November 1, 2016
Gr 3-5-With a broader scope than most (the United States and Canada are represented), this set discusses various social advocacy groups. Each organization's history and their ongoing efforts to carry out their missions are discussed. Funding and educational efforts, as well as statistical information regarding their societal impacts, are described. A unique feature is the way this set encourages readers to come to their own conclusions-a useful tie-in to Common Core curricula in which information synthesis is vital. Each spread features text accompanied by a visual with sidebars promoting activities and questions to encourage critical thought. The photos mostly feature children and are a mix of stock and organization-provided images.
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
September 15, 2016
Grades 2-4 The Community Connections: How Do They Help? series introduces children to international organizations that make the world better. The Humane Society focuses on those operating in the U.S. and Canada, centered on helping and protecting animals, ensuring that pets, farm animals, and working animals are treated with respect. Each book is short yet filled with information, beginning with the organization's history. The solid text invites readers into the discussion with substantial sidebars asking them to make a guess about various topics or ask questions about the group, sometimes reminding readers they too should be involved with social good. The design is bright, but photographs are often folded into the gutter; the links to web sites are also meager. Nevertheless, kids will come away enthused and inspired to help.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)