(4) 1-3 Makers Make It Work series. Illustrated by Tammie Lyon. In each of these early-reader stories, the main character employs a makerspace skill--chemistry, rocketry, beekeeping, and sewing--to solve a problem. If the child's first effort fails, he or she persists to achieve success. The various illustrations (by different artists) are serviceable and the stories are fairly engaging, but kids will likely be more interested in the instructions for hands-on activities. Useful for early-elementary classrooms and makerspaces. Review covers these Makers Make It Work titles: Slime King, Rocket Rivals, The Broken Bees' Nest, and The Lost and Found Weekend.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(3) 1-3 How to Be an Earthling series. Illustrated by Jessica Warrick. Lovable third-grade alien Spork is back in the continuation of this character-education series. Here Spork and classmates Trixie, Adam, Piper, and Jack learn about citizenship (May the Votes), kindness (No Place), perseverance (Alien), and self-control (Money). This funny series delivers character-building lessons without being trite or too didactic. Back matter contains a personal characteristic quiz and a space-related word problem or activity. Review covers these How to Be an Earthling titles: May the Votes Be with You, No Place like Space, Alien in the Outfield, and Money Doesn't Grow on Mars.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 1-3 How to Be an Earthling series. Illustrated by Jessica Warrick. Lovable third-grade alien Spork is back in the continuation of this character-education series. Here Spork and classmates Trixie, Adam, Piper, and Jack learn about citizenship (May the Votes), kindness (No Place), perseverance (Alien), and self-control (Money). This funny series delivers character-building lessons without being trite or too didactic. Back matter contains a personal characteristic quiz and a space-related word problem or activity. Review covers these How to Be an Earthling titles: May the Votes Be with You, No Place like Space, Alien in the Outfield, and Money Doesn't Grow on Mars.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) 4-6 In his second book, Art Club gets no respect at Tucker MacBean's middle school, so he searches for ways to leverage his recent--but unknown--success in the comic-book world to boost recruitment. Much to the club's dismay, his efforts land them in the school's dodge-ball tournament. This is a humorous story made even more enjoyable by the frequent illustrations, purportedly Tucker's own comics, sketches, and notes.

Reviewer: Randy Ribay

(3) 4-6 Tucker, a quiet kid who likes to fly under the radar, decides to enter a comic book contest in hopes of winning a reward to help his struggling mother make ends meet. Tucker's creation of his superhero (Beanboy) intertwines with his own confrontations with the school bully. Sketches and comic book excerpts appear intermittently in this entertaining and inspiring story.

Reviewer: Randy Ribay

(4) 4-6 Flannery's uncle, a purveyor of protective magic, forbids her from using her own powers. Just as a vampire begins terrorizing their town, Uncle Anatole falls prey to a curse. Flan draws on her considerable abilities--and the help of a handsome stranger--to protect her neighbors and her uncle's reputation. A mildly entertaining (if predictable) companion to A Practical Guide to Vampires.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) 4-6 Endangered and Threatened Animals series. Each book lists thirty links to active websites for students researching an endangered or threatened animal. Information about reasons for the species' decline, such as habitat loss, genetic flaws, and food depletion, are outlined, and scientific studies and remedies are proposed. The web page design and screen shots give the books a gimmicky look. Bib., ind. Review covers these Endangered and Threatened Animals titles: The Rhino, The Cheetah, The Otter, The Galápagos Penguin, The Wallaby.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo