Reading Level: Grades 1-2 Interest Level: Grades K – 3
Whether gliding over a calm lake or rushing through rapids, kayaking is a fun way to enjoy Earth’s waterways! Young readers will excitedly turn the pages of this title as they read approachable text that accompanies eye-catching photos. They will learn the basics of kayaking, what gear is essential, and how to stay safe. Special features highlight a favorite kayaking spot, paddle strokes, and more!
'This sturdy and engaging nonfiction book series introduces readers to popular outdoor activities while capitalizing on a wide variety of nonfiction text features to disseminate clear and concise information. Real photos featuring diverse groups of people enjoying the outdoors are clearly labeled with information and text for readers to understand what activities are being depicted. Each book in the series contains a table of contents, headings, a map, bold printed vocabulary, labeled diagrams, a glossary, and an index. Additional page labeled “To Learn More” offers an “At the Library” list of three companion books with citations and “On The Web” Factsurfer website to find more information about each activity. While the books themselves were excellent reads for young readers, the Factsurfer.com website was not helpful. Although it is easy to navigate to and put topics in search terms, the suggested websites are not really designed for the audience of these books and some sites will not remain active in 2024 (per their publisher). Those with filtering systems in place at schools may not be able to get to sites. Overall these books are a solid informative series that readers will enjoy, just do not rely on the listed web page sources.', Lisa Zink, Elementary School Librarian, Educator Review,'Blastoff! Readers Level 2: Let’s Get Outdoors is a ten book series that is written in a format that is appropriate for young readers that are ready for a bit more complexity in sentence structure. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, index, glossary, labeled diagrams and illustration, headings and bold typed words. Each book has high interest photos and details an outdoor activity/sport. Gear lists and safety equipment/protocol are addressed. A diverse array of people are shown participating in each activity. Readers will see themselves out there having fun with theses book. Add this series to your library for those newer readers that are ready for something more. Kayaking describes the fun and adventure of the outdoor sport, whether it’s a gentle paddle in a lake or the more exhilarating whitewater version. Gear and safety needs are noted. People of all sorts are out paddling together and smiling as they do so, which shows the reader that this is something worth trying out. Vibrant photographs and accessible text make this a great choice for newer readers.', Candy Ranney, South Sound Book Review Council, Washington,'In this entry in the Let’s Get Outdoors series (6 titles), kids are introduced to kayaking. As a level 2 reader, the text is easy to understand with its short sentences, repetition of key vocabulary, and strong support from illustrations. As readers flip the pages, they will be engaged with bright photos (many featuring families and children in kayaks) that show aspects of the sport, such as safety gear, paddle strokes, and the types of waters kayakers might encounter. The short chapters explain what kayaking is, how to get started, important gear, how to stay safe on the water, and tips for having the best kayaking experience once someone decides to try out the sport. An excellent choice for getting kids excited to go outside and try something new.', Aurora Dominguez, Booklist
