Catherine, Dutchess of Cambridge.

Hunter, Nick.  Catherine, Dutchess of Cambridge.  Capstone/Heinemann  2014    48p   $24.00  ISBN 978-1-4109-5942-3  ms/jr  series: Extraordinary Women  Biography VG

When Prince William, the future king of England, proposed to Catherine Middleton, their story became world famous, a modern-day fairytale.  This book’s publication comes approximately a year after the birth of the eponymous subject’s son George, so it is very relevant, though there are many who would argue that England’s royal family is never irrelevant.  This volume in the Extraordinary Women series tells Middleton’s story.  Topics covered include her childhood, education, professional accomplishments, and relationship with Prince William, of course.  What makes Middleton extraordinary is not explicitly stated, but tacitly implied.  With her background and charitable endeavors, she is a bridge between the people of the United Kingdom and their rulers.  The book is very well written and provides just enough information at an appropriate level for the intended readers.  The photographs are the same kind one would find in a biopic for older readers, including old family photos as well as the iconic wedding pictures.  

There is a major problem with this book, however, and that is the “Find Out More” section, which is about Angela Merkel and Germany rather than the Duchess of Cambridge.  

The Extraordinary Women series so far has five titles geared toward advanced middle-school readers.  

Summary: This volume in the Extraordinary Women series tells Middleton’s story, covering topics like her childhood, education, professional accomplishments, and relationship with Prince William, of course.

Catherine Middleton, Prince William       --Bethany Geleskie

Hunter, Nick. Women in World War I.

Hunter, Nick.  Women in World War I.  Capstone/Heinemann    2014  48p   ISBN 978-1-4329-8084-9  series: Remembering World War I  elem/ms    VG-Bnes  Nonfiction          

Upper-elementary and middle-school students are presented with information on the women in World War I.  Beautifully illustrated with period photographs, personal quotations, and interesting facts, there’s something new and interesting to read on every page.  Readers discover what life was like for women before and after this important war.  From women who volunteered at the front line to those who helped care for the wounded and/or make clothing for the front line, women played an important role in World War I.  While many of the husbands/fathers went to fight, many women took over the responsibilities of work in factories, including weapons factories, around the home, and on the farm.  Very few women actually fought in World War I, but those who did found it difficult to go back to traditional women’s roles upon arrival back home.  While the war was fought, women at home had a difficult time trying to keep the family and household together as their husbands and/or fathers were at war.  After the war ended, women found new opportunities, including jobs and the right to vote in national elections.

The author includes awesome period photographs, lots of personal quotations to make the reader feel connected to the time, a timeline of events, a glossary of terms, lists of recommended books and internet addresses, and an index.  For schools who use Accelerated Reader, an existing quiz is available for students to take (AR Quiz # 159507).  As of this review four titles have been published in the series Remembering World War I.  Each title covers an aspect of World War I.  Titles include campaigns, home fronts, life on the western front, and the women of this war.    

Summary: “Shows how women played a vital role in the war effort of every nation during World War I; describes how the lives of women changed, and what happened when the war ended.”   

World War I-Women                                 --Charleen Forba-Mayer

Hunter, Nick. Cyber Bullying.

Hunter, Nick.  Cyber Bullying.  Capstone Publishers, 2012.  56p.  $33.50

ISBN 978-1-4329-4869-6  ms/hs (Grades 5-12).  VG-BN        

     This book discusses the meaning of cyber-bullying: who does it, how to stop it, and the forms it takes. It is colorfully illustrated and is sure to draw in readers and researchers.  The prevalence of cyber-bullying makes this book a must for middle- and high-school libraries. Examples of cyber-bullying ring true, as do the tips on how to stop attacks. The illustration captions tend to show suburban teenagers, while cyber-bullying is a problem regardless of locale. The thought bubbles and boxed information make this an easy book to browse. The list of websites with more information makes this a great self-help book.  The cyber-bullying "quick tips" pages do an excellent job of summarizing the entire book, listing the technologies involved (including cell phone, email, and gaming sites) and the types of cyber-bullying associated with each, as well as prevention tips and solutions. The only caveat is that the charts that cite surveys are not referenced for date or source.

     The series is Hot Topics, and it contains ten new books on today’s societal problems and concerns. Each book is colorfully illustrated, with well-written text and an attractive layout. Personal stories, as well as statistical and scientific evidence, make this a first choice for libraries.     

Subject: Cyberbullying 

Lois McNicol