From School Library Journal
Gr 3-5--History becomes interactive with these offerings. Although much of the information is similar to that contained in volumes in the "Eyewitness" and "How Would You Survive" series (Watts), "Mystery History" aims for a slightly younger audience and involves readers more directly. It utilizes the hidden-picture idea in the illustrations and includes other appropriate games or puzzles. Questions are scattered across each two-page spread, with clues in the written and illustrative content and answers at the bottom of the pages. Colosseum focuses on the structure and the kinds of activities that occurred within it. The occasional nudity of figures, always within an appropriate historical setting (Olympic games, Roman baths), may have children giggling, but also provides an important cultural lesson. Trojan Horse gives an overview of Greek history and culture, using the legend of the Trojan War as a beginning point. Some of the details in the illustrations are small, but young readers who love to search for Waldo should have no difficulty spotting items that do and do not belong in these time periods--skateboards, cameras, wigs, etc. With both a wealth of games and puzzles to entice children, and a solid base in history and archaeology, these titles should be welcome additions to most collections.
Coop Renner, Coldwell Elementary-Intermediate School, El Paso,
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