(3) K-3 Magic Tree House Fact Trackers series. Illustrated by Carlo Molinari. This companion to Viking Ships at Sunrise introduces independent readers to more detailed information about Vikings. Exploration, warriors, religion, daily life, burial customs, and farming are discussed in the accessible and engaging text. Black-and-white illustrations and photographs enhance the presentation and help break up the text. A list of museums with Viking exhibits is included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 Timeline Trackers: Westward Expansion series. The volumes in this series examine the cause and effect surrounding particular aspects of America's westward expansion. Each well-organized chapter begins with a timeline plotting out the events described within, skillfully zooming in and out on relevant years. An inviting approach, accessible prose, and carefully curated photographs and art enhance the presentations. Writing activities are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Timeline Trackers: Westward Expansion titles: Mexican-American War, Transcontinental Railroad, and California Gold Rush.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) 4-6 Timeline Trackers: America's Beginnings series. A brief text, lots of illustrations, and sidebars present an overview of North American native peoples from prehistoric groups to Indian tribes in the nineteenth century. A timeline along the bottom of each page highlights important dates. Although information is cursory, the text is accessible and appropriate for the intended audience. Suggestions for writing activities are included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Timeline Trackers: America's Beginnings series. Using brief narratives, illustrations, and inserts, this series presents an overview of early American history from the formation of the original thirteen colonies to Washington's election in 1789. A timeline along the bottom of each page highlights important dates. Although information is cursory, the texts are accessible and appropriate for the intended audience. Suggestions for writing activities are included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Timeline Trackers: America's Beginnings titles: A Timeline History of the Declaration of Independence, A Timeline History of the Early American Republic, and A Timeline History of the Thirteen Colonies.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Timeline Trackers: America's Beginnings series. Using brief narratives, illustrations, and inserts, this series presents an overview of early American history from the formation of the original thirteen colonies to Washington's election in 1789. A timeline along the bottom of each page highlights important dates. Although information is cursory, the texts are accessible and appropriate for the intended audience. Suggestions for writing activities are included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Timeline Trackers: America's Beginnings titles: A Timeline History of the Declaration of Independence, A Timeline History of the Early American Republic, and A Timeline History of the Thirteen Colonies.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) K-3 Magic Tree House Fact Trackers series. Illustrated by Sal Murdocca. Chatty text describes the popularity, history, rules, and star players of the sport. World Cup information is outdated, but this is more than made up for by the compelling final chapter, "Soccer Changes Lives" (for example, in Sudan, rehab for former child soldiers includes learning the sport). Cartoony illustrations and black-and-white photos are included, as is research guidance. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(4) 4-6 Timeline Trackers: America's Beginnings series. Using brief narratives, illustrations, and inserts, this series presents an overview of early American history from the formation of the original thirteen colonies to Washington's election in 1789. A timeline along the bottom of each page highlights important dates. Although information is cursory, the texts are accessible and appropriate for the intended audience. Suggestions for writing activities are included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Timeline Trackers: America's Beginnings titles: A Timeline History of the Declaration of Independence, A Timeline History of the Early American Republic, and A Timeline History of the Thirteen Colonies.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Trackers series. In this second Trackers book, four tech junkies continue their cat-and-mouse game. This time über-hacker Shantorian joins forces with adversaries from the previous volume. The novel includes passwords granting access to online videos that advance the story's plot (appendices include scripts for readers without internet access). The characters remain flat, and there's less interactive content this time, but fans may not care.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) K-3 Magic Tree House Fact Trackers series. Illustrated by Sal Murdocca. This readable biography portrays Lincoln as a book lover, an inventor, and a skilled debater. Experienced chapter-book readers will enjoy learning that Lincoln's sons ran wild in the White House while crowds roamed freely in and around the presidential grounds--unimaginable today. Cartoony illustrations and black-and-white photos accompany the text. Lists of museums and DVDs are appended. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull