This beginning reading series offers emerging readers a wide selection of nonfiction books. Titles cover the seasons, places to go, character development, holidays, sports, and the natural world. Each book effectively covers the subject matter while using common sight words and vocabulary. The vivid photographs are eye-catching, and complement the text well. Each book contains a word list that will allow students to practice the words with their teachers before reading the book, enabling fluency and comprehension of the material. The books also contain a Reading Reinforcement section, vocabulary builders/suggestions, foundational skills, questions to assess close reading of text, and advice on improving reading fluency. These books are interesting, yet simple enough to allow beginning readers to enjoy what they’re reading. This series is a worthwhile addition to an emerging reader library. Recommended. School Library Connection, May 2016
The nonfiction books in the Read and Discover series cover enough topic areas for several series. For example, At the Pond, in the Natural World category, helps readers identify flora and fauna such as water lilies, fish, and tadpoles. Fall, emphasizing child-friendly seasonal activities such as starting school and picking pumpkins, is situated beneath the Seasons heading. Helping Others, in the Character Education category, gives suggestions for helping at home and school such as working quietly and putting toys away. A Visit to the Firehouse falls under Community Places and explores the people and parts of a firehouse, from the fire chief and engines to a gym for the firefighters. Other topics in the series include holidays and sports. No matter the subject, the simple text, on colorful pages accompanied by large but generic-looking photos, directly addresses young readers. These books are clearly intended for instructional use or supplementary skills practice, with back matter sections for parents and teachers corresponding closely to Common Core reading standards on vocabulary, craft and structure, foundational skills, close reading, and fluency. With this gentle series, the learning experience should not be too painful, although it may not be exciting enough to entice reluctant students. Booklist, November 2015
