The Secrets of Mars

November 1, 2015

Gr 2-4-A visually strong exploration of the eight planets in the solar system. Filled with "Fast Facts," including the planet's diameter, distance from the sun, number of moons, and other relevant details, as well as short, readable sentences, each volume supports Next Generation Science Standards. The inclusion of "Critical Thinking Using the Common Core" at the end of the book will appeal to educators, administrators, and parents and will provide students with an opportunity to articulate and analyze what they've read. Readers are also introduced to the people who study the planets in each book's "Scientist Spotlight." The images of the night sky are stunning, but while the artists' illustrations of planetary scenes are beautiful, their inclusion weakens the authenticity. A minor error appears in The Secrets of Saturn, when the author claims that the "fastest winds on Earth occur during hurricanes," when, in fact, it's tornadoes that are responsible. VERDICT Although attractive, this series doesn't improve on extant series.

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.