Grades 5 & Up Continued

Gr 5-8–Well-written books that do an excellent job of introducing these topics. Transportation covers the wheel, sail, steam engine, internal combustion engine, and airplane. Food discusses canning, pasteurization, refrigeration, supermarkets, and genetically modified foods. Everyday Life explores fireplaces and central heating, indoor plumbing, the washing machine, food and clothing production, and microwave ovens. Each title presents information about daily living from ancient times to the present, explaining the need for improvements and how a given invention changed the quality of life for the better. The text, printed on a sea-foam green background, is breezy but informative; unfamiliar terms are defined. Illustrations are a mixture of period black-and-white and color photos. An illustrated time line runs along the bottom of the pages. Each volume concludes with an epilogue and another time line. Though these are far from definitive works, students will find them interesting. Teachers will find that the books correlate well with social-studies units.–Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS

Gr 6-9–As there are few detailed books on Sikhism for this audience, this title goes a long way in helping to fill the gap. The information is precise, statistics are accurate, and the organization is excellent. A full history of the religion is provided, as is an overview of its beliefs and practices. The writing is clear and flows well, making this an excellent source for research or for those with genuine interest. Unfortunately, the dull black-and-white photos, reproductions, and maps that appear throughout lack the liveliness of the text.–Amanda Conover Le, St. Johns County Public Library System, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Gr 10 Up–The introduction provides a quick overview of the significant role played by these leaders, followed by biographical essays that give special attention to the intellectual and political disputes in which the men participated before gaining power. For example, the chapter on Lenin ends with the October Revolution, so readers have to refer to the introduction for a brief sketch of how Lenin behaved once he had to tackle the real economic challenges of his country. The arrangement is a bit puzzling. The first section sets the stage with several essays on Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. The second is devoted to Vladimir Lenin, and one would expect this to be followed by essays on Joseph Stalin. However, the third section is devoted to Fidel Castro, whereas Stalin is lumped together with Ho Chi Minh, Mao Zedong, and Pol Pot in a chapter entitled “Other Major Communist Leaders.” Each chapter includes short excerpts from speeches or writings of the figures presented. It is difficult to discern the audience for this book. The essays or excerpts are from publications by reputable scholars, and most of them assume at least a basic knowledge of the history in which these leaders operated. Because the essays are so focused, opportunities are lost to point out policies that these men had in common, some of which were based on Marxism but others not. The subheadings in each essay are useful but the few black-and-white photographs add nothing.–Elizabeth Talbot, University of Illinois, Champaign

Gr 9 Up–The “180” of the title refers to experiencing an about-face “revolution” toward personal sexual ethics and behavior, based on a biblical understanding of sexuality. Ingram is president of a Christian broadcast and teaching ministry, and Walker is senior editor of YouthWalk magazine, published by the same evangelical organization. Abstinence is the clear message here, whether guarding one’s virginity until marriage or forsaking current sexual activity to become chaste once again. The authors write with gentle humor and obvious compassion and avoid slipping into the “too cool” vernacular that tries too hard to appeal to teens. Including young people’s comments and questions garnered from the YouthWalk Web site and other first-person interactions, they recognize the raging hormones of their readers, as well as the “go ahead and do it” message common in popular media, and share stories of their own struggles. The primary reason they offer for choosing abstinence is to please God, who has shown in the Bible that sex is sacred and serious. Practical suggestions for remaining chaste within a range of relationships are offered. Kindly written and well developed, Sex 180 may be a useful book in public libraries to balance out the spectrum of opinion on teen sexual behavior. Eleanor Ayer’s It’s Okay to Say No: Choosing Sexual Abstinence (Rosen, 1997) covers much of the same material regarding the benefits of abstinence without making reference to religion.–Joyce Adams Burner, Hillcrest Library, Prairie Village, KS

Gr 5-8–This colorful, attractive introduction to Hinduism focuses on worship in the temple although it also covers major scriptures, festivals, and life events. Each spread treats a different aspect of the religion, accompanied by color photos. The information is generally thorough and complete. Without a glossary, however, it is difficult to remember unfamiliar words from page to page. Sue Penney’s Hinduism (Heinemann Library, 2000) offers a more comprehensive overview.–Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

Gr 4-7–In a WWF smack-down format, Johnson presents a series of colorful confrontations. After delineating a spectrum of era-based “combat zones,” she goes on to enumerate individual “assets” (strength, agility, armor, etc.) and rated “danger levels” (ranging from a paltry 2.7 for Scutellosaurus “aka Studs” to a high of 8.5 for Tyrannosaurus “aka Rex”). The featured matches span the ages from Permian predinosaurian Moschops vs. Lycaenops through a Jurassic Kentrosaurus vs. Allosaurus bout to a late Cretaceous battle between T. rex and Triceratops. In between these face-offs is a roster of would-be contenders, complete with realistic illustrations, vital statistics, distinguishing features, “combat histories,” and “asset ratings.” Included are marine reptiles, pterosaurs, crocodilians, and chelonians as well as the star players. Full of informative tidbits in explanatory captions and brief paragraphs of text, eye-catching with its colorful illustrations, and enticing in its combative concept, this title is not for the demander of in-depth data. However, for the dinophile, it is absolute pin-power on the page.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 4-8–A mediocre attempt to explain the generally accepted view that a series of large, moving rock formations, or tectonic plates, form the earth’s crust and are the underlying cause of many natural disasters. The book is often dry and unclear, due to the lack of visuals and because of the presentation of many advanced scientific theories and topics, such as continental drift, the spreading of the sea floor, magnetism, convection, and gravity. This text lacks the necessary explanatory diagrams similar to those in Roy A. Gallant’s Plates: Restless Earth (Benchmark, 2002), which showed how South America and Africa fit together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle instead of just describing this phenomenon. Gallant’s title, in fact, has twice as many images, including color photos of volcanoes spewing lava and damage caused by earthquakes, as well as wonders of nature, such as geysers and hot springs. Johnson does discuss tsunamis, but she provides little information about how scientists are trying to predict future natural disasters, develop warning systems, and design buildings and infrastructures to withstand these catastrophes.–Caroline Geck, Kean University, Union, NJ

Gr 6 Up–Karnes and Stephens have created an information-packed resource for young women who want to help make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. Most of the text is devoted to the stories of volunteers. These peer role models will serve as positive encouragement and empowerment for readers. Curious to note, however, is that one quarter of the girls featured attend Hathaway Brown, a private school outside Cleveland, OH. The practical strategies and step-by-step instructions throughout make volunteering a less daunting task. Web sites, books, and organizational information and addresses for readers to reference as they volunteer in their schools, their communities, and the world are included. Those looking to get involved in service projects will find this an inspiring and motivational guide.–Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA

Gr 5-8–Wonderfully colorful in images, language, and fact, these overviews are appropriate for basic understanding of the religions and relevant for youngsters to discover new information about their own faiths. Each volume presents fundamental beliefs and faith foundations, current status and practices of the religion around the globe, and a time line of historically significant events. One important feature is a consideration for different practices of the same religion within different cultures. The books are enumerated with full-color photographs on every page, charts, maps, and tables that help to define each religion. These titles will enhance the education of diverse populations.–Jodi Kearns, University of Akron, OH

Gr 5-8–You may think there is nothing new under the sun, but Kelsey shows readers that there’s a lot that is “new”–and there’s plenty more out there, not yet seen and/or classified by scientists. Beginning with a captivating foreword that describes the discovery of a finger-long monkey absolutely new to science, the text then presents the Linnaean system and the role of DNA in scientific classification. Kelsey then sails through a variety of habitats, from the expanse of tropical rainforests to the tiny ecosystem of the human mouth and its teeming populations of microbial life. From dime-sized lizards to gulper fish, from orcas that prey on seals to others that eat only fish, the lively narrative provides glimpses of what is going on in the classification side of science. Boxes introduce scientists currently at work in the field and the lab, while “Hot Debate” sections present topics from endangered plants to mosquitoes that call the London Underground home. Color photos and glossy pages catch the eye, and the brief text areas are inviting to less-than-excellent readers. While not an in-depth work, this title could certainly be consulted by report writers, and it’s full of tidbits to entice browsers into further investigations, and perhaps lure them into scientific careers of their own.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 9 Up–East Asia is here defined as China, Taiwan, Japan, the two Koreas, and Mongolia. Kort outlines each country’s geography, natural resources, environment, people, arts, history, government, and economy. Much of the focus is on conditions over the last 50 years. The engaging text is enlivened with fascinating details, such as Chinese foot binding or the sale of body parts from executed Chinese prisoners for transplant operations. Following the country descriptions are simple maps, flags, a time line, and entries for important people, places, and activities. The well-written text, open format, and infrequent but attractive black-and-white photographs are inviting to teens doing reports or simply pursuing their interests. Beware, however, of several misspellings and geographical errors, particularly in the Japan chapter–the Nemuro Strait (not Numuro) and the Habomai islands are northeast (not northwest) of Hokkaido; the Kojiki (not Kojinki) and Nihonshoki (not Nihohshoki) are the proper spellings for the ancient Japanese chronicles, as is Hayao (not Haya) Miyazaki for the acclaimed anime director–that mar an otherwise successful volume.–Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA

Gr 9 Up–Teen voices come through loud and clear in this collection of 50 five- or ten-minute acts suitable for performance in the classroom, on stage, or at acting festivals. The scenes, which thematically run the gamut from prom dates to murder, are grouped into girls, boys, and mixed casts. Similar in scope to Krell-Oishi’s Scenes That Happen (1991) and More Scenes That Happen (1994, both Meriwether), this collection will give drama teachers and directors more options when looking for appropriate scripts for teen actors.–Betty S. Evans, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield

Gr 4-8–This thoughtful collection captures the true spirit and strength of 20th-century women who, despite the odds against them, pursued their intellectual curiosity and became known as “Women of the Wind.” Breaking down the historical gender barriers, these pioneers triumphed over diversity and tragedy while fighting the commonly held notion that women could not, or should not, be allowed to fly. The aviators featured are Harriet Quimby, Katherine Stinson, Ruth Law, Bessie Coleman, Amelia Earhart, Ruth Nichols, Louise Thaden, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, and Jackie Cochran. Archival photographs and reproductions appear throughout, as well as time lines that allow readers to keep track of each pilot’s mission, milestones, and sometimes tragic demise. An extensive bibliography, including Web sites, makes for a comprehensive treatment of a topic that motivates as well as intrigues modern readers.–Hope Marie Cook, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic

Gr 7-10–Known as a sculptor and as the architect of many famous structures, Gehry has created unique buildings from materials as varied as chain-link fencing and titanium. This biography links the creative artist’s professional and personal lives, pointing out great influences and shaping experiences. Lazo focuses on Gehry’s biggest commissions (the Guggenheim, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Experience Music Project) and on the awards he has received. She also includes a detailed time line, a list of selected buildings and their locations, a list of works in progress, sources of her research, and a detailed index. Overall, the book is well organized and includes full-color photos and reproductions of relevant and important sites. Great for reports, this title will also appeal to experimental artists and students interested in architecture.–Delia Carruthers, Sunset Ridge Middle School, West Jordan, UT

Gr 7 Up–Drawing on letters, biographical works, archival pictures, and Austen’s novels, Locke offers a readable biography for students who can’t manage a larger work. The language is uncomplicated and the topics are aimed at helping readers better understand Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Austen’s other writings. Some of the topics discussed include childhood, family, village and social life, manners, customs, entertainment, historical background, career, and writing style. The numerous illustrations, many in color, include reproductions, drawings, portraits, maps, sketches, engravings, silhouettes, and facsimiles of Austen’s letters and writings. Students will be able to learn from both the pictures and the text what Austen and her characters looked like, how they lived, what they wore, what the English countryside and houses looked like, and what they did with their time. A useful, attractive book.–Pat Bender, The Shipley School, Bryn Mawr, PA

Gr 6-10–This well-documented, chronological account begins with Wilson’s birth in 1856, describes his varied careers, and continues through his death in 1924. A Princeton graduate, Wilson followed an academic career, culminating in his appointment as Princeton’s president. Soon after, he was elected governor of New Jersey, then, two years later, President of the United States. The author describes the intense political conflicts of the time, mostly concerning America’s involvement in World War I and then in the League of Nations. Lukes’s approach is balanced as she maintains a steady chronological narrative. Mention is made of Wilson’s romantic involvement with Mary Peck in Bermuda. Good-quality, full-color and black-and-white photos and reproductions appear throughout. This book is more thorough than James T. Rogers’s Woodrow Wilson: Visionary for Peace (Facts On File, 1997).–Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA

Gr 4 Up–An encyclopedic view of the primary locations of all six Star Wars films. Logically arranged in the chronological progression of the movies, the text treats the material as if it were truly nonfiction, breathlessly recounting the details of the history and geography of planets such as Tatooine, the home of Luke Skywalker, and the Ewok Village from the final film. While the focus is on settings, some events are covered, such as battles and speeder chases. The book depends primarily on illustrations with some photographs from the films. The artwork has a great amount of detail on each location, and cutaways show multiple levels of such places as the Galactic Senate. The book’s design shows a good deal of imagination, to the point of including topographic maps like those in National Geographic, with lines and other annotations charting the course of various battles, and makes good use of foldouts. While this title makes for interesting browsing, it imparts more information than casual observers will care to process and is only for rabid Star Wars fans who can’t get enough of George Lucas’s creation.–Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ

Gr 4 Up–This book on the games and the past participants and their performances from the beginning at Chamonix, France in 1924 to the present has spectacular photographs and clear, captivating prose. It presents a carefully researched history along with the triumphs and tragedies of the participants and can be enjoyed for the photographs (small action shots to full spreads), the stories of individual accomplishments, or the snapshot highlights of each of the games. The vivid color and black-and-white illustrations depict the joy and intensity of the athletes. A map showing the location of the games, charts of facts about winners, and an annotated bibliography of book and Web sites support the information. A foreword by Peggy Fleming and a detailed index add to the appeal and usefulness of the book.–Janice C. Hayes, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro

Gr 4 Up–These brief narratives by young people escaping their war-torn lands and lives are significant because while only 20 voices are presented here, Beverley Naidoo’s introduction states that “more than 20 million children and their families have been forced to leave their homes to escape from the effects of war in recent years.” Narrators from Kosovo, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Congo, Liberia, Sudan, and Burundi reveal the injustices of their lives, forced by fate to have anything but normal childhoods. A short introduction precedes each narrative or set of narratives and gives the history of the country’s conflict, providing much-needed background information. The selections were written by children as young as 6, with most of them by teenagers, up to 17. The pain of their experiences is raw; losing a parent or siblings changes their view of the world, and yet, despite it all, the universal feeling is one of hope for the future. The contributors have little to fear, having survived the worst. A centerfold features full-color photos of several of the young people.–Alexa Sandmann, Kent State University, OH

Gr 5-8–This book provides biographical sketches of dozens of individuals and groups of people. The three- to five-page sketches are arranged chronologically by the patriot’s birth year, beginning with Benjamin Franklin and ending with Sam Houston. The entries are a mixture of “well-known, little-known, and unknown” people, and there are representatives from a wide variety of ethnic groups. Masters relies upon the best available information for some of the little-known figures and informs readers when facts are in doubt, frequently concluding that the individual’s symbolic legacy can be the most important part of his or her story. A black-and-white portrait or representation of each person and occasional reproductions break up the text. Also included are “Drummers and Fifers,” “The Oneida,” “Daughters of Liberty,” and “African American Patriots” as well as discussions of patriotic symbols such as the Liberty Bell, the Purple Heart medal, and the “Star Spangled Banner.” Appendixes include an average-quality general bibliography of print sources and an extensive list of Web sites arranged by person or group. Although these sketches are very brief, they are interesting and readable, and they provide basic information that could be used to introduce students to the people who created our nation.–Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 4 Up–Brilliant color in the gouache illustrations makes this picture-book retelling a visual treat. Each spread is comprised of a painting with the text superimposed on it in a parchment-looking insert. The characters are set on the pages as though they were onstage, inviting readers into the tale. Their costuming, with rich-seeming fabrics, would carry well in a theater. The Shakespearean story is complete, although the prose is not always graceful. The end of the tale has been slightly altered; where Shakespeare has Prospero returning to his former post as duke of Milan, Mayer has chosen to make him a grandfather teaching moral behavior to his grandchildren. The vocabulary is expressive and well chosen, but rather high on the comprehension scale.–Cris Riedel, Ellis B. Hyde Elementary School, Dansville, NY

Gr 5-8–In this excellent resource, specific ways to write different types of stories, project ideas, and resources are presented in such a way as to make short story assignments enjoyable. Readers are given many tips and practice activities in chapters that progress from gathering ideas to the final revision. Each section includes quotes from well-known authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Richard Peck, and Louis Sachar. Cartoon illustrations and touches of color make the book attractive. A sample short story takes readers step-by-step through the process, and there are mini-guides on writing humorous, mystery, suspense, science-fiction, and fantasy stories. Lists of recommended stories in each genre are included, as are lists of resources for books and Web sites related to short fiction writing. The easy-to-follow format will appeal to even the most reluctant writers.–Denise Moore, O’Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

Gr 9 Up–An excellent starting point for teens. Each chapter is devoted to a specific field that typically offers apprenticeships, such as construction, entertainment, health care, protective and investigative services, social services, the military, etc. Beginning with an introduction on the history of apprenticeships and a description of the practice today, chapters contain information on the salary, growth, and outlook for each field. A variety of specific jobs are given, along with detailed descriptions of what activities each one might entail. A number of resources for organizations devoted to each area are provided. Appendixes include general resources as well as state-by-state listings of apprenticeship and training offices. Pages are broken up with text boxes, black-and-white photos, tips, and real-life stories. Readers looking for more in-depth information should try Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin’s 250 Best Jobs through Apprenticeships (JIST, 2005).–Michelle Roberts, Merrick Library, NY

Gr 5 Up–A picture book with a text adapted straight from the libretto of Puccini’s opera. The illustrations are exotic representations of static scenes in a lovely palette of golden earth tones enriched with rusty red, clear white, and definitive black. For readers new to the world of opera, this would be a good introduction to the world of Cho-Cho-san and her tragic love affair. However, the stilted language might prove an obstacle. Another difficulty might lie in explaining the heroine’s suicide while in the same room with her young son (though Cho-Cho-san retires behind a discreet screen for the actual moment), especially to those not familiar with the bravura gestures of grand opera. The book is eye-catching, pleasing to opera buffs, and a faithful introduction to those about to attend their first performance. But, oh! It sadly lacks those soaring arias.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY

Gr 4-6–In these handsomely designed volumes, color photographs of sites and artifacts are supplemented by detailed drawings of re-created structures and scenes from the past. Numerous sidebars provide additional information. Cartoon archaeologists in ever-changing garb at the bottom of alternate pages highlight “Did You Know?” tidbits. Mesa Verde explains how these ancient people reached North and South America using the land bridge and settled down to farm in the Four Corners area. Quigley uses the term “Ancestral Puebloans” rather than the sometimes derogatory “Anasazi” and explains why. She describes the daily lives of the people and includes current theories about why they may have abandoned this site. Activities and discoveries by the Wetherill brothers and other archaeologists as well as cultural information from modern-day people bring knowledge about the ancients up to date. This excellent title updates Caroline Arnold’s The Ancient Cliff Dwellers of Mesa Verde (Clarion, 1992). Ancient China covers the region’s history from the first single kingdom dynasty, Xia (2205 B.C.E. to 1700 B.C.E), to the conquering of China by Mongols in C.E.1279. Shuter includes a history of archaeology conducted by Westerners and by the Chinese government. Artifacts and a few well-preserved burial sites reveal lifestyles of the powerful and wealthy. Short chapters describe living conditions of the poor and of skilled workers as well. Others are devoted to the Silk Road trade routes and to the many Chinese inventions. Virginia Schomp’s The Ancient Chinese (Watts, 2004) provides biographical information on more prominent ancient Chinese as well as many more bibliographical references.–Ann G. Brouse, Steele Memorial Library, Elmira, NY

Gr 4-7–An interesting and readable introduction to the Civil War. Drawn from primary sources, the seven short narratives reflect the experiences of people on both sides of the conflict. Two selections, those of William H. Carney, a volunteer in the Massachusetts 54th Colored Infantry, and David Farragut, the naval commander who stormed Mobile Bay, have plenty of battlefield action. Three more, by Julia Ward Howe, who penned the words of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic”; Eugenia Phillips, who was imprisoned for her “disrespect” of Union forces in New Orleans; and Mary Jackson, who led a food riot in Richmond, reflect the experiences of women. The remaining two are snapshots of Lincoln’s second inaugural and Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. All of the stories will help students understand the passions and hardships that accompanied the war. There is some fictionalization, but the authors’ notes discuss sources and their veracity, including such tidbits as the fact that there is no credible evidence that Farragut actually shouted, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” Maps and occasional black-and-white, pen-and-ink drawings add detail and drama to the narratives. The further-reading list includes nonfiction and fiction titles as well as Web sites. These accounts could be used for read-alouds or to entice students to do further research, making this title a good choice for most collections.–Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Gr 7 Up–Students interact with the texts every step of the way in these series titles. The 35 diverse occupations explored in each book are based on career clusters identified by the U.S. Department of Labor. Information for each job includes education requirements, relevant Web sites, and median salaries. Teens can explore what type of job best suits them as the authors lead them through the “10 Big Questions” and explore a range of opportunities. Questionnaires, fill-in charts, and lists will help them focus on their strengths/weaknesses and likes/dislikes, clarify their values, and decide on their “work personality.” Each book also covers volunteer opportunities; lists entry-level jobs within the field; provides interview tips and sample questions; and includes a section of “real people with real jobs” who answer questions about their education, career paths, current jobs, goals, and more. The appendix includes a plethora of state-by-state employment and special-interest Web sites to investigate. Black-and-white cartoons and decorative icons appear throughout. The “Career Opportunities” series (Ferguson) is more sophisticated in look and style and covers more careers within each field. “Career Ideas” will attract more readers with its lively style and variety of engaging activities.–Marilyn Fairbanks, Azure IRC, Brockton High School, MA

Gr 6 Up–Robinson follows the movement from its inception in the works of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque to its later influence on sculpture and architecture. The book focuses on historical, cultural, and scientific events in relationship to the art. Artists are discussed with reference to their influence on and by the Cubist movement. Several specific works of art are compared and large, clear reproductions accompany the text. Captions give additional information. Sadly, some of the works that receive the greatest discussion are missing from the illustrations, most notably Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, considered to be the first Cubist work. Opening paragraphs are in large print, while most of the text is rather small, making this a better choice for older readers. Even with the inclusions of a time line, glossary, and index, the terms and vocabulary require previous knowledge and good reading skills.–Carolyn Janssen, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH

Gr 4-8–These books describe the cultural and historical backgrounds of the foods and simple recipes presented and have color photos, a color-coded map of foods by region, and a page of metric conversions. Italy discusses olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, the making of pasta, the Feast of the Seven Fish, and more. Boxed text provides brief information on such topics as harvesting olives and the custom of eating lentils on New Year’s Day. Mexico covers corn, beans, the social ritual of eating tortillas, wet and dry soups, Christmas tamales, and more. Budding chefs will enjoy preparing lasagna, orange granita, seafood salad, and Easter pie (Italy), and creamy green enchiladas, guacamole, tres leche cake, and Day of the Dead sugar skulls (Mexico), among other dishes. Julie McCulloch’s Italy (Heinemann Library, 2001), and Rosa Coronado’s Cooking the Mexican Way (Lerner, 2001) have more recipes, but Sheen’s titles will be useful for the cultural/historical connections and the traditional recipes.–Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

Gr 4-6–Sherman looks at Samuel Clemens’s life from his birth in 1835 to his death in 1910. Along the way, the story follows his early years as a steamboat pilot to his eventual career as a writer. Photographs of Twain and other people, places, and events of his time are sprinkled throughout the book. Every chapter or so, an FYInfo page elaborates on a social issue of the period. Slavery and books by subscription are among topics covered. These sections help readers gain a historical perspective of Twain’s world. The amount of uninterrupted text may discourage reluctant readers, but the length, format, and content are appropriate for use in older elementary classrooms and make the book manageable for biography reports.–Anne L. Tormohlen, Deerfield Elementary School, Lawrence, KS

Gr 9 Up–This political history emphasizes events from 1932, when Britain formally granted Iraq independence, to the January 2005 elections and March 2005 convening of the Iraqi National Assembly. Sinkler discusses the origins of the Baath Party and the Shiite and Kurdish opposition movements. Sidebars touch on related issues, such as the British bombing of Kurdistan with chemical and biological warheads in 1920 and Saddam Hussein’s battle with Kuwait over oil prices. Black-and-white photographs are included. Although this volume is fairly compact, it contains detailed and accurate background information on the current situation in Iraq that would be useful for reports or debates.–Kathleen E. Gruver, Burlington County Library, Westampton, NJ

Gr 10 Up–A 12-page introduction to the history of the Soviet Union is followed by four chapters on topics relating to different chronological periods. Each one includes from four to six viewpoints preceded by a summary of background information and a specific introduction to each piece. The first chapter focuses on the pros and cons of overthrowing the tsarist regime. In the next, differing views on the nature of Soviet foreign policy in the 1940s are presented. Chapter three offers arguments on how citizens were treated by their government, and the final chapter includes clashing views on why the Soviet Union collapsed. Oddly, the chronology ends in 1989 even though the last chapter covers the dissolution of the USSR in the following two years. A very few, very small black-and-white photos are included. The introductions are good but assume a more complex understanding of Soviet history than they can offer in such a limited space. Analyses by scholars or journalists are usually well written and clear, but the bombastic, or, in a few cases, the turgid prose of political figures may be difficult for some readers to handle. The latter is especially true in the first two chapters. The book will be a useful source for teachers who like the format of the series and can expand on the historical context.–Elizabeth Talbot, University of Illinois, Champaign

Gr 4-8–This book is a glorious celebration and an accurate account of the birth of the New York City subway, which opened in 1904, the most ambitious transit system of its time. After much planning, construction of the first phase of the network took four and a half years and required dismantling and reconfiguring much of Manhattan’s infrastructure. Weitzman’s extensive research has enabled him to relate each and every stage of the engineering endeavor, from the digging and excavation to the cutting and lining of tunnels, laying of tracks, building of stations, and construction of an electrical system. Junior mechanics will feast on the intricate explanations of how laborers accomplished many tasks, though the author also considers art lovers with his beautiful representations of subway kiosks, arches, and panels. Ample pen-and-ink illustrations, cutaway drawings, and numbered diagrams coordinated with text convey a wealth of information about a fascinating chapter in New York’s past.–Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

Gr 11 Up–The focus of this book is on the role of sites in St. Petersburg and specific aspects of the city in the works of writers from the Golden Age of Russian literature through the Silver Age, and even its importance to recent poets. Thus, there are chapters on Pushkin, Gogol, and Dostoevsky, as well as one devoted to leading literary figures of the 20th century. Carefully selected quotes from literary works convey well the relevance of the city, and the authors make abundant use of the writings of the best literary critics to interpret the works themselves. In addition, historical, socioeconomic, and cultural information is skillfully woven into this elegantly written text. An added bonus for anyone planning to visit the city is a section on places of interest that have been mentioned. Eight pages of photographs appear in the middle of the book; they are mainly portraits of the writers, so readers may want to have an architectural history of the city on hand, such as Dmitri Shvidkovsky’s St. Petersburg (Abbeville, 1996) to complement this excellent book. An occasional typo was allowed to slip by and, in a few cases, the authors used unnecessarily esoteric vocabulary such as trottoirs (the French and Russian word for sidewalks). This is a solid purchase for schools in which Russian language and history courses are offered, and it would be a welcome addition for anyone planning a trip to Russia.–Elizabeth Talbot, University of Illinois, Champaign

Gr 4-8–This handsome volume highlights 16 individuals who have worked to improve conditions for others through their words and actions. Included are writers, philosophers, Civil Rights advocates, and politicians, many of whom are Nobel Peace Prize recipients. The book focuses on celebrated individuals such as John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., Eleanor Roosevelt, Cesar Chavez, and Elie Wiesel. Also covered are those newer to recognition, such as Wangari Maathai, who works for conservation in Kenya, and Aung San Suu Kyi, who fights for democracy in Myanmar. The well-written, single-page vignettes provide an interesting glimpse into the lives of these people and will pique readers’ curiosity and encourage them to learn more. Each biography is surrounded by an eye-catching border and faces a full-page illustration and quote from the subject. Made from fabric, etchings, watercolor, and found objects, the collages reflect Zalben’s interpretation of these individuals, and the appended notes explain the various symbols and materials in the pictures. For example, Mahatma Gandhi’s entry mentions his 1930 Salt March to end an unfair law, while the illustration depicts an abstract beach scene sprinkled with real sea salt, and Indian paper borders the text. The accomplished, vibrant artwork and the graceful narrative clearly express each person’s character, approach to life, and accomplishments, making this an enticing introduction to a diverse group of peacemakers.–Hope Marie Cook, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic