Tougas, Shelley. Little Rock Girl, 1957.

Tougas, Shelley.  Little Rock Girl, 1957.  Compass Point Books/Capstone, 2012.  64p.      $33.99  ISBN 978-0-7565-4440-9      ms/jr VG-BNS           
     The premise of this book, and, indeed, the entire series, is "Can a photo change the world?"  By taking one of the 100 most important photos of the 20th century, and telling the story behind it, Tougas has given us a compelling and enlightening look at the Civil Rights Movement and the struggle for integration.  The photos, by Will Counts and others, portray vividly the conflict at Little Rock High School, and the Civil Rights Movement as a whole.  Historical background, well-placed first-person narratives, important quotations, brief biographies of key players, as well as stunning photos, make this a book that readers will remember. 
     A timeline, glossary, extensive chapter notes, and a useful bibliography complete the volume.  The format is large, perfect for the discussion of important photos, and the cover is stunning.  Other books in the series, Captured History, include Birmingham 1963, Man on the Moon, and Migrant Mother.  Each takes a pivotal photo as a focal point and brings the story home for middle-school readers. There are six books in the series at this time.  If all are as good as this volume, all should be included in middle-school collections.  It is an outstanding book!   

Subjects: 1. Integration, 2. Little Rock Nine, 3. Civil Rights Movement

Pat Naismith

 

Fitzgerald, Stephanie. Children of the Holocaust

Fitzgerald, Stephanie.           Children of the Holocaust   

Compass Point Books/Capstone    2011    64p     33.32  978-0-7565-4390-7           

ms/hs             The Holocaust (Compass Point)      E-BNS

This insightful book presents primary source information about

the Holocaust.   Of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis, more than 1.5

million were children.    Fitzgerald offers firsthand accounts of some of the

children and teenagers from across Europe who managed to escape the Nazi death

machine through luck, determination, self-reliance, and, sometimes, the kindness

of neighbors and complete strangers.         This insightful book presents primary

source information about the Holocaust.   Of the six million Jews killed by the

Nazis, more than 1.5 million were children.    Fitzgerald offers firsthand

accounts of some of the children and teenagers from across Europe who managed to

escape the Nazi death machine through luck, determination, self-reliance, and,

sometimes, the kindness of neighbors and complete strangers.    Each chapter

tells the story of a surviving child’s circumstances embedded in a succinct

discussion of historical background.  A different font delineates their own

words from the text and maps, sidebars, and archival black-and-white photographs

of children and their families enhance the story.  

         Well-researched, clearly written, and appropriate for the intended age

group, this book provides an excellent discussion of one of mankind’s darkest

periods.  Fitzgerald uses a balanced content of narrative and primary source

material to present this description of children caught up by the Holocaust.  

She discusses the effects of their experiences on the survivors,  presenting her

information in a concise and lucid manner.  The book is library-bound and ends

with a timeline, chapter notes, a glossary, bibliography of books and Internet

addresses, and an index.

            There are currently four titles in this new Compass Point series about the

Holocaust:  Children of the Holocaust, Architects of the Holocaust, Heroes of

the Holocaust, and The Legacy of the Holocaust.  Each presents primary source

information that is well-researched and clearly written, providing an excellent

discussion of one of mankind╒s darkest periods.      Ogintz, Susan

Rau, Dana Meachen A Teen Guide to Creative Delightful Dinners

Rau, Dana Meachen  A Teen Guide to Creative Delightful Dinners         

Compass Point Books/Capstone      2011   64p     25.49  978-0-7565-4408-9           

ms/hs             Teen cookbooks   VG

Recipes along with nutritional information geared to pre-teens and

teens interested in cooking. Beginning with consumer and nutritional information,

this book then provides seventeen recipes that students can prepare. Each recipe

is colorfully illustrated (in it’s final form) and broken down into ╘food stuff╒,

╘kitchen gear╒, and ╘prep steps╒. Throughout the book there are added tidbits

about ingredient substitutions, vegetarian alternatives, the value of various

ingredients, and advanced preparations.  This set is complete in 4 titles and if

the other titles are of the same quality, would be a worthwhile but not

mandatory addition to any secondary or public libraries.           Fisher, Lynn

Stille, Darlene R. Altering the Biological Blueprint

Stille, Darlene R. Altering the Biological Blueprint
Compass Point Books/Capstone 2011 48 21.49
978-0-7565-4049-4 ms/hs Genetic engineering VG-BNS Headline Science (Capstone)


Overview to genetic engineering, including controversies related to this study. Custom-made life forms were once relegated to the realm of science fiction. But strides in genetic engineering, which explores DNA, the blueprint of life, has made this a possibility. Scientists are already able to create disease-resistant plants. They have successfully cloned animals. Should genetic engineering be used to cure serious illnesses or create new food supplies?

Genetic engineering also raises ethical issues. Should scientists tamper with genetic codes?

Going behind the news headlines to explore the history of genetics, key issues, and current studies and trends, readers are encouraged to reach their own conclusions. The text is well-researched, eclectic, and informative. A timeline ranging from 1869 to the present is included, along with a useful glossary, subject index, and suggestions for sources of additional information.

The pedestrian cover and lackluster layout will not be appealing to casual readers. However, the topical subject matter will be a welcome addition to many collections. Welliver, Hilary

Stille, Darlene R. Altering the Biological Blueprint

Stille, Darlene R. Altering the Biological Blueprint
Compass Point Books/Capstone 2011 48 21.49
978-0-7565-4049-4 ms/hs Genetic engineering VG-BNS Headline Science (Capstone)


Overview to genetic engineering, including controversies related to this study. Custom-made life forms were once relegated to the realm of science fiction. But strides in genetic engineering, which explores DNA, the blueprint of life, has made this a possibility. Scientists are already able to create disease-resistant plants. They have successfully cloned animals. Should genetic engineering be used to cure serious illnesses or create new food supplies?

Genetic engineering also raises ethical issues. Should scientists tamper with genetic codes?

Going behind the news headlines to explore the history of genetics, key issues, and current studies and trends, readers are encouraged to reach their own conclusions. The text is well-researched, eclectic, and informative. A timeline ranging from 1869 to the present is included, along with a useful glossary, subject index, and suggestions for sources of additional information.

The pedestrian cover and lackluster layout will not be appealing to casual readers. However, the topical subject matter will be a welcome addition to many collections. Welliver, Hilary

Nardo, Don. Bull Run to Gettysburg: Early Battles of the Civil War.

Nardo, Don. Bull Run to Gettysburg: Early Battles of the Civil War.
Compass Point Books/Capstone 2011 64p 33.32 978-0-7565-4368-6
ms VG-BNS Civil War (Compass Point)


Causes, strengths and weaknesses of both the Union and the Confederacy, important battles, and innovative uses of ships and manpower, brilliant strategies and poor decisions are highlighted.
Don Nardo combines his natural writing style with an elevated, but not over-the-edge use of vocabulary to make this book a good choice for middle school readers as well as for advanced elementary readers or high school fans. Civil War enthusiasts will not be disappointed with the details of battles, the sequencing of the chapters and the summary information on each important battle. After a creative introduction, Nardo introduces the reader to the early battles and names such as Beauregard, McDowell, McClellan and Lee. Bull Run is a battle which resulted in the retreat of the Union and a prediction of a long war. This battle showed the power of the Confederacy. Afterward, Lee went on the offensive and once again, the Union army retreated after the second battle of Manassas. In the next chapter one learns of the decisive wins of the Union at Nashville and Pea Ridge in the West. Cities continued to fall, including New Orleans. Back up north, record numbers of dead resulted from the battle at Antietam, and the Battle of Gettysburg changed the course of the war. An outstanding chapter chronicles the contributions of the African Americans, the famous battle of Fort Wagner, highlighted in the 1989 movie, Glory, and the extreme bravery of the blacks as they fought side by side, without equal pay, to contribute to the ultimate victory of the Union. Finally, Nardo summarizes the events of the Battle of Gettysburg to end his book. One could easily see the use of these chapters to support the social studies teacher. The vocabulary and timeline are complete, and the bibliography shows the extent of Nardo’s research to complete the book. Squaresky, Martha

Burgan, Michael. Refusing to Crumble: Danish Resistance in WWII.

Burgan, Michael. Refusing to Crumble: Danish Resistance in WWII.
Compass Point Books/Capstone 2010 64p 31.99 978-0-7565-4298-6
ms/jr Danish resistance in World War II VG-BNS Taking A Stand (Capstone)


Told through the stories of individuals, and backed up with factual information, this readable volume about the famed Danish resistance during World War II provides useful information for research for younger readers. A number of books have appeared recently about the Danish resistance in World War II. This volume combines personal narratives, with factual information, complemented with primary source quotations. It makes the resistance more real and interesting for young readers. While not of the compelling quality of Darkness Over Denmark, this offering is nonetheless, perhaps a better introduction for middle school and younger readers.

Text boxes are placed at the end of sections in the narrative, thereby not impeding the flow of the text. Black and white photos and the good use of white space, coupled with a sparse, easy to read and understand text make this volume an excellent introduction to the subject for younger readers. A glossary, bibliographic resources and index complete the volume. Naismith, Pat

Graphic Content! The Culture of Comic Book

Rosinsky, Natalie M. Graphic Content! The Culture of Comic Book
Compass Point Books/Capstone 2010 64p 31.99
978-0-7565-4241-2 secondary Graphic novel VG-BN
Pop Culture Revolutions (Capstone)
This is the story of the evolution of comic strips into a worldwide industry that has a great influence over readers. It shows how many comic book characters and stories find their way into TV, movies, games, and other industries as well as the printed page.
This text is crisply written and fully illustrated with a low reading level accompanied by full color illustrations. The inclusion of several lists, where to obtain more information, web sites and a glossary/index make this a useful research tool.
After the importance of an informative text, the most supportive factor of this book is visual appeal to young readers. The layout of the various pages is diversified and well balanced between text and full color illustrations so that concepts are grouped together. The flow and balance of both the text and visuals are integrated to present a very stimulating book for both young and reluctant readers.

The most important chapter for me was the one on censorship and how comics were involved. I also felt the inclusion of the importance and challenges of social change was very informative. The overall text of the book will be read and understood by young and old alike.
This is a very well written book that will relate well to many young readers. It is recommended as a basic book for any middle or high school library. It would make an excellent selection for a basic books list for school libraries. McNeil, Linda
comics

Invisible Exposure: Science of Ultraviolet Rays

Stille, Darlene R. Invisible Exposure: Science of Ultraviolet Rays
Compass Point Books/Capstone 2010 48p 27.99
978-0-7565-4215-3 ms VG
Headline Science (Capstone)
This title examines the issue of UV rays as the author discusses both the problems that they cause as well as their current usefulness for medicine and science. Stille details the harm UV rays do to human skin and eyes and cautions the reader to use sun block and sun glasses. There is also a section about tanning beds that have become very popular with young adults yet can trigger cancer problems. Stille also discusses the flip side of UV rays and how they have been helpful in treating diseases, developing green science, and furthering the science of astronomy. Many clear, color photographs highlight the text along with side bars and charts. They are all placed appropriately within the text and are helpful to the understanding of the issue. Some of the photographs are what some young readers would call “gross” because they are unflinching pictures of what UV rays could do to skin. The format for this title includes a brief timeline that starts in 1704 and goes up to 2009. In addition, there is a glossary and a list of other informative books. As for the Internet, this book points to facthound.com, a safe but limited source that might appeal to the younger readers for whom this book is intended. Source notes and an index round out this book. Although this is written at around the 6th grade level, it could be useful as a high interest title for upper grades. It could be compared to a decent article on the internet in terms of information.
Although this book is written at around the 6th grade level, it could be useful as a high interest title for upper grades. It could be compared to a decent article on the internet in terms of information. Weinraub, Tina

Friedman, Lauri. Dangerous Dues: What You Need To Know About Gangs.

Friedman, Lauri. Dangerous Dues: What You Need To Know About Gangs.
Compass Point Books/Capstone 2010 48p 27.99 978-0-7565-4253-5 ms/hs

What’s the issue (Compass Point) A chilling look at gang involvement based on teen interviews. This book does much to dispel the myth and glamour gangs have received in popular culture. Why does someone join a gang? Several reasons are given in answer this question. Some join a gang to substitute for a family others join to gain a feeling of power and respect and still others are compelled to join. Those that feel compelled to join do so for protection or because another family member was in one already. Sometimes people think they will like the lifestyle which they perceive as one of parties, money and ‘bling.’
Sadly, gang membership is not a benign brotherhood and children find out the costs too late. Gang initiation can include beating, rape and sometimes being made to commit a crime. Once in a gang it can be difficult to leave.
The final message here is that it is possible to find a better life and the experience of several individuals are given as a message of hope. To get the support needed to leave a gang contact information for several organizations are listed.
There is a brief glossary and index included as well are references to other sources.
Spadaro, Trish