(2) K-3 Thief 1, Thief 2, and Thief 3 have a simple plan: they will dig a tunnel and rob a bank. But even the best-laid plans require better navigational skills than those possessed by this trio, and though they manage to find a concert, a wrestling match, and the other side of the world -- and new friends in each of those places -- the bank eludes them. The tone remains deadpan as events grow increasingly absurd, while humor is plentiful in the naive-style illustrations. The images of the thieves themselves are especially simple, but Camp conveys much about their emotions (frequently surprise or confusion) with a few well-angled lines. Cross-sections of scenes provide dramatic irony as viewers can see beyond the thieves' literal tunnel vision. But bank or no bank, the real treasure is the friends they make along the way. (Thief 3 even posits that the treasure is "a metaphor and...actually in our hearts," though Thief 1 and Thief 2 dismiss this suggestion as "very corny.") Preposterous fun for the savvy young reader or read-aloud audience.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(1) YA "Scarlett's senses crackled with anticipation," Stroud writes in the second book (following The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne, rev. 1/22) in this fantasy series full of action, outlaws, dystopian societies, and post-apocalyptic ghouls. And crackle is the word, too, to describe Stroud's insouciant humor, energetic and witty invention, and underlay of empathy in this fizzingly paced adventure. Notorious outlaw Scarlett and the telepathically gifted Albert Browne are roped into the dangerous heist of a truckload of religious artifacts when they are blackmailed by Scarlett's old colleagues in theft, the Brothers of the Hand. The job goes as well as a theft can until it ends with capture and the gallows, thanks to the religious conglomerate that runs this future scorched-earth Britain. To say the stakes are high is an understatement, but that is Stroud at his best: we know the prodigiously skilled Scarlett and Albert--hapless and unworldly though he may be--will win through, but how? Stroud is as playful and inventive in plotting as he is in description ("back was [Scarlett's] least favorite direction"; a guard has "a face like a disappointed log"), making this novel both hilarious and suspenseful. It has admirable seriousness, to boot, as Scarlett and Albert each begin to face their own interior pain and rage, foreshadowing (one hopes) the next series entry to come.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2023

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Keith Mallett. Paul R. Williams was born in Los Angeles in 1894; his parents died when he was five, and his brother was sent to a different foster home. Despite this early tragedy, Paul flourished creatively, demonstrating a talent for drawing that blossomed into a career as an architect. By 1921, facing discrimination and prejudice at every turn, he had become the first Black certified architect west of the Mississippi River. Southern California was becoming a cultural mecca, and Williams took advantage of that to put his iconic stamp on many prominent buildings. He didn't stop there, though. He also got into the banking industry to help African Americans overcome the predatory, discriminatory practice of redlining. In 1948, the Supreme Court struck down laws upholding restrictive housing covenants, and Paul was finally free to build his dream house in his desired neighborhood. If "curve and flow" represents elements of Williams's design style, the motto also signifies how he dealt with the obstacles and opportunities he faced in life. Alongside the generally optimistic text, the illustrations reinforce this theme of overcoming adversity. They convey grace, warmth, and dignity with a color palette dominated by purple, gold, blue, brown, and burgundy, and expressive figures who fairly shine and glow. An author's note, sources, photos, and a timeline are appended.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2022

(4) K-3 Bumba Books: A First Look at Money series. In 1960, four black college students quietly took their seats at a Woolworth's whites-only lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. By refusing to leave, they set into motion a powerful and effective move toward ending segregation in the South. Along with other archival photos, Jack Moebes's iconic photograph of the sit-in stands at the center of this empathetic, well-researched introduction to the civil rights movement. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Stephen Collins. Frank's parents won't buy him a pet; what choice does the animal-obsessed baby have but to secure the cash by robbing a bank? Whalley's rhymes sing ("Past every camera, gate, and guard, / the baby crawled unseen. / There were no bars or laser beams / he couldn't fit between"), and Collins's crisp, droll art seems inspired by Dan Yaccarino's style.[orig. review said: "...art seems to be built on Yaccarino-ian geometries." I get it, but not sure other will]

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) K-3 Time to Read series. In each of these lively beginning-chapter-book whodunits, Detective Paw, a Hercule Poirot–esque canine, and Patrol Officer Prickles, an action-oriented porcupine employing crime-fighting gadgets, follow the same procedural pattern to solve a robbery (Bank) and a band instrument theft (Drumsticks). Given the illustrations' visual hints, young readers may well guess the straightforward outcomes, but in doing so they’re also working each case and learning that reading is an active process. Review covers these Time to Read titles: Detective Paw of the Law: The Case of Piggy's Bank and Detective Paw of the Law: The Case of the Stolen Drumsticks.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2018

(4) YA Special Reports series. This volume covers the ever-increasing cost of attending college. Oachs examines different theories for the increase, compares costs of private and public institutions, and discusses the student debt crisis and its implications for the future. Statistical data is included when relevant, but much of the information will be quickly dated; photographs and sidebars (many with tiny type) extend the texts. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA Teen Guide to Finances series. Introductory concepts about entrepreneurship and personal finance are discussed in these dense texts. The topics, which range from general money management to future-planning, have an overarching theme of fiscal responsibility. The content is strong, but the dull layouts feel dated, and there are too few charts and other visuals to help clarify the concepts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Teen Guide to Finances titles: Teen Guide to Credit and Debt, Teen Guide to Saving and Investing, Teen Guide to Paying for College, and Teen Guide to Starting a Business.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(4) YA Teen Guide to Finances series. Introductory concepts about entrepreneurship and personal finance are discussed in these dense texts. The topics, which range from general money management to future-planning, have an overarching theme of fiscal responsibility. The content is strong, but the dull layouts feel dated, and there are too few charts and other visuals to help clarify the concepts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Teen Guide to Finances titles: Teen Guide to Credit and Debt, Teen Guide to Saving and Investing, Teen Guide to Paying for College, and Teen Guide to Starting a Business.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(4) YA Michael and the Electroclan have a crazy plan to defeat Hatch by stealing the boat that acts as his floating bank. The odds are long, but it's their only hope. Though there is plenty of drama in this sixth story, it all resolves too quickly for tension to build. Short chapters keep things moving briskly and maintain focus on the action.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) YA Readers who get past the outlandish premise of high schoolers pulling Ocean's 11–style heists are in for a well-paced, exciting ride. In alternating chapters, the strong voices of rich-girl adrenaline-chaser Lexi and Mexican gang–manipulated Christian offer two narratives that intersect in a satisfying way. The characters--particularly spoiled Lexi--become more likable as this star-crossed-romance/crime-thriller mash-up progresses.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(3) 4-6 Turning Points series. This volume in a well-researched series focusing on crucial historical moments details the how and why of the great collapse of the American economy from December, 2007 to June, 2009. Despite the complicated nature of the subject matter, this account stays engaging thanks to clear writing, glossy photographs, and helpful sidebars throughout. Timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) YA Fifteen-year-old Zoe stumbles upon an armed bank robbery. Attempting to alter the violent course of events, Zoe uses her ability to travel twenty-three minutes back in time, which she can only do ten times before the events become permanent. Each re-do has its own victims and complications, and reveals more backstory for everyone involved. A riveting reflection on ethical dilemmas.

Reviewer: Grace Enriquez

(4) 4-6 Agents of Government series. This series presents brief, informative histories of each organization, including inception, purpose and function, key personalities involved, and the role each group plays today. Peace Corps relates the idealism of this service organization as well as the difficulties surrounding its launch. Though the small-size type may be off-putting, the texts are accessible. Large archival photographs provide readers with additional insight. Websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Agents of Government titles: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Reserve System, National Transportation Safety Board, and Peace Corps.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 Searchlight Books: How Do We Use Money? series. These books cover basic topics to help readers make wise personal financial choices. The informative texts emphasize economic ideas, including the relationship between wants and needs, and clarify differences between various financial tools, such as money market accounts and certificates of deposit. The accessible design employs photos, graphs, and other graphics, all of which aid in comprehension. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Searchlight Books: How Do We Use Money? titles: Budgeting, Spending, and Saving, Earning Income, Growing Your Money, and Understanding Credit.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(3) 4-6 Searchlight Books: How Do We Use Money? series. These books cover basic topics to help readers make wise personal financial choices. The informative texts emphasize economic ideas, including the relationship between wants and needs, and clarify differences between various financial tools, such as money market accounts and certificates of deposit. The accessible design employs photos, graphs, and other graphics, all of which aid in comprehension. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Searchlight Books: How Do We Use Money? titles: Budgeting, Spending, and Saving, Earning Income, Growing Your Money, and Understanding Credit.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(3) 4-6 Searchlight Books: How Do We Use Money? series. These books cover basic topics to help readers make wise personal financial choices. The informative texts emphasize economic ideas, including the relationship between wants and needs, and clarify differences between various financial tools, such as money market accounts and certificates of deposit. The accessible design employs photos, graphs, and other graphics, all of which aid in comprehension. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Searchlight Books: How Do We Use Money? titles: Budgeting, Spending, and Saving, Earning Income, Growing Your Money, and Understanding Credit.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(4) K-3 Money Smarts series. The four titles in this series aimed at building financial literacy are written in clear, simple, direct prose. Readers are encouraged to work hard for their own money, avoid impulse purchases, keep money in the bank where it can earn interest, and save for the future. The posed photos contribute little, but the overall layout is accessible. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Money Smarts titles: Bank Wisely, Earn Wisely, Save Wisely, and Spend Wisely.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Money Smarts series. The four titles in this series aimed at building financial literacy are written in clear, simple, direct prose. Readers are encouraged to work hard for their own money, avoid impulse purchases, keep money in the bank where it can earn interest, and save for the future. The posed photos contribute little, but the overall layout is accessible. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Money Smarts titles: Bank Wisely, Earn Wisely, Save Wisely, and Spend Wisely.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(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