May 1, 2018
Gr 2-5-This introduction to a wide breadth of topics is easy to access, contains numerous text features, and has colorful visuals that are accessible to young learners. It is clearly organized into topics for users who may not have yet developed scientific vocabulary, such as "The Living World," and "Human Body." Each chapter is further organized into subchapters in the form of questions-"What are feathers for?" and "Why is planet Earth blue?" These could be used to augment inquiry-driven beginning research. Chapters marked by colored tabs at the top group topics together. Although the organization is approachable and the text well written, the title lacks the appeal for older elementary school students. It should also be noted that the youth in the photos are all white, and the level of the text does not support the complexity needed. For example, in the "Energy" chapter, there is a picture of a waterfall labeled, "Movement energy," rather than the more common term, kinetic energy, even as the water dammed behind the waterfall is correctly labeled as "potential energy." VERDICT Those who have a need for a general science book may find this useful to explain some concepts or to use with English language learners, but older elementary students will need other titles more specific to their particular interests.-Patricia Feriano, Montgomery County Public Schools, MD
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