Review: All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys' Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat

Title: All Thirteen

Author: Christina Soontornvat

Genre: Narrative Nonfiction

About the Book

On June 23, 2018, twelve young players of the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach enter a cave in northern Thailand seeking an afternoon’s adventure. But when they turn to leave, rising floodwaters block their path out. The boys are trapped! Before long, news of the missing team spreads, launching a seventeen-day rescue operation involving thousands of rescuers from around the globe. As the world sits vigil, people begin to wonder: how long can a group of ordinary kids survive in complete darkness, with no food or clean water? Luckily, the Wild Boars are a very extraordinary "ordinary" group. Combining firsthand interviews of rescue workers with in-depth science and details of the region's culture and religion, author Christina Soontornvat—who was visiting family in Northern Thailand when the Wild Boars went missing—masterfully shows how both the complex engineering operation above ground and the mental struggles of the thirteen young people below proved critical in the life-or-death mission. Meticulously researched and generously illustrated with photographs, this page-turner includes an author’s note describing her experience meeting the team, detailed source notes, and a bibliography to fully immerse readers in the most ambitious cave rescue in history.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book.  I've gotten into nonfiction lately, and this one was just what I was looking for.  I remember very well when the story was all over the news and hoping they all got out ok. It was very exciting when we knew they were all safe, but I often wondered what it was like for them while the rescue took place.  This book answered all those questions and then some. I really felt like I  understood what led up to them being trapped, the rescue and after. The author did an amazing job bringing in the details, but not weighting it down with them. The book didn't seem dense and hard to get through.  I'm sure all the photographs and illustrations helped! Those were great too.  They really added to my understanding of what happened. 

To note also - there were sidebar parts that helped explain some of the culture, and I really liked that. It gave me a more complete understanding of the events and the people involved. 

I'm glad I picked this book up! If you want to learn more about this story, or wants to learn about the incredible dedication and courage of all involved I highly suggest you read this book. 

Nonfiction Review: Taking Cover - One Girl's Story of Growing up During the Iranian Revolution

Title: Taking Cover: One Girl's Story of Growing Up During the Iranian Revolution
Author: Nioucha Homayoonfar
Copy Obtained: From publisher in exchange for an honest review

About the Book from Goodreads
This coming-of-age memoir, set during the Iranian Revolution, tells the story of a young girl who moves to Tehran from the U.S. and has to adjust to living in a new country, learning a new language, and starting a new school during one of the most turbulent periods in Iran's history.

This true story of Nioucha Homayoonfar offers a window into an at-once familiar yet foreign culture. Religion classes are mandatory at her new school. Nioucha has to cover her head and wear robes. Her cousin is captured and tortured after he is caught trying to leave the country. And yet, in midst of so much change and challenge, Nioucha is still just a girl who listens to music and idolizes pop stars. But she has to be careful when Western music is banned and she cannot be seen in public together with her new boyfriend. Will she ever get used to this new way of life?

One sentence review: Good memoir of a part of history I didn't know much about, but now I feel I understand better. 

Best for readers who: Like nonfiction especially a more narrative nonfiction

Best Stick-with-You Image: Just the everyday things - seeing how a different culture lives

Library Thoughts: I'm trying to increase the amount of narrative nonfiction so this would be one I would add to that section. 

I'm not a huge reader of nonfiction, but I'm trying to increase the amount of it I read. This one fit my interests, and it was one that I thought would be a window into a culture and time I didn't know much about. I felt it did both! This really wasn't a part of history I knew much about, and hearing about Nioucha's first-hand experience was a great way to learn about it. I liked that it read more like a story because it made it easier for me to understand and take in. I think that would be true for my students as well. As much as I liked the historical context of the story, I also really liked the daily living in the book. I love learning about how other people live, and this book gave me a nice picture of her life and the life of her family. That's important to me. It wasn't just about the history, but it was about showing the lives of the people who experienced it. 

Can I add that I also like that it has a center section of photographs from Nioucha's life? When I was younger I was a sucker for books that included real pictures, so that part was perfect for me. But I also think it would be great for some of my middle school students. They like to see the real people in the story as well.

As I work to make sure my media center's collection is more diverse, I think this will be a great addition. It will be a great window into a culture and way of living that most of my students don't have experience with. But it will also broaden their knowledge of historical events. 

Nonfiction Review: Owling by Mark Wilson

Title: Owling: Enter the World of the Mysterious Birds of the Night
Author: Mark Wilson
Copy Obtained: From publisher for an honest review

About the Book from Goodreads
From Hedwig, the Snowy Owl of Harry Potter fame, to Winnie-the-Pooh’s beloved friend Owl, this wide-eyed bird of the night has found its way into young hearts and imaginations everywhere. Owling invites young readers into the world of real-life owls, to learn about their fascinating behaviors and abilities.  

Wildlife photojournalist and nature educator Mark Wilson presents a one-of-a-kind look into the mysterious lives of these distinctive birds. Dramatic images of the 19 owl species of North America nesting, flying, hunting, and catching prey are accompanied by information about the birds’ silent flight, remarkable eyes and ears, haunting calls, and fascinating night life. Kids will learn how to spot owls; identify their calls, plumage, and pellets; and even carry on a hooting conversation with a nearby owl.

One sentence review: Um owls, pictures and facts about real owls - need I say more? Ok - beautifully done! 

Best for readers who: Like nonfiction and books about animals

Best Stick-with-You Image: I love snow owls so all the pictures of snow owls were the best. 

Library Thoughts: YES! I know I have several middle school students who still love the animal books, so they'll love this one especially since it's full color photographs. 

So I absolutely loved this book.  Of course since this is The OWL I was taken in right away, but the quality of the book really solidified the deal.  The book looks at several different species of owls including ones well known like the horned owl, to lesser knows ones like the short-eared owl. Plus there is a whole chapter on how to find owls! Serious need to read and follow that chapter because I can never find owls.  And it ends with a chapter on working with owls.  That was super fun because if you have a student who is interested in animals/wildlife this can give them some ideas for what they might explore or do in the future.

So glad I was introduced to this book! Love it! 

Nonfiction Review: Food Fight: A Mouthwater History of Who Ate What and Why Through the Ages by Tanya Steel

Title: Food Fight: A Mouthwatering History of Who Ate What and Why Through the Ages
Author: Tanya Steel
Copy Obtained: From publisher

About the Book from Goodreads
Grab your knife and fork and get ready to dig into human history through the lens of food and the struggle to acquire it with award-winning celebrity food editor and author Tanya Steel. This book includes 30 kid-tested and approved recipes inside!

Did you know that Christopher Columbus set out on his most famous voyage in search not of the new world, but cinnamon? Or that rich people in the Middle Ages served flaming peacocks and spun sugar castles to their lucky dinner party guests? Did you ever wonder why M&Ms were invented? (Hint: That candy coating isn't just for decoration!) The quest for food has inspired all kinds of adventures and misadventures around the world, and this book explores the wildest and wackiest of them all, from prehistoric times through modern day.

Hungry readers can go on a finger-licking romp through the ages to discover the origins of today's common foods, yucky habits of yore, marvelous inventions that changed the way we ate and cooked, and the weirdest menus on record. Amazing stats and fast food facts are featured throughout, along with 30 original recipes, each specific to a particular time and place. So, if you are curious about how food shaped global history and culture, put this book on the menu.

One sentence review: Food.  Fights.  History.  Great recipe (yes, yes I did!)

Best for readers who: Love nonfiction and love learning about the unique parts of history. 

Best Stick-with-You Image: Some of the descriptions of historical food.  So different from now! 

Library Thoughts: I already have in the library and kids wanted it before it was even ready to go! 

National Geographic for Kids always does a good job with the books they put out.  This one is no exception.  From the color graphics to interesting facts, it's a book that teaches kids a part of history we don't always think about.  The organization is great and easy to follow, and the pictures just add to the understanding and fun.  I've had several kids already check this book out, and we haven't had it for long.  Our FACS teacher has also checked it out to look at and share as they start to move into their Foods unit.  As I continue to build a nonfiction section that is filled with high-interest books, this book is at the top of the list.  I know it's one that will be checked out a lot! But not just checked out and looked at - also learned from.  And that is what I appreciate - books that pull kids in AND teach them something.  Well done! 

Nonfiction Review: Absolute Expert Series by National Geographic Kids

As a media specialist in a middle school, I'm always looking for new high-interest nonfiction.  

My mission is to get and keep middle school student reading, and one way is to hook them into nonfiction.  

So when I was offered this series for review I jumped at the chance! 

Series Title: Absolute Expert

Publisher: National Geographic Kids

Copies Obtained: From the publisher

Short Version: LOVED them.  

Why I'd recommend it: 
As usual with National Geographic Kids books, these books are jammed packed with awesome full-color pictures.  I know that I can use that to get a kid to at least look at the book.  And once I have it in their hands that's half the battle! I'd also recommend any of the books in this series because they are NOT just pictures.  There are large sections of text, so they get kids readings as well.  And the text is about interesting things.  I was very interested in the section in the volcano book about Mt. St. Helen's.  It looked at the changes that have happened in the 30 years since the explosion.  I was fascinated! 

I also really enjoyed the soccer book.  I'm super excited to recommend that one because it's harder to find good books about soccer, and I know I have a lot of soccer players at my school (my son among them).  How great to show them a book about their sport.  The first page I'd show them is one that shows the evolution of the soccer ball.  I found that very interesting, and I think they would too! 

Overall- this is a great series.  Wonderfully detailed pictures with interesting information.  They are a great size as well.  Not oversized or super thick, so that wouldn't scare anyone away! Can't wait to share them! 

Best for readers who: Like nonfiction and graphics with their reading. 

Library Thoughts: Yes!!! If you're looking for high-interest nonfiction get them! 

Nonfiction Review: The Ultimate Book of Sharks by Brian Skerry

Title: The Ultimate Book of Sharks
Author: Brian Skerry
Copy Obtained: From publisher in exchange for an honest review

About the Book From Goodreads
Dive into the wild world of sharks! Get up close to learn the truth behind these fantastic, ferocious fish with famed National Geographic photographer and explorer Brian Skerry.

Join this amazing underwater adventure to track the sharks of the world, from the teeniest dogfish to the everfeared great white. This ultimate book features every species of shark on the planet, with awesome photos, fascinating facts, the latest science, and firsthand stories of real-life encounters with these incredible creatures. Learn how sharks live, how they eat, the challenges they face, and whether or not you are actually on the menu!

Short Version: Sharks! Big pictures and lots of facts about sharks! Love it! 

Why I'd recommend it: I'm looking for more high-interest nonfiction for my media center, so I was super interested in this one.  I would easily recommend this one to my nonfiction readers because the pictures would grab them right away! Full color, close up and detailed.  That would get them interested right away.  But I'd also recommend it because the facts with each shark are great.  Sometimes nonfiction books are pretty dry with their facts.  This one isn't like that, so I know that kids would actually read and not just look at the pictures.  I'd also recommend it because it has all kinds of sharts - not JUST the well-known ones.  I also like books that introduce students to something new.  

I have to say the shark that fascinated me the most was the Frilled Shark.  It's the one I'd show kids to get them interested.  Super weird looking! Here's a picture on one:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frilled_shark#/media/File:Frilled_shark_head2.jpg

Side-note:  With Shark Week this week I wish I was in school because I'd love to do a display with this book included! 

Best for readers who: Love nonfiction and need a visual push to read. And of course for any future marine biologist.  

Library Thoughts: YES! This would be one I would get because I know that my non-readers would at least pick it up to look at because sharks are high interest.  

And look at this - a trailer for the book! Even better!!!

Women on Wednesdays: Who Is/Was Series

A few Wednesdays a month I like to feature books that show the strength and diversity of women.  These may be works of fiction or nonfiction.

Today those books are:

Who is/was book series

I read these four books about different women. I've had several students read and love this series, so I thought it was time to try some. I really like them. Yes, they are simplified, but they are also factual. They introduce kids to some historical figures in a way that engages and teaches them. If the reader is really interested after reading this book they can go on to read more about them. I just love that I've seen this series hook so many kids into reading nonfiction and biographies. That is just awesome. And I love that they have so many different people. These four are just a small sampling of the book available!

Check out the website for the series! You can find it HERE.

Plus there is a show on Netflix based on the books! 

Two Mini Review: Dog Books!

So in the media center animal books are very popular.  Kittens, sloths, baby anything, rabbits - kids love them all.  

When I was offered the opportunity to review two books about dogs I had to say yes.  

Title: It's a Puppy Life

By: Seth Casteel

Have you ever wanted to know what goes on in the life of one of nature's most beloved animals--the puppy? Follow along in this picture book featuring the photography of Seth Casteel.

Follow several puppies as they play, go for walks, eat, sleep, and romp about.

This book could not be any cuter!!! Adorable.  Adorable. Adorable.  I have three dogs, and this book made me want about 10 more!  It is fill with wonderful full color photographs of puppies doing all kinds of things from chasing a ball to taking a nap.  I think each page I said "awwwwwwww".  This book will be a huge hit in the library.  

I also liked that it was a book to read not just to look at.  It's just simple little text about being a puppy and everything they do.  I can see parent and kids reading this one over and over.

To top it off - at the end are pictures of all the dogs with what breed they are.  Perfect for when you weren't perfectly sure! 

Title: Dog Days of History
By: Sarah Albee

What is it we love about dogs so much? From ancient times to the present, dogs have guarded us, worked with us, marched off to war with us, and of course, just sat on the couch with us for a cuddle. Throughout the course of human history, this partnership deepened from dogs doing a service into friendship. Dogs have been by our side through it all, and this book tracks our common story from wild wolves in ancient civilizations to modern-day breeds, highlighting famous pooches of the past and present along the way.

Very cool book.  I have a Bichon Poodle mix, and I know they were, in the past, dogs that royalty would often have.  They were kept to eat the scrapes that fell on the floor! So it was really fun to see some other dogs through history.  It starts back in ancient times showing how dogs in things like hieroglyphics were portrayed compared to now.  It was amazing to see how accurate they were! As they continued through history is was also fun to see how dogs were used in paintings and advertisements.  It really showed that our love for dogs isn't just a current thing.  People have found companionship from dogs throughout history.  Yes, of course, they have been used for getting work done as well, but it was so neat to see how people have loved dogs always! Great book that I think kids will love as well.  They can pick and chose what time periods they want to read about - skipping around in the book as needed.  

Nonfiction Review: 1,000 Facts About the White House

Title: 1,000 Facts about the White House

Author: Sarah Wassner Flynn

Welcome to the White House! Go behind the scenes to get a 360-degree view of America's most famous president's residence, from how it was built in 1792 and the fire of 1812, to today's state dinners, celebrations, celebrity pets, and more. Discover through 1,000 fun-to-read facts what it's like to live and work at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the quirky rules of the house and how the Secret Service keeps it safe. Find out how the kids who have lived there play, watch movies, and entertain friends. With a treasure trove of material from the White House Historical Association, this book presents a fascinating story of the building and the many people who have shaped its 225-year history.

Ok we all know about the White House right?  It's the place where the president lives.  But what do you really KNOW about it?  This book is filled with all kinds of little tidbits about the house we see all the time in the news and in movies etc.  There are facts about it's history, the animals that have lived there, food at the White House, ghosts (my favorite part!), and how it has changed over time.  

What I really liked is that the infomration is grouped just like that. It's not just a long list of 1000 facts.  Instead the facts are grouped up.  So if you're interested in one topic over another, you can just read that topic.  Which is why I was able to jump the the ghost facts first.

As I've said before on the blog I often times see my son's reaction to a book as an indication of it's ability to hook other kids.  My son spotted it sitting out and started asking all kinds of questions about it.  I think he was interested because, just like me, I knew the White House, but I wanted to know more.  

Also - it has great photgraphs throughout the book.  So not only do you get to learn about some new things, you can see what they are talking about as well. 


In the End: Great book with lots of fantastic facts both fun and serious.  

I would add this for sure!  We should all know more about the house the President lives in! 

Nonfiction Review: History's Mysteries: Curious clues, Cold Cases and Puzzles from the Past by Kitson Jazynka

Title: History's Mysteries: Curious Clues, Cold Cases and Puzzles from the Past

Author: Kitson Jazynka

Why were the Easter Island heads erected? What really happened to the Maya? Who stole the Irish Crown Jewels? The first book in this exciting new series will cover history's heavy-hitting, head-scratching mysteries, including the Lost Colony of Roanoke, the Bermuda Triangle, the Oak Island Money Pit, Stonehenge, the Sphinx, the disappearance of entire civilizations, the dancing plague, the Voynich manuscript, and so many more. Chock-full of cool photos, fun facts, and spine-tingling mysteries.

What a great book!!! Loved it! I'm totally into all things mysterious, so this was a perfect fit for me.  Some of the stories I had heard about before (Yeti), but others were new.  I think that's what I liked the most - that it included some stories I had never heard of before.  And since I love stories like this it was nice to hear about some new ones.  

The pictures in the book are great - real photographs for the most part.  Very colorful, large and detailed pictures.  That really added to the enjoyment of the stories. I could see kids really looking at the pictures to see the details talked about in the pieces. 

Library Thoughts: I would for sure add this to the library! This falls in the high interest nonfiction catigory 100%!

Final Thought: Great little book.  Loved it and can see kids loving it too.  

Review: Random Illustrated Facts

Title: Random Illustrated Facts: A Collection fo Curious, Weird and Totally Not Boring Things to Know

Author: Mike Lowery

A collection of illustrated trivia unlike any other. From glow-in-the-dark cats to Jupiter's diamond showers to the link between dancing goats and the discovery of coffee, here are up to 100 obscure and fascinating facts brought to life in Mike Lowery's quirky, hilarious style. Each illustrated fact is paired with a handwritten web of related tidbits, recreating an entertaining dive down a trivia rabbit hole. 

What a fun little book!!!!! I can see kids loving this book and laughing at parts of it.  My 10 year old saw it and was immediately drawn to it, so I know it's one kids would enjoy.  Honestly I can see leaving it in the car, so on trips the kids could pick it up and flip through it. I can see the random facts spurring more conversation about different topics. 

Oh and the illustrations - so, so fun!! I love the colors too. It's made with muted bright colors (yes I know that doesn't sound right), but that's what it is.  And it almost looks like someone  just sat down a created doodles for the whole thing.  It gives it a fun whimsical look. Well done!

For the library:  YES! 
Best for ages: ANY! 

Women on Wed: Trailblazers: 33 Women in Science Who Changed the World by Rachel Swaby

A few Wednesdays a month I like to feature books that show the strength and diversity of women.  These may be works of fiction or nonfiction.

Today that book is:

Virginia Apgar. Sally Ride. Rachel Carson. These names are etched in history and included here as part of this awe-inspiring collection of profiles of some of the world’s most influential women in science. Author Rachel Swaby delves into the minds of thirty-three such women, whose vision, creativity, passion and dedication have helped make important strides in the world of science—who have in fact changed the world.

Middle grade kids will be fascinated by these snapshot profiles of some of history’s most important female scientists. These women have made strides in fields including biology, medicine, astronomy, and technology. In addition, Swaby emphasizes the fact that people aren’t born brilliant scientists. They observe and experiment as kids and as adults, testing ideas again and again, each time learning something new. Kids are sure to come away with a renewed curiosity of the world and the realization that the road to discovery can be positively thrilling.

Just recently I had my 3rd graders do a research project on inventors.  I really struggled finding women for them to research.  It bothered me!  I wish I had looked at this book sooner because there were several I could've added to the list for sure! While reading it I learned about several women I didn't know about.  The two that interested me most were Helen Taussig and Jane Wright.  Taussig worked with cardiac research and Wright with cancer research.  These are two areas I've had personal experience with, so it was fascinating to here the contributions they made!  I also liked how the book was broken into different sections - Technology and Invention, The Earth and Stars, Health and Medicine, and Biology.  It allowed me to turn to areas I was interested in.  

Great book that I plan to share with students! 

Two Books to Check Out if You Love Animals

Are you an animal lover?  Do you like true stories about animals?  

If the answer is yes then I have two fantastic books you should check out! 

125 Pet Rescues
This is a collection of hilarious and heartwarming stories of dogs, cats, and all types of pets given a second chance, and the human animal lovers who rescued them.
From the dog who saved her owner from a fire, to the cat that plays the piano, to the cow that thinks it's a dog, discover incredible stories of animals in need who went on to become beloved pets.
These uplifting tales are paired with amazing photos and loads of animal facts. Kids learn all about how to be kind to our animals friends and the importance of being a responsible pet owner. There's tons of furry, fluffy, feathery fun on every page, including tips on how to help save animals in need!

I couldn't get enough of this book!  I love a good animal rescue story, and this is an entire book about them.  It of course has rescue stories of cats and dog, but there are also stories about rescued bunnies, reptiles and goats.  I think my favorite was the story of Nudge who was a stray cat and rescued by a nice man.  Nudge paid the family back by rescuing them from a house fire.  Lucky the pig was a great story as well.  He fell off a truck and was rescued! And lastly the two guinea pigs that were abandoned in traffic!  Wonderful heart-warming stories.  Loved them all! 

Cat Tale: True Stories of Kindness and Companionship with KittensBy: Aline Alexander Newman
We humans love our cats and these surprising true stories will prove our cats love us back! This collection of tales of playfulness, friendship, heroism, and inspiration is sure to touch the soul, tickle the funny bone, and inspire animal lovers everywhere to be the best kitty caretakers and companions they can be. There's Bambi, whose owners taught her to respond to commands in American Sign Language; Millie, who loves exploring the outdoors and goes rock climbing with her owner; Leo, a rescued lion who changed the life of one South African family forever, and more

I love cats.  I grew up with the best cat.  His name was Moses, and he was a big old mouser that also knew how to snuggle.  We shared my saltine crackers all the time.  This book has wonderful stories about strong, independent smart cats and the people who loved them.  I really liked the story of Humphrey.  He was adopted into the house of the Prime Minister of England as a mouser.  Later he was falsely accused of killing four baby robins but everyone rallied to prove he was innocent!  Loved that story!  

If you like cats you have to look into this book.  

There you go - two great books for any animal lover you know - young or old.  

And to end - here is a picture of my sweet pets:

Book Review: Rise of the Lioness

Title: Rise of the Lioness: Restoring a Habitat and Its Pride on the Liuwa Plains

Author: Bradley Hague

Poaching and war damaged an isolated wilderness in West Zambia, reducing its lion population to just one: Lady, the last lioness. Witness Lady's fight for survival in this evocative narrative on the decline, fall, and rebirth of the Liuwa Plains. Follow Lady as she grapples with a landscape altered by human hands and discover how both Lady and humankind restore balance to the environment.

More than a story about one brave lion, The Lioness offers a great introduction to life science by looking at the workings of an ecosystem, the methods of scientists and environmentalists, and explaining the interconnection between the plant, animal, and human systems. 

This is a absolutely fascinating book! The story of Lady (the last Lioness) is amazing.  To hear how she was alone for 10 years and how they were able to bring more lions to her was incredible.  I found myself almost cheering a little when I read that her and the male lions became a family and inseparable.  And then when cubs were born! Just amazing to see the be how they worked to bring the lions back and to see they were having success.  

The photography in the book is great.  I love nonfiction books with lots of clear strong photographs because they help me understand the information better.  This pictures in this book did that.  From the pictures I was able to better understand the climate of Liuwa, the affects of poaching and how lions survive there.  I know many kids will be hooked by the pictures in the book!

Review: To Burp or Not to Burp: A Guide to Your Body in Space by Dr. Dave Williams

Title: To Burp or Not to Burp: A Guide to Your Body in Space

Authors: Dr. Dave Williams and Loredona Cunti

Of all the questions astronauts are asked by kids, the most frequent one is “How do you go to the toilet in space?”
This book not only answers that question, but many others about the effect of zero gravity on the human body:
How do you brush your hair in space? What happens when you sweat? What does food taste like? The best thing is that the answers are provided by Dr. Dave Williams, a NASA astronaut who speaks from first-hand experience. Written for kids ages 7 to 10, this book uses age-appropriate language to explain the different phenomena that astronauts encounter during a mission. The bright, colorful pages, short blocks of text accompanied by photos and humorous illustrations make this a very attractive choice for young readers. The opening message from Dr. Dave empowers kids to follow his example by believing in themselves and following their dreams.

A true test for any book is to see how my students react when they hear about it.  I had this book sitting out in my teaching area and bunches of kids spotted it and were really interested.  I then shared it with the whole class asking how many would be interested in reading it.  I'd say at least 90% of the hands went up if not more! When that happens I know the book will do what I need it to do - get gets interested in reading.  But I mean really - what kid wouldn't be interested in this topic.  It covers such fun things as burping, using the toilet, and farting in space.  Perfect!  But it also covers things like sleeping in space, how being in spaces changes your height and eating.  Even as an adult I'm curious because it tells about all those things you wonder about when it comes to traveling in space.  And yes, all those things you want to know but were embarrassed to ask! I found the pages on blowing your nose most interesting.  And because I teach about credibility - it's perfect that the book is actually written by a form astronaut.  

In short - a super fun book that will get kids reading and learning and possibly picking up more books about space! 

Review: Fright-lopedia by Julie Winterbottom +GIVEAWAY

Title: Frightlopedia: An Encyclopedia of Everything Scary, Creepy, and Spine-Chilling, From Arachnids to Zombies

Author: Julie Winterbottom

Illustrator: Stefano Tambellini

Here’s the book for kids who love scary stuff, whether it’s telling ghost stories around a campfire, discovering the origins of various vampires, monsters, and witches, or reading creepy tales under the covers with a flashlight.

Combining fact, fiction, and hands-on activities, Frightlopedia is an illustrated A-Z collection of some of the world’s most frightening places, scariest stories, and gruesomest creatures, both real and imagined.

Discover Borneo’s Gomantong Cave, where literally millions of bats, cockroaches, spiders, and rats coexist—in pitch darkness. Learn about mythical creatures like the Mongolian Death Worm—and scarily real ones like killer bees, which were accidentally created by scientists in the 1950s. Visit New Orleans’s Beauregard-Keyes house, where Civil War soldiers are said to still clash in the front hall. Plus ghost stories from around the world, a cross-cultural study of vampires, and how to transform into a zombie with makeup. Each entry includes a “Fright Meter” measurement from 1 to 3, because while being scared is fun, everyone has their limit.

I'm a huge fan of scary things.  I love scary books and movies! So when I received this book in the mail for review I was really excited about it.  I did wonder how it would be for kids though.  First what did I think of it - I loved it!  The book takes you through the alphabet of creepy, scary, odd things.  I was impressed they actually had something for each letter!  My favorites were the Manchineel tree (I'm staying clear of that one!) and Island of the Dolls (also staying clear of!).  The letter G was great too looking at different ghosts.  And of course I liked Z with zombies.  I found the pieces informative and well written.  They gave details without pushing the gore or scare.  What was really cool was that each topic has a Fright Meter telling you how scary this topic might be.  I thought this would be great for kids reading the book.  Now about kids reading it - many of the topics are ones you'd see in other books - spiders, bats, rats - those types of things, so I don't think those would be an issue.  Some of the ghost stories might be hard for kids who scare easily, so I would caution them.

Over all - I enjoyed it! 

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