Grades 5 and Up Reviews: January, 2006 continued
-- School Library Journal, 1/1/2006
Nonfiction Continued
LEVITHAN, David, ed. Where We Are, What We See: Poems, Stories, Essays, and Art from the Best Young Writers and Artists in America. 220p. photos. reprods. Scholastic/Push. 2005. pap. $7.99. ISBN 0-439-73646-3. LC number unavailable.
Gr 7 Up-Composed of artistic submissions by middle and high school students, this book is a knockout. The content is often heavy with the weight of adult situations that these young people face. Such is our world. Yet the literary work, compositionally, is aesthetically lovely and filled with the candor of youth. "Living Like That" offers a take on the confused emotional state of growing up in and out of war-torn Jerusalem, while "I Kept Looking" is a reflection on the effects of living through the trauma of 9/11. This book will be well used as peer examples, motivating students to step up and celebrate their own artistic talents. As one young writer puts it, "Reading a well-written book sometimes puts me into a state removed from the larger reality but awed by what I just finished."-Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY
LEWIS, J. Patrick. Vherses: A Celebration of Outstanding Women. illus. by Mark Summers. 32p. CIP. Creative Editions. 2005. Tr $27.10. ISBN 1-56846-185-2. LC 2004058232.
Gr 4-7-This collection consists of poems celebrating the accomplishments of 14 women, beginning with poet Emily Dickinson and continuing chronologically to present-day tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams. Each poem is paired with a full-page illustration and brief biographical information. Most of the pieces honor fairly well-known figures, such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Jane Goodall, and Georgia O'Keeffe. Lewis's laudatory verses strive to capture the essence of each woman's personality. "My Agile Loom" crafts a striking image of Dickinson weaving emotions into poetry, and "Double Doubles" captures the bouncing rhythms of tennis play. Most of the selections, though, even paired with their thumbnail sketches, add little insight to what is known about these figures. Summers's stylized illustrations are iconic and somewhat distancing. He depicts Fannie Lou Hamer passing in front of a slave auction poster: this is misleading, since Hamer, born in 1917, lived after slavery was abolished. The book's design is also problematic: the biographical sketches are squeezed horizontally in small print on vertical pages. Young readers would be better served by meeting these figures through full-length biographies, or simply through their own words.-Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
LINDÉN IVARSSON, Anna-Stina, Katarina Brieditis, & Katarina Evans. Second-Time Cool: The Art of Chopping Up a Sweater. tr. from Swedish by Maria Lundin. 92p. photos. further reading. index. CIP. Annick, dist. by Firefly. 2005. Tr $24.95. ISBN 1-55037-911-9; pap. $12.95. ISBN 1-55037-910-0. LC C2005-902569-7.
Gr 8 Up-This unusual craft book presents an amazing array of ideas that can be made from a wool sweater that has been washed in the hot cycle and dried until it becomes like felt. When the fibers bind together, it can be cut without fraying. The finished products range from Northern-European trendy teen-style clothing to more conservative mittens, purses, hats, and scarves. All of the suggested items are accompanied by color photographs. In addition to the craft ideas, there is a lengthy discussion of recycled fashions complete with pictures of avant-garde designs. Beginners might be frustrated by the lack of step-by-step instructions, and the author uses terms like "appliqué" and "rosette" without any added explanation. There are also cursory introductions to knitting, crocheting, and embroidery but no real patterns. For newcomers, Judy Ann Sadler's Making Fleece Crafts (Kids Can, 2000) is a better place to start. However, Cool is ideal for those teens experienced in handwork and willing to try some of the stylish creations.-Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT
MCALPINE, Margaret. Working in Music and Dance. ISBN 0-8368-4777-6. LC 2005042522.
----. Working in the Fashion Industry. ISBN 0-8368-4774-1. LC 2005042524.
----. Working in the Food Industry. ISBN 0-8368-4776-8. LC 2005042457.
ea vol: 64p. (My Future Career Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2005. PLB $26.
Gr 6 Up-It's tough to find career books that are well organized, full of beautiful photography, and present honest snapshots of the featured professions. These titles have all of the above. Each volume highlights seven different careers, some of which are not readily found elsewhere, such as food photographer (Food Industry) or display designer (Fashion Industry). The books are chock-full of color photographs and sidebars. Some of the best features are "Good Points and Bad Points" as expressed by practitioners working in the field and the "A day in the life of…" sections. These attractive, informative, and interesting titles are must haves for career sections.-Marcie Mann, Lafayette Jr. Sr. High School, NY
MCCAUGHREAN, Geraldine, retel. Hercules. 142p. (Heroes Series). CIP. Cricket. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-8126-2737-7. LC 2005004524.
Gr 5-8-Part of a quartet of novellas about mythological Greek heroes, this volume does a creditable job of making Hercules a dimensional character whose struggles against fate and the vindictiveness of the gods arouse readers' sympathy. Despite his strength and considerable cunning, he is powerless to determine the course of his own life. After his stepfather goads him into tasting wine, Hercules kills his family in a drunken stupor. As punishment, he becomes a slave to his wicked cousin, who compels him to perform impossible tasks during his 12 years of servitude. McCaughrean enlivens the familiar story with arresting imagery, as when she writes of Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, "The smell of her oiled and corded hair was strange as the scent of the black orchid." And she lends majesty and pathos to the hero's ultimate fate as part of the night sky: "Over the centuries, the constellation would seem to be failing, falling apart, disbanding….But do not be deceived….One day, a million million years from now, the sun's small family of planets will lose itself among the seven stars, and we shall be cradled in Hercules' arms." Such vivid writing will hold the attention of anyone already interested in these ageless legends, and teachers could well ignite students' appetites for the tales by reading passages aloud. A strong addition to the series.-Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
MACDONALD, Fiona. Knights, Castles, and Warfare in the Middle Ages. ISBN 0-8368-5895-6. LC 2005043267.
----. The Plague and Medicine in the Middle Ages. charts. map. ISBN 0-8368-5898-0. LC 2005040783.
PADRINO, Mercedes. Cities and Towns in the Middle Ages. ISBN 0-8368-5893-X. LC 2005043265.
----. Feudalism and Village Life in the Middle Ages. ISBN 0-8368-5894-8. LC 2005043264.
ea vol: 48p. (World Almanac Library of the Middle Ages Series). photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. World Almanac Library. 2005. PLB $30.
Gr 5-8-These clearly written works will help students understand various aspects of life during the period. Each title begins with the same five introductory paragraphs, followed by six to nine chapters. Knights explains who the knights were, what they did, their armor, the design of the castles and why they were important for defense, and the changes in weapons and warfare at the end of the period. Plague discusses faith and healing, the medical professions, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, cleanliness, and more. Cities describes the urban environment, social classes and roles, town charters, work, education; food, fashion, religion, entertainment, and so on. The place of women in noble, artisan, and peasant society is compared. The fourth book covers feudalism, manorialism, village life, food and drink, clothing, and entertainment, and compares the lord's household with the peasant's. Sidebars, some with quotes from original manuscripts, add to the information presented in the texts. Lush color reproductions of artwork on every spread and a time line complete each volume. Similar to titles in "The Medieval World" series (Crabtree, 2004), these books will be used mainly for reports.-Ann Joslin, formerly at Erie County Public Library, PA
MCNEESE, Tim. George Washington: America's Leader in War and Peace. 140p. ISBN 0-7910-8619-4. LC 2005002093.
SONNEBORN, Liz. Benedict Arnold: Hero and Traitor. 130p. ISBN 0-7910-8617-8. LC 2005004823.
ea vol: (Leaders of the American Revolution Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Chelsea House. 2005. PLB $24.95.
Gr 4-8-These books begin by introducing readers to the subjects, proceed chronologically through the men's lives, and then briefly summarize their legacy. Back matter includes both a time line and chronology that duplicate one another. One or two black-and-white or color reproductions appear in most chapters. All are clear, captioned, and well placed. Several chapters also contain two-page fact boxes. Those in Arnold tie in nicely with the adjacent text; those in Washington often do not. However, because these boxes are often placed mid-sentence, they break the flow of the narratives. That aside, both authors cover their subjects well enough for report writers to obtain enough adequate information. Sonneborn's introduction to Arnold focuses on his betrayal, grabbing readers and drawing them into his life. Both authors present well-balanced portrayals of their subjects, including both positive and not-so-successful aspects of their lives. Although much has been written about these two famous historical figures, especially George Washington, most libraries would do well with these titles.-Kathleen Simonetta, Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling, IL
MAIN, Mary. Isabel Allende: Award-Winning Latin American Author. 128p. (Latino Biography Library). maps. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2005. PLB $31.93. ISBN 0-7660-2488-1. LC 2004027541.
Gr 6-9-An interesting, well-written biography. Many black-and-white and color photographs, maps, and sidebars enhance the enticing glimpse into her Chilean world. The author does a superior job in presenting the facts of Allende's personal and professional life within the framework of an engaging narrative. World and private events are interwoven to demonstrate the woman's influences as a writer. A detailed time line, bibliography, and index contribute to this useful resource.-Melissa Christy Buron, Epps Island Elementary, Houston, TX
MARSALIS, Wynton. Jazz A B Z: An A to Z Collection of Jazz Portraits. illus. by Paul Rogers. unpaged. Candlewick. 2005. Tr $24.99. ISBN 0-7636-2135-8. LC 2005048448.
Gr 7 Up-Fans of poetry, jazz, and modern art will love this book. With Marsalis handling the words and Rogers the graphics, they have created an illustrated catalog of great jazz innovators from A (Louis Armstrong) to Z (Dizzy Gillespie). Large, colorful, LP-size paintings of the forefathers and mothers of jazz face cleanly printed, sometimes shaped poetry. The stylized artwork is gorgeous, evoking the spirit of pop art, Blue Note album covers, and 1920s advertising art. Particularly eye-catching are the images of Thelonious Monk (an homage to early-20th-century food-label graphics) and Eubie Blake (with hands and a keyboard integrated into the poem), but every page is a delight to behold. Although Marsalis includes 27 different poetic forms, his poems move along similarly at the pace of a drum solo. The selections are visual, but work best when read aloud like slam poetry, beat poetry, or hip-hop. Particular highlights are a playful Miles Davis selection and a challenging performance poem for Art Blakey. In addition to the information about the musicians embedded in the poems, short biographical sketches are included. This uncommon alphabet book will delight readers and deserves a place in most library collections.-Steev Baker, Kewaskum Public Library, WI
MELTZER, Milton. Herman Melville: A Biography. 128p. (American Literary Greats Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. 21st Century Bks. 2005. PLB $31.93. ISBN 0-7613-2749-5. LC 2003013694.
Gr 8 Up-The life and writings of the 19th-century American author are explored in this introductory biography. Meltzer discusses many of the writer's life experiences through lengthy excerpts from his works, especially Moby-Dick. He also describes the author's troubled life and his struggles to help his family and publish his works. The author clearly admires his subject, stating that Melville was "ahead of his time as a writer," and calling Moby-Dick a "wild and wonderful" book and referring to some of Melville's critics as "narrow-minded." Numerous quotes, a few sidebars, and black-and-white photos and reproductions are included. This book is best suited to students who have read or are familiar with Melville's works.-Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH
MOEYAERT, Bart. Brothers: The Oldest, the Quietest, the Realest, the Farthest, the Nicest, the Fastest, and I. tr. from Flemish by Wanda J. Boeke. illus. by Gerda Dendooven. 163p. CIP. Front St. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-932425-18-7. LC 2004028870.
Gr 6 Up-This candid first-person memoir evokes the innocence, imagination, and gullibility of youth. Moeyaert's short vignettes, none longer than four pages, tell of his experiences as the youngest of seven brothers growing up in Belgium in the late 1960s and '70s. Conveyed in the sparest of prose, the day-to-day drama and adventures present the sweet, pungent, and poignant tale of life in a large family. When mother is hospitalized, a woman comes in to lend a hand. When she sets the boys to cutting up scrap fabric, their freedom gone, they begin to grouse, "We counted the days. We glowered at the help from under our eyebrows and made it clear with our bodies what we thought of her. We let the corners of our mouths droop, we hunched our backs, we pulled in our stomachs-that was what we thought of her." Later, the woman unveils a patchwork quilt that the boys unwittingly helped to make for their mother's homecoming. Tucked within the charming misadventures and misconceptions of the "littlest one" is the finely tuned perfection of language. This is a careful translation in which nothing seems lost, and what is gained is the appreciation of a fresh, original voice.-Alison Follos, North Country School, Lake Placid, NY
NAKAYA, Andrea C., ed. Juvenile Crime. 208p. (Opposing Viewpoints Series). charts. maps. reprods. bibliog. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Gale/Greenhaven. 2005. PLB $34.95. ISBN 0-7377-2945-7; pap. $23.70. ISBN 0-7377-2946-5. LC 2005040320.
Gr 8 Up-This volume covers the many sides of the causes of juvenile crime, the treatment of offenders, preventing crime, and ways to improve the U.S. juvenile justice system. Readers are exposed to a variety of opinions, from "Juvenile Offenders Should Be Eligible for the Death Penalty" to "Helping Juvenile Offenders Avoid Incarceration Can Reduce Crime." Students assigned position papers or research projects will find this resource useful.-Marcie Mann, Lafayette Jr. Sr. High School, NY
NAKAYA, Andrea C., ed. Obesity. 203p. (Opposing Viewpoints Series). charts. reprods. bibliog. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Gale/Greenhaven. 2005. PLB $23.70. ISBN 0-7377-3233-4. LC 2005040333.
Gr 8 Up-This well-organized, informative book looks at the rate of obesity in the United States and its dramatic increase. While many think that the issue is clear cut, the reality is that there is much debate over its causes, effects, and future. Each of the four chapters discusses a different aspect of obesity (the severity of the problem, what's causing it, how to reduce it, and who is responsible), and each chapter includes six to eight articles that represent different views. Each one includes a few thought-provoking questions to consider while reading. An excellent starting point for reports.-Kristen M. Todd, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY
NILSEN, Anna. Art Auction Mystery: Find the Fakes, Save the Sale! illus. by Jason Ford. 48p. reprods. CIP. Kingfisher. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-7534-5842-X. LC 2004028266.
Gr 4-8-Following up on Art Fraud Detective (Kingfisher, 2000), Nilsen offers another opportunity for detail-oriented students to pore over fine works of art and solve a mystery. The night before an auction, Henry, the auctioneer, is sent an anonymous e-mail suggesting that 16 of the 34 paintings are fakes. He enlists readers' help by providing information on four gangs of forgers, including their level of expertise and how much they get paid for their copies. Readers are then asked to identify the fakes and figure out how much money the crafty collector paid for them. Henry suggests creating a spreadsheet to fill in all the relevant data. This is a complex task made more interesting by the addition of the mathematics component. The meticulous solution is provided at the end. The high-quality glossy paper allows for excellent reproductions of paintings by Whistler, Warhol, Fra Angelico, Cézanne, and Renoir, among others. The auction catalog itself shows the paintings above short biographies of the artists and includes a description of their style. There is also a smaller image of the actual work of art that readers can use to determine the authenticity of the piece. This is a nice browsing title even if students don't solve the mystery. If your library has budding sleuths who are ready for a more complex challenge and who like art, this is the book for them.-Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA
NOBLEMAN, Marc Tyler. Extraordinary E-Mails, Letters, and Resumes. ISBN 0-531-16759-3. LC 2005010199.
ORR, Tamra. Extraordinary Essays. ISBN 0-531-16761-5. LC 2005007299.
RYAN, Margaret. Extraordinary Oral Presentations. ISBN 0-531-16758-5. LC 2005010200.
ea vol: illus. by Kevin Pope. 128p. (F. W. Prep Series). charts. photos. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Watts. 2005. PLB $30.50.
Gr 5-8-Following an explanation of why these tasks are important, each book has easy-to-read chapters and text boxes. Extras within the texts include "Brain Jam" (activities to try), "Project Jump Start," "Tip File" (suggestions and hints), "Resources," and "Ordinary/Extraordinary" (examples to show how to improve a writing sample). Peppered throughout are humorous cartoon illustrations featuring a cow wearing a letter sweater from F. W. Prep. The only real disappointment is the brevity of the section on résumés and the inclusion of only one sample. Most of the other topics have sufficient examples. These books provide good, practical ideas for students who are having difficulty understanding how to begin a writing assignment or how to prepare an oral presentation.-Linda Wadleigh, Haymon-Morris Middle School, Winder, GA
PARKER-ROCK, Michelle. R. L. Stine: Creator of Creepy and Spooky Stories. 104p. (Authors Teens Love Series). photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2005. PLB $26.60. ISBN 0-7660-2445-8. LC 2005004234.
Gr 5-8-This biography focuses predominantly on Stine's successful writing career. Average-quality, captioned black-and-white photos are scattered throughout, some placed mid-sentence. Back matter includes an extensive time line, interview, and listing of Stein's spooky stories. This book updates Joel H. Cohen's R. L. Stine (Gale, 2000) and Patrick Jones's What's So Scary about R. L. Stine? (Scarecrow, 1998), which is more evaluative. Enough information is included for report writers, but fans should also appreciate the positive portrayal of this writer.-Kathleen Simonetta, Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling, IL
PASCHEN, Elise, ed. Poetry Speaks to Children. illus. by Judy Love, Wendy Rasmussen, & Paula Zinngrabe Wendland. 104p. with CD. index. CIP. Sourcebooks. 2005. Tr $19.95. ISBN 1-4022-0329-2. LC 2005023743.
Gr 3-8-A fine, basic collection. Approximately half of the 97 selections are read or performed on the accompanying CD. The book provides a mix of adult writers (Rita Dove, Seamus Heaney, and Billy Collins, among others) and those whose work is specifically for children, such as X. J. Kennedy and Mary Ann Hoberman. Topics include childhood, animals, nonsense poems, and humor (including C. K. Williams's "Gas," which dwells on the fact that "FARTING IS FORBIDDEN!"). The three illustrators have captured the different tones of the selections, from a comic portrait of the Jabberwock slayer wearing a colander and wielding a plunger and the wailing children in William Stafford's "First Grade," to the moving paintings of a girl with flowers echoing the natural images of James Berry's "Okay, Brown Girl, Okay." The CD gives children the opportunity to hear several of the poets, such as Robert Frost reading "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" and Langston Hughes reading "The Negro Speaks of Rivers." They hear a variety of accents and dialects-an Irish lilt, New England inflections, or James Berry's lilting Jamaican-British voice. Readers of Roald Dahl's books will enjoy hearing him read "The Dentist and the Crocodile," and fans of "The Lord of the Rings" books and movies will appreciate hearing Tolkien read "Frodo's Song in Bree." Joy Harjo frames her "Eagle Poem" with a haunting vocalization that echoes its serious tone.-Barbara Chatton, College of Education, University of Wyoming, Laramie
PELTAK, Jennifer. Beverly Cleary. 116p. ISBN 0-7910-8231-8. LC 2004022975.
YUAN, Margaret Speaker. Avi. 112p. ISBN 0-7910-8230-X. LC 2004023883.
ea vol:(Who Wrote That? Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Chelsea House. 2005. PLB $23.95.
Gr 5-8-The first few chapters in Cleary contain biographical information that gives readers a sense of the person. Succeeding chapters discuss the author's writing process and summarize several of her books. Avi begins in much the same way. However, the chapters that discuss his writing contain more analysis than the summaries found in Peltak's book. For example, when discussing his historical novels, authenticity and research are emphasized. However, even though his Breakfast Serials publications are discussed, there is no mention of the names of any of the newspapers in which they appear. In both books, most of the poorly reproduced photos are generic, with a forced relationship to the subject; e.g., shots of UCLA at Berkeley in Cleary and the entrance to New York Public Library in Avi. On the surface, the back matter looks extensive. However, the list of works by Cleary does not include her two autobiographies and the further-reading section lists only articles. Also, readers are told that nearly every book has received an award but not which ones, except her Newbery and National Medal of Arts. The opposite is the case in Avi, in which starred reviews in professional journals are listed as awards. Readers will be better off with Beverly Cleary's two autobiographies and Michael Sommers's Avi (Rosen, 2004), and/or Cathryn M. Mercier and Susan P. Bloom's Presenting Avi (Gale, 1997), which includes some biographical information with greater detail about his work.-Kathleen Simonetta, Indian Trails Public Library District, Wheeling, IL
PUBLISHING. ISBN 0-8160-5845-8. LC 2004012837.
RADIO & TELEVISION. ISBN 0-8160-5846-6. LC 2004012838.
ea vol: 92p. (Discovering Careers for Your Future Series). charts. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Ferguson. 2005. PLB $21.95.
Gr 7 Up-These excellent introductions allow readers to decide if they are interested in the featured career by looking over a related checklist. Black-and-white photographs enhance the in-depth information. For each job there is a complete description, educational requirements, average earnings, job outlook, suggestions for exploring details of a prospective career choice, and a "For More Info" section that provides pertinent mailing addresses and Web sites. Solid additions to career sections.-Marianne Fitzgerald, Severna Park High School, MD
RICE, Earle, Jr. Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany. 176p. maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Morgan Reynolds. 2005. PLB $26.95. ISBN 1-931798-78-8. LC 2005017825.
Gr 6-9-Clear, concise writing coupled with impressive illustrations that include black-and-white and color photos of cityscapes and individuals make this book a useful resource. Rice discusses the political parties and leaders who most influenced Hitler and the economic changes in Germany before and after World War I. He documents Hitler's failures in school and lack of direction as a young adult after failing to be accepted into art school, and describes the impact of his army service on his politics. The growth of the Nazi Party and Hitler's increasing involvement and influence on it is adequately covered, including a detailed account of how he achieved legitimacy after the failed Beer Hall Putsch. His seizure of power and repeated violations of the World War I settlement are discussed, as is how he staged and planned the outbreak of World War II. Quotes from Mein Kampf and other sources are effectively intertwined into the text. The only weaknesses in this otherwise excellent biography is that the author fails to provide an in-depth discussion of the Holocaust and the devastation that Hitler caused Europe.-Rachel Kamin, Temple Israel Libraries & Media Center, West Bloomfield, MI
RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!: PLANET ECCENTRIC! 256p. photos. reprods. index. CIP. Ripley. 2005. Tr $27.95. ISBN 1-893951-10-3. LC 2005006913.
Gr 3-7-The cover challenges readers to "Take a look at the world's weirdest facts," and the interior text and attention-grabbing color photos do not disappoint. This is an encyclopedic volume of oddities from Ripley's vast collection. A history of the collection created by New York Globe sports columnist Robert Ripley in 1928 to the present anchors the main text of the book. Categories include "Off the Wall," "Animal Antics," "Taking Life to Extremes," and "Life in the Fast Lane," creating a reality TV fan's dream. Random globe icons highlight unusual laws of the U.S. in the midst of a listing of the facts. The illustrations, however, may not be the best choice for impressionable or unsupervised children. The "Was That a Good Idea?" section pictures a performance artist doing handstands at 3000 feet. The "Totally Obsessed" chapter features the world's most pierced woman and insertion of nylon threads through eye ducts; "All-Consuming" highlights pictures of Matthew Biancaniello eating just about anything. Fascinating fare for the "Fear Factor" generation, but not for the weak-stomached, this volume delivers more than its share of weirdness, but buyer beware.-Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX
ROBERTSON, James. Robert E. Lee: Virginian Soldier, American Citizen. 159p. maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. index. notes. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. 2005. Tr $21.95. ISBN 0-689-85731-4. LC 2003022108.
Gr 6 Up-A solid portrait of a complex man. The clearly written text describes Lee's birth into an aristocratic family and childhood spent in "genteel poverty." Inspired by George Washington, he chose a military career, graduating from West Point. The Mexican War turned him into a hero and gave him insight into what leads to success in battle. Following postings as head of the U.S. Military Academy and on the frontier, he returned home to his Virginia plantation and eventually freed his slaves. As war approached, he declined to lead the Federal forces, instead accepting command of the Army of Virginia. Robertson conveys Lee's war tactics, tracing both his triumphs and failures, and his admirable character and dedication to the cause. Readers will gain a greater understanding not only of his life and contributions but also of the Civil War. Extensive primary-source quotes, black-and-white reproductions, and maps bring the narrative to life. A useful resource for reports, this book will also attract history buffs.-Jane G. Connor, South Carolina State Library, Columbia
RODRIGUEZ, Robert & Tamra Orr. Great Hispanic-Americans. 128p. photos. reprods. index. Publications Int'l. 2005. PLB $38. ISBN 1-4127-1148-7. LC 2004118176.
Gr 6 Up-This attractive, alphabetically arranged compilation showcases 55 diverse Hispanic Americans from a variety of fields who have made an impact on American society. Each person's two-page story is brief and factual, yet the information is presented in a clear and interesting manner. What makes this book even more of a standout is that the individuals highlighted are not the usual people covered in other collective biographies. The excellent-quality photographs and reproductions are abundant and help in capturing the spirit of each person. A great resource.-Jamie Jennings, Wood Middle School, San Antonio, TX
ROSS, Stewart. Ancient Rome. illus. by Inklink & Richard Bonson. 31p. (Tales of the Dead Series). photos. chron. index. DK. 2005. Tr $14.99. ISBN 0-7566-1147-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-7-This volume in the hybrid series focuses on life in ancient Rome as seen through the eyes of a family of Africans brought to the city as slaves. Most of the book is made up of DK's usual highly informative, well-illustrated factual descriptions. The edges of each spread tell the fictional story of the family in graphic-novel style. The nonfiction is engrossing, pulling readers into aspects of everyday life, with great cutaways of a variety of buildings and events. The story of a family torn apart, brought back together, and saved at the last moment is fairly unrealistic and unsatisfying compared to the great facts in the book. Readers seeking a graphic novel will be disappointed by the small part this format plays in the book. While overall it is an interesting combination that should appeal to reluctant readers, this title lacks the depth that most students will need for research purposes.-Dawn Rutherford, Kings County Library System, Bellevue, WA
SCANDIFFIO, Laura. Evil Masters: The Frightening World of Tyrants. 230p. maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Annick, dist. by Firefly. 2005. Tr $24.95. ISBN 1-55037-895-3; pap. $12.95. ISBN 1-55037-894-5. LC C2004-907245-5.
Gr 7-10-This informative and compelling title examines the lives and reigns of seven rulers. The profiles range from the frightening ancient world of the first emperor of China and Nero, emperor of Rome during the first century, to Ivan the Terrible and Robespierre. More recent rulers include Hitler, Stalin, and Saddam Hussein. The concise narrative is delivered in an interesting manner, with enough detail to present a historical context without overburdening readers. An introduction reveals some common personality traits that motivate rulers to become tyrants and the climate necessary for individuals to rise to absolute power. Maps, photos, reproductions, and half-page fact boxes make the events easier to understand. Whether readers are seeking information on an individual or want to compare tyrannical traits, this is an excellent and thought-provoking resource.-Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD
SLAVIN, Bill & Jim Slavin. Transformed: How Everyday Things Are Made. illus. by Bill Slavin. 160p. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Kids Can. 2005. Tr $24.95. ISBN 1-55337-179-8. LC C2004-907373-7.
Gr 4-7-This lively presentation looks at how 69 familiar items are made. "Fun and Games" includes baseballs, guitars, teddy bears, CDs, and marbles; "Around the House" includes books, dental floss, erasers, toothpaste, and wire; and "Soup to Nuts" covers bread, ice cream, peanut butter, and yogurt. The last section describes the raw materials used in the manufacturing processes, including aluminum, glass, paper, petroleum, and rubber. Historical information is included, such as the fact that the earliest form of football was played with a pig's bladder in Virginia in 1609. The steps needed to manufacture each item are numbered in bold type so that readers can follow along, and whimsical cartoon art helps them understand the process. Although reminiscent of David Macaulay's The Way Things Work (Houghton, 1988), this book is less technical and is written for younger children.-Ann Joslin, formerly at Erie County Public Library, PA
THOMAS, Keltie. Nature Shockers. illus. by Greg Hall. 64p. (Planet Earth News Series). index. CIP. Maple Tree, dist. by PGW. 2005. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-897066-29-5; pap. $9.95. ISBN 1-897066-30-9. LC C2005-901177-7.
Gr 4-8-Written in tabloid fashion and illustrated with glossy, bright cartoons, this book will capture the attention of reluctant readers. The pages are filled with wild and weird facts about the oceans, plants, fungi, animals, insects, the Earth, and space. Short blurbs of information are highlighted by catchy headlines. "Tree Locks Bike in Trunk" describes a Douglas fir that has a bicycle embedded in its bark, "Alien Makes a Splash" introduces a strange-looking salamander, and "Bugs Suck Sneaker Sweat" is about butterflies getting salt and nitrogen from human sweat. Special sections ("Fiction vs Reality," "Exposed!" "Tales That Got Us") and "Hoax Busters" (paragraphs about various phenomena that encourage youngsters to evaluate whether they are true occurrences or "phony baloney") help keep readers involved and provide continuity throughout the book. Although this title is not useful for research, the mix of tongue-in-cheek humor and facts may spark interest in locating more details on a given topic.-Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX
WEATHERLY, Myra. Elizabeth I: Queen of Tudor England. 112p. (Signature Lives Series). maps. photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Compass Point. 2005. PLB $22.95. ISBN 0-7565-0988-2. LC 2005002790.
Gr 6-8-This engaging biography brings the monarch's complicated and fascinating life to light. Weatherly focuses more on Elizabeth's political and social relationships than on her accomplishments as a ruler. Though the subject of Tudor England and its political intrigue is fairly complex, the text is clearly written and highly readable and would be appropriate for students without much background. Though similar in scope to William W. Lace's Elizabeth I and Her Court (Gale, 2002), this book is more visually interesting because it includes well-reproduced color and black-and-white artwork or graphics on every spread. Both report writers and those with a general interest in this topic will find much here to enjoy.-Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI
WHITEMAN, Dorit Bader. Lonek's Journey: The True Story of a Boy's Escape to Freedom. 141p. maps. photos. reprods. glossary. CIP. Star Bright. 2005. pap. $15.95. ISBN 1-59572-021-9. LC 2005010898.
Gr 5-8-When Lonek was 11, his family tried to evade capture by the Nazis by going into hiding, first to a hole dug under a remote barn and then to a Russian-occupied city where they hoped to blend in with its citizens. Fatefully, they were discovered and deported to Siberia, barely surviving weeks on a crowded freight train. Lonek became the resourceful one at the cold and stark gulag, finding ways to supplement the family's food supply with fish and berries. When the prisoners were freed and told to find their own way home, his family settled in a Russian city, but were so poor that his mother left him on the doorstep of an orphanage. Through diplomatic efforts, the orphans were sent to Palestine where they were welcomed and provided with caregivers and education. An afterword tells briefly about Lonek's adult life, his parents' remarkable survival, and their reunion with their son 10 years later. Historical facts are added in small doses as they relate to the protagonist's situation, and offer insight to the plight of Jewish refugees. The story is written from Lonek's point of view and filled with the wide-eyed wonder of each new circumstance and the optimism of a child, although captioned photographs and a glossary remind readers how lucky he was to have survived.-Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY
WHITING, Jim. The Life and Times of Joan of Arc. 48p. (Biography from Ancient Civilizations Series). chart. map. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Mitchell Lane. 2005. PLB $19.95. ISBN 1-58415-345-8. LC 2004030260.
Gr 5-8-This biography of the saint places her in historical as well as contemporary context. The book starts with an overview of the political situation in France centuries earlier. Later chapters detail Joan's call to military action on behalf of Charles, the dauphin; her quest to help him become crowned king; her arrest by the English; her execution; and her eventual canonization in the Catholic Church. Joan of Arc is sometimes a controversial figure because of her declarations that she heard the voices of angels telling her what to do. The author confronts this issue early on, stating, "In our era, some people believe that claims of hearing 'voices' show that the person is mentally unbalanced. Others have suggested that what Joan was hearing was actually her conscience. But Joan was acting in accord with common beliefs at the time." "FYI For Your Info" sidebars add related facts, such as a description of "Becoming a Saint" and background about "The Saints Who Spoke to Joan." The format and graphics appear to be series-dictated and have little to do with Joan. The design is busy with overlapping computer-generated elements that add color but not much information. The book is competently written and provides plenty of information for reports. The serviceable approach is unlikely to draw in other readers.-Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA
