BrightPoint Press: Skilled and Vocational Trades Reviews

Become a Construction and Building Inspector: ISBN 978-1-6782-0682-6 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0683-3
Become a Home Health Aide: ISBN 978-1-6782-0684-0 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0685-7
Become a Police Officer: ISBN 978-1-6782-0688-8 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0689-5
Become a Real Estate Appraiser: ISBN 978-1-6782-0690-1 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0691-8
Become an Industrial Mechanic: ISBN 978-1-6782-0686-4 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0687-1

School Library Journal, Series Made Simple, November 1, 2020

Gr 5–9–This YA hi-lo series is a continuation of an existing series of books about skilled and vocational trades, with an updated look at real estate appraisers, industrial mechanics, police officers, construction and building inspectors, and home health aides. With thorough attention to detail, these volumes intricately outline the roles affiliated with each trade, furnishing insights on requisite training, educational pathways, work dynamics, and future prospects of a variety of careers. Each volume in this series includes an informational sheet; infographics of essential data about career prospects, salaries, and more; references; and supplementary sources for further career and field exploration. These books are ideal for developing and emergent middle school readers who want to learn more about their career prospects in an accessible format: True to hi-lo form, chapters are short and concise, with no more than five sentences on each page. VERDICT A great addition to public library collections.


Become a Construction Equipment Operator: ISBN 978-1-6782-0414-3 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0415-0
Become a Dental Hygienist: ISBN 978-1-6782-0416-7 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0417-4
Become an IT Support Technician : ISBN 978-1-6782-0418-1 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0419-8
Become a Physical Therapy Assistant: ISBN 978-1-6782-0420-4 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0421-1
Become a Web Developer: ISBN 978-1-6782-0422-8 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0423-5
WASHYARG, November 1, 2023

Gr 5–9–This YA hi-lo series is a continuation of an existing series of books about skilled and vocational trades, with an updated look at real estate appraisers, industrial mechanics, police officers, construction and building inspectors, and home health aides. With thorough attention to detail, these volumes intricately outline the roles affiliated with each trade, furnishing insights on requisite training, educational pathways, work dynamics, and future prospects of a variety of careers. Each volume in this series includes an informational sheet; infographics of essential data about career prospects, salaries, and more; references; and supplementary sources for further career and field exploration. These books are ideal for developing and ¬emergent middle school readers who want to learn more about their career prospects in an accessible format: True to hi-lo form, chapters are short and concise, with no more than five sentences on each page. VERDICT A great addition to public library collections.


Become a Construction Equipment Operator: ISBN 978-1-6782-0414-3 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0415-0
Become a Dental Hygienist: ISBN 978-1-6782-0416-7 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0417-4
Become an IT Support Technician : ISBN 978-1-6782-0418-1 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0419-8
Become a Physical Therapy Assistant: ISBN 978-1-6782-0420-4 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0421-1
Become a Web Developer: ISBN 978-1-6782-0422-8 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0423-5
School Library Journal, November 1, 2020

Gr 4 Up — These books share essential information about careers in five skilled and vocational trades. Each of these well-organized books begins by introducing the history of each job, as well as the education, skills, personality, working conditions, common work schedules, and average starting pay for a variety of roles. Readers will learn what a typical workday looks like for web developers, construction equipment operators, and dental hygienists. What makes this series stand out is its hi-lo (hi interest, low reading level) format and its specialized information on popular topics within each field. VERDICT An excellent series that high school guidance counselors should consider for their collections.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTARY
Another highlight this season is the series “Skilled and Vocational Trades” (ReferencePoint) on the skilled and vocational trades. These career paths so often don’t get the attention they deserve, and this comprehensive series does them justice.


Become a Drone Pilot: ISBN 978-1-6782-0008-4 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0009-1
Become a Electrician: ISBN 978-1-6782-0012-1 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0013-8
Become a Graphic Designer: ISBN 978-1-6782-0010-7 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0011-4
Become a Plumber: ISBN 978-1-6782-0014-5 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0015-2
Become a Radiation Therapist: ISBN 978-1-6782-0016-9 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0017-6
School Library Journal, November 1, 2020

Gr 6 Up—Narrative storytelling describes the daily lifestyles, challenges, and opportunities related to each of these career fields. The text also explains how to get started, required certifications, and continuing education. Photos depict men and women in various roles in all job categories. What makes this series appealing is its mix of factual, traditional nonfiction presentation and engaging elements, such as interviews, unfamiliar facts, and the breakdowns of environments workers can choose from. For example, radiation therapists can work in doctors' offices, hospitals, or their own private practices. Each book is divided into manageable chapters that are appropriate for both emerging and more advanced middle grade readers. These titles may even appeal to early high school students. VERDICT Unsung career paths get the attention they deserve in this series. A great investment for any large public, middle school, or high school library collection.