Towering Homes

March 1, 2014

Gr 3-5-Humorous cartoon illustrations combined with photographs of structures from around the world introduce young readers to architectural concepts and vocabulary. Readers are first presented with a spread showing a real-life structure (such as a windmill in Working Homes), followed by a cartoon cross-section depicting the inner floor plan and function of the dwelling. Labels are at times confusing, as they do not always correspond to a specific part of the structure. The font makes it difficult to discern which words or phrases have been emphasized as key terms, and not all highlighted words are included in the glossary. Storybook Homes strays from the rest of the series titles through its superficial connection to fantastical structures of fairy tales. Although back pages include a glossary and list of recommended titles and websites for further exploration, these books do not provide enough substance for reports or detailed inquiries.-Meaghan Darling, Plainsboro Public Library, NJ

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2013
Grades 3-6 Covering a wide variety of building styles and iconic structures, this title in the new Young Architect series introduces young readers to buildings that are tall or high off the ground. Each two-page spread depicts a type of buildingsuch as an apartment building, Kelong, or puebloand includes facts about its structure, materials, or purpose. At two pages per structure, the layout is a little limiting; types of buildings, like castles or skyscrapers, get the same amount of attention as individual buildings, like the Leaning Tower of Piza or the Taktsang Monastery in Berlin. Nonetheless, the appealing large-scale photos and jaunty cartoon illustrations of building cross sections introduce useful STEM vocabulary, like story, foundation, campanile, tier, and plumb line. A glossary, an index, and further reading close out the volume.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)