(3) 4-6 Translated by Laura Watkinson. Illustrated by Wendy Panders. In this overview of concepts from the many scientific disciplines within the earth sciences, topics are organized into chapters on geology, planetary science, weather, water, and geography. Though a large number of ideas are covered, they are clearly explained and organized to present comprehensive coverage of the field. Plentiful if small illustrations throughout include helpful diagrams.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by M. S. Corley. Reynolds presents stories of thirty-five people--some well-known (Nelson Mandela, Hillary Rodham Clinton); some less recognizable (Maryam Mirzakhani, Erik Weihenmeyer)--who experienced failure before attaining their goals. Additional "Flop Files" and sidebars briefly introduce others who were initially unsuccessful. Direct questions and an informal tone should engage readers. One hundred additional questions about success and failure are appended. A thoughtful challenge to kids who think perfection is required.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Be What You Want series. Bedell is realistic about job requirements and helps readers understand pluses and minuses of veterinary animal care as well as many other careers involving domestic and wild animals, including farming, conservation, training, and research. A dynamic narrative is peppered with "Spotlights" on real professionals, interviews, quizzes, and more, but the layout would benefit from photos instead of dull clip art. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 4-6 Eighteen-year-old Cerone, already a veteran in the philanthropic world, describes her inspiration in selecting causes and suggests thirty-six "PhilanthroParty" (fundraising and community-building event) ideas in a breezy and inspiring first-person voice; thematic recipes, activities, and anecdotes are included with each. Lively layouts with tons of color photos on thick, glossy pages reflect the spirit of excitement in the text and activities.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 An unusually practical guide to making friends, keeping friends, and knowing when to end a friendship. Clinical psychologist Kennedy-Moore and parenting writer McLaughlin offer tips on recognizing others' "stop signals," naturally joining activities, matching the tone of a conversation, and more. The dense black-and-white format may seem off-putting, but relevant cartoon scenarios, (eye-roll-inducing) jokes, and reflection questions break up a highly readable text. Reading list. Glos.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(3) YA This sequel to Girls Who Rocked the World offers short profiles of forty-five notable girls and women from throughout history and around the world. From biblical queen Esther to present-day rock climber Ashima Shiraishi, the names will be a mix of the familiar and unknown to American readers. Additional sidebar facts accompany the brief biographical sketches and include real teens' own aspirations. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(3) 4-6 From Cleopatra to Coco Chanel and on to Michelle Obama and young YouTube stars, this collective biography features more than a dozen fashion icons. Brief and chatty biographical profiles are well illustrated and bolstered with fashion guides, hair-styling instructions, and clothing trend timelines. An appealing, informative read for tween fashion enthusiasts that spotlights an interesting and up-to-date set of influential women. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(4) 4-6 Be What You Want series. This tween guide engagingly outlines various programming career paths, interviews coders of all ages and experiences, provides historical context, and quizzes its readers; the book specifically highlights successful women in STEM fields. Readers not dissuaded by the sometimes-confusing layout, protracted sidebars, and a lack of visuals (other than dull clip art) will find a lot of useful information here. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 This guide for curious tweens promotes critical thinking through a series of very loosely organized questions, accompanied by well-documented trivia, quotes from students, and extension activities. Emphasizing speculation, the book offers springboards for discussion in or outside the classroom. It supports its broad-ranging questions with explanations that make complex topics accessible and may inspire further inquiry.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 Reynolds, a teacher, offers quirky, frank guidance on "making middle school meaningful"--everything from overcoming negative comparisons (or stopping evil space gnomes from stealing your garlic bread) to recognizing that parents and teachers sometimes take their own issues out on students. Cartoonish spot illustrations and inspirational quotes contribute to an overall light tone. Interspersed writing exercises reinforce the lessons. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(4) 4-6 Be What You Want series. An extremely thorough look at many different types of leadership positions--political, spiritual, law enforcement, entrepreneurial, and more. "Spotlight" and "VIP Profile" bios introduce real-life leaders, historical and contemporary, famous and non-famous. The absence of photos makes the volume less appealing than it could be, but readers not put off by a dull appearance will glean inspiration. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Be What You Want series. "Think your Goth lifestyle is a predictor of your future vocation"? This overly broad installment examines fields centered on dead things--from archaeology, forensics, and taxidermy to volcanology and "ghost hunting"--including the gritty details involved in the work. Interviews with professionals provide a personal touch to a dense text that can feel like a data dump. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Floor Rieder. In lively, colloquial, and even humorous prose, Schutten ambitiously and accessibly explains evolution, from matters as small as the slipper animalcule (a.k.a. Paramecium) to the Big Bang theory, showing relevance to the reader wherever appropriate. Sections are headed by questions, and hand-drawn illustrations in a limited palette nicely illustrate main points. Schutten references his material with particular care (extensive notes appended) and sensitively addresses evolution/creationism issues. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Be What You Want series. Van der Linde begins with an overview of Western dance styles (emphasizing ballet) and their requirements for professional dancers. The accessible text thoroughly covers backstage logistics, the pros and cons of a dance degree, non-performing careers in the industry (such as dance critic and costumer), and second careers. Interspersed interviews and sidebars add valuable information. Extensive resources appended. Websites. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) 4-6 Be What You Want series. This informative overview profiles various sports careers. In addition to professional athlete, the accessible discussion covers related industries, including coaching, sports medicine, media, and business. Chapters provide job descriptions, educational preparation, financial compensation, and insightful interviews with career professionals (scouts, trainers, media relations, etc). Without illustrations the design is rather dull, but text boxes and sidebars help liven up the pages. Reading lists, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) 4-6 Schutten imagines what the houses, foods, fuels, and people of the near future could optimally look like--thanks to anticipated advances in computer, medical, and robotics technologies--while emphasizing renewable resources (with some attention to challenges we'll face if we don't address global warming and economic inequities). Photographs of today's technologies and renderings of a bright future break up the at-times dense text. Ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Be What You Want series. This overview describes the obvious careers (designer, photographer, model, stylist) but also the jobs on the business side of the industry (construction, promotion, and retail buying). Information includes educational degrees, how to pinpoint your interest, and interviews with people (including kids) working in the field. The writing is solid, but photos would have livened up the dull design. Reading list. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(4) 4-6 Be What You Want series. Various possibilities for inventive work in food services are surveyed. In sometimes-corny language, easy-to-digest information on culinary careers and education demonstrate the stamina and hard work necessary for these creative, fulfilling jobs. Interviews with teens, famous chefs, and other success stories (restaurant owners, food critics, etc.); practical tips; and recipes are scattered throughout. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) 4-6 In this friendly guide, tweens identify their Fashion Personas and learn what clothes and accessories work best for their preferred style and body type. The fashion advice can be simplistic, but the message--"know what you feel good wearing and find all the ways you can to express who you are"--is reassuring. Includes an excellent annotated list of resources.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith