Middle-Grade Non-Fiction

This is the kind of book I loved as a child, full of maps and fine illustrations, facts and stories of ancient worlds. Civilizations rise and wane on these large-sized, pastel pages; photographs alternate with meticulous, minute illustration; paragraphs and insets add to each 2-pp. spread. Layout and color are especially attractive. Cultures from 10,000 B.C. to 1000 A.D. are depicted, and Adams’ paragraphs of information make lively reading

A. Allison

Beautifully put together, this fine book uses many methods to depict the medieval world, from precise, lovely watercolor maps to photos of places, art, and documents, with a time line running down one border. The book’s a pleasure to look at. Adams’ prose is straightforward and well focused on major events and trends; lengthy, informative captions accompany the illustrations. And the overview is really of the world; not solely Europe. The span is useful too, all the way from 400-1500. Don’t limit this or others in Kingfisher’s Atlas of series offerings the book’s readership to certain ages; it’s a resource for all.

A. Allison

From Napolean to “The World of Today,” this colorful panorama of world history is first rate. Illustrated on beautiful, soft watercolor backgrounds, the fascinating continents in their diverse historical configurations share their borders, cultures, and armies. The two-page, attractive spreads are full of insets and tiny but distinct detailed paintings. The factual, well-chosen text provides a paragraph or two of general content, with several additional paragraphs decorating the pages. A timeline runs down the margin of the right pages, adding more information and setting off nicely against the non-linear map paintings.

This is another example of Kingfisher’s outstanding non-fiction for young readers—and elders. There are hours of entertainment and education in this book.

A. Allison

Large in size and scope, Alcorn’s collection of wise words is presented beautifully. There are quotes for every day of the year from the likes of Picasso, Saint-Exupery, Bob Dylan, George Orwell, even folks like Derek Jeter, Jesse Owens, Ethel Merman, and Michael J. Fox. The quotes are well-selected sentences or two, but it’s the book’s art and lay-out that make it well worth $22. Many of the individual quotes have a page of their own illustrated by paintings of the authors—I’m looking at the Frida Kahlo page and its powerful portraiture and use of line and color. There is plenty here to peruse or to ponder, and many quotes to memorize, with biographies of the quotees at the book’s end.

Books of days are a long tradition, used for contemplation and edification; in Alcorn’s book the tradition continues with 20th/ 21st century material.

A. Allison

Do you like fun facts? Reality shows? Debunking the High and Mighty? This funny, irreverent book plays with readers and enjoyably so. Are the rumors true that Henry VIII’s wife Anne of Cleeves looked like a horse?

Or that Louis XIV only took three baths in his life? Did the same (short) king wear elevator heels? Did the same ruler of France have a boil on his butt from too much horseback riding? Inquiring minds want to know! And did Queen Elizabeth I lock her half-sister, Bloody Mary, in prison for 19 years? Why would she do that? Is it true that Russia’s Catherine the Great was crushed to death when her horse fell on her? Since the book begins with a playful note to readers about not spreading rumors, I won’t tell. But the book itself encourages further research and gives its readers a lot to talk about.

The book’s art is funny and also artistic. Full-page illustrations vary with pages made lively by insets, smaller paintings, factoids and multiple-panes, attracting the eyes of the multi-taskers.
Picturebook size (big), The Raucous Royals is for older readers; the vocabulary and amount of text are not for the tots we usually associate with picturebooks. Older kids, 8+, will thoroughly enjoy Beccia’s book, for it makes learning interactive with quizzes, games, menus, timelines, and pages at the end with titles like “How You Can Research a Rumor.” A delight.

A. Allison

By 326 B.C., Alexander of Macedonia was conquering India. He had already conquered Greece, Egypt, Babylon, Afghanistan—and everything in between. His brief life (he died at age 33, possibly from malaria though the cause is unknown) is one of the most remarkable and influential in history. He inherited his father’s throne when he was 20; already well-regarded by the soldiers and courtiers he had grown up with, it was natural for him to take over where his father had left off conquering the world. By the time he died, Greek civilization had been introduced from the shores of the Black Sea to the mouths of the Indus: one of the most phenomenal mitary feats in all history.

Behnke’s informative and well-written book provides fascinating, useful background on the history of Greece and the relation of its city states to the vast Persian Empire to its east. Facts about Alexander’s famous horse Bucephelas, his more famous tutor Aristotle, and his doomed young wife and son only are presented along with other biographical data that help make Alexander seem… human, rather than iconic. Certainly, he is the latter. Though his legacy was divided kingdoms and a good deal of battling for power within the empire he left behind, his name remains as synonymous with great achievements.
This book provides not only clear and engaging text and ample illustrations but also valuable research and reference data, making all the books in this series excellent for school and public libraries (and for the history-minded individual child as well).

A. Allison

For those fascinated by things Roman, and most of us are, this is a meaty addition to our libraries. The author comprehensively presents Roman history, with a focus on the military aspects of Roman society from the citizen militias to the legionnaires. Facts are provided that we usually don’t get in books without a particular focus. For example, Roman soldiers paid for their own equipment, the idea being that they would care better for their equipment if they had paid for it. They were reimbursed when they left the military. Some of the side benefits of Roman occupation are well known: those roads and bridges and aqueducts. Other benefits included the Romans cleaning the seas of pirates, introducing a lingua franca that lasted until the early Middle Ages, and the army’s emphasis on superior medical care for its troops. The book includes maps, a timeline, and a substantial bibliography.

A. Allison

This addition to the Words are CATegorical series introduces adverbs and adverb phrases. Told in rhymes, the book explains each type of adverb, shows how adverbs function in a sentence, and provides plenty of entertaining examples. The adverbs are color-coded by type—pink is for “when” adverbs, blue is for “how” and so forth—and the arrangement of typeface also reflects the meaning, so that “hugely” is printed in large letters and “tinily” in small ones. Each adverb example is illustrated with colorful cartoon-style animal scenes.

More about Adverbs is far more entertaining than a traditional grammar lesson, and provides just as much information in an accessible format. The vocabulary level varies, and children of younger ages will have the opportunity to learn some new words. The illustrations will assist them in this task, as each word is depicted humorously and effectively. In fact, the pictures are the great strength of the book, providing some continuity for the strings of rhyming adverbs. Classroom teachers and parents will want a copy of this book, and may also wish to purchase other titles in the series.

Naomi Lesley

The book’s cover describes the book as “Thematically arranged; Explores every major plant and animal group on Earth; Stunning photographs and artwork of the natural world.” I heartily agree. At 320 pp., the encyclopedia is an education in itself and has many features one would not necessarily expect from a “nature” encyclopedia. It starts, for example, with a history of the Earth itself, how the planet and the life on it formed; what weather and climate mean, and how the distinct spheres of water and land interact. Evolution, DNA, and extinction are explained and made visual with truly “stunning” photographs and artwork. Then plants and animals are discussed along with their life cyles, their parasites, and their defenses. Ecology is shown to be crucial to survival, and different habitats are depicted, ranging from tundra to coral reefs to towns and cities. Finally, a glossary and web sites are provided for further research.
This new generation of reference books stimulates mind and imagination; full color enhances every page, and the attention paid to lay-out and design all contribute to a book that is one heck of a buy for $14.95.

A. Allison

This tome, fittingly, is a work of art in itself. It’s published by The Getty Museum and is a superlative resource and pleasure for all ages. The glory of Rome is richly represented with fine photographs of statues, mosaics, ruins, and artifacts like coins, pottery, and jewelry. The entries cover topics like “Lighthouses,” “Meals,” “Provinces,” and “Tarquin the Proud,” accompanied by detailed descriptions of the illustrations. Historical sites are pictured, such as the Hagia Sophia and Masada. A real treasure of a book to read, study, and consult.

A. Allison

The humor of 20th century America had a distinctly Jewish tone: the reasons were immigration, vaudeville, and some very funny people. From the physical comedy of The Three Stooges to the one-liners of Henny Youngman (“Take my wife…please”) to words like “klutz” and “Oy,”
Yiddish (Eastern European) culture permeated the stage, radio, and early television, and not only the performers; most of the writers were Jewish too. Continued immigration and the booming of alternative media have shifted sensibilities to the humor of other ethnicities, but this enjoyable, informative book is both a history of and a provider of example of Jewish humor, with biographical information as well on comedians from Molly Picon to Adam Sandler and Jon Stewart.

A. Allison

From the impressive Knight in Armor on the front cover to the extensive graphics, sidebars, and 3-D pop-ups revealed inside, this book proves to be a visual treat for all ages to explore. There are maps, envelopes full of secret ninja moves, mixed media pictures of archaeological treasures, and enough gruesome facts to keep children coming back time after time.

Beginning with the Biblical Assyrians straight through to the African Zulus, Harpur probes history to reveal its greatest warriors. We learn of the warring Spartans, born and bred to fight; of the Wild Celts, the human sacrificing Aztecs, and the tactical genius of Rome. It is a great springboard into the hallowed halls of antiquity, even providing a few female examples of the warrior spirit, as well as a list of resources for those who hunger for richer, more in-depth information on these titans of war.

A fabulous experiential read with information literally oozing from every corner of each page; highly recommended.

Ellen Nef

Acclaimed children’s fiction writer Marthe Jocelyn enters the arena of non-fiction for the first time with this book about the Foundling Orphanages in England established by Thomas Coram in 1739. Jocelyn herself has a personal interest in the orphanages: her grandfather was a Foundling. The book has an Introduction by the author, discussing her personal interest in Foundlings, seven chapters: “Castaway Children,” “Babies and Bookkeeping,” “Growing Up at the Foundling,” “Learning Lessons,” “Illness and Other Woes,” “Apprenticeship and Domestic Service,” and “The Later Years.” She also provides a Glossary, Timeline, Source Notes, Selected Bibliography, Picture Sources, and Index. For her book, Jocelyn interviewed relatives and other surviving Foundlings. She includes many prints of paintings done at the time in the 1800s as well as photos of Foundlings, the orphanage and personal photos of her grandfather. The book is the kind of history lesson I wished I’d had had in school—personal, engaging and connected to our lives in the world today. Using this book as a tool or supplement, teachers might engage their students in discussions about poverty, charities, social/ welfare programs, and the oppression of children. A Home for Foundlings is a testament to children’s amazing resilience, strength and wisdom.

Marie Soriano

Dinosaurs fascinate children of all ages. This literate and informative book provides a concise introduction to their study. The text begins by placing the rise and decline of saurian species on a geological timeline. Next, general anatomy, survival and reproductive strategies are reviewed. Following a brief discussion of the fossil record and its bearing on our current knowledge, a series of focused descriptions examines various representatives of carnivorous and herbivorous species. A chart detailing the main dinosaur families and their representatives is presented at the end of the discussion along with a glossary of terms.

John Long manages to present a useful and cogent introduction to dinosaurs without giving the impression of an abbreviated treatment. In part, this owes to the excellent illustrations and sidebars which provide focused complementary information as well as attention-grabbing eye-candy. There’s plenty of data here and it’s remarkably accessible. The text is aimed at children between 10-12 years of age and offers both entertainment and learning in nicely articulated balance.

M. Janssen

Markel is able to present the Roman history the outlines of which are familiar to most of us in an exciting way by focusing on details of progressively less capable emperors and how decisions they made affected the empire. She mentions the theory that Augustus’ decision not to decisively vanquish the Germanic tribes may have ultimately been the cause of the empire’s downfall centuries later. After the Pax Romana ended with the reign of Marcus Aurelius, subsequent rulers raised taxes, military discipline grew lax, and the divide between the rich and poor actually became a matter written into Roman law. Around 300 A.D., Diocletian instituted major reforms, but, in the long run, unsuccessfully, and Celts and Germans began amassing along the northern and northeastern borders, succeeded by Goths, Franks, and Huns. He also persecuted Christians unwilling to worship him as a god. Even dividing the empire into west and east did not help preserve the Romans’ power, and, ultimately, in 476 Rome was overrun, though, by then, there was little that hadn’t already been sacked.

Markel does a fine job, too, of discussing the aftermath and legacy of the Roman Empire. The illustrations are varied and excellent; a Glossary, Bibliography, and Timeline are included.

A. Allison

Digital Art: Painting with Pixels is at first and last glance, a stunning book. The guide is completely dedicated to explicating the art of digital art. Author Ron Miller delves into the mechanics of digital art along with past incarnations and future transformations. Miller also explains how digital art differs from that of traditional art and its inclusion in virtually every visual medium. The history of digital art is also covered in depth along with the subsequent changes since inception. An interesting aspect that Miller touches upon is the way in which different forms of digital art are created, from the very basic pixel to the greatly reduced form of binary code. Topics such as pixilation, DPI, and resolutions span the length of the book in great detail. Miller also describes the types of jobs and careers available in the realm of digital artistry, ranging from animated and CGI design, game design, and illustrated and graphic arts. Especially applicable to graphic novels, Miller lends insight into the level of digital wizardry involved in their creation.

Hugo Award-winning author and illustrator Ron Miller further analyzes digital art as a specifically defined and distinctive facet of modern culture. From motion capture and CGI to videogames and Computer Aided Design systems, digital art is and will continue to be the commercial artist’s premier choice. The prevalence and relevance of digital art, mainstream or underground, touches on a variety of subjects worth mentioning; technology, art, media, and careers to name a few. Included in the book are a multitude of digitally rendered examples and side bars with hands-on activities. Miller has also integrated many of his own illustrations in order to further exemplify the variations available within the world of digital art.

John Whitt

This engrossing and delightfully-presented book is both about tree kangaroos and the science of finding them, learning about them, and recording data about them. They are not easy to find. Readers will find the composition of the team to be of interest: both scientists from around the world and local experts. For the two-week expedition, supplies, gear, shots, pills to prevent disease, veterinary goods are needed. The author provides a list, bringing abstract ideas like “being a scientist” into concreteness for budding future researchers; one item is “3 five-liter containers of ethanol, to preserve scientific specimens like kangaroo dung.” Flying into one of the most remote regions on earth, the New Guinea Cloud Forest, is an adventure in itself. Much information is provided about the singular island of New Guinea with beautiful photographs of parrots, snakes, waterfalls, and tropical flowers. Yes—the team finds the tree kangaroos, way up high at 80 feet in the forest canopy. A scientist’s and photographer’s written and visual odes to these remarkable animals follows—close-ups of their claws, for example. The placing of radio collars on some of the kangaroos is explained as a conservationist’s method of keeping track of their movements to protect them.
Something of a tour of New Guinea and an album of photos of New Guineans is an admirable aspect of this handsome book, as is the reference data at the back of it. Author and photopgrapher are a publishing team with similarly outstanding books to their credit. This one is a delight.

A. Allison

Jazz, written by Walter Dean Myers and illustrated by his son Christopher Myers, chronicles the history of American jazz from its African roots to its transformation in America, its widespread fame throughout Europe, during World War I, to contemporary jazz icons. Jazz begins with a two-page introduction detailing the term “jazz” by elaborating on its origins and unique sound which established it as a genre of its own in music history. The rest of the book follows with jazzy beats, catchy end-rhymes, and repeated stanzas such as: “Start with the rhythm/ Start with the heart/ Drumming in tongues.” Jazz cleverly demonstrates the rhythms and techniques of various styles of “jazz” and “blues” by incorporating syncopation into the words and stanzas of each page; also, there is no punctuation within the book which further emphasizes the freestyle improvisation of Jazz. A reader, regardless of musical instrument ability, will be able to hum along to the jazzy lyrics while learning what makes jazz stand apart from other musical genres. The end of the book is divided into a three-part jazz session: “Jazz Vocal,” “Blues,” and the “Three Voices” of Bass, Piano, and Horn that create jazz improvisational masterpieces. A handy glossary explains jazz terms for the aspiring jazz musician. Jazz includes such legendary icons as Louie Armstrong, and an easy to follow Jazz timeline (see the end of the book) nods to Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, and many more!

The Broadway hit musical Chicago summed up America’s Jazz obsession—“And all that Jazz!” People love jazz music, as demonstrated by the various musical styles inspired by it, from Rock n’ Roll to Broadway blockbusters. Myers’ picture book playfully manipulates words and space with colorful texts and vibrant illustrations resulting in a successful vocal and visual jazz experience. The colors in each illustration convey the mood of each song, as in blues for “Blue Creep In,” yellow for “Be-Bop,” and Orange for “Twenty-Finger Jack.” Christopher Myers’ illustrated jazz singers and musicians swing boldly and vividly off of the page, dare to swoop down into a corner, or dance across a two-page spread. Myers is the recipient of the Coretta Scott King for his illustrations in Jazz. Additional Awards for this book include: ALA Notable Children’s Book, Publishers Weekly’s 100 Best Books of the Year, Winner: Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, and Winner: Odyssey Award for Excellence.

Jazz is a must read for children or adults interested in jazz, music lovers, or simply as an educational tool for the music classroom. In Myers own words: “I’ll reach for the stars/ Blow notes around Mars/ And then you come in/ And then you come in.”

If you like this book, I also recommend Chris Rashka’s Giant Steps. Teen Readers: James Weldon Johnson’s The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man and Other Writings.

Shelley A. McRoberts

By approaching the Roman gladiator as a working man, Nardo is able to provide details about the motivation, daily life, aspirations, and survival techniques of the Roman gladiator. Most were slaves, captives of war, or poor freedmen who saw hope for a better future if they managed to stay alive in the arena—not an easy thing to do. The occasional female fighter was likely not there by choice. The author describes a typical day at the arena: the pre-show, the ritual presentation of the fighters, and then the battles: different kinds of gladiators, different weapons and combat styles, and different opponents—people or animals. Nardo writes exciting prose, well researched, and illustrated in b&w with contemporary material or by scenes from modern movies such as Gladiator, Spartacus, and Barabbas. Additional features of the book are a Glossary, Timeline, and bibliography.

A. Allison

Delicious is the biography of painter Wayne Thiebaud, best known for his paintings of food—hamburgers, pies, cupcakes, hence, the title. Thiebaud grew up during the Great Depression and began drawing cartoon when he was in high school. Then he went to college and became an art teacher himself. It was some years before a gallery finally agreed to showcase his paintings. Thiebaud clearly became successful because he worked hard and persevered. This biography is a great anecdote to the American Idol craze.

In upbeat and engaging prose, Rubin writes mostly about his career and education, and she discusses where his work fits into art history and his art in relation to that of his contemporaries. The cool thing is that, while she provides a bibliography, Rubin didn’t get all her information about Thiebaud from books; she interviewed him! She includes some of his quotes that give a lot of insight into his work and what inspires him. Also, the book contains many full color pictures of his paintings. There’s a great sampling of his work, not just what he’s most known for, but the whole range of his talent.

Marie Soriano

Wham! is another excellent work of non-fiction for kids by Susan Goldman Rubin. This time she covers the life of Roy Lichtenstein, a visual artist who was Andy Warhol’s contemporary. Lichtenstein was interested in pop-culture. However, unlike Warhol who was famous for silk-screening an image repeatedly, such as the face of Marilyn Monroe, he wasn’t interested in mass production. On the contrary, his paintings may reflect a comic book style, but he created his work with much attention to detail. Rubin discusses Lichtenstein’s contributions to the art world and career as well as his childhood and background. While Rubin mentions his two marriages, his children and his friendships, don’t expect any gossip or sordid details. I guiltily admit that I wanted Rubin to add more about how he met his first wife, what their relationship was like and why their marriage ended. Yet if she had included those personal details, they might have taken attention away from his achievements. Besides, kids are exposed to celebrity gossip on the Internet and television; they don’t need it in the books they read. Furthermore, the focus of the book is Lichtenstein’s artwork.

What I love most about this book is that Rubin gives readers insight into what inspired Lichtenstein and how he felt about his own work. In addition, Rubin meticulously researched her subject. In the “References and Resources” section of the book, I count 17 books, 10 exhibition catalogs, 8 articles, 7 videos, and 2 cds. She also interviewed Lichtenstein’s sister and one of his close friends. Last but not least, I have to mention the book’s full color photos of Lichtenstein’s work, which also make this biography a delight.

If you would like to read more of Rubin’s work or learn more about art, I highly recommend her biography of Wayne Thiebaud, for which she interviewed the artist himself.

Marie Soriano

“The Air Apparent”—that’s the title of Savage’s first chapter, and those who, like me, enjoy basketball and, moreover, have a team, will appreciate this full-color, reasonably-priced biography and photo gallery of one of the game’s all-time greats: Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers.

It so happens as well that the Lakers are my team; they have been since the ‘80’s of Kareem, Magic, Silk, and Scott. As we learn from the biographical information, no wonder Kobe is as formidable as he is; it turns out Kobe’s 6’10” father was a contemporary of theirs who played pro for 8 years in the NBA and later in Italy. From a very young age, Kobe practiced with the pros; his fluent Italian is a gift of his years of growing up in Europe.

Tidbits like what encouraging words Michael Jordan said to the young Kobe are fascinating; I saw the first game they competed in: it was a beautiful sight. I felt especially good to learn that, growing up, the frequently air-born Magic Johnson was Kobe’s favorite player. Kobe had a life-size poster of Magic on his bedroom wall. Kobe joined the Lakers when he was 17. Nice to know his favorite coach was “Superman,”—Kurt Rambis. Kobe was just 21 when the Lakers won the 2000 championship. That was the team with the mighty Shaquille O’Neal.
The photographs are spectacular. How high can YOU jump?

Kobe leads the team now, with exciting players like Fisher, Pau and Odoms--and the rest is/will be history! And let us be glad our current president is a basketball player; is there a game that requires faster reactions, quicker thinking, more on-the-spot strategy, physical stamina, and street smart talk than this game?
This Kobe bio is representative of the fine series on stellar athletes that is sure to be a hit with young reader/athletes.

Alida Allison

Science books these days are of extraordinary quality, full of information, photos, charts, historical drawings, and, of course, the most current computer, MRI, and CT scans, ultra-close-ups of hair, chromosomes, viruses, embryos, and graphic intrigues like arrows and icons. Human Body is especially well composed, and it’s original in its organization in that its three big chapters are “Past and Present,” “The Body in Action,” and “Supply and Defense” rather than the usual “Skeletal System,” “Respiratory System,” etc. This is a fine, relatively inexpensive book for classrooms or budding scientists.

A. Allison

Martin Woodside has written a fine, engaging biography about the man we recognize as the inventor of the light bulb, taking us from the time of Edison’s birth in 1847 to his death in 1931. You won’t fall asleep while reading this history book.

This biography is so compelling because Woodside explains what Edison was like as a person. Edison grew from a driven young man to an ambitious and genius inventor as well as a savvy businessman. But he was also stubborn and sometime arrogant, and while a loving father, he was a lousy, mostly absent husband. Woodside paints a three-dimensional portrait of Edison, so we can understand him as a human being. He’s no longer that far-away character in a textbook.

In addition, Woodside explains a number of inventions in clear language, so even those with little gift for science can understand them. Also, he puts Edison in a historical context so that we can understand the times in which Edison lived and invented. It becomes clear that inventing things was not easy, and inventing included more than creating. It included production and marketing, as well.

Many times biographies and history books, especially those found in the classroom, can be dry. How many of us had to stifle a yawn as we read that American History textbook? I am very pleased to say that I did not yawn once as I read Thomas Edison: The Man Who Lit Up the World. In fact, Woodside actually creates suspense at the end of each chapter, so you can’t wait to learn more about Edison’s life. It’s almost like a novel unfolding. For those concerned about accuracy, Woodside’s bibliography is substantial with ten books as sources. This biography would make a great supplemental source in any classroom.

Marie Soriano