(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura. Sixteen brief chapters present an overview of money--the whys and hows of its development, different items that have been employed as currency--from ancient times to today. Although the ideas are challenging, each follows naturally from the one before. Jenkins succeeds in presenting challenging ideas; Kitamura's tidy watercolors (spot art and panel illustrations) add humor and help illustrate the concepts. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Dorcas Hand | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2014

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julie Downing. This book provides a fascinating perspective on U.S. presidents by focusing on the personalities and influences of their mothers. Each mom has her own section, descriptive epithet (e.g., Barbara Pierce Bush, "The Outspoken Mother"), amusing anecdote, and cartoonlike portrait; sidebars in varying formats contain important dates and facts. Gherman's engaging text offers vivid characterization of these historic women and their powerful sons. Bib.

Reviewer: Dorcas Hand

(2) 4-6 Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale (no relation, though the author effectively milks the joke) stalls his execution (Spy) and narrates a Civil War naval battle (Ironclad). The accessible writing is entertaining; comic panels of varying sizes enhance the real-life events and support the over-the-top humor. Spy has an appended "mini-comic." Back matter includes brief biographies and (sort of) bibliographies. Timeline (Ironclad). Review covers these two Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales: Big Bad Ironclad! and One Dead Spy

Reviewer: Dorcas Hand | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2012

(2) 4-6 Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale (no relation, though the author effectively milks the joke) stalls his execution (Spy) and narrates a Civil War naval battle (Ironclad). The accessible writing is entertaining; comic panels of varying sizes enhance the real-life events and support the over-the-top humor. Spy has an appended "mini-comic." Back matter includes brief biographies and (sort of) bibliographies. Timeline (Ironclad). Review covers these two Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales: Big Bad Ironclad! and One Dead Spy

Reviewer: Dorcas Hand | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2012