Grade 4-6-- Two series entries that provide good introductions to high-interest subjects. The books have eye-catching covers, full-color and black-and-white captioned photographs, and an appealing topical format. Gelber considers the past and present-day ceremonial and common uses of masks in societies around the world. However, so many examples are given that the text is choppy, and readers get only glimpses of the people behind the masks. Browsers attracted by the high-quality photographs will move from the extensive captions into the text to satisfy their curiosity, and there is enough information for reports. Horenstein describes the formation and interrelationships among the three main groups of rocks, how they are affected by forces within the earth, changes that result from external forces of weathering and erosion, and fossils. The final chapter contains useful suggestions on getting started on collecting rocks, minerals, and fossils. Although there are numerous titles available on this subject, the writing style here is so clear and engaging that this overview should be a useful addition to Earth-science collections. --Carolyn Angus, The Claremont Graduate School, CA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Kirkus Reviews
In the ``Beyond Museum Walls'' series, the past and present uses--worldwide--of spirit, carnival, theatrical, portrait, and occupational masks. Nearly every mask mentioned is shown in a photo (usually in color), making the few exceptions (e.g., ancient Greek theater masks) rather glaring. Gelber considers masks not as artworks but as objects with a social purpose--an interesting, useful approach--but illustrating the masks in the context of use means that there are few close-ups. The text is concise and well- organized (though a pronunciation guide would have been helpful); the quality of the photos varies. Bibliography; index. (Nonfiction. 9-12) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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