04/01/2022
Gr 4–8—Reader's theater scripts approach historical topics in a way that involves students as actors or audiences. Each book opens with historical background and introduces the characters before the drama begins. The skits themselves offer various viewpoints on topics like social media, gun control, or responses to disaster through fictionalized stories. Vocabulary terms are shown in colored font and defined in small text boxes on the page rather than in a separate glossary. Back matter draws connections to current events, challenges readers to argue a position on a topic using evidence to support their reasoning, and suggests further reading. "Spotlight" features related topics such as the NRA and their stance on gun control, or how astronauts participate in elections by voting from the ISS. VERDICT A unique way to bring historical topics to life for class discussion and study.
