Reading Level: Early Elementary

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. 

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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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. 

Sexual Content 

  • None

Violence 

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol 

  • None

Language 

  • None

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content 

  • None 

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.”  

Danger in Ancient Rome

Ranger is a golden retriever who has been trained as a search-and-rescue dog. In this adventure, Ranger travels to the Colosseum in ancient Rome, where there are gladiator fights and wild animal hunts! Ranger befriends the young boy Marcus after saving him from a runaway lion. Ranger also befriends Quintus, a new volunteer gladiator who must prove himself in the arena. Can Ranger help Marcus and Quintus escape the brutal world of the Colosseum?  

Told in third-person, Danger in Ancient Rome includes the inner thoughts of Ranger, Marcus, and Quintus. This increases the suspense by focusing on both Marcus’s and Quintus’s fear of being killed. Their point of view also allows them to explain Ancient Rome’s beliefs and practices. Since Marcus is young, he explains his master’s cruelty in kid-friendly language that is suspenseful, but not terrifying.   

Adding Ranger’s point of view allows the reader to understand Ranger’s thought process, which often includes comparing a situation in Rome to something similar in his family’s situation. For example, when trying to save a boy from a burning building, Ranger barks but doesn’t leave the building. The dog thinks, “He never had to bark this long practicing with Dad and Luke. When Ranger found the person and barked, Luke came.”  

Life in Ancient Rome was difficult and slaves were often treated cruelly. The descriptions are not graphic or gory, however, sensitive readers may get upset when Quintus is forced to fight in the Colosseum. The fight ends in a realistic but surprising way. Ranger and Marcus help Quintus fight and the emperor frees Marcus, Quintus, and the gladiator. A servant tells them, “But today, you and your dog gave [the audience] the one thing they love more than blood. . . You gave them a story. One they will tell for a long time to come.”  

The Ranger in Time Series format will appeal to young readers. The book has large text and full-page, black-and-white illustrations that appear approximately every six pages. The author’s note includes information about the historical people and places in the book, including information about Pompeii. Plus, there is a list of resources for readers who want to learn more about Ancient Rome.  

Danger in Ancient Rome is a suspenseful story that allows readers to learn about Ancient Rome. The story focuses on Marcus, a servant raised in a gladiator school. Since he has watched gladiators train, he is very knowledgeable and helps Quintus survive his first battle. The heartwarming conclusion shows Marcus and Quintus being given their freedom and becoming a family. Ranger uses his ability to smell to help others. Readers who want to learn more about amazing dogs should read The Dog That Dug for Dinosaurs by Shirley Raye Redmond, Dog Heroes by Mary Pope Osborne & Natalie Pope Boyce, and Sniffer Dogs by Nancy F. Castaldo. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • The emperor Domitian “had a reputation for being cruel. Some people even said he had killed the former emperor, Titus, his own brother.”  
  • A lion jumps on Marcus. “The lion knocked him to the stone floor. He hit his head on the edge of a stair. . . [the lion] pinned Marcus down with a fat, heavy paw.” Ranger helps and Marcus is uninjured. A one-page illustration shows the lion pinning Marcus to the ground. 
  • When help arrives for Marcus, “Ranger jumped to the side just as the animal trainer jabbed the lion with his stick. The huge cat roared and reared to face him. Then, four more men came running with sticks and swords and nets. They snared the big cat and tied it tight with thick ropes.” 
  • When a trainee disappears, Marcus’ owner tells Marcus, “You will find him. And you will bring him back. Or you will pay with your life.” Later, Marcus thinks that his owner “could have had him beaten or even killed for failing to do his job.”  
  • Ranger goes into a fire to rescue a boy. When he finds the boy, Ranger barks until Marcus comes to help. “Pieces of ceiling fell in burning scraps around them. Marcus couldn’t see anyone. . . He could only feel the dog under his hand, leading him.”  
  • Quintus is a “retiarius,” which means he is “the lowest of all the gladiators, that he almost always fought a heavily armored sector in the arena.” A retiarius usually dies in battle. 
  • Quintus, a gladiator in training, tries to run away. When his owner finds him, he shackles Quintus “with a thick iron cuff around his ankle and locked him into the barracks. . .” 
  • Men who committed crimes are “tied together with ropes and wearing nothing but rags.” They are executed, but their deaths are not described. 
  • Quintus is forced to fight Cleto, who is much bigger than him. During the fight, “Cleto slashed with his sword. Quintus fell back, clutching his upper arm. . . Marcus could see blood seeping from between [Quintus’] fingers.” 
  • During the fight, Quintus throws a net over Cleto. “Cleto cut through the net with his sword. He slashed at Quintus’s arm again, and this time, a bigger gash opened, spilling blood into the sand.” 
  • Ranger jumps in to help Quintus. Ranger “tackled Cleto, the way he tackled Luke when they were roughhousing in the yard at home. . . Even through the dark holes of the metal mask, Ranger could sense the anger in [Cletos’s] eyes.” 
  • Quintus again puts the net over Cleto. “. . . Cleto freed himself from the net. He struggled to untangle his sword and shield. . . [Cleto] rushed at Quintus, and slammed his body against him.” The emperor stops the fight and allows everyone to live. The fight is described over ten pages. There are two illustrations, but they do not show any of the wounds or actual fighting. 
  • After the fight, Quintus’s “face is smeared with sweat and drying blood.”

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • Ranger can time travel. When it is time for him to travel, a first-aid kit begins to hum. When Ranger picks up the first-aid kit, “Bright light spilled from the cracks in the old metal box. . . The light beamed brighter and brighter. . . Ranger’s skin prickled under his fur.” When he opens his eyes, he’s in Rome.

Spiritual Content  

  • When Quintus sees animals being led into the Colosseum, he whispers, “May the gods have mercy.” 
  • When Quintus fights in the Colosseum, Marcus “clenched his hands together and prayed to the gods for help.” 

The Egyptian Cinderella

This Egyptian spin on the classic Cinderella tale was initially recorded in the first century by a Roman historian and is retold here by folklorist Shirley Climo. 

Poor Rhodopis! She has nothing—no mother or father, and no friends. She is a slave from the far-off country of Greece. Only the beautiful rose-red slippers her master gives her can make Rhodopis smile. So, when a falcon swoops down and snatches one of the slippers away, Rhodopis is heartbroken. For how is she to know that the slipper will land in the lap of the great Pharaoh himself? And who would ever guess that the Pharaoh would promise to find the slipper’s owner and make her queen of all Egypt? 

The Egyptian Cinderella follows the same story format as the original fairy tale. However, instead of stepsisters, Rhodopis is treated badly by three servant girls who tease Rhodopis about her looks. Instead of having brown eyes, straight hair, and skin “like copper,” Rhodopis has green eyes and hair that “the breeze blew. . . into tangles.” However, her unique looks are what sets Rhodopis apart from the others. The Pharaoh says, “She is the most Egyptian of all…For her eyes are as green as the Nile, her hair as feathery as papyrus, and her skin the pink of a lotus flower.” 

Illustrator Ruth Heller uses bright and bold colors to bring Rhodopis’ world into vivid detail. Almost all of the illustrations include aspects of nature, such as plants, birds, and a monkey. The jewel-colored illustrations help highlight Egyptian culture. Even though The Egyptian Cinderella is intended for young readers, many of the pages are text-heavy, which may make it hard for younger readers to sit through a reading of the book. In addition, the complex sentence structure and advanced vocabulary make the book best read to a child rather than for the child to read it independently. 

Anyone who enjoys fairy tales will find Rhodopis’ story captivating. The beautiful illustrations and familiar story will allow readers to imagine Egypt. In the end, the Pharaoh overlooks the fact that Rhodopis was a slave, which gives the story a happy-ever-after that everyone will enjoy. The story is based on Rhodopis, a Greek slave girl who indeed married a Pharaoh, which makes the story’s conclusion even sweeter. Readers who enjoy fairytales can find more retellings by reading the Whatever After Series by Sarah Mlynowski and the Once Upon a Fairy Tale Series by Anna Staniszewski. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Rhodopis is kidnapped and sold into slavery.

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • The story mentions “Ra the Sun” climbing into the sky. 
  • The god Horus appears as a falcon. When Rhodopis sees him, she “bowed her head and felt a rush of air on the back of her neck.” 
  • When a falcon drops a shoe in the Pharaoh’s lap, he says, “The god Horus sends me a sign!” Afterward, the Pharaoh searches for the maiden to whom the shoe belongs.

Ancient Rome and Pompeii

When Jack and Annie got back from their adventure in Magic Tree House #13: Vacation Under the Volcano, they had lots of questions. How did ancient Rome become an empire? Where did ancient Romans go for fun? And what happened to the Roman town of Pompeii? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.  

Jack and Annie go to Pompeii and experience the volcanic eruption that buried the city. Ancient Rome and Pompeii gives more information about the history of Rome and introduces many of the historical figures of the time, including Julius Caesar, Octavian, and Cleopatra. In addition, the book discusses some of the people who tried to fight the Romans. By reading Ancient Rome and Pompeii, readers will learn more about the politics and culture of the Romans and how Ancient Rome impacted our world.  

This nonfiction story begins with the myth of Romulus and Remus and how Romulus founded Rome. While Vacation Under the Volcano only shows Pompeii, Ancient Rome, and Pompeii go into great detail about the Roman empire, the gladiators, the soldiers, and the construction of Rome. Curious readers will find The Magic Tree House Fact Tracker full of interesting facts that are new. 

Ancient Rome and Pompeii explain how the Romans believed in many gods. It also explains that many of the Romans’ beliefs are now considered myths. Emperor Caligula, who was eventually killed by his guards, believed he was the god Jupiter. Rome’s history is violent, and the book discusses many of the political leaders who were killed or committed suicide. The language is kid-friendly, but the deaths may upset or confuse some readers.  

Ancient Rome and Pompeii is packed with information that is easily digestible for young readers. Many tools help a young audience follow along. For example, each chapter is broken into small sections with historical information, and the illustrations break up the text into much smaller pieces. Pictures of Jack and Annie appear along the margins, giving readers more information and defining vocabulary words. The story also gives examples that will help readers understand concepts. For example, the Roman army had to march twenty miles carrying sixty pounds. The illustration shows Jack carrying a golden retriever with the caption: “Lugging sixty pounds around is like carrying a golden retriever on your back.” 

The Magic Tree House Fact Tracker presents nonfiction information in a way that will engage young readers. The book is perfect for readers interested in research because the author includes the best way to research Rome and more resources such as books, videos, and museums. Filled with up-to-date information, photos, illustrations, and fun tidbits from Jack and Annie, the Magic Tree House Fact Trackers are the perfect way for kids to learn more about the topics they discovered in their favorite Magic Tree House adventures. Learn more about ancient history by reading Through Time: Pompeii by Richard Platt and The Curse of King Tut’s Mummy by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld. 

Sexual Content  

  • None

Violence  

  • The god Mars had two sons, Romulus and Remus. They built a city, and then “a fight broke out over who would be in charge of the city. Romulus killed Remus.” 
  • The Romans went to the “Colosseum to see bloody sports—sports where people and animals died terrible deaths.” 
  • Gladiators were prisoners and slaves. “Some were freemen who got paid for fighting. Gladiators usually fought to the death. But if a fearless fighter was wounded, the emperor could spare his life.” There is a picture of two gladiators with their weapons.  
  • Centurions trained Roman soldiers. “The training was strict and brutal. Punishment included beatings and even death.”  
  • A section describes the “Roman War Machines,” including catapults, ballistae, and flamethrowers. “Soldiers loaded [the ballista] with rocks or pointed metal bolts that shot out at about 115 miles an hour! Anything in their path was immediately destroyed.” 
  • Carthage and Rome fought in the Punic Wars. “Years after Hannibal’s death, the Romans attacked Carthage and burned it to the ground.”  
  • “Julius Caesar’s army began a siege on Avaricum, a walled town in Gaul . . . Roman soldiers clambered over the walls . . . Death and destruction rained down upon the Gauls.” 
  • Julius Caesar ruled Rome. “He was such a strong leader that many feared he wanted to be crowned king. . . Several senators, including his friends Brutus and Cassius, planned to kill him. . . As Caesar sat down, the men grabbed him around the neck and began stabbing him. They stabbed him twenty-three times.”  
  • The book lists many people who committed suicide, including Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Some say Cleopatra died because of a poisonous snake bite.  
  • Queen Boudicca from Iceni refused to pay Roman taxes. “As punishment, the Romans tied Boudicca and her daughters to posts and beat them.” In retribution, Queen Boudicca went on a rampage “through the countryside. Thousands of people died.” When Queen Boudicca realized she would lose, she “drank poison rather than allow herself to be captured by her enemies.”  
  • The Roman emperor Caligula “behaved very badly when he was emperor. He killed anyone he wanted to.” Eventually, “his own guards murdered him.”  
  • Emperor Nero felt his mother was too powerful, “so he decided to poison her.” The poison did not work, and Nero tried to kill her several more times. “Finally, Nero ordered his soldiers to stab her to death. This time Nero succeeded!” 
  • People hated Nero. “Knowing that he would lose his thrown, Nero committed suicide.”  
  • A volcano destroyed Pompeii. “People were knocked down and lay where they fell.” The volcano’s explosion is described over two pages.
     

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • The god Mars had two sons, Romulus and Remus, who were raised by a shepherd. Legend says Romulus founded Rome.  
  • Since they worshiped many gods, the Romans built the Pantheon and dedicated it to all the gods. 
  • Caligula “demanded that everyone bow down to his horse. Finally, Caligula built a temple for himself. He thought he was the god Jupiter.” 
  • Every Roman street had shrines for their gods. The book lists the Roman gods, including Jupiter, Juno, Mars, Ceres, Neptune, Venus, Diana, Vesta, Mercury, and Vulcan. 

Vacation Under the Volcano

Who wants to vacation next to a volcano? Jack and Annie are about to find out when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the days of the Roman Empire. They arrive in Pompeii and discover they’ve arrived on the day the city is going to be destroyed. Now Jack and Annie must race against time to find an ancient library before it is buried in ash!  

Suspense is created because Annie worries about being in Pompeii and thinks it “feels wrong.” In addition, the ground shakes and rumbles, and then Jack and Annie meet a soothsayer who warns them that the end is near. When the kids finally find the library, they don’t realize it at first because they are looking for modern books, while the Roman books are written on scrolls. Ultimately, Hercules saves the kids, and they return home safely. 

During their adventure, Jack and Annie learn about Roman culture. Jack uses a book to define unfamiliar words and look up facts about Pompeii, which allows the reader to learn more about its history. This information appears in a different font to give readers a visual cue that the information is factual. The back of the book contains more information about Roman culture. Readers who want to learn even more about Pompeii should read The Magic Tree House Fact Tracker: Ancient Rome and Pompeii. 

When reading Vacation Under the Volcano, children will learn about Roman culture and the destruction of Pompeii. Unfortunately, the siblings only have brief interactions with other people. Most of their knowledge comes from observation, so readers do not understand how Romans lived.  

Proficient readers ready for chapter books will enjoy jumping back into time with Jack and Annie. The story is accessible to young readers because of the large text and black-and-white illustrations every two to seven pages. The large, detailed illustrations help bring the characters to life and show how the Romans dressed and constructed their buildings. Even though Vacation Under the Volcano is part of a series, the books do not need to be read to be enjoyed.  

Vacation Under the Volcano gives readers a brief glimpse of what Pompeii was like before a volcano destroyed the city. This exciting book creates suspense using kid-friendly descriptions of the erupting volcano. In the conclusion, Jack and Annie are helped by a surprising hero—Hercules! For another exciting time travel adventure into ancient Rome, jump into the Imagination Station and read Attack at the Arena by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker. Also, be sure to check out Wendy Mass’s The Time Jumpers Series, which also takes readers on exciting adventures in the past.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Jack and Annie see gladiators. “The warriors’ feet [were] chained together, and guards walked with them.” Jack looks up information in a book: “They were forced to fight each other or wild animals like lions or bears.”
  • Jack and Annie feel the beginning of the volcanic eruption. “Everything was shaking and crashing down around them—pots, plants, the mermaid fountain. Water from the goldfish pond sloshed onto the patio.” 
  • When pumice, ash, and burning rock began falling, Jack and Annie used cushions to protect their heads. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • When Annie gets to Rome, she wants to go home immediately. Jack asks her, “Are you nuts?” 

Supernatural 

  • The magic tree house can travel through time. When Jack and Annie travel, the tree house “spun faster and faster and faster. Then everything was still. Absolutely still.” When they arrive in Pompeii, they are dressed appropriately for the time period. 
  • One of the characters is a soothsayer “who could see into the future and warn others about what they saw.”  
  • Hercules helps Jack and Annie escape Pompeii. After the siblings return, they discuss whether Hercules is real or mythical. Annie says, “Hercules is a myth to people in this time. But in Roman times, lots of people believed he was real. So since we were in Roman times, he was real to us.” 

Spiritual Content  

  • Jack and Annie see a Roman temple. Romans “believed that many gods and goddesses ruled the world. This is the Temple of Jupiter, their chief god. In this temple, they prayed to Jupiter and offered him gifts. 

The Scarab’s Secret

The tiniest of creatures can change the fate of a great Pharaoh.

The chance meeting of Khepri, the small scarab beetle, and a powerful Pharaoh turns out to be a life-altering experience for both, ultimately shaping the fate of the young leader. After Khepri uncovers a mysterious plot to murder the Pharaoh, he is determined to put an end to it. The tiny scarab with a big heart helps the Pharaoh avert danger and saves his life. 

The Scarab’s Secret is a beautiful story that shows that even small things—like the scarab—can make a big impact. The scarab beetle narrates his own story to show the reader how he came to be honored. When the scarab is accidentally taken into the Pharaoh’s tomb, he learns that one of the passageways has a trap. When the Pharoah’s men try to lead him down the trap, the scarab warns the Pharoah and saves his life. The scarab’s tale shows “how even a little beetle can play its part in the life of a great prince.” 

Christina Balit’s illustrations use vivid colors and geometric shapes to bring Egypt to life. The first illustration shows the Pharaoh kneeling in a field with the Nile River in the background, the prince carefully holding the scarab in his hand. This scene sets up the scarab’s importance. The other pages focus on the Pharaoh’s tomb, depicted with elaborate illustrations in predominantly gold and blue. Readers will be captivated by the detailed illustrations and will have fun finding the scarab on each page. 

While The Scarab’s Secret is intended for young readers, many of the pages are text-heavy, which may make it hard for wiggly readers to sit through a reading. The complex sentence structure and advanced vocabulary make the book best read to a child rather than for the child to read it independently.

Anyone who wants to introduce Egyptian culture to a child will find The Scarab’s Secret an entertaining story. The fact that the Pharaoh takes time to notice the scarab reinforces the importance of nature and the idea that everything has a purpose, even a scarab. The author’s note gives more information about pharaohs. Young readers who would like to learn more about Egypt should also read Escape from Egypt by Wendy Mass as well as Mary Pope Osborne’s books Mummies and Pyramids and Mummies in the Morning.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • The Pharaoh’s men plan to murder him. 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None  

Spiritual Content  

  • The god Ra is mentioned several times. “The great god Ra created all things. . . This beetle is as precious to Ra as the pharaoh himself. Ra has placed him here for a reason.”  
  • This historical background at the end of the book discusses the Egyptians’ belief in gods. 

Who Was Leif Erikson?

Hold on to your Viking helmets as you learn about the first known European to set foot in North America in this exciting addition to the Who Was? Series!

Leif Erikson was born to be an explorer. His father, Erik the Red, had established the first European settlement in present-day Greenland, and although Leif didn’t yet know it, he was destined to embark on an adventure of his own.  

Leif, the wise and striking Viking, landed in the area known as Vinland almost five centuries before Christopher Columbus even set sail! “Leif the Lucky” and his fierce, sea-fearing crew were accomplished navigators who raided foreign lands for resources, hunted for their food, and passed down Old Norse myths from one generation to the next. This book gives readers a detailed account of what life was like during the time of the Vikings. 

Who Was Leif Erikson? includes information about Erik the Red and other historical figures such as Harald Fairhair, the First King of Norway. To establish Leif’s background, the book also includes information about Viking culture, such as “the Thing,” which was the oldest parliament in Europe. Plus, readers will learn about Scandinavia, Greenland, and Vinland. The historical information is fascinating, but the Vikings were feared for a reason—their culture was violent and included killing and enslaving people. 

One of Leif’s accomplishments was bringing Christianity to the Vikings. This section explains the Vikings’ belief in Asgard and the Norse Gods in detail. The Viking warriors “were training for the battle at Ragnarok, the end of the world—the ultimate battle between good and evil.” Anyone who has watched the Avengers movies will notice how the Viking culture inspired Stan Lee. The book ends by explaining how the Vikings are still remembered today in pop culture and the football team, the Minnesota Vikings. 

Take a step back in time and learn more about the 1000s and the Vikings’ search for new lands. The book has an easy-to-read format with large font. Large black-and-white illustrations appear on almost every page. Many of the illustrations show maps, people, and objects from the time period. For example, there are illustrations of the Vikings’ longships, their longhouses, and other aspects of their daily life. 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 how stories were passed down from generation to generation. The end of the book includes a timeline of the Vikings and a timeline of the world during that time period. 

The fierce Viking culture and the Norse Gods still impact the world today, and readers will be fascinated to learn more facts about Erik the Red and Leif Erikson. The Vikings were brave warriors seeking adventure, and although they were known for plundering and killing Who Was Leif Erikson? explains why many people are proud of their Viking heritage. Readers who want to learn more about the Vikings should read Voyage with the Vikings by Marianne Hering & Paul McCusker. To jump on another ship of a famous voyager, read Ice Wreck by Lucille Recht Penner and Who Was Ferdinand Magellan? by Sydelle Kramer. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • Both Leif’s grandfather and father murdered someone from their own village. 
  • The Vikings acted like pirates. In the summer, Erik the Red and his men “sailed away in search of villages to threaten. In these violent and deadly raids, Erik and his fellow Viking warriors burned villages to the ground. . . Villagers who weren’t killed might be taken as slaves.” 
  • A Viking raid attacked a Christian monastery. “The Viking invaders descended on the monastery ‘like stinging hornets’. . . They robbed, tore, and slaughtered everyone—priests and nuns alike. . . Monks were taken as slaves or drowned in the sea.” 
  • The King of Norway tried to conquer England and was “killed in battle.” 
  • The Vikings believed that storms were caused by Thor, the god of storms and thunder, who “killed giants in the sky with his massive hammer.” 
  • While exploring North America, Thorvald, a Viking warrior, discovered it “was already someone else’s home. Immediately, Thorvald and his men attacked, killing eight of the nine native men.” The native people attacked the Vikings. “As Thorvald and his men ran back to their ship, arrows rained down on them. Thorvald was struck and later died.” 
  • When a native was “caught stealing weapons, he was killed on the spot.” 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • The Vikings drank beer with meals. 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • Some people in England “wondered if these fearsome warriors [the Vikings] in their terrifying dragon ships had been sent by God to punish them.” 
  • When some of the Vikings moved to England and Iceland, they “began converting to Christianity.” 
  • The Vikings worshipped many different Gods, but King Olaf wanted to convert everyone in Norway to Christianity. “Leif Erikson wasn’t so sure the Greenlanders would want to leave behind all the gods they had grown up believing in . . . The Vikings believed the universe was centered around one big tree: The World Tree.” Six pages describe the Viking’s beliefs and gods, including Odin, Loki, and Freya. 
  • To be fearless fighters, warriors wore the “skins of wolves and bears into battle. They believed the spirits of these fearsome animals possessed them, along with the spirit of their god Odin. . . They believed if they died bravely in battle, they would be taken to Valhalla.” 
  • Lief became a Christian and “spread the word of God among the fellow Greenlanders by bringing Christian missionaries with him.” 

Fox versus Fox

There’s only one Fox . . . except when there are two! Fox, who is a red fox, meets a white fox. Both foxes can do tricks and jumps. When the foxes try to jump higher than each other, they find another similarity—foxes cannot fly. With all their similarities, the foxes realize that instead of trying to outfox each other, they should be friends. 

Young readers will enjoy Fox versus Fox and the silly ways Fox shows off. Readers will learn that meeting someone new can lead to friendship. Fox’s story uses simple but humorous illustrations, such as when Fox uses a rocket blaster to jump higher than the white fox. Fox’s silly antics will leave readers giggling and wondering what he will do in the next book. Each page has one simple sentence that includes word repetition. As a My First I Can Read Book, Fox versus Fox is perfect for your little one because the story uses basic language, word repetition, and has large illustrations on each page.  

Fox versus Fox is a fun story that will engage young readers and leave them wanting to read about Fox’s other adventures. Other Fox books include Fox Has a Problem, Fox at Night, Fox versus Winter, Fox the Tiger, Fox Is Late, Fox and the Jumping Contest, and Fox and the Bike Ride. Fox versus Fox will encourage readers that when you meet someone new, they might be a new friend! Friendship can come from unexpected places, and children need help creating new friendships. To help them learn to be better friends, pair Fox versus Fox with Shawn Loves Sharks by Curtis Manley and Angus All Aglow by Heather Smith. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Bobby: Catch Me If You Can

Bobby is a cheeky little dog that likes chasing cats. So when a big black cat disturbs his daily nap, it results in a chase full of twists and turns that are not always to Bobby’s liking.   

Readers will fall in love with the adorable long-haired terrier, Bobby, who causes a bit of mischief as he chases a black cat. The story includes some unexpected humor such as when the cat runs into a joke shop, and then “the cat leaped into a box. But when it popped its head out, it looked just like a fox. The fox was just a mask of course, stuck on the brave cat’s head. But Bobby didn’t know that, and with such a fright he fled. Now the cat ran after Bobby, with the mask upon its face.” The cute full-page illustrations are adorable and will help the readers understand the jokes. 

Bobby: Catch Me If You Can uses text of different shapes and sizes to highlight some of the words. In addition, the book uses onomatopoeia and rhyme, which makes the story fun to read aloud. Each page has two to four sentences printed in oversized text. The full-colored illustrations follow the dog’s chase and include fun details. For example, when Bobby follows the cat into the joke shop, readers will see a jar of colorful eyes, a frog, masks, and the cat jumping out of a fox in the box (similar to a jack in the box).  

The book was inspired by Greyfriars Bobby, who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for spending 14 years guarding his owner’s grave. Even if readers are unfamiliar with the references to the famous story, Bobby: Catch Me If You Can will quickly become one of their favorite books because the combination of words and pictures makes the story fun to read. The book can’t be purchased through Amazon. However, you can order it through Lomond Publishing. Any child who loves animals will find Bobby: Catch Me If You Can an entertaining book that they will want to read over and over again.  

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None 

Boys Don’t Fry

It’s the eve of Lunar New Year, and Jin can’t wait for the big family reunion dinner. He loves the aromas and the bubbly chatter coming from the kitchen. His grandmother, Mamah, is cooking up a storm! 

As his aunties dice, slice, and chop, there’s nothing Jin wants more than to learn about the history of his family’s cooking and to lend them a helping hand. After all, no one else can tell the difference between ginger and galangal as well as he can! But his aunties shoo him away, claiming he’ll just get bored or be in the way. Luckily, Mamah steps in and asks Jin to help her prepare their special meal. Soon, Jin is squeezing, slicing, and stirring, too! 

Jin is a loveable Malaysian boy who doesn’t understand why he isn’t allowed to help prepare dinner for the Lunar New Year. However, Mamah doesn’t exclude Jin just because he’s a boy. When Mamah leads him into the kitchen, Jin’s joy is palatable, and he loves the smells and colors of the food. “He watched as the fire danced in the same way his insides were leaping, the pot on the stove bubbling over like his laugh.” When the meal was served, everyone agreed that “it was the best meal they’d ever had. Mamah told them it was because they had a special ingredient this year.”  

Boys Don’t Fry is a celebration of the author’s Peranakan Chinese heritage, including the food, family, and traditions. Every full-page illustration pops with vivid colors that enhance the feel of family and culture. Readers will love seeing Jin’s eyes widen in excitement and the joy on his face as he helps his Mamah cook. Each page has one to five complex sentences that are intended to be read aloud to a child rather than for a child to read independently. However, the dialogue, the onomatopoeia, and the beautiful descriptions make Boys Don’t Fry a joy to read.  

The family’s love of each other shines in Boys Don’t Fry, but Jin’s family initially doesn’t understand why he wants to cook. With Mamah’s help, he is allowed to defy gender expectations and proves that boys can also cook a traditional dish, Peranakan Pongteh Chicken. Jin’s story will warm your heart and make you hungry. The author’s note includes her family’s recipe for Peranakan Pongteh Chicken so readers can savor the story and the stew. For more stories that show how food can bring people together, read Gigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought by Melissa Iwai and Octopus Stew by Eric Velasquez. 

Sexual Content  

  • None 

Violence  

  • None 

Drugs and Alcohol  

  • None 

Language  

  • None 

Supernatural 

  • None 

Spiritual Content  

  • None
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