• General Recommendations
  • Staff-Created List

Non-Fiction: January-July 2022 Starred Reviews from SLJ

"On average, close to 200 reviews appear each month in School Library Journal; of those, between 20 and 50 titles are deemed star selections. While the final decisions on stars are made by SLJ's reviews editors, we rely heavily on our reviewers, who are, for the most part, practicing or recently retired librarians who work with children"

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

14 items

  • Also available as an eBook. "Pictures and words fizz with the magic that surrounds the quiet work of mushrooms and should send kids looking to learn more."
    Book
  • Hidden Powers

    Lise Meitner's Call to Science

    Atkins, Jeannine, 1953-
    "With her portrait of a determined, brilliant physicist, Atkins presents a moving, lyrical tale that reveals the struggles of female scientists and of European Jews between the two World Wars."
    eBook
  • Also available as an eBook. "This slender volume may alleviate fears and help readers understand how illness spreads, while its underlying message is that those who wear masks, wash their hands, and stay home can help to end pandemics."
    Book
  • Pink, Blue, and You!

    Questions for Kids About Gender Stereotypes

    Gravel, Elise
    Also available as an eBook. "In their signature style, Gravel and Blais provide an accessible introduction to gender and gender stereotypes. Beginning with smart, open-ended questions, the authors challenge readers to think about gender…
    Book
  • "A handy, comprehensive, and delightful look at the wonders of nature throughout the seasons, this is a recommended purchase for every collection."
    Book
  • "This extraordinary presentation opens the world of sea otters to young readers in a fascinating way. This is a juvenile nonfiction treasure; highly recommended for all libraries that serve children."
    Book
  • "An excellent opportunity to show young readers steps in a process and that even though bees can sting, they are also useful and pleasant creatures to be protected and not feared."
    Book
  • I Begin With Spring

    the Life and Seasons of Henry David Thoreau

    Dunlap, Julie, 1958-
    "Henry David Thoreau, more commonly known for his literary works, is revealed to be a multilayered gentleman in this refreshing biography. Written in descriptive prose and beautifully illustrated with drawings and primary resources, this…
    eBook
  • Nature and Me

    a Guide to the Joys and Excitements of the Outdoors

    "While children might know that being close to nature is good for them, they may not know how to best learn from the great outdoors. This book, with its vibrant illustrations and its intriguing prompts, provides a bridge of understanding."
    eBook
  • Ida B. Wells, Voice of Truth

    Educator, Feminist, and Anti-lynching Civil Rights Leader

    Duster, Michelle
    "A superb biography for all libraries, this picture book can effectively be used with a broad range of students as an introduction to the importance of activism and Black history."
    Book
  • "This latest publication by award-winning The Poet X author Acevedo is a bold spoken word journey through the history of Black oppression as seen from the proverbial salon chair. A powerful proclamation of resistance and resilience over…
    Book
  • Science and the Ske?tic

    Discerning Fact From Fiction

    Zimmer, Marc
    "With the goal of teaching readers "how to distinguish fake science from the real deal," chemistry professor Zimmer breaks down the scientific method, politically motivated disputes over and disavowals of scientific topics, and…
    Book
  • Close-up on War

    the Story of Pioneering Photojournalist Catherine Leroy in Vietnam

    Farrell, Mary Cronk
    "This is really three books in one--it tells of the work of Leroy, describes the daily workings of war correspondents of that era, and gives a glimpse into life during the Vietnam War--excelling at each."
    Book