(4) K-3 Illustrated by George Doutsiopoulos. Mamie Johnson was "the first female pitcher in professional baseball" in 1953. She faced discrimination because of gender (male players "grumbled about sharing the field with her"), size ("you're not as big as a peanut"), and race ("the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League wasn't ready to give black women the opportunity to try"). Though the illustrations can be stiff and cartoony, Johnson's determination and confidence shine. Bib.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 Pebble Plus: Hands-On Science Fun series. With descriptive directions and large, clear photographs, each appealing volume takes readers step-by-step through a simple experiment then explains the science behind it. A few materials may be hard to find, and the target audience will need adult help, but the concrete examples lend themselves well to the concepts of force (Pom-Pom) and measurement (Wind). Additional content available through the Capstone 4D app. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Plus: Hands-On Science Fun titles: How to Make a Pom-Pom Flyer and How to Make a Wind Speed Meter.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) K-3 Pebble Plus: Hands-On Science Fun series. With descriptive directions and large, clear photographs, each appealing volume takes readers step-by-step through a simple experiment then explains the science behind it. A few materials may be hard to find, and the target audience will need adult help, but the concrete examples lend themselves well to the concepts of force (Pom-Pom) and measurement (Wind). Additional content available through the Capstone 4D app. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Plus: Hands-On Science Fun titles: How to Make a Pom-Pom Flyer and How to Make a Wind Speed Meter.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) 4-6 U.S. Government: Behind the Scenes series. Slim but thorough, these titles discuss why each featured governmental agency was created, introduce some key players, and examine how areas of concern and focus change with politics. The clear narratives are logically organized to make the details of complicated bureaucracies accessible to middle-school report writers. Informative sidebars, captioned photos, charts, and diagrams help elucidate the texts. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these U.S. Government: Behind the Scenes titles: The Department of Energy and The Department of Homeland Security

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Tangled History series. From 1692 to 1694, hysteria took over Salem, Massachusetts; wild accusations of witchcraft led to imprisonment and hangings. This chronological account presents a variety of perspectives, including those of accusers, accused, and others involved in the events. Captioned archival images and full-color photographs enhance the accessible text. A foreword and epilogue provide more context to the religious and political influences. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) 4-6 Fact Finders: People You Should Know series. These biographies focus on individuals who've had a significant impact on American culture and history. Ginsburg highlights important decisions the Justice has been outspoken about and describes her place in pop culture. Bridges takes a broader look at the integration of Ruby's school and the reactions of her community. Sidebars, "Did You Know?" text boxes, well-chosen photographs, and word definitions accompany the readable texts. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Fact Finders: People You Should Know titles: Ruby Bridges and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) 4-6 Dabble Lab: Take Making to the Next Level 4D series. Readers will need batteries, LEDs, resistors, a breadboard, and wires to conduct the experiments in this collection. Once equipped, they can explore series and parallel circuits and switches. Step-by-step directions on how to assemble the set-ups are further detailed in helpful photographs. Facts and explanations scattered throughout provide minimal scientific content; the "4D" feature is an online video portal. Ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Poppy Kang. In 1862, enslaved crewman Robert Smalls planned and executed an audacious, dangerous nighttime hijack of a Confederate warship, piloting ten miles into Union-controlled waters--and thereby rescuing himself and fifteen others from slavery. The text clearly relates the story while also maintaining intense suspense and drama. Illustrations are rather bland and static but help establish setting and atmosphere. Reading list. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) 4-6 Shy Guides series. Joining a group, befriending new people, speaking to an audience (large or small): all can cause anxiety, self-doubt, even a panic attack. Using an informal approach, Kenney presents strategies for dealing with and mastering these feelings and provides assurances that they are normal and controllable. Boxed "Life Tips," personal stories of famous people (Barack Obama, actor Robert Pattinson), and color photos add specifics. Reading list. Ind. Review covers these Shy Guides titles: Getting Out and Getting Along and Quiet Confidence.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Shy Guides series. Joining a group, befriending new people, speaking to an audience (large or small): all can cause anxiety, self-doubt, even a panic attack. Using an informal approach, Kenney presents strategies for dealing with and mastering these feelings and provides assurances that they are normal and controllable. Boxed "Life Tips," personal stories of famous people (Barack Obama, actor Robert Pattinson), and color photos add specifics. Reading list. Ind. Review covers these Shy Guides titles: Getting Out and Getting Along and Quiet Confidence.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 U.S. Government: Behind the Scenes series. Slim but thorough, these titles discuss why each featured governmental agency was created, introduce some key players, and examine how areas of concern and focus change with politics. The clear narratives are logically organized to make the details of complicated bureaucracies accessible to middle-school report writers. Informative sidebars, captioned photos, charts, and diagrams help elucidate the texts. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these U.S. Government: Behind the Scenes titles: The Department of Energy and The Department of Homeland Security

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Fact Finders: Amazing Animal Colonies series. The animals profiled in this series live in close contact with one another, in varying degrees of interdependence. After basics about species variations, anatomy, reproduction, and feeding, details about their housing structures (reefs, hives) and social interactions (bees) are discussed, along with threats to their existence and protection efforts. Engaging photographs and diagrams are provided. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Fact Finders: Amazing Animal Colonies titles: Bees and Wasps and Corals

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Fact Finders: People You Should Know series. These biographies focus on individuals who've had a significant impact on American culture and history. Ginsburg highlights important decisions the Justice has been outspoken about and describes her place in pop culture. Bridges takes a broader look at the integration of Ruby's school and the reactions of her community. Sidebars, "Did You Know?" text boxes, well-chosen photographs, and word definitions accompany the readable texts. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Fact Finders: People You Should Know titles: Ruby Bridges and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(2) K-3 Encounter series. Illustrated by Harriet Popham. Karl, an Abyssinian ground hornbill, arrived at the Smithsonian's National Zoo with a damaged lower bill, which limited his ability to eat a balanced diet and participate in normal activities. Nargi's lighthearted and informative account shows how zoo staff engineered Karl a 3-D printed beak, each step in the process demonstrating how engineering and science can solve problems in animal conservation. Creative illustrations combine blueprint-like schematics with photos; a downloadable companion app is available. Glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2019

(3) 4-6 Tangled History series. This account of the 2009 emergency Hudson River landing of Flight 1549 is told from the perspectives of several passengers and crew members, including the pilot, Captain Sullenberger. The suspenseful, dramatic events unfold in chronological order, with personal reflections on the aborted winter flight, perilous landing, and rescue. Captioned photographs enhance the narrative. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) K-3 First Facts: U.S. National Parks Field Guides series. These image-heavy volumes introduce young readers to major features of each national park, functioning as accessible travel guides. Engaging photographs accompany brief information about landmarks including geysers, canyons, and suspension bridges, along with brief overviews of wildlife and weather. Maps included. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these First Facts: U.S. National Parks Field Guides titles: Grand Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) K-3 First Facts: U.S. National Parks Field Guides series. These image-heavy volumes introduce young readers to major features of each national park, functioning as accessible travel guides. Engaging photographs accompany brief information about landmarks including geysers, canyons, and suspension bridges, along with brief overviews of wildlife and weather. Maps included. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these First Facts: U.S. National Parks Field Guides titles: Grand Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Snap: Real-Life Ghost Stories series. In four engaging chapters (and after an eerie, atmospheric introduction) Peterson presents the story of the legendary La Llorona. The text touches on background, reported encounters, speculation about the weeping woman's existence, and "Ladies in White Around the World." "Fact" and "Skeptic's Note" sidebars along with haunting illustrations enhance the atmosphere. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 Pebble Plus: My Body Systems series. Two short sections followed by a "Keeping Healthy" conclusion present very basic information about health and the human body. Simple texts comprised of three or four sentences face full-color photos of active kids. Three final questions help readers review the facts presented in each formulaic book. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Plus: My Body Systems titles: My Immune System and My Muscular System.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 Pebble Plus: My Body Systems series. Two short sections followed by a "Keeping Healthy" conclusion present very basic information about health and the human body. Simple texts comprised of three or four sentences face full-color photos of active kids. Three final questions help readers review the facts presented in each formulaic book. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Plus: My Body Systems titles: My Immune System and My Muscular System.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges