School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-These books begin with sections devoted to the title country's geography, history, government, and economy, before looking at its social and cultural life. Discussions include religion, the arts, leisure activities, lifestyle, languages, and food. Sidebars offer in-depth information on a variety of topics, and the attractive full-color photographs clarify the presentations. The texts are clear and the content is substantive and well explained. The volumes are generally bias-free, although the authors are not reluctant to point out the problems of the nations. Useful maps appear at the front and back of the books. Marion Morrison's Paraguay (1993) and Patricia K. Kummer's Cte d'Ivoire (1996, both Children's) as well as Nathan A. Haverstock's Paraguay in Pictures (1987) and Cte d'Ivoire in Pictures (1989, both Lerner) are solid resources that many libraries will already have. These newer titles update those books.-Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
These accessible surveys emphasize the political, social, economic, and environmental issues of three African nations. Each book, with a readable text, discusses its subject's climate, history, government, economy, educational system, and religious and artistic traditions. Maps, color photographs, a page of basic facts, and a culturally representative recipe round out the titles. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
