Chambers, Catherine. African Culture.

Chambers, Catherine.  African Culture.   Capstone/Heinemann  48p  $32.00 

978-1-4329-6776-5     2013  elm/ms  E-BNes      series: Global Cultures            

The diversity and wonder of Africa come alive in this short portrait of African culture.  To create a book that can successfully combine so many different aspects of this hugely varied continent is a feat in itself, and author Catherine Chambers has done just that.  Chambers weaves the most interesting information about both ancient and modern times into a book that has a high interest level for younger readers who want to learn the basics.  To begin, one learns the definition of culture.  On the adjoining page, a photograph of a Masai herdsman sporting traditional garb colorfully entices readers to move forward.  The definition is followed by chapters on family, customs, religious beliefs, fine arts, performance arts, and modern times.  When Chambers wants to discuss something in East Africa, as she does with the age grade system of education, she compares it with information about schools in West Africa.  In addition, if she identifies a cultural tradition of one nation, she offers a contrasting piece of information about another nation.  This method is not unique, but Chambers does it so well!  Every page has a border of tapestry which seems to coordinate perfectly with the photograph she has chosen to complement her text.  Every chapter offers anecdotal information in a section called “Did you know?,” which is interesting and informative.  Finally, one finds a timeline, a cultural map, a glossary and a list of resources to consult that provides readers with resources that will get them reading more about Africa.  All in all, this book is a wonderful way to introduce readers to the excitement and diversity of Africa.  

The series provides books about Africa, Native Americans, China, Australia and more.  Each book aptly covers a wide range of information about each culture, offers photographs and anecdotal information to enhance its topic and promotes instruction of social studies through its interesting contrasts.                                            --Martha Squaresky

Ganeri, Anita. Fearsome Forces of Nature (Extreme Nature series)

Ganeri, Anita.    Fearsome Forces of Nature (Extreme Nature series)  Heinemann (Capstone) 32p   $29.32  978-1-4109-4696-6  2013  elem 

E-BNes      series: Read Me! 

This book introduces the young child to extreme weather events such as volcanoes, tsunamis, geysers, and earthquakes, with many colorful illustrations and short, easy-to-read sentences.  It will attract the most reluctant reader, with its large print, colorful and shocking photographs, short sentences and “did you know” questions interspersed throughout.  New vocabulary words are in bold type and explained in the glossary at the end of the book.  Photographs and print boxes are pleasingly arranged and easy to read.  A quiz at the end of the book will reinforce the vocabulary that has been introduced.  The glossary, “find-out-more” section and index are complete and accurate.    Other books in the Extreme Nature series include books on habitats, plants and weather events.

Earth science, Weather                                     --Carol Kennedy

Malam, John. Journey of a Book.

Malam, John.  Journey of a Book.    Capstone/Heinemann  32p  $26.65     978-1-4329-6600-3 2013  elem  E-BNe   series: Journey of a ... 

Describes the process of producing a book starting with  the creative process and ending with the finished product.     When was the last time you updated your holdings to reflect the technical process of publishing a book, starting with raw materials and ending with the finished product?

 “Journey of a Book,” describes the role of people on the team that creates a book as well as the stages of the printing process that leads to printed and bound copies.  At the end, there is a timeline that summarizes the whole experience, a glossary, a reading comprehension quiz, index, and two suggested websites for follow-up.  The informative text will interest young readers, and colorful photographs  will help concrete thinkers enjoy this helpful, useful volume. Unlike Aliki’s “How a Book is Made,” which has small, detailed illustrations more suited to one-on-one sharing, “Journey of a Book,” lends itself well to group sharing.  Readers will be interested in finding out what goes on behind the scenes of a publishing company.         

Books, Book industries and trade, Publishers and publishing, Printing                                                               --Hilary Welliver

Raum, Elizabeth. Helping Others.

Raum, Elizabeth.  Helping Others.  Capstone/Heinemann  48p  $32.00      978-1-4329-6501-3  2013  elm/ms  VG-BN    series: Kids Making A Difference           

The enthusiasm and determination of individual children are evident in the testaments of young people who found a way to make a difference in their local communities or in the lives of people in far removed countries. Helping others can be as individual and spontaneous as saving a life, made possible by having learned lifesaving skills and acting when the situation presents itself.  Some students dream bigger and set up foundations that bring in huge sums of money to aid those less fortunate.  The book shows that one individual acting on one thought can make a difference.  The colorful photos of things that were accomplished after someone put just one thought into action are powerful.  Examples of successful projects include volunteering for a known charity or starting a charity of one’s own.  Other examples include providing toys to children who have lost theirs in a disaster, or using photographs to document deficiencies in local communities and then presenting these photos to local government.  The last chapter offers tips on how to volunteer, including how to choose a charity and how to start a new project in your local community.  A glossary, lists of resources for further reading, and an index complete this excellent book on volunteerism.   

Kids Making a Difference includes four books with inspirational quotes and personal stories of young people who are inspiring others and making a difference in the lives of others.  They are colorfully illustrated and each has a glossary, list of resources for further reading and an index. Grades 3-10. 

Volunteerism                                                --Lois McNicol