(3) YA With Carol Kinsey Goman. Nonverbal clues including stance, facial expression, posture, eye contact, and others add meaning to our words, or sometimes contradict them. Using second-person narration to engage readers, suggestions for interpreting body language is followed by a chapter explaining how cultural differences affect interpretations. A final chapter encourages readers to practice physical positions to increase confidence. Plentiful full-color pictures illustrate concepts. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Ted Stearn. Loosely organized chapters lightly explore the psychology of humor and jokes, physiological effects of laughter, gender and age differences in what people find funny, and the possibility of humor in other species. The information provided is basic and stretched rather thinly, and the exemplary jokes, while plentiful, aren't very funny (neither are the cartoon illustrations). Reading list, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton

(2) 4-6 Scientists in the Field series. Photographs by Caitlin O'Connell & Timothy Rodwell. Scientist O'Connell's contributions to our understanding of elephant communication propel this account. O'Connell and Jackson describe the findings in a way that lets readers witness the unfolding of a research program, as hypotheses lead to new insights that beget even more questions. The many photographs, predominantly from Namibian field sites, capture the majestic elder elephants, their always-appealing offspring, and dusty, rugged landscapes. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2011

(2) 4-6 Scientists in the Field series. This volume profiles three stereotype-shattering scientists whose field research provides some pretty intense experiences: a meteorologist/hurricane hunter, microbiologist/caver, and ecologist/redwood climber. Jackson hits just the right balance between informative descriptions of the science and excitement surrounding the risks involved. The numerous intriguing photos achieve this balance as well, showcasing all three scientists both in the lab and out in their elements. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2009

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Ted Stearn. Lively informational writing, accompanied by humorous black-and-white cartoon sketches, discusses the importance of names and their meanings. Some topics include the history of first, last, and middle names; pet names; business and product names; nicknames; and the psychological impact of names. While the first chapter on baby names seems better suited to parents, kids will find a lot of current and quirky information. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey

(2) 4-6 Jackson moves beyond the basics of sensory perception to explore fascination with the unexplained, showing how our minds can transform sensory inputs into phenomena such as the "sixth sense" (e.g., low-frequency sounds cause us to feel uneasy in "haunted" environments). She also examines how the brain and new technologies compensate for missing senses. Black-and-white illustrations include stock photographs and scientific diagrams. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2008

(2) 4-6 Jackson ably leads young readers to consider their faces and expressions, both as personal identifiers and as markers for socialization. Breadth of coverage substitutes for depth, giving the text a lively tempo and the reader many points to consider for additional inquiry. Photos support the text and invite youngsters into the book. Reading list, source notes, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2004

(4) 4-6 Recounting the role of rescue dogs in the events of September 11, Jackson finds an appealing and age-appropriate angle on a difficult subject. While some of the information about search-and-rescue work is well observed and engaging, the survey as a whole is haphazardly organized and at times repetitive. The color photos are mostly snapshot quality. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton

(2) 4-6 Jackson's nonsensational journalistic style produces an evenhanded discussion of "twinness." The text outlines the scientific details of egg splitting and recounts several stories of twin phenomena, looking at what it would be like to have a twin sibling. Jackson also covers reasons for twins both to share and not share common characteristics. The photo-essay format results in an appealing magazine-style layout. Glos.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2001