Reading Level: Early Elementary

A Manatee Calf Grows Up

Learn all about manatees by tracing the life of a manatee calf from infancy to adulthood. The book starts with a word hunt that uses pictures to introduce key words in the text. Then readers will learn interesting facts about manatees. 

Using an engaging format, A Manatee Calf Grows Up reinforces core language skills for first and second graders. Whenever a keyword is introduced, an arrow points to a picture that helps readers understand the word. Each two-page spread has one page with three to five short sentences with keywords in bold font. The other page has a full-page colored illustration with one to two sentences of facts about the manatee. For example, “A calf begins drinking its mother’s milk a few hours after it is born.”  

Many of the book’s concepts are repeated throughout, and the end includes an infographic summarizing a manatee’s growth cycle, a glossary of keywords, and pictures of other mammals that readers will want to learn about. This Scholastic News Nonfiction Reader helps readers build background knowledge, expand their vocabulary, and develop critical reading skills.  

A Manatee Calf Grows Up will engage students as they learn about manatees. The illustrations and repetitive text help readers remember the facts. To learn more about ocean animals, readers should also read Disney Moana: Moana’s New Friend by Jennifer Liberts and Otters Love to Play by Jonathan London. 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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Thankful

At the first snowfall of winter, a young girl and her family begin a yearly tradition: they jot down everything they are thankful for on strips of paper. These strips are then assembled into “thankful chains,” which decorate the family’s house giving comfort during the cold months. While the chains are easy to make, the girl finds herself stumped as she faces the blank pieces of paper. It’s difficult to list all the things she has been thankful for during an entire year. The girl decides to start with the things in her room, like her bed and her books. By finding the value and comfort in these small things, she is able to find more things to be thankful for than she believed. 

Thankful is a moving and inspiring book by award-winning author Elaine Vickers. The girl’s exercise allows her to fully appreciate the value of the little things in her life, which have wider effects on her than she realized. Looking about her room, she realizes she is thankful for her dog, who comforted her before her first day of school. This small act helped the girl understand that her nerves were perfectly natural. The girl finds that she is thankful for pen and paper, which let her create stories and express her creativity. By the end of her exercise, the girl’s chain is longer than she had expected.  

The book is accessible to younger readers, with simple vocabulary and only one to six short sentences per page. Vickers’ lullaby-like prose is perfectly matched by Samatha Cotterill’s stunning illustrations. Characters are drawn on cutout pieces of paper, then placed in studio-lit, hand-made dioramas, mixing traditional illustration with photography. Cotterill’s style is a perfect match for Vicker’s story: familiar and comforting elements portrayed in a way you have never seen before. 

Thankful is a warm story that invites readers to find value and beauty in their everyday lives. Thankful is an excellent pick if you are looking for a comforting nighttime read with a strong message. 

Sexual Content 

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Violence 

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Drugs and Alcohol 

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content 

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Wildfire Rescue

The Disaster Squad is ready to save the day in this action-packed early chapter book series perfect for fans of the Magic Tree House Series, or for kids who aren’t quite ready to read the I Survived! Series. 

Meet the Disaster Squad! Leela, Jaden, and the rest of the Jackson family travel the country and respond to natural disasters, helping people in need and rescuing animals along the way. In this first adventure, the Jacksons are called to Northern California, where wildfires rage through the forests. Smoke-filled skies, trapped animals, and evacuation mandates are putting people and animals in danger! Will the Disaster Squad be able to keep their cool and lend a helping hand? 

Even though Leela and Jaden are kids, they still find ways to help in each emergency. For example, during a dust storm, the kids lead baby goats into a barn. Both kids have an emergency pack and night vision goggles to help them stay safe. Several times, the kids are left alone when their parents are helping others. While alone, the kids see a bear cub stuck in a tree. Wanting to help, Leela and Jaden enter the forest, and a falling tree branch injures Jaden. Later, Jaden’s father bandages the wound and says, “You don’t try to touch animals trapped in a wildfire. The baby animals will eventually find their family.” This will help readers understand that they need an adult’s help before trying to help an injured animal. 

Wildfire Rescue helps readers understand all aspects of a wildfire, including how they start, how to make a face mask to protect against breathing smoke, how firefighters put out fires, evacuations, and more. Because of the extensive scope of the wildfires, an adult may want to read the book with a child so they can stop and talk about different aspects of the story. For instance, readers may need help distinguishing when jumping in to help during a natural disaster is safe.  

In the first two chapters, readers are introduced to the Jackson family, who is helping a farmer during a Kansas dust storm. Then, the story quickly pivots to wildfires in California. A partial map of the United States and a map of California give readers an understanding of California’s geography. While discussing the complicated nature of wildfires, the text includes age-appropriate explanations. For example, the kids’ dad explains, “In the summers, Northern California can reach over one hundred degrees! The state is also in a drought. That means there is not enough rain, and the air and forest are dry. So wildfires are more likely to start and grow large very quickly.” In addition, the book includes an infographic showing the contents of an emergency kit and a campfire checklist. 

Wildfire Rescue focuses on the Jackson family—a biracial family with two professional parents. The book also features a woman fire chief who appears in the text and two illustrations. This series is part of Scholastic‘s early chapter book line, Branches, and is aimed at newly independent readers. The easy-to-read text and illustrations on every page will appeal to readers ready for chapter books. However, Wildfire Rescue contains so much information about wildfires that readers will benefit from reading the book several times and discussing the events with an adult. The increasing number of natural disasters worldwide makes Wildfire Rescue a relevant book that will help readers understand the complexities of a wildfire. Readers can learn more about fires by reading the true story of a cat who becomes a hero in  Dolores and the Big Fire by Andrew Clements. 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

  • To help a bear cub, Leela and Jaden go into the burning forest. “Leela screamed as a branch hit Jaden’s arm. With a thud, he fell to the ground. . . Leela ran toward her brother. Jaden lay on the ground next to several broken branches.” Jaden is not seriously injured.

Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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She Caught the Light: Williamina Stevens Fleming: Astronomer

Williamina Fleming changed the course of astronomy by devising the world’s first classification system of the universe. Alongside paving the pathway for future discoveries, Fleming also showcased the importance of women’s role in science and astronomy by becoming the first woman to become the curator of astronomical photographs. However, Fleming’s place in history didn’t come easy, as her success required hard work and patience.  

Williamina Fleming, affectionately known as “Mina,” was born in Dundee, Scotland on May 15, 1857. As a child, Mina showed interest in her father’s photography work and constantly asked questions about the nature of photographs, such as, “Why do the chemicals work?” or “How does the light get onto the plate?” After Mina’s father died, she became the maid for Professor Pickering, the renowned director of the Harvard College Observatory. For a while, Mina did the typical jobs of dusting, sweeping, and scrubbing, but when Professor Pickering became frustrated at his assistants with their astronomical calculations, Pickering turned to Mina for the job. Could Mina seize this opportunity to showcase her intelligence and change astronomy forever? 

The book gives a third-person narration about Mina’s life, demonstrating how her persistent determination, calm composure, and astute decisions impacted her growth from a curious child to an influential lady. The story depicts Mina as a strong, intelligent, and inquisitive person, and her ability to ask questions and learn from others makes her an aspiring and influential figure. Many readers will relate to Mina’s desire to know the secrets of the cosmos, and her slow climb to the position of curator of astronomical photographs feels realistic and genuine. 

She Caught the Light is a rousing illustrated story that exemplifies the power of hard work and patience. After all, Mina’s chance to showcase her intelligence and impact on the astronomical world took time. When her opportunity finally arose, Mina built a long-lasting career that served as a testament to seizing the opportunity. The book also encourages readers not to grow disappointed when things take time to develop. For Mina, although she started as a maid, her past gave her the foundation to eventually create “a portrait of the universe that astronomers would use for over a century.” 

She Caught the Light features simple, watercolor illustrations that aid the story’s plot with helpful character depictions and scenery. The story also contains supplementary material at the end of the book, such as a timeline, glossary, biography, and author’s note, which complements and fortifies Mina’s legacy as “a hero of the stars.” However, for an illustrated children’s book, She Caught the Light uses complex concepts, such as the inner workings of a spectroscope, and large, tricky paragraphs that may frustrate younger readers. As a result, She Caught the Light is a tale for more experienced readers. Mina’s story will leave readers more informed, inspired, and curious about the celestial objects in our skies.  

Sexual Content 

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Violence 

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Drugs and Alcohol 

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Language 

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content 

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Told in the third person, The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows a small caterpillar on a weeklong journey of eating, growing, and finally transforming into a beautiful butterfly. Despite not being a human character, the caterpillar is curious and determined, making him relatable to young children who are beginning to explore the world. His constant hunger, mistakes, and eventual transformation mirror the stages of growth young readers will experience themselves, making him an admirable figure.

While there are no side characters, the caterpillar does interact with a variety of foods that are introduced in a rhythmic and engaging way. A pear, an apple, cake, and sausage are some foods this caterpillar indulges in, making it humorous and teaching early learners’ skills such as counting, identifying colors, and understanding the days of the week. The foods guide the caterpillar through his transformation and drives the plot.  The sun, moon, and cocoon can also be viewed as additional side elements that represent the passing of time.

The book combines vibrant collage illustrations with simple text to encourage reader participation. Carle’s use of repetition makes it a strong read-aloud book that encourages language development and memory retention. There is also an interactive factor, as the book features holes in the paper where the caterpillar eats, making it a great choice for tactile learners by keeping them engaged. Plus, the plot and pacing are the perfect fit for young readers.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a childhood classic for a reason. It’s a joyful story about change, patience, and self-discovery.  Even with its simplicity, it’s heartfelt and blends early education with imagination and wonder. The themes of change, curiosity, and growth are truly powerful. Overall, The Very Hungry Caterpillar carries a meaningful message that even the smallest beginnings can lead to something beautiful.

by Rayna Burlison

Sexual Content

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Violence

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 Drugs and Alcohol

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Supernatural

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Rascally Rabbits: And More True Stories of Animals Behaving Badly

“Sniffles and Babbity: Rascally Rabbits”: Babbity lived alone in a cage and looked sad and lonely, so Finley asked the neighbors if she could have the rabbit. When they said yes, Finley was super excited and created a home for Babbity in a rabbit hutch. But when Finley saw how much Babbity loved being outside, she made a hole so the bunny could come and go. But when the rabbit left its cage, he fought with the goats. Will this fuzzy bunny find a new home where she can roam? 

“Yellow-Yellow: Bandit Bear”: Many people called Ben, a wildlife biologist, to complain about Yellow-Yellow, who kept stealing human food. To find out more about Yellow-Yellow, Ben began studying her travels. Ben wanted to teach Yellow-Yellow and campers how to stay safe. When campers began using bear boxes to store their food, Yellow-Yellow learned how to open them. Would Ben be able to teach the bear to stay away from humans?  

“Moose: Problem Pup”: Aline and Neil found a puppy alone in the woods. They took the puppy home, but when they couldn’t find its owner, they kept him and named him Moose. Aline and Neil would put Moose in the backyard and connect his leash to a cable. But Moose kept getting loose. One time, Moose even followed Aline and Neil into the grocery store. Aline and Neil had a huge problem—how could they give Moose freedom without him causing problems? 

Based on the hit feature in National Geographic Kids magazine, National Geographic Chapter Series features three true stories about animals causing mischief. Each story is divided into three short chapters. The book is packed with full-color photography, lists, and infographics. Some pages also include orange boxes that contain additional facts about the animals. For example, “Black bears love sweets and sometimes get cavities.”  

While reading each story, readers will learn more about the mischief animals get into and teach how to care for animals properly. For example, one page explains how to hold a rabbit properly. “Yellow-Yellow” also educates readers on staying safe from bears in the forest. The interesting facts, dialogue, and short sentences make the stories easy to read. Despite this, emerging readers may need help pronouncing difficult words like scruff, sensitive, and platform. And while the stories are easy to understand, adults will need to read the book to beginning readers. 

Rascally Rabbits: And More True Stories of Animals Behaving Badly will have readers at the edge of their seats, waiting to find out what the adventurous animals will do next. Each animal will capture readers’ hearts, making learning about animal safety fun. The full-colored pictures add more fun to the book and will help keep readers engaged. Anyone who loves animals will enjoy the National Geographic Chapters Series, which educates as well as entertains. Read more true stories about amazing animals by reading Pets to the Rescue Series by Andrew Clements. 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

  • When Babbity the rabbit got into the goats’ pen, “the angry goat charged. She flung her head. Bam! The battered bunny flew through the air. Thump! He crash-landed in the dirt.” Babbity wasn’t injured.  
  • Callie was cleaning the goat pen when “she saw Buddy the rooster—with its claws raised. Callie staggered backward. . . Callie had to kick Buddy to drive him away. And the minute she did, Flopsy [the goat] came running. Bam! She head-butted Callie’s other leg.” 
  • After tranquilizing Yellow-Yellow and putting a GPS tag on her, Ben waited until she could run again, and “he shot her in the behind with rubber pellets. Ouch! It didn’t harm her, but Ben hoped that little ‘spanking’ would make her want to avoid people.”  
  • Once Yellow-Yellow “surprised some hunters. . . They threw things [at the bear]. She didn’t leave. At last, they swatted him with their hiking sticks. That finally drove him away.”  
  • Red-Green, a bear who roamed the area, kept getting into people’s food, so “the rangers had to put Red-Green down so he couldn’t be a danger to humans.” 

 Drugs and Alcohol  

  • A wildlife biologist wanted to keep track of Yellow-Yellow, a bear, so he trapped her and put a GPS collar on the bear. To do this, he “shot a drug-filled dart into her. The drug made her unable to move for a while, but she could hear and see. Ben blindfolded her to keep her calm.”  
  • When Yellow-Yellow lost her collar, Ben “fitted a drug-filled syringe into the end of a long pole. Then he poked the pole through the trap window and stuck the doughnut thief in the rump. Yellow-Yellow slumped over, unable to move.”

Language  

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Supernatural 

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Fox Has a Problem

Fox has a problem: His kite is stuck in a tree! But every clever plan creates even more problems for him, and for all his friends. Can they work together to fix things before it’s too late? 

Fox doesn’t mean to cause his friends problems, but when he tries to get his kite down, his plan inadvertently causes issues. For example, Fox uses a big fan to try to blow his kite out of the tree. The only problem is the fan blows all of the tree’s leaves into Bear’s den instead of getting his kite down.  Readers will eagerly look forward to turning each page and seeing what Fox does next. In the end, it is only with the help of Fox’s friends that he solves his kite problem.  

Fox’s story uses simple, colorful illustrations that add to its humor. Each page has one simple sentence that includes word repetition. As a My First I Can Read Book, Fox Has a Problem is perfect for new readers because it uses basic language, word repetition, and large illustrations on each page.  

Fox Has a Problem will entertain young readers through its humorous story and fun illustrations. Because it’s so short, it’s the perfect bedtime story. Readers can follow Fox’s adventures by reading Fox at Night, Fox versus Winter, Fox the Tiger, Fox is Late, Fox and the Jumping Contest, and Fox and the Bike Ride.   

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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Salat in Secret

In this beautiful story of community, family, and acceptance, a boy named Muhammad receives a special salat rug on his seventh birthday. Seven is the age when Muslim children are encouraged to pray, and Muhammad is determined to do all five daily prayers on time. But one salat occurs during the school day—and he’s worried about being seen praying at school. His father parks his truck to worship in public places, and people stare at and mock him. Will the same thing happen to Muhammad?

In the end, with help from his teacher, he finds the perfect place to pray. Salat in Secret, created by two highly acclaimed Muslim creators, is a poignant and empowering look at an important facet of Islam that many observant children cherish but might be scared to share. 

Muhammad’s story illustrates how participating in salat is difficult in the United States. Muhammad watches his father pray on a public street. “Once, some teenagers laughed. Daddy kept moving up and down, slow and brave. I watched from the truck, hands shaking.” Because of this experience, Muhammad is afraid to talk to his teacher about his desire to pray during class. In the end, Muhamad bravely talks to his teacher, and she helps him find a place where he can pray. 

Muhammad’s emotions are explained in ways that children will understand. For example, “I open my mouth. I try to push my questions out, but in my head, I see people starting at Daddy. I hear rough laughs. Would Mrs. Baker think salat is funny?” The story also includes illustrations that show other people’s negative reactions when Muhammad’s father prays. One illustration shows two police officers looking confused, and another illustration shows an angry woman scowling at Muhammad and his father. 

Salat in Secret uses simple language and bright illustrations to help children understand the importance of salat. Each page has one to seven sentences with basic vocabulary and a glossary defining the Arabic words. The story focuses on Muhammad’s fear of praying in public and his need for bravery in order to share his desire to pray. While Muhammad has witnessed others’ negative reactions to his father’s prayer, Muhammad also knows that prayer makes him feel “sunniness inside.” 

Anyone who wants to foster acceptance and understanding of other people’s cultures will find Salat in Secret an engaging book that positively portrays the Muslim tradition of salat. In addition, the relationship Muhammad has with his father is endearing. In the end, readers will celebrate when Muhammad finds the courage to advocate for his need to pray. Readers will also learn the importance of speaking up when they need help. While Salat in Secret will resonate with Muslim children the most, the book can also teach non-Muslim children the importance of respecting other’s beliefs.  

To help young readers understand the importance of accepting people of different cultures, read the picture books Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan, All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, and Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim. 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

  • The book explains the Muslim tradition of prayer, including wudu and salat.

Hunt for the Devil’s Dragon

If you’re brave, follow cousins Beth and Patrick to Libya in the 13th century. The town of Silene is being terrorized by a vicious animal that is eating livestock. The townspeople believe it’s a dragon sent by the devil. In order to appease the beast, the people believe they must offer a human sacrifice—a young girl named Sabra. When Beth tries to help Sabra escape, she too is tied up as an offering for the dragon. Meanwhile, Patrick and a new friend named Hazi join Georgius, a Roman knight who is serving in Africa to keep peace. Georgius decides to find the dragon and kill it. Georgius’s plans go awry when Beth and Sabra beg him not to kill the dragon. The girls know the true secret of Silene—the dragon isn’t its worst enemy. 

Hunt for the Devil’s Dragon begins with Beth being afraid to stand up for a friend wrongly accused of cheating on a test. Beth says, “I should have done something to stick up for Rachel. But I didn’t. I was . . . afraid.” This conflict shapes the rest of the book. Unlike Beth, the Roman Knight Georgius does what is right even when it is difficult. Georgius relies on God to help him in dangerous times. When Beth goes back in time, Georgius’ example gives Beth the strength to stand up for her new friend, Sabra, even though it means facing a dragon. Beth’s experiences with the dragon are tied back into her daily life. Beth had “trusted God and tried to defend Sabra. That decision almost cost her life. But God had taken care of her. He even used a dragon to save her!” 

Beth’s and Patrick’s adventures are full of suspense and high-action scenes. The story has a surprising twist because, in the end, the dragon isn’t a bloodthirsty beast but a mother defending her children. Some readers will find the scenes with the dragon frightening, but they will cheer when the dragon is safe. However, readers may be terrified at the idea of adults being willing to sacrifice children to appease the beast. In the end, several people are injured, but no one dies, which allows the book to reinforce the idea of trusting God. 

In Hunt for the Devil’s Dragon, Georgius bravely faces danger because he trusts God. Georgius does what is right because he believes God will protect him. He is even willing to fight a dragon and a saber-tooth cat! Intermixed with the action are lessons about trusting God, even when it is difficult. The conclusion reinforces the message when Beth discusses standing up to bullies. She says, “We don’t have to stand alone. Georgius helped me remember that God is my help when I face trouble.”   

The Imagination Station Series books can be read as individual stories because each book focuses on a new adventure. Hunt for the Devil’s Dragon has many characters and a complicated plot that may confuse younger readers. However, black-and-white illustrations are scattered throughout the book to help readers visualize the events.  

Hunt for the Devil’s Dragon is an exciting book that will engage readers and teach biblical principles that can be applied to children’s daily lives. The story focuses on Beth, a likable protagonist and a good friend. Whit, the man who sends the children on their time-traveling adventure, helps Beth connect her experiences in the past with her daily life. This helps reinforce the message and allows Beth to discuss how she will treat the bullies when she returns to school. For more exciting time-traveling adventures that teach biblical truth, check out The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls Series by M.J. Thomas. Readers longing for adventure should also read the Dragon Slayers’ Academy Series by Kate McMullan and the Time Jumpers Series by Wendy Mass. 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

  • A young shepherd disappears, and the villagers believe a dragon has killed him. To appease the dragon, “The village people are upset. They are demanding more sacrifices.” The village had been sacrificing sheep, but now they want to sacrifice human children. 
  • The villagers decide to sacrifice Tarek’s daughter, Sabra. “Tarek leaped in front of his daughter. But his efforts failed. Three strong men held him off.” Sabra is captured and Tarek is thrown in a jail cell. 
  • Beth jumps in and tries to help Sabra. “Sabra screamed and kicked at the men. Beth hurled herself toward Sabra. But her foot caught a tone. And she tripped. She tumbled headfirst into the stomach of one of the men. He gasped, and he fell down.” Sabra and Beth are tied together and left for the dragon to eat. 
  • When Beth and Sabra are tied to a post, a saber-toothed cat “roars in [Beth’s] face. The beast opened its mouth wide. Its fangs were as long as her forearm.” A dragon appears and fights the cat. 
  • When the dragon appears, the saber-toothed cat “sprang at the dragon’s neck. The dragon swung its head like a hammer. The blow knocked the saber-tooth cat into the air. It hit the ground with a hard thud. . . The dragon opened its mouth wide and let out a loud cough. Once, twice. . . and then a burst of flames shot forward.” The cat runs away, leaving the dragon with three bold streaks across its snout. 
  • Beth and Sabra break their bonds and hide in the dragon’s cave. Georgius arrives and believes the girls are in mortal danger. “Georgius stood in battle position. His sword and spear were ready. The dragon charged forward. It swiped at Georgius. The soldier knocked away its sharp claws with his spear. . . Georgius raised his sword and faked to one side. Then he jabbed at the dragon’s neck.”  
  • During the fight, Georgius’s blade slices sales off the dragon. “The dragon spun violently. Its mighty tail whipped around. It slammed into Georgius. The soldier was thrown like a rag doll.” The battle is described over five pages and ends when Beth and Sabra intervene on the dragon’s behalf. 
  • Lucius, a soldier, tricks others into believing Georgius left his post without permission. Lucius, along with other soldiers, travels to the village to kill Georgius. “One moment, Prefect Lucius was about to charge at Georgius again. The next moment his saddle was empty . . .” The saber-tooth cat had knocked Lucius off his horse, and “the beast raked its claws across Lucius’s shoulder. It tore his armor free.” 
  • When it becomes clear that Lucius will lose the fight against the saber-tooth cat, Georgius “threw himself forward. He trusts his sword in front of him. He reached down and grabbed Lucius’ sword . . . Georgius thrust the swords at the animal. . . he lost his balance. The saber-tooth slashed its claws across Georgius’s upper arm. . .” Georgius eventually kills the cat. The fight is described over three pages.

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • A soldier calls Beth and Patrick “castoffs, throwaways, dogs.”  
  • A man calls his horses cowards because they ran away from the saber-toothed cat.  
  • A soldier calls his horse a stupid animal.

Supernatural 

  • With Whit’s help, Beth and Patrick use the imagination station to travel back in time. “The red button on the dashboard began to blink. Beth pushed it. The machine began to shake. There was a loud hum. Then everything went black.” 

Spiritual Content  

  • Since the book is Christian fiction, not all references to God are listed below.  
  • There is a contrast between two soldiers—one who is a Christian and one who is not. 
  • Georgius, a Christian soldier, says, “Christos [Jesus] showed me mercy. He paid my debt of sin. So I show mercy by paying the debts of others. . . You have the means to pay your debts. These children don’t. Just as we can’t pay our debt to God. Only Christos can—”  
  • Georgius tells Beth and Patrick that he does not fear others because “Christos told us not to fear those who can kill our bodies. Instead, we’re to fear those who can destroy our souls.” 
  • The villagers believe a dragon has been killing people. One man says, “The dragon is from the devil.”  
  • When Beth’s friend Sabra is taken captive, Beth prays, “God, please help me and Sabra.” Later, when Beth and Sabra are tied up as a sacrifice, Beth whispers, “My help comes from the Lord.” 
  • When Georgius finds out that Tarek is in danger, he goes to help without anyone else. Georgius says, “I’m not alone. Christos goes with me.” 
  • When Beth thinks she is about to die, she reminds herself Jesus “promised Christians life after death.” 
  • A soldier Lucius prepares to fight Georgius, but Georgius refuses to draw his sword, saying, “My God will be my protector.” 

Hispanic Star: Selena Gomez

Meet Selena Gomez – once just a girl from Grand Prairie, Texas, who loved to perform for her family. Her courage, drive, and empathy have been guiding posts in her lifelong career since her beginnings on Barney & Friends. Selena’s skyrocket to fame took her from the Disney Channel to becoming one of Time magazine’s most influential people in the world in 2020. An emblem for her generation, Selena shows that you can be exactly who you are and follow your passions wherever they may lead you.

Hispanic Star proudly celebrates Hispanic and Latinx heroes who have made remarkable contributions to American culture and have been undeniable forces in shaping its future. If you can see it, you can be it.  

Millions around the world admire Selena Gomez for her talented artistic career. However, few know about the challenges she faced as a child to become the famous star she is today. For example, in 2016, Selena had to cancel part of her concert tour because she was dealing with mental health issues and fighting Lupus. Selena said, “I need to face this head-on to ensure I am doing everything possible to be my best.” She wanted to show fans “how important it was to get help when you are struggling.” Selena’s story showcases the importance of taking care of your physical and mental health. 

Hispanic Star: Selena Gomez shines a light on social media’s harmful effects and how Selena struggled with her self-image because of it. At one point, Selena realized she needed to step back from posting on social media so she could retrain her mind “to not go to these negative places when you say something wrong, do something wrong when you wear a certain thing or represent a certain culture.” Selena acknowledges that social media made her feel as if she was not good enough. Hopefully, teens will read Selena’s story and learn to limit their interaction with social media. 

Short passages explain key vocabulary and historical information relevant to the book to help readers fully understand Selena’s life and accomplishments. For example, one section explains the kinds of roles in film and television, including background talent, recurring, guest star, etc. Other sections explain the battle of the immune system, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, etc. To make it easy to recognize, the supplementary text appears in a gray box. The book also includes black-and-white illustrations every three to six pages. 

Hispanic Star: Selena Gomez takes a deep look at Selena and discusses how Selena’s hardships have shaped her into a better person. She values self-reflection, thoughtfulness, fearlessness, and empathy and uses her platform to help make the world a better place. Selena wants young people “to take care of themselves and one another; to stay true to who they are and what they believe.” Hispanic Star: Selena Gomez makes it clear that Selena is much more than a singer—she is an advocate for others and wants people to believe in themselves. 

Sexual Content  

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Violence  

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Drugs and Alcohol  

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Language  

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content  

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Alex Morgan

Learn all about one of the top stars of the U.S. Women’s National Team in this action-packed book. Unlike most professional soccer players, Alex Morgan did not start playing club soccer until she was fourteen. But her talent was so obvious that only three years later, she was called up to the U.S. women’s under–20 team. That was just the beginning of a history-making career that led her, most recently, to a second World Cup title as co-captain of the U.S. women’s team. This new edition of Alex Morgan—revised and updated from cover to cover—follows every step of her journey, not only as a soccer player but also as a best-selling author, an actor, and so much more! 

Alex Morgan uses a fun format that pulls readers into the book with full-colored illustrations, fact boxes, and short bursts of text. The pages feature a full-page illustration, large, attention-grabbing titles, and oversized text. Instead of using the traditional paragraph format, some pages only have two sentences plus facts. For example, one two-page spread has a large illustration with six all-star soccer players, giving each player height. This helps readers understand how height plays a role in sports.  

While the book focuses on soccer, several pages break down events that affected Alex Morgan. These include the student protest in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, films of the year, Alex Morgan’s zodiac sign, and more. In addition, the book includes play-by-play action on some of Alex Morgan’s accomplishments on the field, complete with pictures of soccer action. Several pages also give information on other all-star soccer players.  

Alex Morgan is jam-packed with information about Alex Morgan. Readers will learn about her accomplishments on and off the field. The book shows several pictures of Alex’s Nike advertisements, her book series, and her fiancé. Since the book contains so much information, none of the sections are well-developed, leaving readers with many questions about Alex Morgan. Despite this, any reader who loves soccer will find this fast-paced book fascinating and fun. Soccer-loving readers can score with these fiction books: Breakaway by Andrea Montalbano, The Academy by T.Z. Layton and The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their Own Soccer Field by Scott Riley. 

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Comet Chaser

Caroline Herschel changed the course of history by becoming the world’s first female professional astronomer. During a time when women’s career paths were limited to wives and housemaids, Herschel desired to break this standard and pursue something she loved her entire life: astronomy. Nowadays, her legacy lives on in her achievements and her celestial discoveries paved the road for modern-day astronomy. However, Herschel’s journey wasn’t easy, and her pathway to becoming an astronomer was difficult and uncertain.  

As a child, Caroline loved gazing into the stars on the cobblestone streets of Hanover, Germany. She wanted to learn more about them with her father and brothers, but her mother forced her to wash, mend, and sweep around the house instead. This all changed when Caroline’s older brother, William, requested that Caroline live with him in England. Sensing an opportunity to change her future, Caroline joined her brother with excitement and uncertainty. Will this decision jumpstart Caroline’s career or prove a costly mistake?  

Comet Chaser is an inspiring illustrated story that showcases the importance of breaking cultural norms and pursuing one’s passion. The book follows the life of Caroline Herschel through a third-person narrator, detailing her journey from an unhappy housemaid to a world-famous astronomer. The book portrays Herschel as a mentally tough and determined woman, who frequently makes difficult decisions, such as moving to England to advance her career despite the difficulties. Herschel’s willingness to take risks to improve her future is relatable and admirable.  

The tale presents an uplifting view of the importance of passion and pursuit. Although Caroline’s desire to study the stars clashed with her culture’s roles of women, her determination to do what she loved allowed her to prove the world wrong. By discovering seven new comets, Herschel showed others that she could accomplish incredible feats, opening endless opportunities and careers for women in the future. Herschel’s determination and pursuit of astronomy teaches readers to pursue their passions despite the difficulties and hardships. After all, Herschel’s life epitomizes the benefits of hard work: “At age 37, Caroline finally had a career. Caroline wasn’t a teacher, a dressmaker, or a singer. She was the world’s first professional woman astronomer.” 

Comet Chaser features colorful, watercolor illustrations that frequently span the length of each page and enhance the reader’s experience with plot-driven details. At the end of the narrative, the short story provides supplementary material, such as a glossary and a biography about Caroline Herschel. Although the large paragraphs and advanced vocabulary will be challenging for younger readers, Comet Chaser is a book for all ages, thanks to its engaging story, uplifting lesson, and noteworthy exploration of women’s changing opportunities in the career field. To learn more about how real women impacted the world, pair Comet Chaser with Mae Among The Stars by Roda Ahmed, Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker, and Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross by Traci Sorel. 

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Jane Goodall: Groundbreaking Primatologist

In Jane Goodall: Groundbreaking Primatologist, early fluent readers will learn about the life, accomplishments, and contributions of primatologist Jane Goodall. “Take a Look”! infographics explain STEM concepts, sidebars present interesting, supplementary information, and an activity offers readers an opportunity to extend learning. Children can learn more about Jane Goodall using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Jane Goodall also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, a glossary, and an index. Jane Goodall is part of Jump!’s Women in STEM Series. 

Young readers will learn about Jane Goodall in three easy-to-read chapters written in oversized text with brightly colored backgrounds. Each page has one to seven simple sentences that use basic vocabulary. Scientific words such as primatologist and groundbreaking appear in bold font, and their definitions appear in the book’s glossary. In addition, one page explains how readers can study animal behavior by watching a video. In addition, each page has a large illustration of Goodall and/or the chimpanzees she loves.  

Any reader interested in animals will enjoy reading Jane Goodall: Groundbreaking Primatologist. The book shows how Jane Goodall overcame hardships to become a primatologist, how she’s impacted the scientific world, and how she continues to advocate for animals. The words and pictures blend to make an entertaining and educational book that young readers will love. To learn more about Jane Goodall and women scientists, read She Persisted in Science by Chelsea Clinton. To instill a love of science in a child, add Cece Loves Science by Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes , and Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished by Camille Andros to your little one’s reading list. 

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What If You Had Animal Eyes!?

What if you woke up one morning to find that you had a completely different pair of eyes? What if you now had chameleon eyes and were able to look in two directions at once? What if you had the glowing eyes of a colossal squid and were able to shine light in a dark room?  These are some of the many examples explored in What If You Had Animal Eyes!? 

In this entry of the series, author Sandra Markle asks the reader to imagine their life with several different pairs of animal eyes, from an eagle’s to a dragonfly’s. Each page of the book describes the eyes of a different animal, listing their unique abilities and showing how these abilities could be used in your life. For example, eagle eyes can see up to eight times better than the human eye, with a field of vision that stretches as far as two miles. While eagles use these abilities to catch prey, the reader could use them to have the best view of the football game despite sitting in the very back of the stadium! Each description is concise and never overwhelms the reader with excessive information; each page has one to seven sentences per page.  

The book is brought to life by illustrator Howard McWilliam, who visualizes each scenario with funny, exaggerated drawings of children making the most of their new animal eyes. While one child uses her leopard eyes to see in the dark, another uses his yellow mongoose eyes to help him win a game of laser tag. These illustrations match Markle’s clear, engaging writing to create a book that manages to educate readers through its content while also encouraging their imagination with the question of how these eyes would play into their daily lives.  

The story’s illustrations are an excellent companion to the book’s educational content, creating a unique nonfiction book that will educate and engage the reader’s imagination. What If You Had Animal Eyes!? is an excellent book for those looking for a book that educates young readers while still providing a charming and pleasant read.  

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The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a “trailblazer in American history.” She became the second woman to sit on the Supreme Court of the United States and demonstrated that anyone, especially young girls, can attain influential positions through hard work and perseverance. As a leader, lawyer, and judge, she fought for justice and equal rights for all people, pushing for laws that called for fairness and equality in the workplace and society. To this day, her legacy is a testament to her determination for equal opportunities for men and women. However, Ginsburg’s journey to the Supreme Court wasn’t easy, and she had to overcome many difficulties in her studies and workplace. 

Born in 1933 in Brooklyn, New York, Ginsburg was an intelligent and observant girl. Although she loved to read and write, she wasn’t happy with the small injustices in her childhood, such as the girls not having as “many choices and opportunities as the boys had at school.” These inequalities continued to build as Ginsburg continued her studies, and she feared that her dream of law school would dissolve because she was a woman and not a man. Could Ginsburg still achieve her dream of becoming a lawyer and judge despite the gender discrimination? 

The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg tells the biographical story of Ginsburg’s life as an advocate for equal rights and gender equality. Told from the perspective of an outside narrator, the book follows Ginsburg’s life, beginning with her childhood frustration at her school’s gender injustices and ending with her world-changing work as a judge for the Supreme Court. Ginsburg is depicted as an inspirational character whose determination for equality in society is admirable and influential. Although not all readers will be able to relate to the gender discrimination that Ginsburg felt, they will understand the impact that inequality had on Ginsburg’s rise to becoming a judge. The book takes on an authentic and realistic feel by incorporating these highs and lows in Ginsburg’s life. 

The biography presents a positive outlook on the themes of determination and perseverance. Despite society’s implicit discrimination toward women, Ginsburg’s determination to fight for justice and equality highlights the book’s message about fighting fearlessly for what you believe in. It teaches that justice requires hard work, determination, and perseverance and challenges readers to uphold what’s right despite opposition. After all, Ginsburg’s life teaches others to “fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” 

The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is part of a series called Story Of: A Biography for New Readers. The book is educationally oriented and includes supplementary material, such as fun facts, a reading quiz, and a glossary. Cartoonish, colorful illustrations are found every one to three pages. The end of the book contains real-life photographs of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and some discussion questions such as, “How has Ruth’s work made a difference in your life or the lives of the women in your world?” Although the text does feature larger paragraphs and complex judicial terminology that can be challenging for younger readers, The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a captivating tale that teaches readers the importance of justice and equal rights. 

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Kalpana Chawla

Born and raised in India, Kalpana Chawla was discouraged from pursuing a career in aeronautical engineering because there were limited career options for women in that field. But she persisted, getting her degree and then moving to the US to obtain other, more advanced education before joining NASA and becoming the first Indian-born woman to go to space. Though she was killed in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, she continues to inspire girls in India and around the world to pursue their dreams of spaceflight. 

To one day become an astronaut for NASA, Kalpana knew she would have to leave India. When she was accepted into the University of Texas, she immigrated. Although life was different, she spent her time learning more about aviation, hiking, swimming, and scuba diving. She also met Jean-Pierre and got married. 

Kalpana and four thousand other applicants applied to the NASA Astronaut Corps! Kalpana was one of only nineteen people who were accepted. Although training was difficult, Kalpana continued to reach for the stars. She was able to go into space as a mission specialist. During a mission in space, “some people said that Kalpana had made a mistake in her work.” This didn’t stop her. Later, an investigation found that Kalpana “had not made any mistakes. Sometimes, things don’t work out exactly as we plan. But that doesn’t mean we quit. Kalpana certainly didn’t.”  

While living in India, Kalpana’s teachers and her father did not support her. However, her father was proud of Kalpana’s accomplishments. Kapana’s father gives other parents advice: “Just listen to your daughters, listen to what they have to say. They want to study, let them. Support them. Make sure they have all that they need to simply focus on their education.” 

Unfortunately, Kalpana was on the Columbia space shuttle when it exploded. Even though her life ended early, she is still admirable because of her hard work and dedication. She is an inspiration to many people because she overcame many obstacles. In addition, she reminds us that all people have potential. During an interview, Kalpana said, “When you look at the stars and the galaxy, you feel that you are not just from any particular piece of land but from the solar system. I could extend the whole thing—maybe one day people will go to other galaxies, and then what would we say? Where did we come from? ‘I am a resident of the Milky Way.’”  

She Persisted: Kalpana Chawla Young will inspire readers to reach for their dreams. The book ends with a list of ways readers can be persistent. To encourage a reader’s curiosity about space, add these books to your reading list: A is for Astronaut: Blasting Through the Alphabet by Clayton Anderson, Jada Jones Sky Watcher by Kelly Starling Lyons and Mousetronaut by Mark Kelly. 

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Violence  

  • In 2003, Kalpana and other astronauts were returning to Earth. “As the Columbia shuttle reentered Earth’s atmosphere, tragedy struck, and the shuttle broke apart. All the astronauts on board, including Kalpana, died that day.”  
  • During the recovery mission, “two official members of the recovery team, Jules F. Mier and Charles Krenek, also lost their lives. . .” 

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Knight Owl and Early Bird

In this exciting adventure and follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Honor award-winning classic, Knight Owl makes an unlikely friend in the over-zealous Early Bird—who wants to be a brave knight, too.  

Early Bird wants to be brave and protect the castle, just like Knight Owl. But she falls asleep on the job and then keeps her hero up during the day with her enthusiastic chattiness, well-meaning questions, and cheerful owl impersonations. But there are strange happenings in the forest, and soon Knight Owl and Early Bird find themselves in the throes of danger. Will these two learn to work together to keep themselves and the kingdom safe?  

Adventurous Early Bird likes to chatter, ask questions, and be busy all day. Her cheerful nature is endearing, and readers will be sad when Knight Owl tells Early Bird, “You are not an owl! You are not a knight! You are a very early bird . . . Please go away.” Later, Knight Owl regrets his actions and goes to the forest to search for Early Bird. When the wolves surround Knight Owl, Early Bird—and a group of very large knights—come to the rescue. Ultimately, Early Bird and Knight Owl learn to respect each other’s sleeping schedules. Early Bird keeps busy all day, Knight Owl paroles the castle at night, and “the two friends talked about their day and night over pancakes.”  

Knight Owl and Early Bird begins with a dark and foreboding picture of wolves in the forest that is reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast. Many of the castle illustrations are dark and dreary, with cute little details such as the dragon stuffed animal that Knight Owl snuggles with and the pogo stick horse that Early Bird rides. The pictures are amazingly detailed, and young readers can spend hours studying them. Each time you read through the book, you are sure to find another cute detail that will make you smile.  

Even though Knight Owl and Early Bird is a picture book, the story is intended to be read aloud to a child rather than for the child to read it for the first time independently. Each page has one to eleven sentences. The story’s repetition and onomatopoeia make Knight Owl and Early Bird a fun book to read aloud. However, the story’s length and text-heavy pages may make it difficult for really young readers. 

Knight Owl and Early Bird is a wonderful story highlighting the importance of embracing your differences. Knight Owl and Early Bird are adventurous and brave, but their personalities and sleep schedules are completely different, which doesn’t stop the two knights from being friends. In addition, even though Knight Owl hurts Early Bird’s feelings, the two work through their difficulties and come to a compromise, which is an important skill for everyone. Readers will fall in love with both Knight Owl and Early Bird as they learn that bravery and forgiveness are needed in every friendship.  

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Violence  

  • While the story hints that wolves have been eating knights, most of the story revolves around Knight Owl and Early Bird’s contrasting sleep habits.  
  • Knight Owl enters the forest, and a pack of wolves surrounds him. Early Bird, who is carrying a large wooden spoon, yells, “Stop! Stop! Stoppity! Stop! Stop!” When the wolves see the large knights behind Early Bird, they run.  
  • An illustration shows the knights chasing the wolves. The knights are carrying weapons. 

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Ty’s Travels: Showtime!

Join Ty on his imaginative adventures in Ty’s Travels: Showtime, a My First I Can Read story by acclaimed author and illustrator team Kelly Starling Lyons and Niña Mata. Music, imagination, and play are highlighted, making this perfect for sharing with children ages 3 to 6. 

Ty loves playing the instruments, but something’s missing—his friends! With the help of his vivid imagination, Ty and his friends are onstage in a band making great music together. 

Ty’s Travels is part of the My First I Can Read Series, which uses basic language, word repetition, rhyming and illustrations that are ideal for emergent readers. Each page has one to four simple sentences with large, brightly colored illustrations. Plus, the cute illustrations will help young readers understand the plot. Ty’s imagination is shown by adding details—such as an audience—in crayon illustration. Another positive aspect of the illustrations is that the kids in Ty’s class are diverse.  

Showtime! encourages readers to grab an instrument and make music: “Rap-a-tap-tap! Thurm-a-thrum-thrum! Plink-a-plink-plink!” While Ty enjoys pretending the spotlight is on him, playing an instrument is even more enjoyable when his friends join in! The rhythmic text will engage readers and have them tapping out a beat and pretending that it’s showtime. To introduce young readers to the joy of music pair Showtime! with the picture book Libba: The Magnificent Musical Life of Elizabeth Cotton by Laura Veirs   

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Lucky Leopards!: And More True Stories of Amazing Animal Rescues!

“Runa and Kata: Lucky Leopards!”: Meet Runa and Kata, two baby leopards who lost their home when a woodcutter chopped down a hollow tree. To make money, the woodcutter took the cubs home, but he didn’t know how to feed them. Luckily, someone told a forest department worker about the cubs, and they were rushed to a local wildlife rescue. Will workers be able to raise the cubs and release them back into the wild? 

“Koa: Turtle in Trouble!”: One day, Nadine stopped in Newport, Oregon. On the beach, she saw an endangered sea turtle that was cold-stunned and couldn’t move. To help the turtle, a man carried the turtle on his back and put him in the back of a car. The sea turtle was taken to an aquarium to receive treatment. Could the sea turtle be saved and returned to its home? 

“Crooked Neck: The Lone Loon!”: Neil and Alina were boating when they noticed a loon with a backward neck. They discovered that the Loon was caught up in the fishing line. They tried to catch the loon, but he was too fast of a swimmer. Without help, the loon would die of starvation. Will Neil and Alina be able to save the loon? 

Based on the hit feature in National Geographic Kids magazine, National Geographic Chapter Series features three true stories about animal rescues. Each story is broken into three short chapters. The book is packed with full-color photography, lists, and infographics. Some pages also include orange boxes that contain additional facts about the animals. For example, “Did You Know? Sea Turtles have lived in Earth’s oceans for about 150 million years.”  

While reading each story, readers will learn more about the rescued animal. However, each story reminds readers that they should not try to help an injured animal—instead, they should call in a professional wildlife rescuer. The interesting facts, dialogue, and short sentences make the stories easy to read. Despite this, emerging readers may need help pronouncing difficult words, such as binoculars, dehydration, stranding, and approached. And while the stories are easy to understand, adults will need to read the book to beginning readers. 

National Geographic Chapters Series is perfect for young animal lovers who are ready for short chapters with lively, true stories just right to carry in a backpack, share with friends, and read under the covers at night. Readers will be drawn into Lucky Leopards because of the cute animal photographs, but they will want to read every page because the book is engaging. The book makes learning about animals fun. So, whether you’re looking for a story to read with a young child or trying to engage an older reader, Lucky Leopards is the purr-fect book. 

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Violence  

  • When Runa and Kata were put into the wild, they “attacked [a] hen. They wrestled for it. They bit. They snarled and hissed. Kata finally won the prize. Then he carried his supper straight up a tree.”
  • When a dog came into the forest, “Runa and Kata teamed up and attacked the dog! It might seem sad, but in the jungle, ‘kill or be killed’ is a way of life.”

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • Before Runa and Kata were released to the wild, vets “gave Runa and Kata medicine to put them to sleep.” Then vets put radio collars on the cats. 

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Tow on the Go! The Mambo Rescue!

Mo, the lovable tow truck, likes to mambo while he works. When ten cars get stuck in a snowstorm, Mo has to mambo faster than ever before to get them out! 

Little readers can dance to the beat as Mo plays his radio as he zooms through piles of snow. The tow trucks smile, and the musical notes light up each page. When Mo arrives, the frowning cars all want to go first. Mo comes up with a plan, but the cars must work together. Soon, Mo has everyone listening to the radio, and soon, “each car begins to swing and sway!” With the help of Monbo music, Mo and all the other cars are soon on the go.  

As a Level One Ready-to-Read book, The Mambo Rescue uses easy sight words and a simple plot. Each page has a full-page illustration that will help readers understand the plot. The story’s rhythm, rhyme, and repetition make the story fun to read aloud, and each page has one to four simple sentences. Plus, adults can use the book to help children learn their colors and count. Bright colors abound. Each car is a different color. Plus, there are musical notes, flowers, and birds. All of these can be used to count and identify colors. 

The Mambo Rescue teaches readers the importance of helping each other and working together. Readers will cheer when Mo frees the cars, and everyone dances the Mambo. Readers who love cars and trucks will enjoy seeing how Mo helps his friends with a cheerful smile. Readers ready to rumble should also read Hot Rod Hamster: Monster Truck Mania! by Cynthia Lord, and Bulldozer Helps Out by Candace Fleming. 

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Otter: Oh No, Bath Time!

Otter and Teddy love to play in the garden. But when they get dirty, they have to do something they do not love at all: take a bath! Otter Keeper says bath time is fun, but Otter and Teddy are not so sure.  

Otter: Oh No, Bath Time focuses on Otter’s daily outdoor activities. When it rains, Otter and his friend Teddy have fun playing in a mudpuddle. Otter and Teddy decide to hide so they don’t have to take a bath. But Otter Keeper makes bath time fun using bubbles and toys. In the end, Otter and Teddy learn that they both love baths. 

Otter’s daily life is illustrated with simple but colorful pictures. Each page has 1 to 2 simple sentences that make Otter: Oh No, Bath Time ideal for reading with emergent readers. Readers may be confused the first time “Otter Keeper” is referred to and may need help understanding that Otter Keeper refers to the human that cares for Otter.  

Otter: Oh No, Bath Time focuses on simple joys and has a humorous ending that young readers will love. Through Otter’s experiences, readers will learn that fun can be found in surprising places—including a mud puddle and bathtub. Readers can learn more about animals by reading Otters Love to Play by Jonathan London and Polar Oceans by Bobbie Kalman. However, if you’re looking for a picture book series that will help a child with everyday problems like being afraid of the dark, then swim to the library to check out the Pout-Pout Fish Adventure Series by Deborah Diesen.  

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The Story of Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson was one of the most famous mathematicians in history, and her work at NASA helped send the first men to the moon. Johnson’s life was characterized by her curiosity and desire to help others. Plus, her skillful calculations at NASA set the foundation for modern-day space travel. Her legacy lives on in the people and companies she invested in, and society has honored her work through books and movies about her achievements. However, Johnson’s journey wasn’t easy, and her path to NASA required hard work that required her to seize opportunities.  

Born on August 26th, 1918, in the small town of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, Johnson was bright and curious. As a child, she loved counting things, and her love for math grew during high school and college. When Johnson accepted a work position at the prestigious company NASA, she was tasked with developing mathematical calculations to send the first men to space. However, with the margin of error slim, she feared that she had made a mistake with her math. Will the space missions be a success? Or will Johnson’s miscalculations ruin everything? 

The Story of Katherine Johnson tells the biographical story of Johnson’s life and her impact as a brilliant mathematician. Told from the perspective of an outside narrator, the book follows Johnson’s life, beginning with her childhood fascination with numbers and ending with her lasting legacy on NASA’s space missions. Thus, Johnson is portrayed as an inspirational figure whose willingness to seize her chances is exemplary and influential for readers. The book also depicts the challenges that came with her work and achievements, which gives the story a realistic and authentic feel. 

The biography offers a positive outlook on the themes of hard work and application. Although Johnson’s work at NASA came with trials and difficulty, her dedication to developing her math skills highlights the book’s message about jumping at one’s opportunities. It encourages readers to seize the occasions that open up in their lifetimes. In Johnson’s case, she “pushed the limits and encouraged others to do the same. She lived a life that was out of this world!” 

The Story of Katherine Johnson is part of a series called Story Of: A Biography for New Readers. The book is educationally oriented and includes additional supplementary material, like fun facts, discussion questions, a reading quiz, and a glossary. Hand-drawn, colorful illustrations pepper every one to three pages, and the back of the book features a small section with real-life pictures and reflection questions, such as, “What good things can happen when a person enjoys what they do at work?” While the text features large words and long paragraphs that can be challenging for younger readers, The Story of Katherine Johnson tells an inspiring tale about one of America’s most famous mathematicians. It’s a riveting story for math and space lovers. 

Readers can discover more about strong women inspired by space by reading Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer by Traci Sorell, Mae Jemison: Awesome Astronaut by Jill C. Wheeler and To Boldly Go: How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek Helped Advance Civil Rights by Angela Dalton. However, if you’d like to introduce a young reader to inspiring space-related books, blast to the library to check out Jada Jones Sky Watcher by Kelly Starling Lyons, Mousetronaut by Mark Kelly, and The Secret Explorers and the Moon Mission by SJ King. 

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The Hunt for the Coliseum Ghost

Geronimo’s nephew Benjamin struggles to learn Roman history. To spark Benjamin’s interest in history, Geronimo decides to take him to Rome. Once there, they discover that the Colosseum is being haunted by a gladiator ghost and none of the tourists want to visit anymore! Geronimo must solve the mystery and rid the site of its ghost. 

The end of the book contains a bonus mini mystery: The Cheese Burglar. Geronimo invites readers to solve the mystery by using clearly defined clues. Can Geronimo clear his name and catch the real thief before it’s too late? 

Geronimo’s hunt for the Colosseum Ghost includes humorous chases, surprises, and appearances from Geronimo’s acquaintances. While much of the action occurs in Rome, the story focuses more on Geronimo’s hunt for the ghost than on Roman history or culture. Even though the purpose of the trip is to teach Benjamin, his role is limited; instead, Geronimo’s secret agent role becomes the focus. 

Each Geronimo Stilton book begins with Geronimo introducing himself and any characters that have appeared in previous books. For example, Creepella sends a letter to Geronimo, sprayed with “Ratell No. 5, my friend Creepella von Cacklefur’s favorite perfume! One thing you should know is that Creepella tells everyone she is my girlfriend, but it’s not true.”  

Readers familiar with Geronimo Stilton and his background will enjoy seeing the reappearance of many characters. Unfortunately, The Hunt of the Colosseum Ghost’s large cast list and jumpy plot make the story hard to follow. The story’s flow is also broken up with many inserts that explain Geronimo’s past interaction with other characters, as well as information about Geronimo being a secret agent. The book includes several infographics that give readers more information about Rome’s history, including some of its historic places. Since Geronimo talks about his love of pizza, the book includes directions for making a three-vegetable pizza.  

The Hunt of the Colosseum Ghost will appeal to a wide range of readers because Geronimo describes his adventure with humor. Plus, each page has a large, full-color illustration. In addition to the often humorous illustrations, the large text has a graphic element that makes the words look fun, and some keywords are printed in a larger, colored print. 

The Geronimo Stilton Series will capture readers’ attention because Geronimo is a likable protagonist who shows bravery although he often feels fear. His entertaining adventures often leave the reader with a nugget of wisdom. In The Hunt of the Colosseum Ghost, Geronimo says, “I thought for a moment about how satisfying it is to share with those we love, whether it’s a special pizza or a love of knowledge. The warm feelings I get inside from helping others are even better than a slice of Mouse Island’s finest cheese!” Readers who love Geronimo Stilton can find more humorous adventures in the Zeus The Mighty Series by Crispin Boyer. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • When Geronimo goes into the Colosseum, a ghost appears holding a sword. The ghost says, “You will regret taking on the gladiator ghost!” When Geronimo sees him, “I took off as quickly as the wind. You have no idea how fast I can run when I’m being chased by the ghost of a Roman gladiator!” 
  • Geronimo goes into the sewer underneath the Colosseum and discovers a room full of “enormouse spiders!. . .They scampered around while glaring menacingly at me with their beady little eyes.” Geronimo runs as the spiders chase him. “Ahead of me, I saw a small opening in the wall. Desperately, I tried to wiggle my body through it, but my tail got caught. Unfortunately, the spider took advantage of the opportunity and pinched me on the butt.” Geronimo escapes the spiders.  
  • Geronimo and his friends hide so they can watch the gladiator ghost. “Suddenly, the gladiator ghost waved his sword so violently it grazed my helmet and sheared off my whiskers!” 
  • The gladiator hears Geronimo’s squeak and gives chase. Geronimo tries several tricks to try to trap the gladiator. As he runs, the Colosseum’s crowd yells, “Get them! Get them!”  
  • At one point, a lion comes into the Colosseum. Geronimo “didn’t want to become lion food. . . The lion had raised its paw and was about to strike. I prepared for the collision, covering my snout with my paws, but . . . nothing happened.” Geronimo discovers that the lion and crowd are holographic projections. But the ghost was a robot. “I smashed into the robot so hard; it broke into pieces. . . it powered down completely and lay motionless on the ground like a mound of scrap metal.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • Geronimo uses many exclamations, such as squeak, holey cheese, moldy mozzarella, twisted rattails, and other silly words. 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Who Was Julius Caesar?

He came. He saw. He conquered. Julius Caesar was a force to be reckoned with. He was a savvy politician, an impressive orator, and a brave soldier. Born in Rome in 100 BC, he quickly climbed the ladder of Roman politics, making allies and enemies along the way. His victories in battle awarded him the support of the people. However, flush from power he named himself dictator for life, and the good times would not last much longer. On the Ides of March, Caesar was brutally assassinated by a group of senators determined to end his tyranny and bring his reign to an end. 

Who was Julius Caesar? focuses on Caesar’s rise to power in a time when power and wealth were the leading cause of many battles in Rome. Many powerful men were willing to fight for power, including Cinna and Marius, who were supposed to rule the Senate together. Since Caesar traveled widely, there is also a short excerpt about Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy. Readers will find Caesar’s military expertise and ability to manipulate people fascinating. However, Caesar lived in a time of bloody battles, murders, and rebellions.  

The book has an easy-to-read format with a large font. Large black-and-white illustrations appear on almost every page. Many illustrations show maps, people, and objects from the time period. For example, there are illustrations of important people, Roman architecture, weapons, and maps. The wide array of illustrations and the short chapters will help keep readers interested until the end. Scattered throughout the book are one-page infographics that give more information about the time period, such as education in Ancient Rome, the Roman Forum, and Spartacus. The end of the book includes a timeline of Julius Caesar’s life and a timeline of the world during that time period. 

Julius Caesar is one of the most famous Romans of all time—he was even the topic of one of Shakespeare’s plays. Everyone should learn more about Caesar and Ancient Rome because they impacted the world. Political unrest embroiled Rome in many battles, causing death and destruction. Despite this, learning about Ancient Roman history shows how Caesar’s quest for power and wealth led to his demise, and while the Ancient Roman Empire accomplished many great things, the empire eventually crumbled.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Pirates imprisoned Caesar. After Caesar’s ransom was paid, he was released. “He took each and every one of the pirates and had them killed.” 
  • Sulla and Marius were rivals who wanted to be the top general. When the two sides battled, “Sulla’s army burned down buildings and killed many people.” 
  • Marius’ army returned to Rome and “began killing Sulla’s supporters. Some victims had their heads chopped off and stuck to the ends of spears.”  
  • In Ancient Rome, many men fought for power, including Cinna and Sulla. “Wealthy citizens were being murdered by angry mobs. . . Cinna’s troops realized they were no match for Sulla’s army. . . They murdered their own commander.”  
  • When Sulla took power, “he began clearing the city of his enemies. A list of names was posted in the Forum. Anyone who killed a man on the list could keep some of that man’s property.” 
  • Spartacus was a slave who began a rebellion. “One night, Spartacus escaped with more than seventy other slaves. They were armed only with kitchen knives. As they fled, they came across wagons loaded with weapons.” Spartacus and his men killed many men. 
  • When Spartacus was killed, the rebellion ended. “For daring to rise up against Rome, six thousand rebels were crucified. The crosses stood one every hundred feet for a hundred miles, all along the road to Rome.” Spartacus and his rebellion are discussed over a page. 
  • Bibulus, a senate member, angered the people of Rome. “They threw things at him. Someone dumped a basket of animal poop on his head, and a mob chased him back to his house.” 
  • Caesar attacked Gaul. During this time, a group of three thousand Gauls planned to move to the coast. “They had burned their villages behind them, so no one could change their mind and move back home.” 
  • Caesar went to Egypt and the king gave him a gift, “a woven basket. . . containing Pompey’s severed head!” 
  • Caesar became so powerful that the senate decided to kill him. “The first to stab Caesar was a senator named Casca. He was so nervous that he only grazed Caesar’s neck. Caesar attacked with the only weapon he had—a pen—and stabbed it through Casca’s arm. Twenty-two more blows descended on Caesar, one knife after another.” Caesar died. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • The Romans believed in many gods. “Caesar’s family said they were descended directly from Venus, Roman goddess of love and beauty!” 
  • In a speech, Caesar said, “The family of my aunt Julia is descended from kings on her mother’s side and, through her father, from the gods themselves. My family therefore holds the sanctity of kings who rule among men and of gods who rule over kings.” 
  • One page explains the religion in Ancient Rome. The Romans “worshiped Greek gods—after giving them Roman names. The most powerful Greek God, Zeus, became the Roman God Jupiter. . . Religion was part of everyday life in Rome. Almost everyone had a household shrine: a small cupboard with pictures and trinkets where they could pray and make offerings—often food and drink—to the gods.” 
  • Romans appointed a High Priest of Jupiter. “The God Jupiter was the protector of Rome.”  
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