Weather Wise

This series of five Weather Wise books is designed for the beginning reader, grades 2 and 3. The topics covered in the series are designed to excite young readers and draw them into topics that are scientifically accurate and relevant. Each book is short enough (24 pages) to be easily mastered by the targeted grade level reader. The authors seem to take pains to use interesting photos to draw the reader into the information. New terms are presented but are described very well in the context. There is also a section called Science Words where a pronunciation guide and definition are provided to help the reader and a parent or teacher who might be helping to read the material. There are also a few supplemental materials provided from an “Index,” a “Read More” books list, and a “Learn More Online” section, along with a short “About the Author” paragraph. For an early elementary teacher, this series of five books would provide a good set of classroom science materials. A school media center could also benefit from having this set available. The actual look and feel of the material might also make it relevant for students in the upper grades for whom reading might be a struggle. The books do not have a “childish” feel and could be considered high interest. Certainly the set of books deal with topics that are widely discussed and included in most curricula, like weather, climate, rain, snow, and hail.