Reviews for Donna Latham's Works

Updated December 02, 2011

Book Reviews

School Library Journal reviews the Endangered Biomes Series:

Ø LATHAM, Donna. Deciduous Forests. ISBN 978-1-9346-7087-3; ISBN 978-1-9346-7054-5; ISBN 978-1-9363-1328-0.
––––. Deserts. map. ISBN 978-1-9346-7086-6; ISBN 978-1-9346-7083-5; ISBN 978-1-9363-1329-7.
––––. Oceans. diag. ISBN 978-1-9346-7088-0; ISBN 978-1-9346-7084-2; ISBN 978-1-9363-1330-3.
––––. Tundra. ISBN 978-1-9346-7085-9; ISBN 978-1-9346-7056-9; ISBN 978-1-9363-1331-0.
ea vol: 32p. (Endangered Biomes Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. Nomad. 2010. PLB $16.95; pap. $6.95; ebook $6.95. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-5–Each book provides a quick tour of a biome, describing its landscape, climate, plants, animals, biodiversity, environmental threats, and future, and offering readers suggestions on how to help protect it. The crisp, informative narratives cover current issues such as oil spills, global warming, and islands of trash, combining words to know and interesting and fun facts. The texts are accompanied by numerous quality color photographs, but they lack captions, and at times it is unclear which image is being referenced in the narrative. The print and online further readings lists are the same for each title. Despite these minor issues, general readers will enjoy these breezy, vibrant guidebooks to the biomes.

Garbage: What Happens When You Throw It Out

Ø A great review for Garbage along with fantastic photos of the Clean Up an Oil Spill activity!

http://themamareport.com/books/garbage-investigate-what-happens-when-you-throw-it-out-with-25-projects-review/

Ø Blogger Simply Stacie reviews Garbage here.

http://www.simplystacie.net/2011/09/book-review-garbage/

Endangered Biomes

Ø School Library Journal , June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA November 1, 2010
Gr 3-5–Each book provides a quick tour of a biome, describing its landscape, climate, plants, animals, biodiversity, environmental threats, and future, and offering readers suggestions on how to help protect it. The crisp, informative narratives cover current issues such as oil spills, global warming, and islands of trash, combining words to know and interesting and fun facts. The texts are accompanied by numerous quality color photographs, but they lack captions, and at times it is unclear which image is being referenced in the narrative. The print and online further readings lists are the same for each title. Despite these minor issues, general readers will enjoy these breezy, vibrant guidebooks to the biomes.

Amazing Biome Projects You Can Build Yourself

Ø “Chock full of great information! The indoor and outdoor activities connect kids to the science discussed in each chapter. This high-powered tour of ecological principles, activities, and science vocabulary will thrill science educators and parents.” —Greg DeFrancis, Director of Education, Montshire Museum of Science

Principles of Ecology

Ø From School Library Journal: Gr 5–8 "Clear language, embedded definitions, and interesting examples illustrate abstract concepts through both text and well-chosen photographs.... Discuses the way humans impact ecosystems.... Includes suggested activities to test ideas as well as a thorough glossary and a Webliography.—Judith V. Lechner, Auburn University, AL."

Ø National Science Teachers Association Recommends: "Did you know that no two zebras have the same pattern of stripes or that peregrine falcons are found on all continents except Antarctica? These are just two of the many intriguing facts to be gleaned from this fascinating book. The basic concepts of ecology—interactions, ecosystems, producers, consumers, decomposers, food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids—are all presented with clear graphics and great tidbits of information.

A wide variety of ecological topics can be found in this volume. Biomagnification is presented in the context of Rachel Carson’s elegant wake-up call to the world concerning the environmental effects of pesticides. This is followed by the threat of invasive species, the highly adaptable creatures that can easily wipe out native species in an environment. Symbiotic relationships, competition, the concept of an ecological niche, and ecological succession are described as factors that affect the success and balance in ecosystems. Many effects of human activity on the environment are also brought up. Also included in the book are student activities on designing an energy pyramid, researching endangered species, exploring symbiotic relationships, creating compost, and doing a field study of an ecosystem."

Norah Jones

Ø Much-heralded biography of a famous and talented pop star. 5 out of 5 stars Norah Jones by Donna Latham is a gripping and insightful biography of the famous jazz-pop singer/songwriter. Studded with historic and fresh photos of the star, Norah Jones tells a fascinating story of the growth and development of a modern music star who achieves success on her own terms. Cross-currents feature pages at the end add to the biography ‘explore connections between people, places, events, and ideas (providing additional context for understanding the subject's life and times).’ Norah Jones is the much-heralded biography of a famous and talented pop star who worked hard to achieve her dream. It will serve as inspiration to many others who face challenging circumstances to follow their dreams." —Midwest Book Review

Ghosts of the Fox River Valley

Ø "Enthralling read, fun to peruse any day, but especially perfect for rereading during the Halloween season."-Midwest Book Review

http://www.midwestbookreview.com/sbw/jun_08.htm

Fire Dogs (Hero Dog Series)

Ø Recommended title by Animal Protection Society of Durham, NC.

Ø "This series does a wonderful job of portraying different types of dogs who are considered heroes in our society. Recommended."-Library Media Connection

Ø "The simple texts are easy to interpret for reluctant or early readers and yet informative enough to provide a definition of the dog's duties and what is required from it to fulfill each job."-School Library Journal

Hurricane! The Galveston 1900 Night of Terror (X-Treme Disasters Series)

Ø "One of the best series to come along recently."-Booklist

Ø "This series is a must for all libraries."-Library Media Connection

Ø Featured in Gotcha for Guys! Nonfiction Books to Get Boys Excited About Reading by Kathleen A. Baxter.

Superfast Rockets; Superfast Trucks (Ultimate Speed Series)

Ø "A series such as this fills a void, and very likely will encourage boys, and girls, to read more."-Library Media Connection

Ø Featured in Gotcha Good! Nonfiction Books to Get Kids Excited About Reading by Kathleen A. Baxter.

Ellen Ochoa: Reach for the Stars! (Defining Moments Series)

Ø "Books in the Defining Moments series offer simple, straightforward biographies of historical figures."-Booklist

Ø Space and heroes.(JUNIOR NONFICTION)(Brief article)(Children's review)(Book review); Teacher Librarian, October, 2007 by Howard, Sarah Catherine
Ellen Ochoa: Reach for the stars! (Defining Moments). Donna Latham. Bearport, 2006.978-1 59716-076-6, $23.96, Grades 96.
This small biography of the first Hispanic woman in outer space provides a glimpse of an heroic role model. A timeline, a glossary, Internet sites, fact boxes, and an index complement the layout of bright photos, including Ochoa playing the flute in outer space.

Space: Surviving in Zero-G (Extreme Places Series)

Ø "Look no further for real-life adventure stories of people challenging and surviving in some of the most dangerous places on earth. Astronauts Linda Godwin and Dana Tani train for months, travel to the International Space Station, and work outside in zero-gravity. There is certainly enough to challenge the willing and adventurous spirit. Recommended." -Library Media Connection, Sharon Williams