Dirt Bikes

February 1, 2018

Gr 1-5-An assortment of off-road vehicles are depicted in this new nonfiction series. Each book is rich in subject-specific vocabulary and describes the vehicle's history, types, uses, and terrains where they can be driven. Page layouts feature bright, vivid photographs and graphics with up-close details of the vehicles. The text is easy digestible to struggling readers, with simple, straightforward language and only one or two sentences per page. Each volume includes nonfiction text features such as a table of contents, bold words, a glossary, and an index. As a potential research extension, the books also link readers to the publisher's online Booklinks Nonfiction Network, which is a collection of websites for further learning on each topic. VERDICT With high-interest subject matter, this series, written at a second grade reading level, will likely appeal to lower- and upper-elementary vehicle enthusiasts.

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2018
This hi-lo series highlights six popular sports vehicles, each volume providing cursory tidbits about the machine's history, characteristics, models, uses for pleasure and service, operational challenges, and safety features. Large color action photographs enhance the abbreviated texts, though many appear muddy or blurry. The books' limited content makes the series best suited to those unfamiliar with off-roading. Glos., ind.

(Copyright 2018 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)