Yard Monsters

"Girls will say, "Eww, yuck!" and walk away. Boys will say, "Gross!" and read the series. From the enlarged microphotographs on the covers, the reader's eye is drawn to the topics. Helpful study tools include bolded words defined in a word box, and labeled microphotographs. All books discuss the harmfulness of uncontrolled microorganisms, but also tell about the useful role of the critters. Food Intruders adds historical information about Salem witchcraft and bad bread, the potato famine in Ireland, salmonella contamination, etc. Though most suited for upper elementary, the books would be valuable in middle school for struggling readers. Recommended."