Hackett, Jennifer. Game Design (Behind the Scenes).

Hackett, Jennifer. Game Design (Behind the Scenes).  Scholastic/ Childrens Press  2018  48p  $31.00  ISBN 978-0-531-23503-4    elem Nonfiction  VG-BNS  series: A True Book.

Beginning with a timeline of game development and moving into the earliest of electronic games and controllers, the author goes on to discuss the different types of computer-based gaming, the process of designing a video game, and the changes that cutting-edge technology will bring to this industry.  She describes the steps necessary to design a game: setting the scene, developing characters, making a storyboard, and creating a script.  She then explains 3-D modeling and virtual-reality settings.  The descriptive text is crisply written and enhanced by excellent, well-captioned photographs of both males and females, and it will appeal to young readers. It begins with a mini quiz and ends with a page of “true” statistics, a bibliography of books and web sites, a glossary, and an index.  Highly recommended for elementary and middle-school libraries.  

Summary: Beginning with a timeline of game development and moving into the earliest of electronic games and controllers, the author goes on to discuss the different types of computer-based gaming, the process of designing a video game, and the changes that cutting-edge technology will bring to this industry.    

Computers, Game Design                             --Susan Ogintz

Zeiger, Jennifer. Queen Elizabeth II.

Zeiger, Jennifer.  Queen Elizabeth II.  Scholastic/Childrens Press      2015  48p   $27.00  ISBN 978-0-531-21599-9  elem  series: A True Book  Biography  E-BN     

Elizabeth was not born into the family line expected to rule Great Britain.   This title explains how she became queen at the age of 25.  When her father became king, her education changed to prepare her for her future.  Throughout the book, things she has been the first to do are stressed.  She is the first female monarch to have served in the military, the longest ruling monarch, the first since Queen Victoria to have a child while ruling as monarch, and the first to have her daily activities filmed for television.  She has welcomed a visit from a pope and has visited Ireland.  She is an influential leader.

The text is well supported by excellent photographs, a timeline, a glossary, an index and the link to the publisher-sponsored web site.  The text is simple and will be easily understood by young independent readers.  

Summary: This biography of Queen Elizabeth II introduces elementary readers to her childhood and how she became queen.  It stresses several “firsts” in her monarchy and the future of the monarchy through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Grades 3-5.

Queen Elizabeth II                                    --Joan Theal

Doak, Robin S. Hillary Clinton.

Doak, Robin S.  Hillary Clinton.    Scholastic/ Childrens Press   2013  48p  $29.00  ISBN 978-0-531-21906-5 elm/ms  series: A True Book       VG-BNes    

Beginning with a look at the early life of Hillary Rodham Clinton, this brief biography highlights the important events in her life beginning with her childhood in a Chicago suburb, her education at Wellesley and Yale, and her transformation from a conservative Goldwater girl to a liberal champion of children’s rights.  After her move to Arkansas and her marriage to Bill Clinton, she became much more involved in Democratic politics, both statewide and nationally.  After her husband’s election to the presidency, she found herself heavily involved in national politics.  In 2000, she was elected to the U.S. Senate from New York and later declared herself a candidate for the presidency.  The book continues with a description of her career as Secretary of State during the first term of President Obama. 

This is a succinct and lucid treatment of the subject, remarkably nonjudgmental, non-sensationalized and objective in its treatment of a remarkable woman.  The descriptive text is enhanced by excellent, well-captioned photographs, and it ends with a page of “true” statistics, a bibliography of books and web sites, a glossary, and an index.

The A True Book series provides an understanding of many subjects suitable for young readers in grades 3-8.  Boldly illustrated, with informative text and related information, these are titles that any elementary-age student will grab off the shelf. 

Hillary Clinton                                                   --Susan Ogintz

Gregory, Josh. The Superstorm Hurricane Sandy.

Gregory, Josh.  The Superstorm Hurricane Sandy.  Scholastic/Childrens Press  2013   48p   $29.00  ISBN 978-0-531-23750-2  elem (Grades 4-7)  series: A True Book  VG-BNS

This True Book appears to be written at a higher level than the books that were published in this series in the past.  Superstorm Hurricane Sandy does a good job of covering the storm.  It explains the origins and development of the storm, and maps show its path.  Photographs show the destruction left behind in its aftermath – the flooding and other destruction.  The text also does a good job of personalizing the damage and the storm’s effects on people’s lives.  This title will give readers who were far away from the storm’s impact a good idea of what it was like.

I see only two flaws in this book, and they are as follows: there is no mention of the huge number of volunteers beyond FEMA and the Red Cross who helped and are still helping people.  Also, the page on climate change pictures a polar bear.  The photograph is superfluous and has very little to do with the subject of the book.

The supplemental materials include a page of statistics, a list of four books on hurricanes, identification of the publisher’s “Factsfornow” web page, an acceptable glossary and a more-than-adequate index.

The book is targeted for grades 3-6, but the reading level is more appropriate for grades 4-7.  This is part of the newest addition to the True Book series: the Disasters series of 11 titles.  Each book examines in detail the causes leading up to a specific disaster, as well as the legacy it left behind, which we live today.    

Hurricane Sandy                                                   --Joan Theal

Raatma, Lucia. Cyberbullying.

Raatma, Lucia.  Cyberbullying.  Scholastic/Childrens Press  2013  48p  $20.35  ISBN 978-0-531-25522-3  elem  series: A True Book  VG-BNes    

This book examines the different types of cyberbullying, from posting unflattering photos online to sending threatening text messages, the importance of avoiding these activities, and what to do if you are a victim of cyberbullying.  Upper-elementary students who have an interest in the Internet should take note of this new title on cyberbullying.  Written in an easy-to-read style, the book teaches students why cyberbullying occurs and the various effects that it can have on an individual.  Whether it takes place via your computer or your smart phone, cyberbullying can happen 24/7.  The author explains how to handle cyberbullying issues and where victims can find help.  Because no one wants to be bullied in person or through online communications, the author offers suggestions for ways to stop cyberbullying.  She touches upon the ever-so-popular social media sites, such as Facebook, and basic text messages via telephone as key venues for cyberbullying. 

The author provides a timeline of cyberbullying, interesting facts, beautiful color photographs, statistics, lists of recommended books and web sites, important words, and an index.  This title will help complement the internet safety curriculum that is mandated by many states for K-12 online education. 

For schools that use Accelerated Reader, a test has already been created, AR Quiz #156888.  There are currently four titles published in the True Books: Guides to Life series.  The topics covered include good manners, making smart choices, cyberbullying, and stopping bullying.  These titles help readers to think critically about some of the everyday decisions they will face throughout their lives, from dealing with bullies to choosing a healthy diet. 

Cyberbullying                                               --Charleen Forba-Mayer