Roger Sutton,
Editor in Chief, The Horn Book

From the October 2012 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.

The post NF Notes: Letter from the Editor appeared first on The Horn Book.

Brezina, Corona America‘s Recession: The Effects of Economic Downturn [Headlines! series]
High school   64 pp.   Rosen   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4488-1296-7

Systems of Government series

Connolly, Sean Communism
Middle school   48 pp.   Smart Apple   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-802-2

Connolly, Sean Democracy
Middle school   48 pp.   Smart Apple   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-803-9

Connolly, Sean Dictatorship
Middle school   48 pp.   Smart Apple   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-804-6

Connolly, Sean Monarchy
Middle school   48 pp.   Smart Apple   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-805-3

Connolly, Sean Theocracy
Middle school   48 pp.   Smart Apple   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-806-0

Freedman, Russell Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: The Story Behind an American Friendship
Gr. 4-6   119 pp.   Clarion   2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-547-38562-4

Keating, Frank George: George Washington, Our Founding Father
Gr. K-3    32 pp.   Simon/Wiseman   2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-4169-5482-8

Wood, Douglas Franklin and Winston: A Christmas That Changed the World
Gr. 4-6   40 pp.   Candlewick   2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-7636-3383-7

The Civil Rights Movement

Brimner, Larry Dane Black & White
High school   112 pp.   Boyds/Calkins (Boyds Mills Press)   2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-59078-766-3

Evans, Shane W. We March
Gr. K-3   32 pp.   Roaring Brook/Porter   2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-59643-539-1

Levinson, Cynthia We’ve Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March
Middle school   176 pp.   Peachtree   2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-56145-627-7

Magoon, Kekla Today the World Is Watching You: The Little Rock Nine and the Fight for School Integration, 1957 [Civil Rights Struggles Around the World series]
High school   160 pp.   Twenty-First Century   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-5767-4

Watkins, Angela Farris My Uncle Martin’s Words for America
Gr. K-3   40 pp.   Abrams   2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-4197-0022-4

World Cultures

Bowler, Ann Martin All About Korea: Stories, Songs, Crafts and More
Gr. 4-6   64 pp.   Tuttle   2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-8048-4012-5

Moore, Willamarie All About Japan: Stories, Songs, Crafts and More
Gr. 4-6   64 pp.   Tuttle   2011
Trade ISBN 978-4-8053-1077-9

Ellis, Deborah Kids of Kabul: Living Bravely Through a Never-Ending War
Middle school, High school   144 pp.   Groundwood (House of Anansi Press)   2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-55498-181-6

Countries of the World series

Forest, Christopher Brazil
Middle school   144 pp.   ABDO   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-106-5

Karlsson, Val Egypt
Middle school   144 pp.   ABDO   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-108-9

Pelleschi, Andrea China
Middle school   144 pp.   ABDO   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-107-2

Wittekind, Erika Argentina
Middle school   144 pp.   ABDO   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61783-105-8

Laroche, Giles If You Lived Here: Houses of the World
Gr. K-3   32 pp.   Houghton (Houghton Mifflin Trade and Reference Division)   2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-547-23892-0

Smith, David J. If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World’s People
Gr. K-3   32 pp.   Kids Can    2011; new ed. (2002)
Trade ISBN 978-1-55453-595-8

Pollution and Conservation

Confronting Global Warming series

Ferguson, Rebecca The Role of the Individual
High school   144 pp.   Greenhaven   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7377-4853-6

Henningfeld, Diane Andrews Nature and Wildlife
High school   136 pp.   Greenhaven   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7377-5174-1

Langwith, Jacqueline Population, Resources, and Conflict
High school   124 pp.   Greenhaven   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7377-5175-8

Miller, Debra A. Farming and the Food Supply
High school   135 pp.   Greenhaven   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7377-5173-4

Streissguth, Tom The Role of Industry
High school   158 pp.   Greenhaven   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7377-5176-5

Jenkins, Martin Can We Save the Tiger?
Gr. K-3   56 pp.   Candlewick   2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-7636-4909-8

Langley, Andrew Bridging the Energy Gap [Environment Challenge series]
Gr. 4-6   48 pp.   Raintree/Freestyle   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4109-4297-5
Paperback ISBN 978-1-4109-4304-0

Go Green series

Lanz, Helen Having the Energy
Gr. 4-6   32 pp.   Sea to Sea   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59771-301-6

Lanz, Helen How Shall We Travel?
Gr. 4-6   32 pp.   Sea to Sea   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59771-302-3

Lanz, Helen Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Gr. 4-6   32 pp.   Sea to Sea   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59771-303-0

Lanz, Helen Shopping Choices
Gr. 4-6   32 pp.   Sea to Sea   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59771-304-7

Lanz, Helen What Shall We Eat?
Gr. 4-6   32 pp.   Sea to Sea   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59771-305-4

Lanz, Helen Wonderful Water
Gr. 4-6   32 pp.   Sea to Sea   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59771-306-1

Ward, D. J. What Happens to Our Trash? [Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series]
Gr. K-3   40 pp.   HarperCollins/Collins (HarperCollins)   2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-06-168756-3
Paperback ISBN 978-0-06-168755-6

Experiments and Science Projects

Bardhan-Quallen, Sudipta Kitchen Science Experiments: How Does Your Mold Garden Grow? [Mad Science series]
Gr. 4-6   64 pp.   Sterling   2010
Trade ISBN 978-1-4027-2413-8

Team Green Science Projects series

Gardner, Robert Air: Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet
Gr. 4-6   128 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3646-8

Gardner, Robert Earth’s Cycles: Green Science Projects About the Water Cycle, Photosynthesis, and More
Gr. 4-6   112 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3644-4

Gardner, Robert Energy: Green Science Projects About Solar, Wind, and Water Power
Gr. 4-6   128 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3643-7

Gardner, Robert Recycle: Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet
Gr. 4-6   128 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3648-2

Gardner, Robert Soil: Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet
Gr. 4-6   128 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3647-5

Gardner, Robert Water: Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet
Gr. 4-6   128 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3645-1

Mason, Adrienne Motion, Magnets and More: The Big Book of Primary Physical Science
Gr. K-3   128 pp.   Kids Can   2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-55453-707-3

Cool Science Projects with Technology series

Sobey, Ed Electric Motor Experiments
High school   128 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3306-1

Sobey, Ed Radio-Controlled Car Experiments
High school   128 pp. Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3304-7

Sobey, Ed Robot Experiments
High school   128 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3303-0

Sobey, Ed Solar Cell and Renewable Energy Experiments
High school   128 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3305-4

Toys and Forces series

Whittaker, Helen How Toys Slide
Gr. K-3   32 pp.   Smart Apple   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-466-6

Whittaker, Helen How Toys Bounce
Gr. K-3   32 pp.   Smart Apple   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-463-5

Whittaker, Helen How Toys Float
Gr. K-3   32 pp.   Smart Apple   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-464-2

Whittaker, Helen How Toys Fly
Gr. K-3   32 pp.   Smart Apple   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-465-9

Whittaker, Helen How Toys Roll
Gr. K-3   32 pp.   Smart Apple   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-468-0

Whittaker, Helen How Toys Spin
Gr. K-3   32 pp.   Smart Apple   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59920-467-3

Astronomy

Christensen, Bonnie I, Galileo
Gr. K-3   40 pp.   Knopf (Random House Children’s Books)   2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-375-86753-8
Library binding ISBN 978-0-375-96753-5

DeCristofano, Carolyn Cinami A Black Hole Is NOT a Hole
Gr. 4-6   75 pp.   Charlesbridge   2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-57091-783-7

Fox, Karen C. Older than the Stars
Gr. K-3   32 pp.   Charlesbridge   2010
Trade ISBN 978-1-57091-787-5

Goldsmith, Mike The Kingfisher Space Encyclopedia
Gr. 4-6   160 pp.   Kingfisher/Macmillan (Macmillan)   2012
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7534-6805-0

Seven Wonders series

Miller, Ron Seven Wonders Beyond the Solar System
Middle school   80 pp.   Twenty-First Century   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-5454-3

Miller, Ron Seven Wonders of the Gas Giants and Their Moons
Middle school   80 pp.   Twenty-First Century   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-5449-9

Miller, Ron Seven Wonders of the Rocky Planets and Their Moons
Middle school   80 pp.   Twenty-First Century 2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7613-5448-2

Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life

Bonner, Hannah When Dinos Dawned, Mammals Got Munched, and Pterosaurs Took Flight: A Cartoon Prehistory of Life in the Triassic
Gr. 4-6   48 pp.   National (National Geographic Books)   2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-4263-0862-8
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4263-0863-5

Fern, Tracey Barnum’s Bones: How Barnum Brown Discovered the Most Famous Dinosaur in the World
Gr. K-3   40 pp.   Farrar/Ferguson   2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-374-30516-1

Hartland, Jessie How the Dinosaur Got to the Museum
Gr. K-3   40 pp.   Blue Apple   2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-60905-090-0

McGowan, Chris Dinosaur Discovery: Everything You Need to Be a Paleontologist
Gr. K-3   48 pp.   Simon (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing)   2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-4169-4764-6

Sloan, Christopher Baby Mammoth Mummy: Frozen in Time
Gr. 4-6   48 pp.   National (National Geographic Books)   2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-4263-0865-9
Library binding ISBN 978-1-4263-0866-6

Language Arts

Berkes, Marianne Animalogy: Animal Analogies
Gr. K-3   32 pp.   Sylvan Dell   2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-60781-127-9
Paperback ISBN 978-1-60718-137-8

Fogarty, Mignon Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students
High school   296 pp.   Holt   2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-8050-8943-1
Paperback ISBN 978-0-8050-8944-8

Hoberman, Mary Ann Forget-Me-Nots: Poems to Learn by Heart
Gr. K-3   144 pp.   Little/Tingley   2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-316-12947-3

Myers, Walter Dean Just Write: Here’s How
High school   161 pp.   HarperCollins/Collins (HarperCollins)   2012
ISBN 978-0-06-220389-2
Paperback ISBN 978-0-06-220390-8

Raczka, Bob Lemonade, and Other Poems Squeezed from a Single Word
Gr. 4-6   44 pp.   Roaring Brook   2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-59643-541-4

The Arts

Heine, Florian 13 Painters Children Should Know
Gr. 4-6    48 pp.   Prestel   2012
Trade ISBN 978-3-7913-7086-6

Schroeder, Alan Baby Flo: Florence Mills Lights Up the Stage
Gr. K-3   40 pp.   Lee   2012
Trade ISBN 978-1-60060-410-2

Sullivan, George Click Click Click!: Photography for Children
Gr. 4-6   88 pp.   Prestel   2011
Trade ISBN 978-3-7913-7079-8

VanHecke, Susan Raggin’, Jazzin’, Rockin’: A History of American Musical Instrument Makers
Middle school   136 pp.   Boyds   2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-59078-574-4

Winter, Jonah Just Behave, Pablo Picasso!
Gr. K-3   48 pp.   Scholastic/Levine   2012
Trade ISBN 978-0-545-13291-6

After-School Fun

Top 25 Sports Skills, Tips, and Tricks series

Aretha, David Top 25 Baseball Skills, Tips, and Tricks
Gr. 4-6   48 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3859-2

Savage, Jeff Top 25 Gymnastics Skills, Tips, and Tricks
Gr. 4-6   48 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3868-4

Savage, Jeff Top 25 Hockey Skills, Tips, and Tricks
Gr. 4-6   48 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3869-1

Savage, Jeff Top 25 Soccer Skills, Tips, and Tricks
Gr. 4-6   48 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3860-8

Torres, John Albert Top 25 Basketball Skills, Tips, and Tricks
Gr. 4-6   48 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3857-8

Torres, John Albert Top 25 Football Skills, Tips, and Tricks
Gr. 4-6   48 pp.   Enslow   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-0-7660-3858-5

Brown, Peggy The Golden Book of Family Fun
Gr. 4-6   133 pp.   Golden (Random House Children’s Books)   2011
Trade ISBN 978-0-375-86668-5

Hodge, Deborah Watch Me Grow!: A Down-to-Earth Look at Growing Food in the City
Gr. K-3   32 pp.   Kids Can   2011
Trade ISBN 978-1-55453-618-4

Checkerboard How-To Library: Cool School Spirit series

Kenney, Karen Latchana Cool School Cheerleading: Fun Ideas and Activities to Build School Spirit
Gr. 4-6   32 pp.   ABDO   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61714-665-7

Kenney, Karen Latchana Cool School Clubs: Fun Ideas and Activities to Build School Spirit
Gr. 4-6   32 pp.   ABDO   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61714-666-4

Kenney, Karen Latchana Cool School Dance: Fun Ideas and Activities to Build School Spirit
Gr. 4-6   32 pp.   ABDO   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61714-667-1

Kenney, Karen Latchana Cool School Drama and Theater: Fun Ideas and Activities to Build School Spirit
Gr. 4-6   32 pp.   ABDO   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-61714-668-8

Xtreme Athletes series

Robison, Ken Apolo Ohno
High school   112 pp.   Morgan   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59935-186-5

Savage, Jeff Brock Lesnar
High school   112 pp.   Morgan   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59935-185-8

Savage, Jeff Tito Ortiz
High school   112 pp.   Morgan   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59935-184-1

Young, Jeff C. Michelle Wie
High school   112 pp.   Morgan   2011
Library binding ISBN 978-1-59935-187-2

The post Books mentioned in the October 2012 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book appeared first on The Horn Book.

Illustrated by Cathy Morrison. This animal-themed book introduces analogies: “Amphibian is to frog / as mammal is to moose.” Whether illustrating verbs or nouns, the crisp language features accurate syntax, and rhymes on the alternate pages work well. Vivid illustrations of animals in natural settings are eye-catching. Six pages of learning activities based on information in the book are appended.
Subjects: General Language; Stories in rhyme; Animals

Fogarty, Mignon Grammar Girl Presents the Ultimate Writing Guide for Students
High school   296 pp. Holt 2011

Illustrated by Erwin Haya. This clear and accessible guide to a wide range of writing and grammar topics will be useful to student writers. A variety of examples and tips combined with clear organization will help them find answers to specific questions and apply what they’ve learned to their own writing. Teachers will also gain many ideas and examples to enhance their lessons. Bib., glos., ind.
Subjects: General Language; Language–Grammar; Writing

Hoberman, Mary Ann Forget-Me-Nots: Poems to Learn by Heart
Gr. K-3  144 pp. Little/Tingley 2012

Illustrated by Michael Emberley. Hoberman has selected more than 120 poems that are good choices for memorization. Divided into eleven sections, the collection is a treasure trove of the familiar and the fresh. Emberley’s watercolor, pastel, and pencil pictures both embellish and illustrate the poems. A wonderful gift book for poetry lovers, but even children who have never considered memorizing a poem will find much to love here. Ind.
Subjects: Poetry Collections; Memory

Myers, Walter Dean Just Write: Here’s How
High school   161 pp. HarperCollins/Collins (HarperCollins) 2012

“Writing is not mysterious. There are tools that I use to help me get to the end of a book.” No sentimentalist, Myers advises young writers on how to get started and–even more difficult–how to keep going and finish. His approach is practical, encouraging extensive outlining and, for a novel, a “six-box model for fiction.” Autobiographical anecdotes make the advice concrete. Bib.
Subjects: General Literature; Writing; Authors

Raczka, Bob Lemonade, and Other Poems Squeezed from a Single Word
Gr. 4-6   44 pp. Roaring Brook 2011

Illustrated by Nancy Doniger. In this volume, poet meets Scrabble nerd. Raczka makes poems from a single word by rearranging various letters from that word, anagram-style. Some are imagistic: moonlight is “hot / night / thin / light / moth / in / motion.” Some are mini-narratives: friend is “fred / finds / ed.” The concrete poem format makes you want to try some yourself.
Subjects: Poetry; Language–Anagrams; Poetry–Concrete poems

From the October 2012 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.

The post Language Arts appeared first on The Horn Book.

Top 25 Sports Skills, Tips, and Tricks series. Each title presents sport-specific skills, drills, and techniques, including the proper mechanics of passing, shooting, and scoring, as well as defensive strategies and game rules. “Pro Tips and Tricks,” mainly work-ethic quotes from such pros as Tom Brady and Mary Lou Retton, are scattered throughout the texts. Instructive action photographs include both professional athletes and kids at play. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Sports; Sports–Baseball; Sports–Gymnastics; Sports–Ice hockey; Sports–Soccer; Sports–Basketball; Sports–Football

Brown, Peggy The Golden Book of Family Fun
Gr. 4-6   133 pp. Golden (Random House Children’s Books) 2011

Illustrated by David Sheldon. From family history to poetry to parties and traditions, the ideas and activities collected in this book suit all kinds of moods, temperaments, abilities, and occasions. Suggestions for games, crafts, magic, experiments, art projects, and puppetry are enlivened by cartoony retro illustrations and match the text’s upbeat mood. A blanket advisory to use caution for some projects is included on the copyright page.
Subjects: Handicrafts and Hobbies; Family; Games

Hodge, Deborah Watch Me Grow!: A Down-to-Earth Look at Growing Food in the City
Gr. K-3   32 pp. Kids Can 2011

Photographs by Brian Harris. Reflecting the rising interest in urban farming, this simple text explores the different ways and spaces people find to grow food in cities. Occasional boxed sidebars offer gentle encouragement: “A sunny windowsill is a great place to grow herbs.” Well-chosen photos show children enjoying fresh produce in addition to pictures of community-, front-, and backyard gardens–and an eye-catching highrise rooftop beekeeper.
Subjects: Farm Life/Husbandry/and Gardening; Food; City and town life; Agriculture

Kenney, Karen Latchana Cool School Cheerleading: Fun Ideas and Activities to Build School Spirit
Gr. 4-6   32 pp. ABDO 2011
Kenney, Karen Latchana Cool School Clubs: Fun Ideas and Activities to Build School Spirit
Gr. 4-6      32 pp. ABDO 2011
Kenney, Karen Latchana Cool School Dance: Fun Ideas and Activities to Build School Spirit
Gr. 4-6      32 pp. ABDO 2011
Kenney, Karen Latchana Cool School Drama and Theater: Fun Ideas and Activities to Build School Spirit
Gr. 4-6     32 pp. ABDO 2011

Checkerboard How-To Library: Cool School Spirit series. School is about more than homework and tests, and these four volumes encourage students to get involved in activities. Each book introduces the title activity and provides suggestions for participation. Lots of peppy arts and crafts projects (e.g., make your own cheer-team logo) are included throughout. The kids in the accompanying photographs are enthusiastically engaged in their activities. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Handicrafts and Hobbies; Sports–Cheerleading; Schools; Clubs; Dance; Plays; Theater;

Robison, Ken Apolo Ohno
High school   112 pp. Morgan 2011
Savage, Jeff Brock Lesnar
High school   112 pp. Morgan 2011
Savage, Jeff Tito Ortiz
High school  112 pp. Morgan 2011
Young, Jeff C. Michelle Wie
High school   112 pp. Morgan 2011

Xtreme Athletes series. These volumes detail the athletic achievements of the title champions of golf (Wie), speed skating (Ohno), and mixed martial arts (Lesnar and Ortiz); the texts also mention their personal and professional challenges and how they overcame them. Quotes and sidebars enhance the accessible volumes. Clear photographs depict sporting victories and special events in the subjects’ lives. Timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
Subjects: Sports; Japanese Americans; Sports–Speed skating; Ohno, Apolo; Biographies; Lesnar, Brock; Sports–Martial arts; Ortiz, Tito; Mexican Americans; Women–Biographies; Women–Athletes; Wie, Michelle; Sports–Golf; Women–Korean Americans; Korean Americans

From the October 2012 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.

The post After-School Fun appeared first on The Horn Book.

This large-format volume provides a thorough overview of some of history’s most influential painters, organized chronologically from Hieronymus Bosch to Basquiat. Captioned high-quality images of masterpieces support the informational text, which addresses styles, backgrounds, and inspirations; engaging personal details and anecdotes are also included. Sporadic quiz questions and activity suggestions encourage reader participation. Timeline. Glos.
Subjects: Visual Arts; Artists; Painting; Art appreciation

Schroeder, Alan Baby Flo: Florence Mills Lights Up the Stage
Gr. K-3   40 pp. Lee 2012

Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright. Florence Mills was born an entertainer. This brightly illustrated, inspiring story follows “Baby Flo” from her days of singing in the streets of Washington, DC, to her on-stage debut at age seven. An author’s note includes a brief biography of her years as an entertainer during the Harlem Renaissance and her early death from tuberculosis at age thirty-one.
Subjects: Performing Arts; Dance; Women–Biographies; African Americans; Biographies; Women–Singers; Singers; Women–Dancers; Women–African Americans

Sullivan, George Click Click Click!: Photography for Children
Gr. 4-6   88 pp. Prestel 2011

The first half of the book looks at modern photography (digital versus film), famous photographs, and eight pioneers in the field. The second half includes sections on becoming a photographer: how to capture action, take group photos, tell stories, edit photographs, etc. Numerous photographs illustrate this book that will prove of interest to young shutterbugs. Glos.
Subjects: Visual Arts; Photography

VanHecke, Susan Raggin’, Jazzin’, Rockin’: A History of American Musical Instrument Makers
Middle school  136 pp. Boyds 2011

The Steinways and their pianos, Leo Fender and his guitars — this authoritative offering details these music-related success stories and others. VanHecke situates the subjects in their historical times and places, providing useful background to inspire inventiveness and creativity as much as musicianship. Copious archival photos of the instrument makers, their creations, and musicians at work are included. Websites. Bib., ind.
Subjects: Music; Musical instruments

Winter, Jonah Just Behave, Pablo Picasso!
Gr. K-3  48 pp. Scholastic/Levine 2012

Illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. Winter’s energetic account focuses on the painter’s unquenchable inventiveness, tracing his rise from prodigy through several controversial styles and from the furor over his African mask–inspired “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” to his revolutionary cubist “Girl with a Mandolin.” With his broad brush strokes and painterly art, Hawkes evokes Picasso’s oeuvre without imitating it, an impressive achievement. A concluding note provides context but no sources.
Subjects: Visual Arts; Biographies; Picasso, Pablo; Artists; Painting

From the October 2012 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.

The post The Arts appeared first on The Horn Book.

Bonner combines excellent scientific explanations with slapstick humor to explore the development of early dinosaur, reptile, and mammal life in the Triassic period, as well as the geological and ecological conditions that supported survival. Some of the colorful cartoon illustrations are straightforward pictures of dinosaurs in their habitats; others are in comic-strip format, adding humor while still highlighting facts. Bib., glos., ind.
Subjects: Prehistoric Life; Prehistoric life–Dinosaurs; Cartoons and comics

Fern, Tracey Barnum’s Bones: How Barnum Brown Discovered the Most Famous Dinosaur in the World
Gr. K-3   40 pp. Farrar/Ferguson 2012

Illustrated by Boris Kulikov. Barnum Brown was an eccentric dinosaur hunter who, at and around the turn of the last century, amassed a peerless collection of fossilized skeletons for the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The colorful narrative bubbles with Barnum’s irrepressible fervor; bright, saturated paintings bring the landscapes of the cultured city and Wild West to vivid life. Bib.
Subjects: Prehistoric Life; Biographies; Prehistoric life–Dinosaurs; Fossils; Brown, Barnum; Paleontology; Museums

Hartland, Jessie How the Dinosaur Got to the Museum
Gr. K-3   40 pp. Blue Apple 2011

Hartland traces the preparation of a diplodocus fossil for exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. With each step, from discovery of the dinosaur remains through transport to the museum to assembly of the fossil and production of its installation, the text provides accessible information about the overall process. Eye-pleasing illustrations incorporate humor while detailing the behind-the-scenes work.
Subjects: Prehistoric Life; Paleontology; Museums; Prehistoric life–Dinosaurs; Fossils; Scientists

McGowan, Chris Dinosaur Discovery: Everything You Need to Be a Paleontologist
Gr. K-3   48 pp. Simon (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing) 2011

Illustrated by Erica Lyn Schmidt. Profiles of major dinosaur species are presented in field guide–like format. Details include vital statistics, history, and colorful artistic interpretations of both what the animals may have looked like and of their fossil remains; captioned labels point out specific important features. Creative home experiments encourage readers to explore meaningful scientific concepts such as fossil formation and dinosaur physiology. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Prehistoric Life; Paleontology; Prehistoric life–Dinosaurs; Fossils; Scientists; Science projects

Sloan, Christopher Baby Mammoth Mummy: Frozen in Time
Gr. 4-6   48 pp. National (National Geographic Books) 2011

Engaging text supported by maps, diagrams, photographs, and illustrations captures the excitement and significance of the 2007 discovery of a fully preserved baby woolly mammoth. Firsthand accounts, scientific details, and even mythology blend well, effectively demonstrating the collaborative efforts that yielded new insight into the Ice Age in general and the creature itself, along with predictions for its present-day descendants. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Prehistoric Life; Prehistoric life–Mammoths; Fossils; Paleontology; Scientists; Mummies

From the October 2012 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.

The post Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life appeared first on The Horn Book.

DeCristofano, Carolyn Cinami A Black Hole Is NOT a Hole
Gr. 4-6   75 pp. Charlesbridge 2012
Illustrated by Michael Carroll. In this captivating book on black holes, complicated abstract ideas are logically ordered and clarified in an inviting conversational style and with inspired uses of reasoning and analogies perfectly attuned to the target audience. Well-designed layouts include illustrations, historical images, helpful diagrams, and humorous text bubbles that add levity while underscoring major concepts. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind.
Subjects: Astronomy; Astronomy–Black holes

Fox, Karen C. Older than the Stars
Gr. K-3   32 pp. Charlesbridge 2010
Illustrated by Nancy Davis. Fox explains the fascinating-yet-true concept that the atoms that make up our bodies, our earth, and even our universe are the same that have existed since the Big Bang. In an assemblage of brightly colored graphic art, the formation of matter from the origins of the universe to its combination into atoms, elements, stars, planets, and life is shown in sequence. Timeline. Glos.
Subjects: Astronomy; Astronomy–Cosmology; Astronomy–Universe

Goldsmith, Mike The Kingfisher Space Encyclopedia
Gr. 4-6   160 pp. Kingfisher/Macmillan (Macmillan) 2012
This overview of space science contains factual tidbits about a range of astronomy topics, from planets in our solar system to stars and galaxies beyond, as well as coverage of the past, present, and future technologies used by humans to explore the universe. Each two-page layout contains a variety of facts and definitions spread across color illustrations of varying sizes. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Astronomy; Space

Miller, Ron Seven Wonders Beyond the Solar System
Middle school 80 pp. Twenty-First Century 2011
Miller, Ron Seven Wonders of the Gas Giants and Their Moons
Middle school   80 pp. Twenty-First Century 2011
Miller, Ron Seven Wonders of the Rocky Planets and Their Moons
Middle school   80 pp. Twenty-First Century 2011
Seven Wonders series. In these well-organized volumes, Miller covers the basics of planetary science and star formation in addition to looking more closely at interesting elements of the bodies in the solar system (e.g., rings of Saturn, mountains on Mars). Sharp color-enhanced images and artist renderings portray planetary and stellar features for astronomy buffs. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
Subjects: Astronomy; Space; Astronomy–Planets; Astronomy—Moon

From the October 2012 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.

The post Astronomy appeared first on The Horn Book.

Illustrated by Edward Miller. Mad Science series. Experiments exploring onion cells, yeast, bacteria, and mold found in homes are interspersed with scientific information about the underlying biological and chemical principles. The experiments are more advanced than your typical do-at-home recipes, requiring a microscope and chemicals not typically found in the house (but easily obtained). The cartoonlike illustrations include anthropomorphized microorganisms as well as realistic depictions of the required materials. Bib., ind.
Subjects: General Science and Experiments; Science projects

Gardner, Robert Air: Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet
Gr. 4-6 128 pp. Enslow 2011
Gardner, Robert Earth’s Cycles: Green Science Projects About the Water Cycle, Photosynthesis, and More
Gr. 4-6 112 pp. Enslow 2011
Gardner, Robert Energy: Green Science Projects About Solar, Wind, and Water Power
Gr. 4-6 128 pp. Enslow 2011
Gardner, Robert Recycle: Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet
Gr. 4-6 128 pp. Enslow 2011
Gardner, Robert Soil: Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet
Gr. 4-6 128 pp. Enslow 2011
Gardner, Robert Water: Green Science Projects for a Sustainable Planet
Gr. 4-6 128 pp. Enslow 2011

Team Green Science Projects series. Gardner takes familiar experiments geared toward motivated science learners and gives them an eco-twist. Some are straightforward demonstrations of basic science while others explore aspects of alternative and sustainable science and technologies. Sections of background information further expand the green science coverage. Photographs and diagrams help illustrate the necessary equipment and setups. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Subjects: General Science and Experiments; Air pollution; Science projects; Environment–Pollution; Earth science; Environment–Conservation; Energy; Environment–Recycling; Soil; Environment–Conservation–Natural resources; Water

Mason, Adrienne Motion, Magnets and More: The Big Book of Primary Physical Science
Gr. K-3 128 pp. Kids Can 2011

Illustrated by Claudia Dávila. Children can develop basic understanding of physical science through this collection of well-designed experiments on materials, structures, matter, and motion. The concepts carefully build across the activities and are appropriately targeted to the intended audience. Cartoonlike children in the illustrations model the experiments or demonstrate the ideas. Tips for adults to help deepen learning are appended. Glos., ind.
Subjects: General Science and Experiments; Science projects; Physics

Sobey, Ed Electric Motor Experiments
High school 128 pp. Enslow 2011
Sobey, Ed Radio-Controlled Car Experiments
High school 128 pp. Enslow 2011
Sobey, Ed Robot Experiments
High school 128 pp. Enslow 2011
Sobey, Ed Solar Cell and Renewable Energy Experiments
High school 128 pp. Enslow 2011

Cool Science Projects with Technology series. Each collection of experiments encourages science aficionados to explore in-depth such items as motors and electrical circuits along with forces and motion. Straightforward scientific information and color photographs and diagrams are integrated into the projects (most of which require more than just household materials). Questions throughout encourage deeper thinking and engineer-type problem solving. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Subjects: General Science and Experiments; Science projects; Technology; Electricity; Vehicles—Automobiles; Robots; Energy

Whittaker, Helen How Toys Slide
Gr. K-3 32 pp. Smart Apple 2012.
Whittaker, Helen How Toys Bounce
Gr. K-3 32 pp. Smart Apple 2012
Whittaker, Helen How Toys Float
Gr. K-3 32 pp. Smart Apple 2012
Whittaker, Helen How Toys Fly
Gr. K-3 32 pp. Smart Apple 2012
Whittaker, Helen How Toys Roll
Gr. K-3 32 pp. Smart Apple 2012
Whittaker, Helen How Toys Spin
Gr. K-3 32 pp. Smart Apple 2012

Toys and Forces series. Readers are encouraged to use their toys to examine basic relationships between forces and the movement of objects. Each book features the motions exhibited by everyday items to explore how exerting a force can move, speed up, slow down, or stop things. The concepts are reinforced through color illustrations, diagrams, and appended simple experiments in each book. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Physics and Chemistry; Toys; Force; Motion; Water; Flight

 From the October 2012 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.

The post Experiments and Science Projects appeared first on The Horn Book.

Confronting Global Warming series. These books consider the current and potential future consequences of global warming on the human, animal, and plant populations and the resources we need to survive. Individual provides detailed recommendations for changes that readers and their families can make now to reduce their carbon footprints and potentially mitigate future problems. Color photographs and diagrams adequately illustrate the concepts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Pollution and Conservation; Environment–Conservation–Natural resources; Global warming; Nature; Environment–Conservation—Wildlife; Population; Food; Plants; Agriculture; Environment–Pollution; Industry

Jenkins, Martin Can We Save the Tiger?
Gr. K-3 56 pp. Candlewick 2011

Illustrated by Vicky White. This volume provides a gracefully organized overview of how some of our endangered fellow creatures are doing. Jenkins’s narrative voice is engagingly informal and lucid. White’s pencil and oil paint illustrations fill the large pages; the pictures are mostly in sober black and white with occasional blushes of color. A stunningly beautiful book as well as an eloquent appeal and consciousness-raiser. Websites. Ind.
Subjects: Pollution and Conservation; Environment–Endangered species; Animals; Environment–Conservation–Wildlife

Langley, Andrew Bridging the Energy Gap
Gr. 4-6 48 pp. Raintree/Freestyle 2011

Environment Challenge series. The sources and uses of energy are examined from a global perspective to underscore the differences in energy consumption and conservation across various regions. Langley emphasizes sustainability, including case studies of energy disasters (mine collapses, oil spills) as well as alternative energy and sustainability successes. Color photographs, diagrams, and text asides further encourage readers to examine the issues. Reading/movie list, websites. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Pollution and Conservation; Fossil fuels; Energy

Lanz, Helen Having the Energy
Gr. 4-6 32 pp. Sea to Sea 2012
Lanz, Helen How Shall We Travel?
Gr. 4-6 32 pp. Sea to Sea 2012
Lanz, Helen Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Gr. 4-6 32 pp. Sea to Sea 2012
Lanz, Helen Shopping Choices
Gr. 4-6 32 pp. Sea to Sea 2012
Lanz, Helen What Shall We Eat?
Gr. 4-6 32 pp. Sea to Sea 2012
Lanz, Helen Wonderful Water
Gr. 4-6 32 pp. Sea to Sea 2012

Go Green series. These books examine how human activities–travel, shopping, watching TV–consume fossil fuels and contribute to climate change. Lanz challenges readers to adopt sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprints: walking or biking; reducing consumption of goods, energy, and water; and eating locally grown foods. Color photographs of energy use and conservation accompany the texts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Subjects: Pollution and Conservation; Environment–Conservation–Natural resources; Energy; Global warming; Transportation; Voyages and travels; Environment–Recycling; Environment–Refuse and refuse disposal; Agriculture; Farms and farm life; Food; Water

Ward, D. J. What Happens to Our Trash?
Gr. K-3 40 pp. HarperCollins/Collins 2012

Illustrated by Paul Meisel. Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. A strong conservation message permeates this examination of garbage and the ways in which we get rid of it, from landfills and incinerators to recycling plants and composting. Ward includes practical steps young readers can take to reduce trash production. The cartoonlike illustrations portray friendly adults and children happily taking care of their waste.
Pollution and Conservation; Environment–Refuse and refuse disposal; Environment–Recycling

From the October 2012 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.

The post Pollution and Conservation appeared first on The Horn Book.

To fulfill the Common Core standards, teachers need resources of increasing complexity, not flattened-out and dumbed-down summaries of concepts and events. Teachers need texts that challenge readers to tackle longer passages, more complex ideas, a richer vocabulary: in short, the content that books of quality nonfiction have to offer. And librarians are there to point them in the right direction while taking seriously the real-life roadblocks teachers face on a day-to-day basis.

The Common Core is built so that each leap adds new knowledge and skill that makes the next leap possible. And so there is the leap coming for us in the library and trade world — the leap into the classroom, into the world of teachers and students where our books should belong. There are challenges, of course: getting school librarians and teachers to rely on each another (assuming the school has a trained librarian), for one thing, and publishing more high-quality YA nonfiction at school-budget-friendly prices. Problems, yes, but these are the problems of three worlds — libraries, classrooms, and publishers — that have been separate for far too long. Look to Nonfiction Notes to help bridge that gap by providing concrete suggestions of high-quality, useful books that are also enjoyable, eye-opening, and mind-broadening.

 From the October 2012 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.

The post Common Ground appeared first on The Horn Book.