Mendelson, Aaron. American R & B.

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Mendelson, Aaron.  American R & B.  Twenty First Century see Millbrook  64p  $26.13  978-0-7613-4501-5            2013      ms/hs     E-BNS  series: American Music Milestones                             Nonfiction

The origin and history of rhythm and blues (R & B) includes photographs, quotations, definitions, and brief snippets of biographical data on the plethora of singers who contributed to this popular style.  It is difficult to imagine how Aaron Mendelson could successfully condense the history of R & B (rhythm and blues) into one small volume, but succeed he did on a grand scale!  The highlights of this volume are numerous.  For example, he defined new words immediately for effective vocabulary instruction.  In addition, the photographs are masterful and the layout is upbeat, befitting the genre of music.  The colors are warm and inviting.  His anecdotal information is spot on, and the biographical information is both informative and fascinating.  Did you know Al Green was a preacher(page 11)?  Sam Cooke was in the Civil Rights movement (p. 13), and Little Richard quit music to go to Bible College(p.15)!  All of the contributing musical genres are enumerated here in one form or another.  Blues, gospel and doo-wop are among the forms that are defined.  Naturally, the author could not fit in every singer and photograph of the era, but teenagers will find something to enjoy here.  The first chapter features the history of R & B, followed by these chapters:  “Motor City Music”, “Soul Power”, “Transformation”, and “Into the Future”.  For contemporary music listeners who can download songs (which every teenager can do!), there is a “Must Download Playlist” at the end of each chapter!  The extra features at the end of the book are among the most comprehensive imaginable:  a glossary, a timeline, mini bios, R & B must-haves, major awards, source notes, bibliographies and a thorough index. 

Rhythm and blues                                                                                                                         --Martha Squaresky         

 

Colson, Mary. Being a Makeup Artist.

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Colson, Mary.  Being a Makeup Artist.      Lerner/Graphic Universe/Milbrook/21st Century/Carolroda/

DarbyCreek/Stoke Books             32p         $20.50                     978-0-7613-7777-1   2013            elm/ms                 VG-BNS      series: On the Radar     Nonfiction        

With an extraordinary layout and interesting choices, this guide offers a look at how to put on makeup, what to buy that is cutting-edge, how to plan out a typical day as a makeup artist, and how to get motivated to begin a career in make-up.              With a table of contents that looks like one we would see in a magazine, this book will certainly appeal to young readers!  The categories are laid out in colorful palates, and the stars who appear in the book have been undoubtedly selected for their charisma and star appeal.  There is glitz and glamor galore!  New trends in make-up and case studies with real people who have jobs in the industry greatly add to the content.  Without those interviews, readers would not understand how to go about achieving success in this field.  The book is both pleasurable and educational, and the coverage of each topic is interesting.  One learns about make-up tricks and going green with healthy make-up brands.  The variety is comprehensive, but there is one flaw:  there is nothing about salary or schooling.  The field of study of cosmetology is often offered at the high-school vocational-training school, but there is no mention of that.  Nevertheless, when young teenagers see the layout, the photographs and the contemporary stars and musical artists that are included in this guide, they will certainly read it, and there is no better tribute to nonfiction than for students to enjoy it and learn at the same time!  Mimi D’s two-page autobiography  helps to fill in the gaps with her practical advice, and additional advice on how to enter the field is included on page 15.  The book ends with a list of resources and a short index.  Cosmetology-Careers                                                                                                                  --Martha Squaresky

 

Ballen, Karen Gunnison. Decoding Our DNA.

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Ballen, Karen Gunnison.  Decoding Our DNA.        Twenty First Century see Millbrook 64p                 $33.27   978-0-7613-5489-5      2013  hs  E-BNS      series: Scientific Rivalries and Scandals     Nonfiction

The double-helix structure of DNA was discovered in 1953 and, since then, scientists have worked feverishly to unearth the secrets of the human genome.  In 1998, the race to be the first to do so took on more urgency.  Craig Ventnor, once part of the Human Genome Project, challenged the HGP to a competition with his new commercial enterprise, and the contest was on.  The author begins with an historical view of early attempts to discover the functions of heredity and how DNA worked, and he then continues with a description of the principles behind DNA’s structure, its chemical properties, and the process of decoding its sequences.  She discusses the personalities of the major scientists involved in both the U.S. and Europe.  The winners in the race would be the ones who would benefit from the glory and the patents.  The information is greatly enhanced by a wealth of primary-source accounts from the principal scientists, specific sidebar data, fact boxes and charts, and excellent full-color photographs and illustrations. 
          

This is a succinct and lucid treatment of the subject, diversified and well-balanced between text and illustrations.   The complex text is crisply written and informative and offers a current, up-to-date look at the science behind genome sequencing and its effects.  It is library-bound and ends with a timeline, a glossary, source notes, an extensive bibliography of books and Internet sites, and an index. 
DNA Sequencing                                                                                                                                          --Susan Ogintz

 

Athans, Sandra K. Climbing Mt. Everest with Pete Athans: Tales from the Top of the World.

Athans, Sandra K.  Climbing Mt. Everest with Pete Athans: Tales from the Top of the World.  Millbrook Press/21st Century/Copper Beech             63p         $24.00   978-0-7613-65-6-8   2013      ms           E-BN         Nonfiction                           

This is a really well-put-together book that describes what it is like to climb Mount Everest, whose peak is about five miles above sea level, from the initial attempts long ago, to the science of mounting an expedition in the present day. There is a lot of discussion of the four base camps, the role that sherpas play in every expedition, and the equipment and techniques of climbing.  While magnificent photography illustrates various landmarks along the climb, the many hazards are also described in full.  Pete Athans has been dubbed “Mr. Everest” because of his many summits and his vast experience mountaineering, and throughout the book there are sidebars titled “Ask Mr. Everest” to answer questions that would be of interest to younger readers, such as “How do you go to the bathroom on Mount Everest?” (page 17), and “How did you become interested in high-altitude mountaineering?” (page 49).  Other text boxes talk about helicopter rescue on the mountain (page 42), and hyperthermia (page 27).

Mountaineering – Mount Everest                                                        --Lynn Fisher

 

Johnson, Rebecca L. Zombie Makers.

Johnson, Rebecca L.  Zombie Makers.  Millbrook Press/21st Century/Copper Beech 48p                 $24.06   978-0-7613-8633-9         2013      ms           E-BN       Nonfiction                                   

With its creepy cover the color of blood red, this book looks like a perfect choice for Halloween night!  What the reader finds inside will be a surprise, even a shock!  Certain creatures reside within us, and after reading this book, even the science lover will be squeamish.  For example, one learns that one-fourth of all humans carry a T gondii parasite inside our brains.  T gondii is the parasite that pregnant women must be wary of when changing their cat’s litter box.  Rabies and worms are other conditions that affect humans.  Both are described in bone-chilling detail.  Creatures that attack and infect can feast on their hosts, but do not always kill them immediately; an example is the jewel wasp, who lays her eggs in the body of a cockroach, and the eggs sip its blood and feed on its organs.  With details such as these, the world of science becomes very interesting to the young reader who craves all of the gory details!  The book’s design is bold and the layout is smooth and alluring.  “Twilight Zone” meets a zombie movie in the introduction to each chapter, and the writing style continues throughout each upbeat and informative chapter.  The photographs provide a surreal look into the world of parasites.  Rebecca Johnson researched this book all over the world, and the reader reaps the benefits of her thorough investigation of just the right creatures to scare the pants off a teenager!   The oxymoron “disgusted fascination” comes to mind as the reader comes to the end of this book!  The glossary is thorough, the bibliography is extensive, and the list of websites directs young readers to You Tube to witness action shots.

 Zombies                                                                                                                                         -–Martha Squaresky  

     

Jones, Patrick. The Main Event.

Jones, Patrick.    The Main Event.                   Millbrook Press/21st Century/Copper Beech  64p           $31.93  978-0-7613-8635-3          2013                        ms/jr                       VG-BN                             Nonfiction           

Professional wrestling, unlike Greco-Roman wrestling, is not a sport, but “sports entertainment”.  Jones provides a thorough history of the carefully choreographed, over-the-top, and completely staged programs that provide entertainment and excitement for thousands of fans.  The fans understand, although the reader may be surprised to learn, that there is an art to making the blows and throws appear real, even if the outcome is predetermined. 

Despite the fixed outcomes and staged fighting, sometimes damage can occur(for example, when Yukon Eric’s ear was torn off in a bout with Killer Kowalski), or when both sides are unaware of or haven’t been properly informed of the predetermined outcome.  Still, in nearly a century of the sport, this type of thuggish behavior is not the norm.  Participants are firmly categorized as “babyfaces” (i.e., good guys) or “heels” (villains).

Jones, clearly a fan, shares the stories of famous ring personalities and their most well-known bouts and signature moves.  These include Gorgeous George, Andre the Giant, the Rock, and Hulk Hogan.  Combined with colorful and dynamic photographs, this book encourages readers to sit back and enjoy the show!

Professional wrestling-History                                                                                                                    --Hilary Welliver

 

Johnson, Rebecca L. Battle of the Dinosaur Bones.

Johnson, Rebecca L.  Battle of the Dinosaur Bones.  Twenty First Century see Millbrook                   64p         $33.27  978-0-7613-5488-8            2013    ms/hs     VG-BN  series: Scientific Rivalries and Scandals                     Nonfiction

This entertaining and informative book discusses the lives and findings of paleontologists Othniel Charles Marsh and Edward Drinker Cope. The manner in which the story of their lives and discoveries is written draws the reader into the fierce competition between the two scientists.  Both men wanted fame for their discoveries and strived to find the largest fossils and perform the best related research.  They combed each other’s conclusions for errors to discount the other’s findings in an attempt to be the best.  The debate eventually dissolved after their cooperation regarding the Morrison formation, but their notorious Bone Wars led to an impressive legacy for both men.

In addition to the informative, entertaining and crisp text, the book has an interesting visual appeal.  Different color fonts denotes points of interest and brief additional information.  Each chapter intersperses black-and-white photographs and illustrations that enhance the text as well as the visual sense of the era.

This short book will delight young readers that are interested in the work of these two great scientists and their discoveries of dinosaur bones and other fossils.  The book concludes with a timeline that helps the reader place events coherently and succinctly.  The book also includes a table of contents, a glossary, source notes, a selected bibliography, a list of resources for further reading, and an index, making this a great resource tool.
Paleontologists                                                                                                                                     --Virginia McGarvey

 

Hill, Anne E. LeBron James.

Hill, Anne E.  LeBron James.  Twenty First Century see Millbrook  112p  $34.60   978-0-7613-8641-4  2013  ms/hs              E-BN      series: USA Today Lifeline Biographies   Biography

LeBron James is one of the best basketball players around.  His early childhood, including his time living with a youth basketball coach while his mother struggled to care for him, show him to be a hardworking athlete as well as a team player even in his youth.  His early athletic ability in football, basketball and baseball foreshadowed the strength and skills that would be put to the professional test the year after he graduated from high school.  His leadership, charity work, and ability to share the limelight with fellow players make this book an inspiration for young readers.  There are many primary-resource articles and charts taken from USA Today to supplement this easily read biography.  

This biography includes numerous color photos, charts of statistics and a conversational text.  It is a first choice for James’s fans as well as for biography and basketball player reports.  The personality of the man comes through, as do his leadership and athletic skills.  It is suitable for grades 6 and higher.              

A glossary, chapter source notes, list of resources for further reading, statistical charts, and index complete this excellent biography.

Basketball players-Biography                                                                                                                   --Lois McNicol

 

Doeden, Matt. Safety Smarts.

Doeden, Matt.     Safety Smarts.    Twenty First Century see Millbrook  64p  $31.93                978-0-7613-7022-2  2013    ms/hs            E-BNS       series: USA Today Teen Wise Guides      Nonfiction

This little book packs in a wealth of information for teen safety.  The book begins each chapter with an interesting and colorful double-page spread that includes photographs and a brief introduction of the subject, making it very visually appealing and sparking interest.  Chapters continue with a discussion of the subject and illustrations, diagrams, and additional photographs that enhance and clarify the text.

The informative text is written in brief segments and addresses several types of threats, offering sound information about danger levels, what to do in the event of a threat, and prevention.  The short, segmented script makes this a valuable, non-intimidating resource for reluctant readers.  The small font means that the book length is shorter, which will also make it more attractive to disinclined readers.  The book concludes with an epilogue entitled “Choosing Safety”.  This conclusion elaborates on the premise that events occur because of the choices people make, and emphasizes making good choices toward prevention.

This responsible book will be a great resource for young-adult and reluctant readers.  The succinct style, language, conclusive material and information, and visual appeal that Matt Doeden uses will inform young readers of the dangers they may encounter in life, how to deal with threats, how to protect oneself, and how to find help when necessary.  The book also supplies a table of contents, a glossary, selected bibliography, lists of resources for extensive further information, and an index, making it a very good resource tool.
Safety education                                                                                                                                         --Virginia McGarvey

 

Schwartz, John. Short: Walking Tall When You’re Not Tall At All

Schwartz, John Short: Walking Tall When You’re Not Tall At All
Roaring Press see Millbrook 2010 132p 16.99
978-1-59643-323-6 ms E-BN
This book discusses the issue of short stature from many different angles, from the causes to the social consequences of being short, along with some advice on developing positive self-esteem. This book is very well written and thorough. It could be used individually with a student or by a counselor with a group. The author starts with the popular idea promoted in the media that being short is a distinct disadvantage, and then he shoots holes through it, with the help of scientific data he has collected. He links the manufacturers and marketers of human growth hormone with the erroneous theory that shortness is disadvantagious, and he makes a very strong case.
In addition, Schwartz discusses such pertinent topics as bullying, building self-esteem, and refusing to allow one’s physical attributes to determine one’s life.
It would be a great book to give to teens to read ... whatever their height.
For teenagers, particularly boys. Kennedy, Carol