Storm Chasers

November 1, 2011

Gr 2-4-Action-packed photos, energetic orange backgrounds, and lots of white space around child-friendly texts give this series audience appeal, as do the daring jobs depicted. Chapters about daily tasks, educational requirements, and special gear cover expected topics. Encouraging "When I Grow Up" chapters suggest simple, career-related activities, while "Then to Now" sections provide glimpses into the history of each job, extending the learning experience in sometimes thought-provoking ways. In Miners, for example, a black-and-white photo shows a boy working in alarmingly dirty and dangerous conditions. Mention is also made of the present-day dangers and other downsides of these high-interest jobs. Eye-catching, black-and-yellow "Fact Alert" sidebars keep the facts flowing, and clear, informative captions are also a plus.

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