Let's Meet a Construction Worker

February 1, 2013

PreS-Gr 2-Told from the perspective of students on a class field trip, the books introduce community helpers and explain what they do. In Firefighter, readers learn about the tools and equipment needed in the work. Fire safety is discussed both on the job and in the home. In Librarian, children are introduced to "information experts, storytellers, and technology wizards." Readers learn that librarians teach about ebooks and technology and encourage questions to "pump up your brainpower." The book does not mention the necessary training and education a librarian must pursue in order to work in a library. In Police Officer, Officer Gabby visits the classroom and explains the different types of work police can perform throughout their day. Construction Worker discusses the various skills needed for this type of work. The class visits the site of a future school and learns about the types of machines used. In Teacher, the students visit a fourth-grade classroom. The captions discuss the types of equipment used in the classroom, such as computers and whiteboards, and about following rules. Cartoon-style animated drawings in bright colors introduce diverse characters who will capture children's interest. Chapters are divided into three parts, captions provide additional information, and there is ample spacing between sentences. Additional titles where more books on community helpers are needed.-Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2013
Grades 1-3 Moran's flailing, retro-pop cartoon characters are the lure to this fizzy but enlightening entry in the Community Helpers series. A class taking a field trip to a construction site meets mustached Mr. Moore, who expounds upon the basics. (In a nicely realistic touch, He says we have to stay outside the fence. ) Mr. Moore shows off the various machines and techniques that will help build this future school, taking special care to talk about safety measures (hard hats, vests, beeping trucks) and green energy. The text, delivered in a wacky font, offers easy-to-digest nuggets ( Some trucks work with big metal teeth ), while boxed sections explain the scene more deeply ( An excavator digs wide ditches for basements ). Zany to look at but pretty darn educational.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2013
In each book introducing a community-benefitting career, schoolchildren meet one adult to learn about his or her job; information includes the training required to become a firefighter, doctor, etc., daily routines, and primary responsibilities. The content is inclusive and up-to-date but delivered through vapid stories. Peppy computer-generated cartoons are amateur. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)