Video/DVD

Art–General

Gr 7 Up–This film explores the legacy of over 1,000 years of art produced by the Hohokan, Mogollan, and Anasazi communities in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah by presenting a brief introduction to Native American pottery and weaving. The soundtrack, layered with Native American musical themes, complements the stunning examples of the artwork that are interlaced with photographs of the southwestern landscapes. Brief vignettes include conversations with the artists, who are mostly women. In Navaho culture, women artisans are considered breadwinners. Their ability to tell stories through design and craftsmanship garners prestige, and their skills are passed along as a gift to girls in the tribe. The program also documents the integration of spiritual belief with artistic expression to create something practical in response to life in an unforgiving land. It shows how the artists use natural materials such as clay and paintbrushes fashioned from yucca branches. Despite its meditative pace, With Hand and Heart covers a great deal of ground and doesn’t delve too deeply in to any one topic. While the film tells more than it shows, it will pique students’ interest about these artists and the way of life that is such an integral part of their work.–Meghann R. Matwichuk, University of Delaware, Newark

Art Instruction

Gr 5 Up–Ordinary household materials are transformed into lovely folk art designs in this easy-to-follow art lesson. The film begins with a list of art supplies and a demonstration of how to mix flour and water to the proper consistency for papier-mâché strips. Instructor Peggy Flores casually narrates as she creates an animal skeleton out of wire coat hangers, masking tape, and newspaper. The artist’s directions are simple and clear as she wads up newsprint and uses tape to fill out the body. Older viewers should have no problem following along as she demonstrates “pillowing,” a technique to add musculature to the frame. Finally, she wraps the entire piece in narrow papier-mâché strips and the finished sculpture is painted in the colorful style of the Oaxacan Indians of Mexico. Good sound quality and smooth pacing will hold children’s attention. They will be intrigued by the brightly colored paint techniques and the cheerful examples of Flores’s students’ artwork. Used in groups or individually, this film will motivate and inspire.–Celeste Steward, Alameda County Library, Fremont, CA

Dance

PreS–Hosted by two hand puppets, Hippie and Oscarita, viewers are taken on an adventure around the world and exposed to different styles of dance. Children are encouraged to follow along with the dance movements. For example, viewers are encouraged to jump like the penguins that are shown on-screeen. Utilizing a picture-in-a-picture feature, when the penguins are shown, a smaller picture box features the children jumping. Ballet, African dance, Japanese dance, tap, and jazz are some of the styles highlighted. A cast of multiethnic children is featured. Puppets encourage viewers to follow along with simple motions such as bobbing and shaking their heads or swinging their arms from left to right. Close-ups of dancing feet often highlight the dance steps. Useful as part of a creative movement curriculum and a welcome addition for public libraries.–Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

PreS-Gr 3–Designed primarily for the preschool crowd, this live-action DVD series stars Bao Bei (“Treasure” in Chinese), a child-voiced panda hand puppet. Bao Bei, an animated cricket, and a multiethnic cast of children teach viewers simple phrases and words in Mandarin Chinese. Volume 1 introduces basic colors and animal names. It also provides some phrases and words that would be useful in making friends. Volume 2 covers numbers and fruit. Each is well-designed for auditory learners, containing a lot of repetition. Reviews are frequent, but not monotonous. The vocabulary list found at the end of the programs show the words written in English and phonetic Chinese, but they are not orally reinforced. Audio quality is good, with all words clearly enunciated. The constant lively background music may irritate adults, but will please young audiences. The series is a visual delight, clearly organized, and nicely paced. Parents will appreciate the limited scope of the vocabulary covered, which will not overwhelm young children. A good, simple introduction to Mandarin Chinese.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

PreS-K–Puppet hosts Fuerte the Chihuahua and Feugo the chili pepper, colorful static scenery, and children help teach youngsters basic Spanish words and phrases, with an emphasis on bedtime vocabulary. The clear adult narration is read slowly in Spanish and then in English by a non-native speaker while the words appear on the screen in both languages. The non-native speaking children repeat the phrases, in many instances with poor pronunciation. Vocabulary terms cover bedroom items such as bed, pillow, and lamp, while the phrases deal with being tired and going to bed. Several songs such as “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider” are sung in Spanish while the words appear on-screen in English and the puppets act out a scenario. For the number segments, the spoken words and the words on-screen are in Spanish. Subdued music plays in the background. The content and format make this title most appropriate for preschool and kindergarten viewers.–Denise A. Garofalo, Astor Learning Center, Rhinebeck, NY

Gr 5 Up–This short, wordless, animated feature takes place in an idyllic world, where the main character is a three-headed being that does everything in sync, as do all the other creatures in its world. Bees visit flowers together, birds simultaneously land on birdbaths, and a three-headed cat is glad to stop to be petted. This harmonious lifestyle is put to a test, though, when one part of the three-headed creature has a difference of opinion with its companions. This throws their harmony off in their now no-longer idyllic world. Younger viewers will enjoy the animation, although the message of the film may not be apparent to them at first. More sophisticated viewers will have an easier time understanding how differences and intolerance can easily erupt into disputes, and how silly these conflicts often are. The ending is happy, but some viewers may need a second showing to grasp the concepts presented.–David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT

Health

K Up–This workout video based on the methods of Joseph Pilates is divided into four sections, each geared towards a specific age group: “Pilates & Imaginations for Ages 5-7,” Pilates & Education for Ages 8-10,” “Pilates & Pre-Training for ages 10-12,” and “Pilates & Training for Ages 12-17.” The video begins with a thorough introduction which includes comments about safety. The movements are shown by adults accompanied by a diverse group of children representing the specific age groups. The section for the youngest viewers focuses on using your imagination. For example, in one exercise the children pretend to sit in a boat and use a fishing pole to catch fish. As they reel in their catch, animated fish appear on-screen. In the segment for children ages 8 to 10, which is more focused on the traditional Pilates, two exercise routines are shown. The hosts show modifications for the exercises and offer suggestions for all ability levels. While no equipment is necessary to follow along, some of the activities are shown using exercise balls. Preceded by an introduction that explains terminology, the final segment features a typical Pilates adult workout performed by two young adults. A useful addition for public libraries since there are few programs geared towards children and teens that teach the Pilates method.–Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

Gr 3-5–This brief film covers basic nutrition topics separated into six chapters: “Introduction,” “What Is Nutrition?,” “Nutrients,” “A Balanced Diet,” “Staying Healthy,” and “Summing Up.” These segments, featuring live-action footage and still photos, focus on topics such as the definition of nutrition, nutrients found in food, the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates, recommended daily allowances, a healthy diet, the importance of drinking water, and the latest version of the food pyramid. Animals and people are shown eating while the narrator describes how all living things need food. People are also shown participating in a variety of activities to show how exercising and being active is part of a healthy lifestyle. The colorful images are well coordinated with the narration. The narrator speaks clearly and expressively. At the end of each segment, the video can be paused to respond to a question or for group discussion. The assessment chapter at the conclusion of the program contains a quiz. The text of each question appears on-screen along with narration. The bonus features on the DVD include a glossary of vocabulary, captioned slides, and the option for subtitles. This program can be used in classes with a wide range of learning abilities to teach children about the basics of nutrition.–April Mazza, Wayland Public Library, MA

Language Arts

K-Gr 3–Author Teresa Bateman narrates this lighthearted iconographic version of the book (Albert Whitman & Co., 2004), told in lilting rhyme, in which two children visit their grandparents’ farm on April Fools Day. As grandpa calmly prepares a hearty breakfast, the children repeatedly interrupt with alarming accounts of the animals. “But Grandpa, the pigs broke the gate./They’re in the tomatoes./Oh hurry, don’t wait!” Observant viewers will notice that each animal catastrophe is linked to what the old man is doing. When the cows are loose, he pours his milk; when the chickens are out, he fries some eggs. He cooks bacon when the pigs escape, slices goat cheese when the goats are freed, and dons a wool sweater when the sheep disappear. The youngsters can’t get a rise out of their smug grandfather who knows just what day it is. Or does he? When Grandma breaks the news that the first of the month is actually tomorrow, he turns red and dashes out the door. As he leaves, she playfully hollers “April Fool!” and sits down to enjoy his breakfast. In the second segment, “Sharing My Story,” Bateman explains that she got the idea for the book from her large prank-loving family. The author, also a school librarian, shares some jokes her students have tried, like “I dropped my book in the toilet” or “the book shelves are falling down.” This section highlights some of the book’s hilarious watercolor illustrations by Nadine Bernard Westcott such as the sheep sipping lemonade and listening to headphones on lounge chairs. Country guitars add to the charm. Children can write and illustrate their own April Fool’s school pranks, recalling the author’s caution to “have fun, but remember, pranks are only fun if everyone’s laughing!”–Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

Gr 3-8–In a videotaped presentation to students, award-winning author Ben Mikaelsen (Petey, Touching Spirit Bear, Countdown) recounts the struggles of his youth in order to empower and inspire students to take control of their own lives. In the first segment, he talks about his youth in Bolivia, when he was the only white-skinned gringo, constantly bullied and not able to attend school until he was nine years old. When he went to boarding school, he didn’t fit in because he couldn’t read or write. When his family relocated to Minnesota, he hoped that he would blend with the American children, but again he was the target of bullies. He recounts how these hardships helped him decide to follow his own dreams. In the second part, Mikaelsen shows slides of his home and animals, including his black bear Buffy, his daily writing routine, and his sky-diving and cliff-diving adventures. He refers to the war in Iraq, 9/11, and Columbine, and uses the examples of his animals co-existing peacefully to reinforce the idea that people need to learn to live together peacefully. Mikaelsen explains to students that they are all authors, not only of stories that they write but also of their lives, and they can make many choices. Using humor and anecdotes, he encourages viewers to celebrate their differences and make the story of their lives the best it can be. Bonus features include “Fun with Ben and His Bear, Buffy,” an interview with Mikaelsen, and a behind-the-scenes look at making the DVD. The author’s upbeat and positive attitude is inspirational, and watching him present to a group of youngsters on this DVD is almost as good as seeing him in person.–MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

K-Gr 3–In a house with five boys, things can get hectic. But name them all George, and you’ve really got a recipe for confusion. Things are bouncing at the Foreman house when Big George has a birthday and his sons help prepare for the party. This slice-of-large-family-life will tickle young viewers as they try to keep track of the Georges. Two-time former heavyweight champion of the world, George Foreman, with the help of Fran Manushkin, wrote this story (S & S, 2005) about his real-life family and narrates it in good form for this iconographic production. While he doesn’t create unique voices for each character, he does read the story with infectious enthusiasm. Rollicking original background music accompanies the narration, as Whitney Martin’s humorous watercolor illustrations are scanned. Everything is nicely paced, and both audio and video quality are excellent. This fun program could lead into discussions about families and names.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

K-Gr 5–Renowned storyteller Margaret Read MacDonald retells this cautionary tale from Sierra Leone in this iconographic version of her book (Albert Whitman & Co., 2000). A cunning cat arrives at the mouse village one morning to invite one and all to join the Secret Cat Society. Thrilled, the mice agree to assemble in a single line with the cat at the rear to attend the ceremony. As they travel, they chant, “When we are marching, we never look back. The cat is at the end fo fen fo fen.” The littlest mouse at the very end recalls her father’s advice: “Mabela, when you are out and about, keep your ears open and listen…keep your eyes open and look around you...when you are speaking, pay attention to what you are saying.” She realizes that the cat’s voice is getting closer and that no one is watching him. Just in time, she remembers a last bit of wisdom, “If you have to move, move fast”—and she does, causing the smug cat to pounce on a clump of thorns. Thanks to her quick thinking, the villain gets stuck, and her friends are freed. During the telling, viewers hear father’s counsel several times, as well as the mice’s refrain, encouraging group participation. While Tom Coffey’s striking acrylic paintings of the wily orange cat with his narrow green eyes and the foolish mice are the same as those in the book, the video zooms in and out, adding focus and drama. Background percussion and string music also enhance the mood. Children can discuss Mabela’s safety tips and even share ones that their parents have passed along to them.–Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools

PreS-Gr 2, adult–Inspired by Rosemary Wells’s book (Scholastic, 1997), this program tells the tale of young Freddy Bunny who is more interested in his GameBunny than in books. A concerned teacher sends the Book Fairy to his parents with the message that 20 minutes of reading a day is an absolute must. While their first attempts are not immediately successful, soon they’ve learned about libraries and library cards and they’re creating a wonderful family tradition. Freddy becomes an avid reader and a better student. Rosemary Wells wrote the script for this program, and her classic plump-bottomed bunnies are animated adorably. Different people, including the author, provide voices for the characters. There’s even an original “Read to My Bunny” song that will have children, and their parents, singing along. English subtitles are available on the DVD, as well as a separate link to the bunny song. While a cute program for young children, this title is really aimed at their parents and would be an excellent, and non-preachy, introduction to family literacy nights.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Literature

Gr 7 Up–Actress Julie Harris looks into the life of the reclusive poet, Emily Dickinson. Prefaced by aerial views of the Amherst area and film clips of New England nature scenes, Harris visits the Dickinson family mansion and bedroom where Emily wrote poetry and lived in seclusion until her death in 1886. Harris describes Emily’s young adulthood, her attendance at Mt. Holyoke Seminary, and her return home where she was encouraged in her writing by a student in her father’s law firm. Some of her poems were published in magazines, though editors criticized them for being unconventional and uncontrolled. The poet experienced unrequited love and dressed only in white, reportedly staying in her house for 15 years. After she died, 1800 unpublished poems were found in her room. Harris deftly intersperses lines from poems such as “Safe in Their Alabaster Chambers,” “The Evergreen,” and “A Certain Slant of Light.” The one surviving photo of Dickinson is shown a number of times. Though filmed nearly 30 years ago, the production still offers an engaging portrait of one of America’s most famous poets.–Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY

Performing Arts

Gr 8 Up–This beginner’s guide to choreography features an instructor and students performing the movements on an empty stage and is especially geared to young adults. As an aid for choreographing student performances, it helps viewers become familiar with dance terminology and stage directions, as well as simple steps, jumps, turns, kicks, and leaps. There are eight sections: “Things to Consider before Getting Started,” “Laying the Foundation,” “Jumps, Turns and Kicks,” “Advances Steps,” “Fun Steps,” “Figuring Out Formations and Staging,” “Sample Combinations,” and “Adding Style.” The DVD concludes with six enthusiastic students incorporating all the elements in a dance routine. The narrator empowers young adults to try their hand at choreographing a production by teaching them basic movement skills. The slow-paced, step-by-step demonstrations by the blue jean-clad, easy-going instructor and six diverse teens provide clear instructions, even for novice dancers.–Gay Ann Loesch, Sun Valley Middle School, Indian Trail, NC

Science

Gr 7 Up–In a 2001 speech promoting oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, President George Bush challenged opponents of oil drilling to “travel up there and take a look at it, and you can make a determination as to how beautiful that country is.” In 2003, filmmaker Leanne Allison and park warden Karsten Heuer traveled over 1000 miles as they followed the herds of caribou from Old Crow, Canada to their calving grounds on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife in Alaska. The stunning footage of their expedition documents their encounters with caribou, wolves, grizzly bear, and the land itself. During the journey, they encounter numerous obstacles, from deep snow and raging rivers to swarms of mosquitoes and delayed food drops. As the pair settles into a rhythm of “being caribou,” a spiritual transformation takes place in which they are “pulled into a different measure of time” and realize that they are part of something much larger. Upon the completion of their journey, they travel to Washington, DC, where they are frustrated by their inability to convince congressional representatives of the need to preserve a place of such wonder and beauty. They realize that they must take their message directly to the people, which they do by making this film. This multi-award-winning, poignant documentary will leave few people untouched. Potential buyers should note that this program does not provide a critical examination of the impacts of oil drilling in the Arctic Refuge on caribou or on the coastal plain ecosystem.–Tim Maret, Shippensburg University, PA

Gr 3-5–To introduce the concepts and vocabulary related to the fundamentals of ecology, this presentation focuses on the relationship of animals and organisms to each other and to their environment through clear, colorful, live-action photography. The six sections discuss “Ecology,” “Organisms, Population, Community,” “Ecosystem,” “Habitat and Niche,” “Ecosystem Roles,” “Food Chains and Food Webs. There’s also a section that provides a summary and a video assessment. Each segment defines terms by questioning viewers, offering oral explanations with visual examples, displaying the definition, and observing nature. The organization is good and allows teachers to focus on individual concepts. Viewers are asked to describe and compare in several of the segments. The female narration is a bit monotone. With the DVD format, dialogue can be displayed on-screen and still photos from the presentation can be accessed. The teacher’s guide includes worksheets, tests, and activities. Teachers will find this program useful for environment and animal units.–Ann Elders, Mark Twain Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 3-6–Live-action footage and computer graphics combine to provide a good introduction to the earth, the moon, and the sun. A female explains what makes our planet uniquely capable of supporting life—water, temperature, atmosphere, and gravity. The importance of the sun and its contributions to life on Earth are emphasized. The moon’s influence on the planet is shown. All the information presented is well-organized and interesting. There’re a lot of compare and contrast possibilities here, and much effort has been made to present information in a way that makes it easily accessible to young viewers. Excellent graphics show how the phases of the moon occur and the moon’s influence on tides. Metric measurements are used, and questions are asked throughout the program, giving teachers a chance to stop, if they so desire, for discussion. A final review and a five-question test end the program. Accompanying black-line masters include extension activities as well as a pre- and a post-test. The DVD version includes a video index, labeled slides, subtitles, and an iMovie project. A good addition to astronomy units supporting the national Benchmarks for Science Literacy.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 10 Up–Set in Canada, this documentary examines how ordinary cows are fattened in feed lots, fed large doses of antibiotics and hormones in order to hasten weight gain, and butchered and sold to consumers. The demand for cheap beef has encouraged this agribusiness. Scientists, ranchers, feed lot workers, and consumers address both sides of this controversial issue. Visuals of feed lots with cows walking in knee-high feces contrast with scenes of cattle eating natural foods in green pastures. Narration and visuals describe how cows are processed and unsellable parts, added to road kill and dead pets, are ground and fed to other cows. Cows become the “perfect food machine” with nothing going to waste. However, these practices have caused mad cow disease which has created havoc in the beef industry. In addition, unsanitary conditions at the processing plants can cause widespread outbreaks of potentially life-threatening infections. As one on camera spokesperson says, “You are what you eat,” and he urges consumers to be aware of where their food comes from and demand that industrial feedlots ban the use of antibiotics and hormones. Since this would result in higher beef prices, viewers are asked if they are willing to pay for this. Neither propaganda, nor anti-beef, this video can be utilized in agriculture, health and nutrition, and social science classes to stimulate lively debate.–Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 7 Up–This 2005 episode from ABC’s Nightline examines the effects of global warming on species of frogs in Costa Rica and Madagascar and butterflies in southern California. On-screen scientists state that we are “at the edge of massive extinction.” The program doesn’t offer any solutions to the problems of global warming—it looks at the consequences of rising temperatures. Two species of frogs that previously inhabited the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve in Costa Rica and three vanished frog species in Madagascar signal havoc in ecosystems around the globe. Scientists predict that one-half of the world’s plants and animals could be gone by the end of the 21st century. Male and female scientists are shown in the field doing research, and they stress that it will take years until they are able to draw conclusions from their work. This program, divided into segments, prompts students to learn, to investigate, and to begin to find solutions–Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL

Gr 6 Up–This episode of a 9-part series, narrated by actor Matt Damon and featuring brief appearances by several scientists, describes the impending extinction crisis facing wildlife. Superbly filmed segments from around the globe highlight a litany of environmental crises, including habitat loss, poaching, and global warming. One of the program’s major strengths—and the one that sets it apart from similar films—is that the causes of extinction are traced back to their underlying roots. The film shows how increasing consumption of meat in China causes an increased demand for livestock feed, which in turn leads to destruction of rainforests in Brazil as land is cleared to plant soybeans. Similarly, viewers learn how dire poverty in developing nations can lead to loss of wildlife as people turn to poaching to feed and support their families. Although the video footage is sobering and sometimes shocking, it offers some hope for the future. Segments from Kenya, Zambia, the Everglades, and Montana document how people are working to restore habitats, prevent poaching, reduce pollution, and establish corridors to aid wildlife. The 55-minute version (for grades 9 and above) contains some segments that were omitted from the 25-minute film (for grades 6 and above). There was also some minor editing of segments in the shorter version. Since the price of both films is the same and the various segments can stand alone, the longer film could be purchased for younger students as well. For a serious and compelling look at the ominous status of our planet’s wildlife, this film fits the bill.–Tim Maret, Shippensburg University, PA

Gr 3-5–The concept of measurement is introduced in a clear and interesting manner in this effective program. It presents a brief lesson that explains mass, volume, length, and temperature, and then demonstrates ways that these are measured scientifically, using readily available classroom tools. The process and skills of measurement are emphasized, as is the use of the metric system for scientific measurements. At the end of each section, students are asked to read a measurement, and a worksheet for answers is provided. The program covers topics outlined in the National Science Education Standards, AAS Benchmarks for Science Literacy, and major science texts. The teacher’s guide includes a pre- and post-test; math, reading, and writing activities; entry level and summative activities; skill development lessons; and worksheets. Learning objectives, standards correlations, and suggestions for using the program are provided for teachers. There is also a very helpful line-by-line script of the video. The DVD format features a video index, labeled slides, subtitles, and an iMovie project (requires iMovie software application version 3.0) that can be downloaded. The combination of the video and the worksheets provides a successful introduction to or reinforcement of the many ways that we measure things in our daily lives and how observations are made through measurements in science.–MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Gr 3-5–What is heredity? What are acquired and inherited traits? What are chromosomes? What are learned traits? What is DNA? What is genetic engineering? These are just some of the complex questions answered in an easy-to-understand manner in this comprehensive live-action overview of the inheritance of characteristics. Colorful animations help to clarify concepts. The material is presented in an engaging manner and will keep the targeted age group on task. The teacher’s guide includes related math, reading, and writing activities. The DVD version offers a video index, labeled slides, subtitles, and an iMovie project. This program meets the National Standards Correlations, Benchmarks for Science Literacy Grades 3-5, and content Standards K-4 of the National Science Education Standards. Useful for classroom instruction or for individual student assignments, this is a sound purchase for school curriculum enhancement and for public libraries.–Kathy Dummer, formerly Newcastle Middle School, WY

Sign Language

PreS-K–This volume introduces basic sign language for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers through repetition of each sign, the spoken word, and pictures or video footage representing the concept, all set to lively piano music. Each sign, accompanied by the spoken word and a caption on the screen, is repeated six times, alternating with six different graphic representations of the concept. Sections include “Animals,” “Colors,” and “Travel.” Most of the signs are accurate American Sign Language (ASL), though the sign shown here for “run” actually translates to the running of a company or a machine, not a person running. Nonstandard sign production is shown for “silly” and “airplane,” and the way the adult signer repeatedly signs “big” actually translates in strict ASL to something quite unprintable. The single bonus feature is a demonstration of the manual alphabet, which shows only the handshapes accompanied by a voiceover of the letters. No ASL videos for children have yet dethroned the Signing Time series (Two Little Hands Productions, signingtime.com) as the hands-down champ, and this problematic, if well-intentioned, entry is no exception.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

K-Gr 3–The DVD packaging proclaiming that this title will appeal to “ages six to sixtey” (sic) is an accurate indication of its contents: slipshod and misleading. The producers attempt to give the program a Laugh-In feel with 60s-style sets and costumes featuring “sign language interpreter” Mary and her sister Louise, but the lackluster songs and jokes (most told by a puppet whose signs are almost unintelligible) make the concept fall flat. Of greater concern is the fact that the signing is all done in Signed English, not the American Sign Language that most consumers will assume they are getting, and this is not acknowledged anywhere. This means that the signs are often chosen to match the sound of the English word instead of its meaning, resulting in such translations as the sign for “large” used for “great” when “wonderful” is what is meant. One of the lines in the production’s theme song—”Won’t you come and sign with us?”—comes out more like “You can’t come and sign with us” when it is signed. Awkward dance numbers featuring manual letters A to H, manners signs, and a random assortment of isolated vocabulary are punctuated by skits introducing color signs (only a few colors are highlighted). All lyrics and dialogue are captioned on the screen. No attempt is made to explain what sign language is or who uses it. Skip this title and purchase more copies of Two Little Hands Productions’ Signing Time series (signingtime.com), still the best sign language programs available.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD

Social Studies

Gr 9 Up–The most sustained challenge to democracy during the 20th century came from Communism. This video tells how democracy survived, while Communism has declined. After a confusing opening segment, the video offers a compelling look at the history of Communism and how it tied into the Russian Revolution. While Communism has resulted in totalitarian states known for their tyranny and the brutality of its rulers, Communist ideals have also led to Socialist and Social Democratic political parties in Western Europe, and have influenced notable politicians such as Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandella, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The focus here is on the origins of Communism and the rise and reign of the Soviet Union, where leaders such as Lenin and Stalin were responsible for turning Communism into a distortion of what Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels had in mind when they wrote The Communist Manifesto in 1848. While the narrative flows smoothly, there are occasions where names and photos of people such as Alexander Kerensky and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel are flashed along the bottom of the screen without any explanation of their significance. In a discussion about the Cold War, U.S. support of anti-Communist regimes is mentioned without noting that many of them were brutal, totalitarian governments themselves. The video concludes with the collapse of the Soviet Union, credited to Mikhail Gorbachev, Pope John Paul II, and President Ronald Reagan, and notes how China is trying to chart a new course by remaining Communist politically while opening its economy to the free market. Even with its flaws, this production and its often fascinating footage is a good supplement for advanced students studying 20th-century history or government.–David Bilmes, Schaghticoke Middle School, New Milford, CT

Gr 3-6–Native American singer-songwriter Joanne Shenandoah narrates a five-part series about the First Americans of which this is the introductory program. Through narration, live-action footage, and historical photographs, viewers get a brief overview of the Native Americans of the Eastern Woodlands, American Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and Great Plains. Housing, dress, and male and female roles are introduced. The importance and influence of the surrounding environment is emphasized. The DVD offers a good opportunity for compare and contrast activities. The other programs in the series will provide more in-depth coverage of each region. A good general overview before beginning a unit on Native Americans.–Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

Gr 9 Up–Originally broadcast as a segment in ABC’s Nightline series, this abbreviated program offers a dated overview of the continuing crisis in Africa’s heartland. Interviews with both victims and alleged perpetrators of the genocide centered in Sudan’s Darfur region bring the butchery to the forefront. The liberal use of stark video footage can’t help but move viewers to the point of frustration and anger over what is essentially another instance of an Islamic civil war in Africa’s largest country. The most valuable contribution this program can make is its recounting of the origin of the conflict. Otherwise, this somewhat obsolete title has little to offer.–Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Gr 9 Up–Promoted as “…a blueprint for the modern protest movement,” this presentation is composed of two segments that use the demonstrations at the 2000 Republican Party convention in Philadelphia as examples of the contemporary mode of publicly expressing disagreement. The first part, composed of two segments, illustrates the broad base of protestors and examines the methodology of protest. Both parts utilize interviews with protest leaders who explain their positions and their means of dissent as well as several examples of what might best be termed “creative content” to express those viewpoints. Even those who disagree with the viewpoints of the protestors will agree that they have developed clever and often amusing delivery techniques. But, after a while, the repetition of the message begins to grate on even those who might support the protestor’s positions. The rock music soundtrack adds to the cacophonous presentation. The short second component of the program focuses on one of the protest groups, ACT UP Philadelphia, which is one of the more aggressive units in its battle to raise the public’s awareness of the need for increased assistance in the battle against AIDS. The narrower concentration on just this one group is the strongest part of the presentation. Viewers will admire the total dedication of the individuals and groups portrayed in the program. The producers have met their goal of analyzing the various voices of dissent in a manner that’s different from what is seen on mainstream media. School library staff will want to preview this title carefully and consider that the content is at least six years old, but it may be of use in preparation for the upcoming round of political conventions.–Dwain Thomas, Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL

Sports

Gr 8 Up–Out of 250,000 competitive swimmers in the United States in 1996, only 450 qualified to try out for the Olympics and just 44 went to Atlanta. These facts launch this compelling documentary on competitive swimming that chronicles the lives of five swimmers who trained for the 1996 Olympics. The three men and two women athletes candidly discuss how they handle the psychological aspect of competing and the grueling schedule. Directed by Sue Marx and produced by the makers of the Oscar-winning movie, Tender Mercies, this documentary has the same graceful pacing as it delves into many issues affecting competitive swimmers today, including friendships among teammates, losing with dignity, the role of parents and coaches, and more. But competitive swimming is not without its rewards. One swimmer admits he is sometimes embarrassed by the number of trophies in his room, yet he finds the sport provides a sense of purpose and recognition. Another athlete lovingly describes her success due to continued parental support. The film offers an even-handed treatment of the pros and cons of competition. Crisp pacing and excellent photography make this an ideal motivational tool for young athletes and a fine choice for libraries supporting athletic curriculums.–Celeste Steward, Alameda County Library, Fremont, CA