March 15, 2018
Grades 3-5 Here's a simple introduction for children just beginning to write reports. Jennings discusses what a research project entails and how to identify and locate sources. Emphasizing printed sources, cautioning about internet information, and suggesting ways to judge a source's accuracy, the text's brevity doesn't allow as much discussion of the last problem as it might. A chapter on primary sources, with the suggestion to interview a relative, is interesting but may puzzle children who think of deserts or states, rather than personal stories, as report topics. Boxes labeled Tips give added information; especially helpful is the one on plagiarism. Photographs are colorful if generic, and the brief back matter in this All about Media series (4 titles) entry directs readers to the Facthound internet site.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)
January 1, 2019
These volumes provide very basic (sometimes confusing or incomplete) information about various print- and digital media and research methods. Source gives examples (e.g., books, internet, primary sources) while the meatier Opinions helps readers become critical consumers ("Ask questions to figure out the media maker's purpose"). Helpful sidebars appear throughout, and stock photos show kids working in the library and elsewhere. Reading list. Glos., ind.
(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)