Bedell, Jane (J. M.)
So, You Want to Be a Coder?
2016. 256pp. $11.99pbk. Aladdin (Simon & Schuster). 9781582705798. Grade 8 & Up
Readers interested in pursuing a career in coding will find this work well written, insightful, and chock full of good information. Bedell touches on a number of professional situations that require coders to complete the job, including creating video games, building robots, designing websites, and building security into Web applications. Each chapter is made up of many small sections, making the book very easy to read and understand. Chapters may include historical facts about computers or a person who made significant strides in a particular area, interviews with teens who are pursuing a passion for coding and professionals who are coding for a living, and general information about what a job in a particular area would entail. There are simple b&w drawings throughout the book that do not add appeal. If a reader is interested in computers as a possible career choice, this book gives a great overview of what it might take to reach that goal. Even those who do not know if computers are for them can learn something. Additional Resources. Glossary.
Elizabeth Kahn, Librarian, Patrick F. Taylor Sci Tech Academy, Avondale, Louisiana
Highly Recommended
Aguilar, David A.
Cosmic Catastrophes: Seven Ways to Destroy a Planet like Earth
2016. 80pp. $18.99. Viking Children’s Books (Penguin Young Readers Group). 9780451476845. Grades 3-6
What could destroy our home planet? What dangers do we face from the depths of space? Readers who like their adventure and danger on a planetary scale will be captivated by this book. Astronomer, artist, and author of outstanding books on space for children, David Aguilar explains how and why a planet like Earth could be changed or destroyed by dangers in the cosmos. Seven scenarios from asteroids and comets to supernovas and alien invasion are realistically described with scientific accuracy. Several of these dangers have already occurred in the Earth’s past, such as the Chelyabinsk Oblast asteroid which struck February 13, 2014. Another huge asteroid impacting off the coast of Yucatan is believed to have ended the age of dinosaurs. Other cataclysmic causes, such as colliding galaxies and rogue planets, are much less likely. Lavish illustrations and diagrams fill most double-page spreads. A final section takes readers into the creative process Aguilar uses to create his images. An index makes locating specific information and illustrations easy for young researchers. A list of books, media, and web sites enable students to continue reading and research.
Mary Jo Kelly, Ed.D., NBCT Librarian, The Dufrocq School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Highly Recommended
Becker, Helaine
Monster Science: Could Monsters Survive (and Thrive!) in the Real World?
Illustrated by Phil McAndrew. 2016. 96pp. $18.95 hc. Kids Can Press. 9781771380546. Grades 3-7
Vampires, Zombies, and Werewolves, oh my! This highly engaging examination of monsters dissects various legendary creatures, providing readers with a fact-based study of the supernatural. After a brief introduction, readers can explore six chapters focusing on the most renowned monsters, examining each with a scientific lens. For example, a chapter on sea monsters describes the legendary Loch Ness Monster and the Kraken, while also including informational text about sonar, ocean trenches, and warm-blooded vs. cold-blooded creatures. The colorful pages and comic style illustrations provide a humorous view of the scary content, and are a great match to the author’s playful text. Accented with monster facts and monster jokes, each chapter also ends with a quick quiz such as “Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse.” Readers looking for a scare will not be disappointed, but will also find themselves laughing and learning something new along the way. Be sure to read this one before dark!
Anne O. James, Librarian, Brownsville Elementary, Crozet, Virginia
Highly Recommended
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