Review of Community Questions: How Can People Help Communities? by Martha E.H. Rustad

A community is only as strong as its individual members. What roles do those members play, and how do citizens work together to complete common tasks and achieve goals? A clear question-answer format, paired with photos kids can relate to, shows the importance of responsibility and cooperation. A simple activity encourages young readers to actively participate in their own community.

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**My thoughts**

What is a community? Who is in our community? How can we help our community? All of these questions are discussed and accompanied by real photos of a diverse group of people in their own communities. I appreciate the real pictures because those will help younger children better relate to the concepts. They may better recognize themselves and family and friends in these pictures. The book also allows for discussion around the concepts. I would add it to my collection on community helpers for the classroom.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me a review copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review of 'Let's Meet a Librarian' by Gina Bellisario

Description

Are you curious about dinosaurs? Music? Volcanoes? You're in luck! Mr. Field is a librarian. He knows how to find information about all kinds of cool things. He shows the students in Mrs. Rios's class how to use the library. Let's hear it for librarians! 

**My thoughts**

The book tells the story of a group of kids visiting the library, to find out more about librarians as community helpers. Mr. Field, the librarian, shows them how to use a computer to look up their favorite topics, and the corresponding books available in the library. It also tells about all of the other skills that librarians have (such as technological ones) and different kinds of libraries. I like how it subtly talks about how libraries have special places where it is okay to get loud and have fun, but other places are supposed to be quiet for those who are studying. Little green boxes every few pages add extra facts and definitions of key terms. The end of the book has a book hunt for kids to go on, a list of further reading, and a glossary.

It's simple enough that young children will enjoy it. It provides enough information to appease kids in the lower elementary grades, as well. The pictures are bright and enjoyable. It makes for a good addition to any community helper study.  

Buy the book on Amazon \ Lerner Publishing

Visit author Gina Bellisario's website: http://www.ginabellisario.com/

I received a review copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.