(3) 4-6 Ghosts of Ordinary Objects series. Set in a Virginia coal-mining town during October of 1942, this second novel in Smibert's planned trilogy finds seventh grader Bone hoping that her Gift--the ability to touch an object and experience its owner's memories--will unlock the secrets of a jelly jar that steals sounds. Magic realism, historical fiction, and folktales are nimbly braided together with realistic portraits of grief.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 4-6 Ghosts of Ordinary Objects series. When twelve-year-old Bone, a spunky storyteller, picks up an object, she experiences its history and relives scenes from its owner's past. As Bone explores this "Gift," she searches for stories--and the truth--about her mother's death. Set in Appalachia coal-mining country during WWII, Smibert's blend of history, folklore, mystery, and fantasy is a riveting start to a planned series.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(4) 4-6 STEM in Sports series. This series successfully if broadly connects popular sports with STEM principles. The books examine facets of a sport to show how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are at work: friction while snowboarding, computerized goal-line sensors in soccer, etc. While the science content is cursory, athletes should find the books enlightening. Illustrations and diagrams help elucidate the concepts. There are four other fall 2017 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these STEM in Sports titles: STEM in Soccer, STEM in Snowboarding, STEM in Basketball, and STEM in Figure Skating.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) K-3 First Facts: Curious Scientists series. Simple activities provide an introduction to different fields of engineering, exploring structures, circuits, water filtration, and robotics. Each project includes a materials list (most are common household items); steps to complete the activity, illustrated with photos; and a paragraph explaining how it works. Safety tips are given where needed. Nothing groundbreaking, but good fun for primary-grade STEM curricula. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(3) 4-6 STEM in the Real World series. These books survey careers in engineering, profiling real-life mechanical and environmental engineers, the history of each field, and educational requirements. Future problems involving water resources, biomechanics, and urban infrastructure are briefly discussed. Color photographs of engineers at work, as well as sidebar activities that emphasize nonfiction literacy, are included. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these STEM in the Real World titles: Mechanical Engineering in the Real World and Environmental Engineering in the Real World.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Great Achievements in Engineering series. These substantial books begin with a brief introduction and history, then validate the "Amazing Feats" label with remarkable projects including the International Space Station, a thought-controlled bionic leg, the Canadian Confederation Bridge, and the driverless car; challenges and problem-solving are emphasized. Illustrations include both color photos and diagrams. Career advice, facts, and a hands-on project are appended. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Great Achievements in Engineering titles: Amazing Feats of Biological Engineering, Amazing Feats of Civil Engineering, Amazing Feats of Aerospace Engineering, and Amazing Feats of Electrical Engineering.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(2) YA In this Memento Nora sequel, Aiden, Winter, and Velvet realize that the corporation Therapeutic Forgetting Clinic will wipe out Hamilton's citizens' true memories and implant false ones to suppress independent thought and industry. The three combine their varied technological skills to thwart TFC's plot and protect their families. Written in alternating voices, this dystopic novel is quick, engaging, and colorful.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2012

(2) YA In this dystopic futuristic novel, TFCs--Therapeutic Forgetting Clinics--are the opiate of the people. On her first visit to a TFC, fifteen-year-old Nora secretly spits out the forgetting pill, thus beginning a double life. In order to preserve people's stories, she and her newfound friends create an underground comic, then they uncover a corporate plot. The novel is taut, with quick, fluid prose.

Reviewer: Deirdre F. Baker | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2011