Cover-to-Cover
Chapter Books
Reading Level 1–4 | Lexile Level 270–660 | Guided Reading Level L–Q | Interest Level 2–6
Reviews
Roscoe: A North American Moose
Wagons Ho! A Diary of the Oregon Trail
The Chisholm Trail
by Cynthia Mercati
In 1871 Jeb Watts lives on small farm in Texas. At age sixteen he knows that farming is not for him. Unlike his three older brothers, Jeb yearns to follow the cattle trails that have become so important in the post-Civil War era. In many ways Jeb is like his father who left the farm to fight in the Confederate Army. Sadly Jeb's father did not return from the war. Jeb knows the dangers inherent in seeking adventure but the lure of the trail is too great. Jeb gets a job at the nearby Broken Bar ranch and his life as a cowboy begins. What follows is Jeb's first cattle drive along the Chisholm Trail from San Antonio to Abilene. During this trial Jeb must both prove himself and learn the tricks of the cowboy trade in order to survive. Confronted with storms, stampedes, quicksand, rustlers, and the sometimes cantankerous longhorns Jeb's journey up the Chisholm Trail is one of personal discovery. He learns how to ford a river, keep dry in a storm, and survive the long days and nights of a trail rider. Through the fictionalized character of Jeb the experiences of real life cowboys of the post-Civil War era come to life. An artfully told tale linked to period photographs and pen and ink sketches makes this a very appealing book.
—Children's Literature
The Code of the Drum
by L.L. Owens
From the Cover-to-Cover Chapter Book series, designed for students reading below grade level, this Civil War story fulfills its purpose with a well-researched adventure story. After 12-year-old Jacob McCoy learns that his father, a soldier in the Union infantry, has died of typhoid fever, he runs away from home to join his father's old regiment as a drummer. As he travels, he stumbles upon two Rebel drummers practicing the call for Safe Passage on their drums. Later, after Jacob has joined his father's unit, that drum code allows them to sneak behind Confederate lines for a successful, surprise attack. Illustrated with period photographs and engravings as well as less effective line-and-gray wash drawings, this story has its clunky, unlikely, and coincidental moments (Jacob finds his father's regiment with astounding ease, and the only hitch in his journey provides the knowledge which makes him a hero). Still, teachers looking for easy-to-read stories about the Civil War may find this an informative little volume.
—Booklist June 2000
The Code of the Drum is the fascinating story of Jacob, who trained hard and became a drummer boy in the Union Army during the American Civil War. With his friends and fellow drummers Hank and Charles, he discovers the camaraderie and horror of war. This lively and engaging "high interest/low vocabulary" story is backgrounded with an historical accuracy that includes line drawings, historical photos, a listing of Civil War drum calls, and a glossary of Civil War military terms. Also highly recommended for "reluctant readers" is L.L. Owen's previous Civil War story Brothers at War.
—Children's Bookwatch, April 2000
Jacob McCoy has just learned of his father's death and yearns to continue to fight for the Union cause. Denied permission to do so by his mother, the 12-year-old sneaks off and joins his father's regiment as a drummer boy. Given the limited length and easy vocabulary in this novel for reluctant readers, Owens manages to present an adventurous and interesting story. Large print and black-and-white reproductions and drawings on almost every page gives the book an open, inviting look. Emerging and struggling readers will enjoy it.
—School Library Journal, December 2000
Colorful Kites
by Beth Dvergsten Stevens
"Go fly a kite!" If you hear this often and feel the urge to take the advice literally, this book can get you into the sky in no time. It is chock full of kite history, customs, how-tos and cautions.
Introductory chapters present some of the history of kites throughout the world and specifically in the United States. Small side boxes near pertinent text give definitions of difficult words. Black-and-white photographs and color sketches accompany the narrative. While credits for the photos are given on the back of the title page, captions near the pictures would have enhanced their inclusion in the text. Sketches and pictures throughout the book reflect a diversity of race and gender. Examples are color photographs of a Chinese boy and a Maori native.
Succeeding chapters include descriptions and colorful sketches of all kinds of kites, as well as instructions for making three or four kinds of kites and wind socks. The descriptions are good and include some commentary on the origin of the various kinds of kites. One full-page drawing clearly shows all of the component parts of a typical flat kite.
The how-to chapter gives directions for making several kites from inexpensive, readily available materials. Borders include lucid descriptions of various types of knots to use during construction. Side boxes on these pages give definitions and advice for making and using the different parts of a kite. Black-and-white drawings of each kite's construction clearly spell out the dimensions of each part. One drawback to the directions for constructing a given kite is that the diagram showing the placement of the parts of the kite may be located as many as two pages back from the directions. Bold lettering advises the young kite maker to ask an adult for help when dowels have to be sawed. However, the same cautionary note in regard to cutting a plastic bottle blends in with the plain type of text.
The book concludes with advice and rules for flying kites and "Crazy Kite Facts," which adds a little more to the history and usage of kites. The advice on flying kites is extensive and includes color sketches of how to launch a kite, the types of wind one may encounter, and suggestions for troubleshooting problems. One feature I especially liked was a full-page chart on kite safety that uses the words "always" and "never"; "[a]lways fly your kite in big open areas…"; "[n]ever fly your kite in the rain or a thunderstorm!"
Colorful Kites mentions facts that could easily lead to integrated lessons touching on science, history, and art. I recommend this book to any child who wishes to take an entertaining, practical look at the world of kites.
—Science Books & Films March/April 2000
Fun-filled flying facts fill the newest title in Perfection Learning's Cover-to-Cover Historical Toys Series. Stevens offers readers a history of kites and how different countries have adapted them into their culture. Written in very simplistic terms. Colorful Kites caters to reluctant readers in grades 2 to 6. Sidebars give explanations and definitions of more difficult terms and concepts. The book also includes an instructional chapter on building kites. However, children will need adult help in constructing the kites, as the how-to diagrams are more advanced and challenging than the accompanying text chapters.
—Today's Librarian, January 2000
Crazy Creatures of the World
by Joanne Mattern
This informative book introduces kids to all kinds of wild and wacky creatures—unusual mammals, birds, sea creatures, reptiles, snails, insects and spiders. From anteaters and vultures to iguanas and cicadas, this resource highlights the distinctive qualities of more than thirty-five unique animals. Short descriptions and colorful photos give youngsters a general idea about what these creatures look like and how they live. In addition to discussing each animal's defining features and behaviors, the author also provides general background information and fascinating tidbits about different groups within the animal kingdom. The book offers a great starting place for young researchers and provides enough information to whet their appetites. However, more discriminating readers will need to refer to more in-depth titles for additional information about specific animals.
—Children's Literature
An animal that jumps in the air when scared. A sea creature that eats with its stomach. An insect that walks on water. These are just a few of the amazing creatures inhabiting our worlds that young readers will learn about as they page through this colorful easy-to-read book. The book is divided into five sections that cover mammals; birds; sea creatures; reptiles; and snails, insects and spiders. The chapters include introductory information on the common traits of each animal group. A proliferation of photographs provide children with a close-up look at these fascinating animals. A wonderful addition to any animal collection, this book will delight children whether someone else reads it to them or they delve into the pages themselves. The hardback edition is recommended, as this book will see lots of use.
—Appraisal, 2001
The fact laden text will entice even the reluctant reader. All the animals covered are unique in some way: anteater, skunk, hornbill, jellyfish, boa constrictor, and stink bug; to list a few whose special adaptations are obvious. Each ones' uniqueness is labeled 'crazy', 'odd', or 'weird'; all catch words with children. There is no glossary, but new words, such as 'constrict', 'dung' and 'herbivore', are italicized and defined in the text. This would be a good first research book.
—Appraisal, 2001
Daphne: A Trumpeter Swan
By Bonnie Highsmith Taylor
…a simply written text with beautiful large photos appropriate for readers of beginning chapter books. Through the story of Daphne and her mate, readers learn of life cycle, habitat, migration, predation, and the interconnectedness of beings. This would be a great read-aloud book for younger students. It would enhance any study of birds, waterfowl, or wetlands.
—Connect September/October 2001
Designed for below grade level readers, this "cover to cover" chapter book is filled with beautiful color photos of the natural habitat of swans. Daphne, our heroine, is a trumpeter swan. The story follows four-year-old Daphne as she arrives in spring with her mate at a pond to lay her first clutch of eggs. The story beautifully describes the habitat of swans, naming the plants they prefer and the other wildlife that swans may encounter within this habitat. The story follows Daphne as she awaits the hatching of her four eggs and educates young readers to be sensitive to the environment of wild animals as well as the life cycle of swans. The six chapters are interesting reading as well as educational. The story is perfect for classroom sharing as youngsters learn more vocabulary and share ideas about their role in caring for our environment.
—Children's Literature
Ezra: A Mountain Lion
by Bonnie Highsmith Taylor
Taylor has combined two things that children enjoy—animal facts and a story. The author masterfully weaves together the story of Ezra, his mother and his sister with basic facts about mountain lions. Within the context of the story, readers learn where mountain lions live, what they eat, how they catch their food, what their young look like and how the cubs grow and learn to survive. When hunters chase Ezra's mother, readers learn about the bounty that was once offered for mountain lions, until the fear of extinction brought the practice to a stop. Taylor has included wonderful pictures of mountain lions in action. This book is a nice introduction to the natural world of animals. With the multitude of books in this series, a young animal lover may be on his/her way to becoming a veterinarian or zoologist. The book is part of the "Cover to Cover, Animal Adventures" series.
—Children's Literature
Grades 3-5. In this entry in the Cover-to-Cover chapter book series, a mountain lion finds a den and gives birth to two kittens, the older of which is Ezra. Through text, striking color photographs, and drawings, children follow the development of the cat family until Ezra is grown, learning about mountian lions as they read. The text sometimes sacrifices clarity for simplicity (for example, children may not understand what cord the mother chews through after her kittens are born), and the cats are occasionally endowed with human emotions ("Ezra hated that."). Only one Web site is suggested for further information. Even so, the short sentences, paragraphs, and chapters; fairly simple vocabulary; large print; and spacious design will make the book attractive to emergent and reluctant readers. It is also appropriate for primary-grade animal studies.
—Booklist, February 2001
Free to Learn
by Thomas S. Owens
Below-grade-level readers will appreciate Free to Learn, one of many Cover-to-Cover titles designed to enhance verbal and visual comprehension. Topics such as "colonial schools" in the 1700s pique students' interest. Did girls and boys receive the same education? What happened when the schoolmistress agreed to teach a freed Black slave? Teaching support and reading exercises accompany titles.
—Teaching Tolerance Fall 2001
Friends, No Matter What
by Rose Bevins
Twelve-year-old Kelly Carlson is excited to learn that the family moving in next door includes a boy his age. Someone to play basketball and other sports with. But when Alex arrives he is in a wheelchair! Alex suffers from spina bifida and has never been able to walk. Much to Kelly's surprise, he learns that Alex plays in a summer league—how can someone play basketball from a wheelchair? The latest entry in the outstanding and enthusiastically recommended high interest, low vocabulary, "Cover-to-Cover" series from Perfection Learning, Friends No Matter What is enhanced with full-color illustrations and natural-sounding dialogue. Young readers will learn that kids with physical disabilities can enjoy many of the same interests as other kids their age. That the most serious cases of spina bifida cause paralysis below the waist requiring kids to use braces, a walker, or a wheelchair. And that some very successful people have spina bifida, including seven-time winner of the Boston Marathon Jean Driscoll and Grammy Award-winning musician John Mellencamp.
—Children's Bookwatch July 2002
Giant Lizards
by Sara Louise
Sara Louise's Giant Lizards is a book that educates beginning readers about the life and habits of great lizards, including iguanas, monitor lizards and Komodo dragons. Highly recommended for school and community library "Wildlife" reference collections, the gorgeous color photography of these wild animals fills the pages of this exciting easy-reader guide.
—Children's Bookwatch May 2002
Give Me Liberty
by Diana Star Helmer
Will Stone is a young boy of fifteen growing up on his father's tobacco farm in Virginia. It is the time of the Revolutionary War, and Will's father is determined to see his farm prosper despite the British. Will has one friend—Moses, a fifteen-year-old slave owned by Master Stone. Moses challenges Will's ideas regarding the morality of one person owning another. Moses demonstrates that he can read, that he understands religion and can handle a gun. This last skill, once discovered by Master Stone, results in Moses being sent to the Rebel Army as the family's contribution to the war effort. The young slave is promised his freedom in exchange for military service. However, this appears to be a hollow pledge to both Moses and his beloved Angel who is owned by a nearby farmer. Will pleads with his father to free Moses, but he is rebuffed. Both Will and Moses end up going to war as equals and friends in a world where freedom appears to be a relative concept. Told with great heart, this historical novel is a good glimpse into the life of a slave in 18th century America. The final chapter provides an interesting historical essay about colonial life and the place that slavery held within it. It's an excellent story that could be used in either a language arts or social studies context.
—Children's Literature
Grades 3-6. In 1773 in Virginia, two 15-year-old boys, Moses and Will, are "almost" friends. One is black and one is white; one is slave and one the master's son. Master Stone, Will's father, is threatened when he learns that Moses knows how to shoot a gun and sends the slave off to war, thus fulfilling his family's obligation to provide a soldier to the Sons of Liberty. The irony of being asked to fight for freedom in a land that still condones slavery causes Moses to question his friendship with Will, who sees nothing wrong with owning slaves. Nonetheless, not very bright and heavily dependent on his friend, Will fears life without him. Both boys struggle with the issue of slavery and the excuses used to perpetuate it. In the end, Moses convinces his companion to rethink his attitudes and prejudices. Frequent black-and-white and a few full-color illustrations and reproductions of historic documents and artwork add to the context. The large print is easy to read and will appeal to reluctant readers. The final chapter gives a summary of slavery in America. While Helmer's writing is frequently awkward, her message is powerful and informative. A good introduction to slavery-related issues.
—School Library Journal, April 2000
A New Mother
by Thomas S. Owens
A young boy named Daniel, growing up in 18th century rural America, is confronted with the death of his beloved mother, and the cruel reality of his father's immediate remarriage to a girl just a few years older than Daniel himself. Family relationships were different then, and were related more to survival than affection. The young girl, named Katherine, has agreed to marry as an alternative to living on the streets alone. The story follows the developing relationship between Daniel and Katherine as they both struggle to adjust to the new situation. Eventually, they become friends and support each other through the constant struggles of rural life, such as the birth of a new baby to the family. Interspersed are historical facts about social life and culture in 18th century America and England. While true to life, the story may need some additional explanation or discussion to help young readers understand the realities of history. There are color and black-and-white illustrations along with black-and-white reproductions of old prints throughout the nine chapters. A good choice for classroom discussion.
—Children's Literature
Presidential Pet "Tails"
by Kathleen Muldoon
Rather than use gardeners during World War I, President Woodrow Wilson maintained the White House lawn with grazing sheep. President Theodore Roosevelt had many peculiar pets, including a lizard named Bill and Jonathan Edwards, a black bear. Since the establishment of the United States, Presidents have lived in either in the President's House or later in the White House. A range of animals has often lived in presidential residences, too, perhaps reflecting the Presidents' interests and the times in which they lived but always adding liveliness. Straightforward language in an open, attractive format engages the reader as they are introduced to U.S. Presidents and their pets. Beginning with George Washington's horse named Nelson, intriguing animals, all with names, are introduced along with the President and his historical context, in each of the next seven chapters. A short chapter about other Presidential pets concludes the brief but informative book. While a table of contents and credits for illustrative material are included, an index and additional sources cited would be a welcomed addition to this otherwise attractive book.
—Children's Literature
Roscoe: A North American Moose
by Bonnie Highsmith Taylor
If you don't have a taste for anthropomorphisation, this is not the book for you. There's no real reason to give this animal a name, since he's not in a zoo and none of the other creatures in the story have names. Perhaps it's a ploy to keep kids interested. The author needn't have bothered—her text could have stood on its own, crammed as it is with extremely interesting facts about these ungainly animals. The photos are very appealing, too. If you can overlook the cuteness of naming a wild animal, the book has plenty to recommend it.
—Children's Literature
One day in late spring, somewhere near a stand of small willow trees, Roscoe is born. Eating and learning to stand on wobbly legs occupy his first day. Roscoe spends his first summer close to his mother. She teaches him what to eat, how to swim, and who are his enemies. Autumn comes, followed by a long winter. The next spring there are new babies and Roscoe is forced to live his own life. A simple enough story, charmingly told, except that Roscoe is a moose. Moose are big, doing big things such as diving twenty feet under water. This is a unique story filled with information about the characteristics, habits and history of moose, shared with the reader as Roscoe grows up. The photographs, many in color, are enchanting, especially the close ups of Roscoe and his mother. Faces will smile when Roscoe's mother gives him a moose back ride across the river. This is a high interest (ages 7-10), low reading level (1.8) factual story perfect for the young animal lover. A notation giving the address and website for the National Wildlife Federation lends validity.
—Appraisal, 2001
Roscoe is an informative and charming story of a newborn North American moose growing to adulthood in the north woods. Attractive, large photographs and an occasional illustration greet the reader with the turn of every page, and these will certainly capture the attention of children of all ages. For instance, on pages 24 and 25 is a charming picture of a tired young moose riding "moose-back" on his mother as she swims across a body of water. These colorful pictures are nicely imbedded with, and relate to, the accompanying text. Some pictures, however, would have made more sense with accompanying short descriptive captions.
The book also provides several interesting, informative bits about the anatomy and behavior of moose. Children will be intrigued to read that, like all deer, moose have stomachs with four parts that are critical for digesting the plant matter they eat each day. I was surprised to read that an adult moose can dive 20 feet underwater in order to eat plants that grow at the lake bottom. This and other information are spaced nicely throughout the book, appearing at appropriate places in the story so that the reader will take notice. At times, the story comes across as somewhat anthropomorphic, but this matches the thinking of the intended audience and does no harm.
Roscoe is an enjoyable book that would be a nice addition to any elementary school library. Older elementary school children will enjoy the engaging story, and the many excellent photographs will captivate all children.
—Science Book & Films, November/December 2000
Schoolhouse on the Prairie
by Cynthia Mercati
The latest title in Perfection Learning Corporation's "Historical Moments" series for reluctant readers grades 2 through 6, Cynthia Mercati's Schoolhouse on the Prairie is a compelling, easy-to-read account of sixteen year old Rose Witherspoon's one-room schoolhouse teaching assignment in Hickory Point, Iowa, in 1870. Young readers will learn that students of those days drank hand-pumped well water out of a dipper when they got thirsty. Instead of eating a hot lunch in the school cafeteria, students back then ate their lunches from tin pails. Students who misbehaved in those times often got thrashings (beatings) or had to sit in the "dunce" chair, memorized and recited their lessons, and that students of all grades were in one classroom with one teacher who taught every subject and at every grade level. A highly recommended contribution to reading lab resources and homeschooling reading skill development lists, Schoolhouse on the Prairie is fun reading that also provides fifteen reproducible activities to strengthen word attack skills, comprehensive skills, creativity and writing skills, as well as a story synopsis, author information, and home/school enrichment activities.
—Children's Bookwatch February 2001
Square Against The World
by Cynthia Mercati
Square Against the World: The Story of the Sod House is another of Cynthia Mercati's superbly written, high interest/low vocabulary books for young readers. It is the story of young Rachel's first year on the Great Plains and as part of an engaging story, below-grade-level readers will learn, step-by-step, how a sod house was constructed in frontier Nebraska, a land that was sparse with trees. Life in a sod house was a continuous adventure with beetles falling through the roof into pancake batter, black snakes tumbling down into Rachel's parents' bed, rain coming through the roof, a twister, a blizzard, and even a range fire. Highly recommended, Square Against The World also features an "Afterword" providing additional information about sod houses, the verses to "The Little Old Sod Shanty" and an authentic recipe for Popcorn Pudding!
—Children's Bookwatch, August 2001
Wagons Ho! A Diary of the Oregon Trail
by Cynthia Mercati
Young Liza relates, in diary form, how her family journeys west from Illinois to Oregon in 1849. Traveling via Conestoga wagon, they join a wagon train, survive a buffalo stampede, observe the headstones of those who died along the trail, and trudge through snow-covered mountains before arriving at their destination. Mercati's style is straightforward and direct, and children who have difficulty reading will appreciate her use of simple vocabulary and short sentences. Large print, brief chapters, and frequent color illustrations add to the appeal for this audience. The author offers little character development or plot (beyond the obvious journey along the trail), making this best suited as a supplement to classroom history units. A good choice for teachers and others looking for a simplified approach to this topic. Appended with a map, a list of significant places and important dates, and a glossary.
—Booklist
Ten-year-old Liza keeps her own record of her family's trek from Illinois to Oregon, from March to October, 1849. Although she writes very simply, for this is designed for below-grade-level readers, the story sustains interest as it tells about Liza's feelings setting out on this difficult journey. The reader senses the tedium and fatigue along with exciting experiences and some basic facts about the Oregon Trail in American history. As useful background reading in a classroom where students read at many grade levels, this includes some more difficult or unusual words, but most are in boldface type and explained in the glossary. There is also a map of the trail with a list of places, states and territories encountered. The illustrations vary widely from black-and-white to color, from small vignettes to half-pages, and from attractive and informative to hard to see.
—Children's Literature
This chapter book for ages 6 to 12—or "reluctant readers" of any age—details the joys and hardships of travel by ox-driven wagon in 1849. The story is a fictional journal by 10-year-old Liza. Her family journey begins in Illinois with excitement about the long move ahead, then follows them on their perilous trip. From a frightening buffalo stampede in Wyoming and fording difficult rivers in Oregon, the reality of this dangerous journey is not hidden from readers, but is written with an adventurous spirit. A colorful map traces the family's route and marks notable stops such as Independence Rock. Finely crafted full-page color illustrations appear throughout the book, as do vocabulary words in bold print that are indexed in a glossary. A thoroughly enjoyable and useful read for youth historical-fiction collections.
—Today's Librarian, July 2000
...Mercati, with her knowledge and love of history, has written a story that gives a history lesson without the reader realizing they have had one. It is fascinating to travel with Lisa (sic) and her family during their journey, which gives students insight as to how the West was populated. It includes a map, a listing of important places along the Oregon Trail, and a glossary to explain the unfamiliar words in bold type. This book can be used for elementary readers and reluctant older readers.
—ForeWord, October 2000
One of the high interest/low vocabulary books for readers at the second grade level of proficiency from the Cover-to-Cover series, Cynthia Mercati's Wagons Ho! A Diary Of The Oregon Trail is personal of ten-year-old Liza's and her family's pioneering journey across America in a covered wagon called a Conestoga. In the form of journal entries, young readers are treated to a great adventure story beautifully enhanced with photography and artwork. Wagons Ho! is an ideal, highly recommended title for use with reluctant readers, as is the entire Cover-to Cover series.
—Children's Bookwatch, August 2000, September 2000
