Hail

April 1, 2018

K-Gr 3-Just the right combination of facts, visual imagery, and reading practice for young pupils curious about extreme weather phenomena. Each title defines the pattern (e.g., blizzards have winds 35 mph and over), explains the particular dangers (flood waters can carry away cars and houses), and describes how people can predict and prepare for the wild weather (meteorologists use satellites to predict hurricanes). Additional fascinating facts are highlighted (the largest hailstone ever recorded weighed two pounds and was eight inches across). VERDICT A solid choice for emerging readers that may pique interest in nonfiction.

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2018
Grades 1-4 Though it doesn't downplay the seriousness of the effects dangerous weather can have on people and property, the Wild Weather series (6 titles) primarily takes a measured, scientific approach to the examination of different kinds of storms. In this case, that means hail, the balls of ice formed by a combination of water droplets and wind. Most of this stock-photo-illustrated volume is dedicated to explaining how hail forms and the kind of damage it can do. An ending spread explains how meteorologists can predict when hail, and other storms, will arrive. Geared toward newly independent readers, the text is straightforward, and vocabulary is clearly defined. There's no source list, but a final list of facts adds a few extra details about hail. A solid resource for report writers and emerging readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)