This season, publishers offer a rich variety of engaging social science books for readers of all ages. “Letters from Around the World” (Greenhaven/KidHaven) uses real and fictional children’s voices to help young readers explore diverse life experiences. History lovers can enjoy quick facts in “Fun Fact File: The History of Holidays” (Gareth Stevens) and “Cities Through Time” (Bellwether/Blastoff). Older readers can explore religion’s darker aspects in “Dangerous Devotions” (National Highlights/Mason Crest), while younger readers can celebrate faith in “Places of Worship” (Lightbox). These books provide diverse perspectives, inviting curious minds to discover new ideas and broaden their understanding of the world.

Elementary

Andrews, E. C. At School. ISBN 9781534546967.
––––. How I Play. ISBN 9781534546936.
––––. What I Eat. ISBN 9781534546875.
––––. Where I Live. ISBN 9781534546905.
ea vol: 24p. (Letters from Around the World). Greenhaven/KidHaven. Aug. 2024. Tr. $26.23.
Gr 1-3–Readers with a curiosity about world cultures will be captivated by this series. Each book follows a fictional American child who receives letters from pen pals, offering glimpses into the lives of children in various countries. In At School, pen pals share common educational practices, from lunchtime routines to the languages they learn. How I Play introduces games from around the world, sparking new ideas for playtime. What I Eat features mouthwatering photos and descriptions of popular snacks and meals. Where I Live explores family traditions, daily life, and important aspects of home life. The books are visually engaging, with a mix of images, cartoons, and textures. Each title includes a glossary and index. VERDICT A fact-filled and fun exploration of global cultures from a child’s perspective.

Harts, Shannon. 20 Fun Facts About Thanksgiving. ISBN 9781482466256.
Kawa, Katie. 20 Fun Facts About Independence Day. ISBN 9781482466195.
Keppeler, Jill. 20 Fun Facts About Juneteenth. ISBN 9781482466225.
Roza, Greg. 20 Fun Facts About Halloween. ISBN 9781482466164.
Shea, Therese M. 20 Fun Facts About Christmas. ISBN 9781482466133.
ea vol: 32p. (Fun Fact File: The History of Holidays). Gareth Stevens. Jul. 2024. Tr. $28.27.
Gr 2-4–This series provides fascinating insights into the history of holidays and traditions. For example, it can take anywhere from four to 15 years for a Christmas tree to grow to six feet, and the first American Thanksgiving was actually celebrated in December, not November. The facts are clearly and engagingly presented, making them perfect for young readers eager to learn how holidays have evolved over time. Each page includes a fact, a sidebar with additional context, and full-color photographs that enhance the learning experience. The series also offers helpful extras, such as a list of December holidays, a gingerbread recipe, and a look at various festivals honoring the dead. With a glossary, index, and resource list, this series is a valuable resource for anyone interested in holiday history. VERDICT A must-read for lovers of holidays and historical trivia.

Harts, Marie. Exploring Artifacts. ISBN 9781641901413.
––––. Exploring Primary Sources. ISBN 9781641901444.
––––. Exploring Secondary Sources. ISBN 9781641901475.
––––. Exploring Voices from History. ISBN 9781641901505.
––––. Reading Charts and Graphs. ISBN 9781641901536.
––––. Reading Maps. ISBN 9781641901567.
ea vol: 32p. (Discover More: Learning Social Studies Skills). Rosen/Britannica. Jul. 2024. Tr. $29.53.
Gr 1-5–This series offers an exploration of primary and secondary sources, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and how historians utilize them for research. The author covers an array of sources, from oral traditions and coins to archaeological finds like trash pits and historical newspapers. Readers gain insights into how artifacts are dated and the challenges of working with firsthand accounts. The series also provides guidance on locating sources and determining when to use them, along with helpful definitions throughout. A dedicated section encourages readers to compare different types of sources or variations of the same source, while text boxes prompt critical thinking and personal conclusions. Each source type is visually supported with high-interest photographs. The book concludes with a glossary, further reading suggestions, and an index. VERDICT An excellent introduction to the diverse sources that researchers rely on.

Primm, E. Russell, III. Colors and Shapes. ISBN 9781503888982.
––––. Days and Times. ISBN 9781503888999.
––––. Family and Friends. ISBN 9781503889002.
––––. Feelings and Emotions. ISBN 9781503889019.
––––. Greetings and Phrases. ISBN 9781503889033.
––––. Questions and Answers. ISBN 9781503889040.
––––. School. ISBN 9781503889057.
––––. Seasons. ISBN 9781503889064.
––––. Work. ISBN 9781503889088.
ea vol: illus. by Kathleen Petelinsek. 24p. (American Sign Language). Child’s World/Wonder. Aug. 2024. Tr. $32.79.
K-Gr 3–This series introduces young readers to common American Sign Language words, with each book focusing on a specific topic. The majority of each page is dedicated to the word being translated, while the hand movement illustrations are placed at the bottom. Expanding the space for these illustrations would make the finer details more visible. Each page also offers an interesting fact or an explanation of the sign’s meaning. The book includes an illustrated alphabet at the end, but since several pages ask readers to form letters, moving the alphabet to the beginning would be more helpful. Reflection questions are also included at the end of each book. VERDICT Simple to follow, though some layout improvements could enhance the experience. Recommended for collections in need of sign language resources.

Sabelko, Rebecca. Cairo. ISBN 9798886870008.
––––. Chicago. ISBN 9798886870015.
––––. Paris. ISBN 9798886870022.
––––. Singapore. ISBN 9798886870039.
ea vol: 24p. (Cities Through Time). Bellwether/Blastoff! Missions. Aug. 2024. Tr. $19.95.
Gr 1-3–This series explores the history of major international cities, highlighting key events, landmarks, and political milestones that shaped them into the modern cities we know today. Readers will discover that Chicago was once a Potawatomi village before becoming a major hub for rail travel, and also a significant destination during the Great Migration. Paris evolved from a small fishing village into the world’s fashion capital, while Cairo is portrayed as a city rich in diversity, shaped by the many civilizations that once ruled it. A cartoon character named Blastoff Jimmy appears throughout the chapters in text boxes, sharing quirky and intriguing tidbits—did you know that “Chicago” means “stinky onion”? Each book begins with three mission goals and thought-provoking questions to guide readers and concludes with “Beyond the Mission,” offering reflection questions. The back matter includes a glossary, a timeline, and an index. VERDICT While the books may be light on specific details, they are filled with vibrant illustrations, making them an engaging addition for younger readers. A good supplemental choice for collections.

Vallepur, Shalini & Sara Cucini. Church. ISBN 9781510581814.
––––. Gurdwara. ISBN 9781510581852.
––––. Mandir. ISBN 9781510581890.
––––. Mosque. ISBN 9781510581937.
––––. Synagogue. ISBN 9781510581975.
––––. Temple. ISBN 9781510582019.
ea vol: 24p. (Places of Worship). Lightbox. Aug. 2024. Tr. $31.41.
Gr 3-5–Stunning images and charming illustrations fill every page of this series. It offers a detailed exploration of places of worship, highlighting unique architectural features, who leads the services, and the sacred texts used. Readers will also discover various religious customs, including how worshippers dress, what prayers are recited, and the special celebrations they observe. Maps showcase where different religions are practiced, and labeled illustrations of altars display the holy items used during ceremonies. The books feature photographs of worship buildings from around the world and include a code for interactive content access. Bolded vocabulary appears throughout, with lists of sight words and content words at the back of the book. While a pronunciation guide would be a helpful addition, this series is filled with valuable information. VERDICT Recommended for school and public libraries.

Upper Middle School to High School

Asano, K. M. The Manson Family. ISBN 9781422248461.
Gillespie, Danielle. NXIVM. ISBN 9781422248478.
Peters, Jackson. Branch Davidians. ISBN 9781422248454.
––––. Heaven’s Gate. ISBN 9781422248492.
––––. Peoples Temple. ISBN 9781422248485.
ea vol: 64p. (Dangerous Devotions: Cults in Society). Nation Highlights/Mason Crest. Sept. 2024. Tr. $25.95.
Gr 7-10–This examination of infamous American cults turns a critical eye on their practices while remaining sympathetic to the people taken in by charismatic leaders. The authors explain the common features among cults and the different ways they manifest. Each book begins with the group’s background, which can be a religious offshoot, a self-help group, or a commune, followed by an exploration of the beliefs and lifestyles of the members. The authors explain what drives people into cults and how leaders manipulate them to get followers to stay. Throughout the books, QR codes lead to YouTube videos about how cults behave and primary sources from these cults in particular. Each chapter begins with vocabulary words and ends with text-based questions and a research project. The books conclude with a glossary, resources, and an index. VERDICT A well-rounded and interesting resource that invites empathy and critical thinking.

Heuer, Mike. All About Cannabis. ISBN 9781422248928.
––––. Facts and Figures: The Pros and Cons of Cannabis. ISBN 9781422248935.
––––. Medical Cannabis. ISBN 9781422248942.
––––. Mental Health and Cannabis. ISBN 9781422248959.
––––. Recreational Cannabis. ISBN 9781422248966.
ea vol: 80p. (Cannabis Today). National Highlights/Mason Crest. Sept. 2024. Tr. $27.95.
Gr 7-10–The author of this series addresses the often-conflicting messages surrounding cannabis and aims to provide young readers with a deeper understanding of the drug and its various uses. All About Cannabis serves as a general introduction, while the other books in the series explore topics such as the drug’s impact on physical and mental health, its recreational use, and the pros and cons of legalization. Although there is some repetition of information across the books, the series effectively explains key differences between CBD and THC, highlighting the distinct effects of each. For readers interested in the cannabis industry, the books offer insights into job opportunities and future trends, while also covering the evolving legal status of the drug and featuring notable advocates for decriminalization. Each chapter opens with key terms and definitions and concludes with text-based questions and a research project. Sidebars throughout the book provide extra details, and QR codes link to educational videos. The back matter includes a glossary, an index, print and digital resources, and links to the videos. VERDICT A well-rounded and informative look at cannabis. Recommended.

“Dangerous Devotions” (National Highlights/Mason Crest) skillfully avoids blaming or ridiculing cult members who fall under the influence of charismatic leaders. “Cannabis Today” offers a well-researched resource, cutting through confusion with factual information. “Letters from Around the World” (Greenhaven/Kidhaven) breaks down cultural barriers and celebrating both differences and shared experiences. These selections offer a diverse range of important topics while drawing in readers with real life examples, emotional depth, and hopeful messages.