From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5-Each of these well-organized books is divided into five chapters that discuss history, lifestyle, culture, accomplishments, and archaeology. However, the content is truly lacking, and the texts are monotonous. Written for beginning readers, they sound like third-grade book reports. The author provides a glossary, but finds it necessary to explain each complex word as it appears, thus hindering the flow of information. Too many topics are introduced without sufficient explanation. As a result, readers learn many new terms, yet fail to get a comprehensive picture. Many of the Internet sites are excellent, although the "Cyber Mummy" address in Egypt is invalid. Photographs or reproductions appear on every other page, breaking up the text and highlighting facts. For a simple, yet far more interesting approach to these ancient civilizations, try Jane Shuter's "History Starts Here!" series (RSVP) or Rosemary Rees's "Understanding People in the Past" series (Heinemann Library).
Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gainesville, FL
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gainesville, FL
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
