SLJ Series Made Simple: Supernatural Survivor Review

This tongue-in-cheek, guidebook-like series is geared to those seeking escape from marauding invaders. It delivers text in short bursts within “taped” boxes set against photos on colored background pages. The prose is a tantalizing mix of true-fact snippets and the untrue, advancing the provocative suggestion these supernatural beings are real and planting suspicions in readers’ minds they’ve lived among humans for years. Each volume includes pieces of comically impractical advice, delivered with a straight face. All titles are thought-provoking, suggest problem-solving skills are important, and end on a positive note. New vocabulary is boldfaced and defined in a glossary in each volume (no pronunciation guides); occasionally, pronunciation help is provided within texts as needed. Stimulating, edgy photos of the creatures heighten suspense; some are gory. Besides glossaries, volumes include an index; Read More (a short bibliography); Learn More Online (students are directed to a link and a topic-specific search term or told to scan a QR code). VERDICT An appealing, ­humorous, entertaining (though somewhat creepy) series about perpetually fascinating topics. ­Recommended for school libraries.