Anna Prokos

Grammar is a less than exciting subject, and grammar books are typically dry and uninteresting. However, Grammar All-Stars: Slap Shot is a different kind of grammar book. The book's focus, synonyms and antonyms, are woven effectively into a story line of a hockey game. The prose is worded like a play-by-play broadcast with the synonyms and antonyms sprinkled throughout. It is easy to imagine that children will enjoy reading this story aloud like real sports announcers. And while the sports show more hook will help readers over the grammar hump, the book's layout, organization and style make it an effective learning tool.
The book contains three chapters outlined in the table of contents. Each chapter is entitled with a hockey term, such as face-off challenge, up and down the ice, and last shot for first place. Additionally, each chapter has a subtitle that relates the grammar topic: what are synonyms, what are antonyms, and using synonyms and antonyms. There is a box at the bottom of the page directing attention to boldface words.
Unlike many other grammar books, Slap Shot starts right into the story with out an explaination of the grammar-specific term. However, throughout the page there are bolded words- these are the synonyms. They stand out on the page, clearly distinguishable from the rest of the type. Even a semi-observant reader can begin to make connections. It is not until the reader is well into the chapter that a box, clearly segregated and labled, states the grammar term and defines it. There is also a suggestion to go back and count how many pairs of synonyms can be found. This format is repeated. Finally, in chapter three, a box containing and defining 'thesaurus' is introduced. The information is concise and helpful. Following the three chapters is a more formalized list of terms, definitions and explainations. On the following page is an activity in which the reader circles synonyms and generates a list of antonyms.
Stylistically, the book is simply fun. The hockey theme is present throughout. 'Chapter' is written on a penant background. The chapter's numbers, written in a font similar to a number on a jersey, is placed inside a hockey puck. The boxes with information look like scoreboards. The grammar rules on the last page are bulleted with more hockey pucks. The review, entitled 'All-Star Challenge' has answers printed on the next page that ranks you, based on your score, with more hockey terms: offsides, penalty, assist, and GOAL!
Slap Shot is exciting, interesting, and well-organized. Beneath the list of author and illustrators is "Language arts curriculum consultant: Debora Voege M.A." noting a concerted effort to obtain accuracy. I think the combination of formalized language arts and narrative makes this book one of the best non-text grammar books I have ever come across. I would love to have the entire series as a part of my class library. show less

Enjoyable story of two boys camping in the back yard who dream of a journey through space. Not sure why the author chooses to call their ship a space shuttle--it is much more than that. There are a good number of facts here, but this is feared toward very early readers, maybe first or second grade. After that, intelligent kids will want to know a lot more information than this book provides.

“Rock and Minerals”, a great identification book for young and curious readers, that is actually a part of the series “Our Planet Earth” made by Discovery Channel Earth. It is definitely a fun book, full of vibrant and engaging illustrations, some of which include pictures of rocks, charts of rock formations, caricatures of people flooding California during Gold Rush, map of minerals that can be found in different parts of the world, etc. The book brings to life the wonders of show more nature, as the young readers learn about the historical facts, discoveries and ideas. The young scientists will also learn that every rock tells a story, that every rock is practically a piece of history, because it gives scientists clues as to where it formed, what it’s made of and where it’s been. Every page uncovers some fascinating facts about formation of rocks and minerals. At the end of each chapter there is an “Activity” part that works as an extension to spark more curiosity in young scientists. For example, at the bottom of the chapter “Rock Around the World” (that includes the map of the rocks and minerals in different parts of the world), the activity offers the young scientists to head for a local library and investigate if their local area has any minerals or gemstones. It also challenges them to think of the types of products that can be made with these minerals.
I really liked the book for its simple approach and colorful illustrations. I would definitely recommend it to the students, ages 9 & up. show less

Killer wallpaper? This book gives all the details on poisoning. Did you know that there is a theory that Napolean died from the wallpaper in his bathroom? Apparently there was arsenic in the green dye in the wallpaper design. Did his love for hot, steamy baths make it the perfect breading ground for toxic mold to form? This is one theory that is believed by some. This book highlights a couple of poisoning stories as well as discussing toxins and their role in damaging the body. This book show more would be a welcome addition to any upper-level elementary or middle school classroom. It is a nice forensic book that would appeal to many readers. show less