From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8–Each of these titles begins with an introductory page that provides basic instructions on how to use the book and the MyReportLinks.com Web site, an easy-to-navigate Web page. A list of these sites provides a brief overview of the contents. A page of quick facts, such as population, capital, location, government, and flag concludes the introductory pages. Additional chapters include the countries' history and early developments, geography and unique characteristics, climate, and culture, including traditions, religious influences, etc. Harkrader offers a simple explanation of the division of Korea into two countries and the DMZ as a result of the Korean War, which helps to understand the country today. In Dominican Republic readers learn of the importance of baseball as well as the influence of Latin American and African styles on art, music, and dance. The chapter on the economy and the government's role in the development of current trends, and the history leading to immigration trends to America also explains the growth of these populations in and their contributions to the United States. Each page appears as a computer screen bordered in gray with navigation tools from a Web page. The interesting presentations, the organization, the format, and the partnership with Internet resources make these books appealing sources for student research.–Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE
