Tag Archive for reading comprehension

Atlantis Lost

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Written by T.A. Barron

Featuring the battle between good and evil and offering an explanation for the disappearance of the island of Atlantis, the last volume of Barron’s trilogy is exciting and action packed.

This tale begins with the island being well-established and her residents living idyllic lives. Immortals traverse the Universal Bridge, between light and dark, and discuss their existence. Meanwhile, the evil Narkazan plots to increase his power and take over the world. He wants to retrieve the Starstone, a sort of magical amplifier from the mortal love, Atlanta, of one immortal, Promi. Narkazan unleashes his minions, including dark mistwraiths and a horrible monster that destroys the City of Great Powers, devours her residents, and produces terrible offspring. Many characters have pure motives. They help wherever they can. Many characters are complicit and devious. A fierce battle ensues, involving wind lions, good and bad dragons, giants, and many other mythical creatures. In order to save the world, Atlantis must die. Hope survives.

As with many of Barron’s books, this is a great introduction to or addition to mythical sagas and the literature surrounding them. It is riveting and worth the read. 

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  • atlantis-lostTitle: Atlantis Lost                                                
  • Author: T.A. Barron
  • Published: Philomel Books/Penguin Random House, 2016
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 224 pages
  • Grade Level: 5 up
  • Genre: Fiction, Mythology
  • ISBN: 978-0-399-16805-5

 

Posted in 2016, Adventure, Fiction, Mythology tagged with ,

Geometry (Ace Your Math Test)

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Written by Rebecca Wingard-Nelson

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Geometry (Ace Your Math Test) delivers a succinct review of geometry concepts, vocabulary and skills. Although this book is written on a fifth grade reading level, it is appropriate for older students and will most likely appeal to middle and high school students interested in test preparation.

In one or two-spread chapters, the text presents math concepts such as triangles, perimeter, Pythagorean theorem, symmetry and the coordinate plane. Topics are typically presented through a minimum of text and include a call-out box with definitions, one to three brief steps of explanation and sample test questions; however, some topics are covered through only definitions and sample questions.

The book does not provide repetition, practice sets or multiple examples. Instead, it offers only the highlights of the topic and a quick refresher question or two. The concise text may appeal to those who struggle with reading comprehension. For those who want more practice, additional practice worksheets are available at (http://www.enslow.com/displayitem.asp?type=1&item=3529#.UbJ4gqIo7EY).

The book design offers lots of white space, clear diagrams, and easy-to-find topics. Geometry also offers an introduction about taking tests, frequent sidebars with helpful test-taking hints and explanations of many geometry symbols. The hints vary, but are mostly simple ideas such as “mark your answers clearly” and “focus on each problem.” The sample questions include “multiple choice,” “show your work” and “explain your answer” examples. This variety and the specific techniques addressed with each one may be valuable to homeschoolers or other readers who are not used to standardized or typical classroom tests. The backmatter includes books and websites for further practice as well as an index.

  • GeometryTITLE: Geometry (Ace Your Math Test)
  • AUTHOR: Rebecca Wingard-Nelson
  • PUBLISHER: Enslow Publishers
  • REVIEWER: Heather L. Montgomery
  • EDITION: Paperback: 104 p.
  • ISBN: 978-1464400100
  • GENRE: Nonfiction/Math/ How-to
  • LEXILE: 860
Posted in 2012, Nonfiction tagged with ,