons. Brief and chatty biographical profiles are well illustrated and bolstered with fashion guides, hair-styling instructions, and clothing trend timelines. An appealing, informative read for tween fashion enthusiasts that spotlights an interesting and up-to-date set of influential women. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(4) 4-6 Be What You Want series. This tween guide engagingly outlines various programming career paths, interviews coders of all ages and experiences, provides historical context, and quizzes its readers; the book specifically highlights successful women in STEM fields. Readers not dissuaded by the sometimes-confusing layout, protracted sidebars, and a lack of visuals (other than dull clip art) will find a lot of useful information here. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 This guide for curious tweens promotes critical thinking through a series of very loosely organized questions, accompanied by well-documented trivia, quotes from students, and extension activities. Emphasizing speculation, the book offers springboards for discussion in or outside the classroom. It supports its broad-ranging questions with explanations that make complex topics accessible and may inspire further inquiry.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 Reynolds, a teacher, offers quirky, frank guidance on "making middle school meaningful"--everything from overcoming negative comparisons (or stopping evil space gnomes from stealing your garlic bread) to recognizing that parents and teachers sometimes take their own issues out on students. Cartoonish spot illustrations and inspirational quotes contribute to an overall light tone. Interspersed writing exercises reinforce the lessons. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(4) 4-6 Be What You Want series. An extremely thorough look at many different types of leadership positions--political, spiritual, law enforcement, entrepreneurial, and more. "Spotlight" and "VIP Profile" bios introduce real-life leaders, historical and contemporary, famous and non-famous. The absence of photos makes the volume less appealing than it could be, but readers not put off by a dull appearance will glean inspiration. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Be What You Want series. "Think your Goth lifestyle is a predictor of your future vocation"? This overly broad installment examines fields centered on dead things--from archaeology, forensics, and taxidermy to volcanology and "ghost hunting"--including the gritty details involved in the work. Interviews with professionals provide a personal touch to a dense text that can feel like a data dump. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) YA Reber offers practical and inspirational advice for teens on how to reduce stress (Chill covers time management, organization, getting help, journaling, exercise, nutrition, and more) and how to set and achieve goals (Doable includes information on defining your goal, recognizing obstacles, and dealing with setbacks). Reber's tone is just right for her audience, and her tips are helpful and clearly explained. Review covers these titles: Chill and Doable.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Floor Rieder. In lively, colloquial, and even humorous prose, Schutten ambitiously and accessibly explains evolution, from matters as small as the slipper animalcule (a.k.a. Paramecium) to the Big Bang theory, showing relevance to the reader wherever appropriate. Sections are headed by questions, and hand-drawn illustrations in a limited palette nicely illustrate main points. Schutten references his material with particular care (extensive notes appended) and sensitively addresses evolution/creationism issues. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) YA Defining atheism broadly (including agnosticism), the book discusses important, controversial issues such as whether religion is necessary for morality; whether belief in science and religion can co-exist; how the choice of unbelief can affect one's life now and as an adult; and how to deal with theistic parents and friends. A well-researched and easy-to-read guide for non-theistic and questioning teens. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) 4-6 Be What You Want series. Van der Linde begins with an overview of Western dance styles (emphasizing ballet) and their requirements for professional dancers. The accessible text thoroughly covers backstage logistics, the pros and cons of a dance degree, non-performing careers in the industry (such as dance critic and costumer), and second careers. Interspersed interviews and sidebars add valuable information. Extensive resources appended. Websites. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) 4-6 Be What You Want series. This informative overview profiles various sports careers. In addition to professional athlete, the accessible discussion covers related industries, including coaching, sports medicine, media, and business. Chapters provide job descriptions, educational preparation, financial compensation, and insightful interviews with career professionals (scouts, trainers, media relations, etc). Without illustrations the design is rather dull, but text boxes and sidebars help liven up the pages. Reading lists, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan