(3) 4-6 Epic Fails series. Illustrated by Tim Foley. Failure has been the hallmark of humans' attempts at flight, starting with the mythological figure Icarus. The Wright Brothers were no exception, but Slader shows how their perseverance ultimately led to success, including their contributions to aviation after their successful Kitty Hawk flight. A light, humorous tone and plenty of black-and-white illustrations and photos make this an engaging read. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(3) K-3 Illustrated by David Slonim. A wisecracking canine treats young readers to a humorous tour of the world of dogs, including how they came to be such close friends with people; why there are so many different breeds and how they are different from one another; and explanations of various dog postures, sounds, and behaviors. Amusing cartoon illustrations match the light tone of the informative text. Bib.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(2) YA New York Times Book series. One of the first students to desegregate an all-white college in the South looks at six pivotal years of the civil rights movement (1960–1965). Veteran journalist Hunter-Gault weaves her own experience into a larger history, going beyond well-known events to discuss some precursors. Period photographs and pages from the New York Times (articles appended) illustrate the gracefully written history. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Kathleen Isaacs | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2012

(2) K-3 Judge explains the ways in which birds communicate, and the reasons why they do so, with examples selected from a variety of bird species. The striking illustrations deftly portray communication as a whole-body endeavor, capturing the expressions, movements, and positions at key points in the messages that birds send within and across species. Additional facts about each species are appended. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2012

(2) K-3 In this inviting very-first look at Gutenberg's transformative invention and the intricate craft of early printing, Rumford vivifies the ways and means of medieval innovation with intriguing details, focusing on highlights. An epilogue elucidates and extends the occasionally too-truncated information, as does handsome watercolor and gouache art that recalls illuminated manuscripts while revealing additional tasks, hazards, and sources of inspiration.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2012

(1) YA While comprehensive in its synthesis of the political, historical, and scientific aspects of the creation of the first nuclear weapon, this account focuses on an extremely alluring angle: the spies. Sheinkin maintains the pace of a thriller without betraying history or skipping over the science; writing with journalistic immediacy, he eschews editorializing. Photos help readers organize the events and players. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2012

(2) YA This volume about the Prohibition era traces the drinking habits of Americans from colonial times to the present day. The scope is ambitious, but Blumenthal cogently weaves her complex topics into their social, political, economic, and cultural contexts. She also investigates various tangents with telling anecdotes, quotes, statistics, photographs, and illustrations without losing focus on the bigger picture. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2011

(2) K-3 Actual Times series. Brown turns his earthy palette and voice to the California Gold Rush. His unique tone is both larger-than-life and precisely detailed, and the treatment suits his subject. Well-composed watercolors convey action and emotion, giving just enough detail and variety. Combining pathos and humor, the book communicates much with an engaging and brief text, making it a first-choice introduction to the subject. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Nina Lindsay | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2011

(1) 4-6 Actual Times series. Brown's approach is solid and journalistic, emphasizing the facts rather than causes or effects. The text is continuous, weaving the events of the morning with the experiences of some of the victims and survivors. Illustrated with line-and-wash pictures that are forthright but never sensational, the book is superbly focused and completely honest. An author's note supplies grim statistics. Bib.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2011

(2) K-3 Chin's text is a straightforward description of corals, their growth into reefs, and interesting inhabitants; his illustrations show a girl in the library pulling out this very book and embarking on an adventure where the contents come to life. Detailed pictures capture the dappled light of shallow water and the bright tropical colors and patterns in the featured flora and fauna.

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

(4) K-3 This richly detailed picture book presents the origin and history of Arlington National Cemetery from its early ties to George Washington to its present-day significance. Demarest's illustrations successfully create the tranquil setting and complement the respectful tone of the thorough, well-researched text. In spite of a few significant misspellings (e.g., Fort Sumpter), this is a satisfying introduction to a national landmark. Reading list, timeline, websites.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Susan Pearson. This account foregrounds the scientist's personal history, covering his early, comfortable life as a curious child and as a college student interested in natural history, his travels on the Beagle, and marriage and family life. Eldredge emphasizes the role Darwin's observations played in the development of his theories. Text asides and historical illustrations contextualize nineteenth-century upper-class England. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Brian Floca. After choreographer Martha Graham asked composer Aaron Copland and sculptor/set designer Isamu Noguchi to collaborate with her on a new ballet, the iconic Appalachian Spring was born. Using spare, concise sentences, the authors echo Graham's approach to dance: nothing's wasted, and in such exactness lies beauty. Floca's fluid, energetic line and watercolor illustrations also reflect the plain boldness of Graham's choreography. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2010

(2) K-3 Judge explains the birth and care of dinosaur young. The text is a model of logical reasoning: each claim is backed by relevant evidence. Although much of what is presented is speculation, it's speculation grounded in the best scientific research. The detailed, richly colored illustrations, which often place readers at baby-dinosaur eye level, take the same care in balancing accuracy and imagination. Timeline. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2010

(3) K-3 Using firmly drafted paintings with saturated colors and muted edges, Lewin pictures first the historical roots and then the present-day incarnation of a riding stable in Brooklyn. In natural and unobtrusive narration, he describes the equine and human characters inhabiting the stable and the special circumstances of city-dwelling horses. A final question looks to the future of this community landmark.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) YA Illustrated by Matt Phelan. A how-to manual with heart, this guide contains brief sections offering encouragement, advice, and playful exercises for budding writers. Mazer and Potter draw on autobiography as they discuss major writing topics from finding ideas to crafting characters and plot to overcoming nerves and writer's block. Catchy subheadings and Phelan's often-humorous illustrations complement the friendly tone.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey

(2) K-3 Robbins's picture book photo essay is a multilayered investigation of standard units of measurement--their definitions, purposes, origins, contexts, and histories. Clear and well-organized, the text is invitingly conversational and chock-full of interesting tidbits. Photographs go beyond informative to arresting: there's a photo of a stone that's so crisp you can almost feel its warmth and texture.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2010

(3) 4-6 Veteran journalist Schwartz delves into the myths and science around height studies to debunk the idea that a smaller stature guarantees a second-rate life. Using a combination of reportage and memoir, the author helps young readers understand the cultural obsession with height and provides suggestions for countering negative messages. A thoroughly entertaining and empowering book. Reading list. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(1) YA Benedict Arnold, ambition-driven, believed the Revolution was his path to honor, respect, and wealth; his decision to turn traitor is both chilling and compellingly portrayed. Interspersed throughout this biography is the story of Major John André, the British officer who colluded with Arnold. Numerous quotes (many from original sources and all documented) add to the lively narrative. Maps are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2011

(2) 4-6 Mohawks have been in high steel for more than a hundred years, since construction of the first railroad bridge over the St. Lawrence in 1886. Throughout this useful book, Weitzman effectively mingles social and industrial history to tell the mens' story. Ironworker testimony, along with other eyewitness reports, gives the volume a documentary, you-are-there feel. Historical photographs appear throughout. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Bader | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2010