Books published by publisher Shooting Star Pres Inc

To seventh-grader Georgie Martarano, problems are like wedgies. And this year, he seems to be getting a whole bunch of them. His dad’s been out of work for almost a year, and his entire family has had to scrimp and pinch and cut back on almost everything in order to save money. On top of that, he’s got to worry about all the other junk that you’d expect for a Sassy Girl-shoe-wearing dork (who’s a tad on the husky side): fatheaded bullies, know-it-all teachers, butt-biting dogs, ear-gnawing rats, plunger-wielding thieves—typical stuff. However, when the Martaranos are given an eviction notice on Thanksgiving Day, Georgie realizes that his problems are only beginning.To help his family out, Georgie’s willing to do just about anything, even if it means making a fool of himself in front of hundreds of people. So he does the only thing he can think of—something that he knows will bring shame to himself and his proud Italian father if it ever comes out: He enters the Seventh Annual Little Mister Chicago beauty pageant, determined to win the thousand-dollar grand prize. But when life spirals out of control for Georgie, he quickly realizes that you don’t always get to pick your wedgies—sometimes they pick you.

From the back cover: This reference series introduces the reader to all aspects of Today's World-frm Natural History, Biology, The Universe, Transport and Communications, to Future Resources. The text is clear and concise and is organized into small sections to make the information approachable. Each chapter includes a fact file and a wide range of photographs that accompany clear and instructive diagrams. Each title has been written by experts in the field

Atoms and Cells examines crystals, viruses, bacteria, cell components, cell division, simple plants, and simple animals. The illustrations do not always complement one another or the sketchy, uneven text, and they are poorly arranged in a cluttered display. Some diagrams are not labeled. Plants and Seeds , a much better book, describes the structure, nutrition, growth, and reproduction of plants from algae to pine trees. The illustrations complement and enhance the well-written text and encourage the further study of plants via the magnifying glass and microscope. Both books are illustrated with colorful, realistic drawings, diagrams, and photographic views through the magnifying glass and through simple and compound microscopes. Separate one-page sections explain how microphotographs are made; how to prepare specimens and slides (although the staining dye is unspecified); and how a magnifying glass, simple microscope, and compound microscope work. The books are not true introductory texts; they supplement such titles as Biology Encyclopedia (Macmillan, 1989). --Renee Blumenkrantz, Davis Community Library, Bethesda, MD