Fall 2025 School Library Journal Reviews - Black Rabbit Books
These simple guides cover different esports topics, from fighting games to online RPGs. Gamer-related vocabulary, such as loot or eliminate, is highlighted. Many readers interested in gaming may already be familiar with the information covered, but these titles might be helpful tools for gamers who are English language learners or those building reading fluency. Heavy with stock photography, this series also uses AI generated covers. Short biographies of professional esport players are included, as well as information on how to get started in competitions. Written at a third grade reading level, these titles have an intended audience in grades four to six. VERDICT An additional purchase where emerging readers and gamers collide.
Pygmy goats, hissing cockroaches, and tarantulas are just some of the strange animals that people keep as pets. Each book in this series starts with a description of what the animal’s behavior is like on a day-to-day basis. Information about different breeds or types of the animals along with their physical characteristics are included. These titles also take time to correct misconceptions. For example, mini pigs don’t stay that little: they can weigh up to 150 lbs! How to care for the pet, what foods they prefer, and what foods are dangerous for them are all described. Readers who are interested in animals in general or in one of these pets in particular will seek this series out. Written at a third-grade level, this series could draw the interest up to around seventh grade. VERDICT A solid series to fill out pets sections with something different.
Each book in theses overviews of specific sports begins with a short history before moving into information about competitions and well-known players. The writing is simple and clear, providing introductory details for readers who do not know much about the sport. The standout feature is the visual design—bright, full-page graphics and action photos make these books appealing to browse. Each title includes a table of contents, a glossary, an index, resources for further reading, and a spread of fast facts. While the information is basic, the format makes these books accessible and inviting for readers who are new to the sport. VERDICT This series is a visually appealing addition for libraries looking to provide colorful introductions to popular sports.
Readers are made aware of lesser-known but distinguished figures of science, social justice, technology, and United States history in these four introductory volumes. Each volume includes a brief synopsis of the subject’s contributions, with details of their personal lives omitted. Not every one can be considered “unsung” as figures like Mary Anning, Grace Hopper, and Shirley Chisolm are featured in other children’s biographies. However, all the subjects have made valuable contributions to their respective fields and deserve recognition, or at least awareness. To that end, these titles serve to make readers aware of influential figures and will encourage them to seek out more information. VERDICT Given the significant achievements of people who were often sidelined by more prominent individuals, these volumes will be of use in school and public and libraries and selectors should consider.
The role of the United States in wars throughout history is presented in this series. Each book covers a different war and addresses how the U.S. became involved, major battles, the impact of the war, and the roles of key people. The books are written at a fourth-grade level and can be used in upper elementary grades or as hi-lo text in middle school. Plentiful images show weapons, recruiting posters, and draft cards among other details. The illustrations also help to break up the text into manageable segments. Fact boxes list statistics and other numerical data such as the weight of the tea dumped overboard during the Boston Tea Party, or the length of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. “Think about it” questions encourage readers to reflect on what they have learned. Each book ends with a timeline of key events, a glossary, and a resource list. VERDICT An easily accessible series that can support classroom instruction or satisfy individual curiosity.
How to navigate modern technology in a responsible manner is the theme of these informative volumes. Presented in question-and-answer format, each volume satisfies readers’ curiosity about artificial intelligence, cyberbullying, digital footprints, online gaming, online identity and privacy, and social media. These straightforward narratives are comprehensive and contain statistics, such as the average American spends seven hours a week playing video games, and in 2024, 64 percent of the world’s population was active on social media. These titles will be ideal for report writers. VERDICT Given the importance of technology in today’s world, these volumes will prove valuable to public and school library collections. Report writers will find them especially useful.
Revolución de los deportes electrónicos
How to navigate modern technology in a responsible manner is the theme of these informative volumes. Presented in question-and-answer format, each volume satisfies readers’ curiosity about artificial intelligence, cyberbullying, digital footprints, online gaming, online identity and privacy, and social media. These straightforward narratives are comprehensive and contain statistics, such as the average American spends seven hours a week playing video games, and in 2024, 64 percent of the world’s population was active on social media. These titles will be ideal for report writers. VERDICT Given the importance of technology in today’s world, these volumes will prove valuable to public and school library collections. Report writers will find them especially useful.