Oxlade, Chris. History of Robots.

Oxlade, Chris. History of Robots. Capstone Publishers    2018 32p  $27.32    ISBN 978-1-4846-4036-4    elem       Nonfiction  E series: History of Technology

Elementary students who enjoy learning about robots will appreciate this new title in The History of Technology series.  Written in an easy-to-comprehend manner, the book provides students with an understanding of robots from the late 1950s to the present, with the robots continuing to change and become more advanced. From early ancient automatons in the 1700s to robot stories, games, films, industrial robots, robot explorers, walking robots, medical robots, robot games and sports, domestic working robots, drones, humanoids and androids, the author covers the changes in the use of robots with advanced technology. In the future, our everyday lives may involve humanoids and androids assisting us with tasks and household jobs. 

The author includes color photographs, interesting facts, a glossary of terms, recommended books, a special code to use on FactHound, and an index.

For schools who participate in Accelerated Reader, an existing test is available for students to use (AR Quiz # 190808). The title would make a good addition to an elementary collection for casual reading and reports. 

Summary: “Provides a history of robots, covering key inventions and inventors.”

Robots-History                                --Charleen Forba-MacCain

Reeves, Philip. Black Light Express.

Reeves, Philip. Black Light Express. Capstone Publishers  2018     336p $17.95  ISBN 978-1-63079-096-7  jr/sr     Science Fiction  VG-BN        

The Black Light Express begins with Zen and Nova escaping from the calamity they created in the first book into unfamiliar territory. In Reeve’s world, sentient trains connect universes inhabited by diverse populations of androids, insects, and a slew of other creatures. And the human population is equally diverse in terms of race, sexuality, and gender. But despite the nature of the living creatures, politics, allegiances, and power all drive the action and motivations of the large cast of intergallactic characters. 

While Zen and Nova are on a quest to learn about the nature of the Black Light beckoning them, and a search to find an alternative route to home, the young Network leader Threnody Noon and her companion, Chandni Hansa, are on the run after a coup d'etat forces them into exile. Their paths (and trains) merge, and together, they seek to uncover the mysteries behind the coup, the resurgent Guardians, and the creation of the universe itself. Often funny, sometimes scary, and always thrilling, this is science fiction that manages to connect technology with emotion and rich story telling.

The Black Light Express is one heck of a ride. I hadn’t read the first book in the series, so I needed to depend very heavily on the glossary, and I reread the first few chapters a few times to catch up on the imaginative world created by Reeve. But the complex characters, non-stop action, and wildly creative future world soon had me hooked. 

Recommended for all science-fiction and adventure-loving readers ages 12 and up. Though not required, readers should start the series with the first book, Railhead.    

Summary: In this sequel to Railhead, Zen Starling and his android girlfriend Nova journey into the unknown via sentient trains that travel towards the Black Light Zone, escaping the chaos of the Great Network in search of the secrets of the universe and the AI Guardians who reengage with humans with the reopening of the new K gate. 

Adventure-Fiction, Trains-Fiction                  --Lisa Teixeira

Rodriguez, David, & Ignacio Segesso. Moby Dick.

Rodriguez, David, & Ignacio Segesso. Moby Dick. Capstone Publishers     2018 78p $27.32   ISBN 978-1-4965-5573-1    elem/ms   Graphic Novel  E-BNe     

This graphic-novel version of the classic story Moby Dick, translated from Spanish, is very well done, and it includes notes on Melville, information on legendary whales, and notes on the novel and its cinematic adaptations. 

The author of the adaptation is an established screenwriter, and the illustrator has a wide variety of experiences and has won awards for his work. In a skinny little book, they have succeeded in conveying the adventure, pathos, heart and humor of this great novel.  This is a highly recommended way to get kids interested in classical literature. Recommended for elementary and middle-school readers, and hi-lo readers at the high-school level.  

Summary: This graphic-novel version of the classic story Moby Dick, translated from Spanish, is very well done, and it includes notes on Melville, information on legendary whales, and notes on the novel and the movies that have been made from it.

Moby Dick, Adventure stories                                                                      --Carol Kennedy

Stefoff, Rebecca. Me, Myself, and I: The More Grammar Changes, the More it Remains the Same.

Stefoff, Rebecca. Me, Myself, and I: The More Grammar Changes, the More it Remains the Same.  Capstone Publishers  2018     32p  $27.32    ISBN 978-1-5157-6387-1    elem/ms   E-BNS  series: Fact Finders: Why Do We Say That?

We love this grammar book for upper-elementary and middle-school kids! It starts out by making it easy to decide which pronoun to use (me, myself, or I), by stating that if the subject of the sentence is "I", then, and only then, should "I" be used. Nicely put, and I wish that more adults could get their heads around that concept! The book goes on to discuss grammar and its evolution in the English language, which is helpful and informative. There is also a section on the use of "myself," which is very instructional and a topic not often discussed. The example sentences that the author uses are humorous, and she keeps the tone of her instruction light and fun. Organization is good, with a glossary, an index, references for further research, chapters, and appropriate illustrations.

The author touches upon rules, punctuation, Old English, modern English, grammar changes, emojis, Internet language, and the future of language. Students are also given opportunities to try writing sentences using the proper pronouns.

The author includes color photographs, interesting “Did You Know” facts, a glossary of terms, a list of recommended books, critical thinking questions, a special code to use on FactHound for more fun, and an index. The title would make a great addition to an elementary or middle school collection for teaching grammatical concepts.    

Summary: This is a good book on grammar, and specifically the use of first-person pronouns, for any age (really), but geared toward upper-elementary and middle-school readers. Well organized and fun to read, it is also very informative.

English-language Grammar  --Carol Kennedy and Charleen Forba-MacCain

Berne, Emma Carlson. What Is An Idiom When It's At Home?

Berne, Emma Carlson. What Is An Idiom When It's At Home?   Capstone Publishers       2018   32p.  $27.32  ISBN 978-1-5157-6388-8          elem/ms       Nonfiction  VG-BNS        

Upper-elementary and middle-school students who enjoy learning about the English language will appreciate this new title on idioms in the Fact Finders: Why Do We Say That? series.  Written in an easy-to-read format, the book will give students a better understanding of what idioms are and will provide solid examples for them to explain to others.  The author touches upon figurative and literal meanings, as well as phrasal verbs and clichés.  Students will be able to identify the idiom and its literal meaning with real-world examples.  The author provides students with a history of idioms and how they are used worldwide, as well as providing insight into the future of idioms with today’s technology and use of emojis.

The author includes colorful illustrations, tables, charts, “Try It Out” sidebars, “Did You Know” facts, a glossary of terms, a list of recommended books, critical thinking questions, a special code to use on FactHound, and an index.

As of this review, four titles have been published in this new series, Fact Finders: Why Do We Say That? which is part of the Fact Finders series.  Each title reviews parts of speech and basic proper grammar in a fun way.         

Summary: “An exploration of idioms, covering what they are, providing examples, and including related exercises.”         

Idioms, Language Arts                               --Charleen Forba-MacCain