PSLA 

    YA TOP FORTY

NONFICTION 2003 TITLES

 

Abaluck, Jason, et al.  Up Your Score: The Underground Guide to the SAT, 2003-2004 Edition. New York: Workman   Publishing, 2003.  0-7611-2684-8.  304p.  $10.95.  Gr. 8-12.

Who would ever think that preparing for the SAT test would be fun?  This volume, written by students for students provides just the right information, spiced with humor.  A must for high school collections.                           Pat Naismith

 

Abramovitz, Melissa.  Leukemia.  San Diego, CA:  Lucent Books, 2003.  1-56006-863-9.  112 p.  $27.45.  Gr. 5-12. 

After a clear definition of leukemia is given, the causes, treatment, and living with the disease are explored.  This is a valuable basic resource on the topic from the Diseases and Disorders series.                   Leslie Mastronardo

 

Ackmann, Martha.  The Mercury 13:  The Untold Story of Thirteen American Women and the Dream of Space Flight. New York:  Random, 2003.   0-375-50744-2.   239p.  $24.95.  Gr. 9+.

In 1961 NASA launched a program training a group of 13 women -“crackerjack pilots and patriots”- to become our first female astronauts. The project was scrapped.  But in a positive upbeat way, Ackmann tells the story of the struggle of the women to be included in the space program overcoming the many misconceptions of women’s ability.  Through use of quotes, pictures and inside information, this book serves as a good source for projects on women’s rights or overcoming prejudices.                                           Joyce Valenza

 

Adelman, Kim.  The Girl’s Guide to Country: the Music, the Hunks, the Hair, the Clothes and More.  New York: Broadway Books, 2003.  0-7679-1418-x.  210p.  $12.95.  Gr. 7+.

Accurately described as a “fun, frivolous primer to the artists, fashions and trends surrounding the music.” Contains fun facts and CD recommendations as well as brief star bio’s.  Biography.                                                Candy Blessing

 

AIDS.  Tamara L. Roleff, ed.  San Diego: Greenhaven.  0-7377-1135-3.  219p.  $22.45.  Gr. 9+.

One need only to look at the newspaper headlines to realize that AIDS continues to threaten millions of people.  The four chapters each contain at least 6 essays each that debate the issues which include the state of the Global AIDS epidemic, what policies should be adopted for HIV testing, how can the spread of AIDS be controlled and how do we treat this global epidemic? A periodical bibliography and a series of organizations to contact about the topic are included.  This volume will be an excellent resource for students.  AIDS.

Peg Kleppinger

 

Alexander, George.  Why We Make Movies: Black Filmmakers Talk About the Magic of Cinema.  New York: Broadway Books, 2003.  0-7679-1181-4.   528p.  $15.95.  Gr. 9+.

From the pioneers to the indies, through use of interviews and candid conversations, this book tells the story of 33 African Americans involved in the different aspects of movies.  Rather than focus on race, the author discusses the creative process.  This book serves as a good biographical source on some influential African Americans including Gordon Parks, Spike Lee, Ossie Davis, and Keenan Ivory Wayans.                                                Joyce Valenza

                                                                                                               

Altman, Linda Jacobs.  The Forgotten Victims of the Holocaust.  Berkeley Heights, N.J.: Enslow, 2003.  0-7660-1993-4.  104p.  $20.95.  Gr. 6+.

This volume is very easy to read but tells a compelling story of the other victims of the Holocaust: the gypsies, and the homosexuals, the disabled, the Polish and Russian citizens who were also murdered by the Nazis.  In the chapter, “Building the Master Race,” Altman describes the Nazi plans for creating their superior race.  The black and white pictures vividly complete the story.  Each chapter documents the horrific methods of the Nazis against a specific group.  Students may not be familiar with some of the other victims of the Holocaust and this volume will provide an introduction for them.  There is a bibliography for student use, as well as the internet addresses for the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Holocaust Museum.  Holocaust.                                                                       Peg Kleppinger

 

Altman, Linda Jacobs.  The Forgotten Victims of the Holocaust.  Berkeley Heights: Enslow, 2003.  0-7660-1993-4.  104p.  $20.95.  Gr. 5+.

This volume is from the series The Holocaust in History.  The volume focuses on other victims of the Holocaust.  The Germans not only killed Jews but also murdered Poles, Russians, Gypsies, handicapped individuals, Catholic clergy, and homosexuals. Altman discusses the treatment of these individuals in concentration camps and the testing that Nazi doctors often did on people.  There is a glossary, a bibliography and several internet sites suggested for additional research.  Holocaust                           Peg Kleppinger

 

Ambramovitz, Mellissa.  Cystic Fibrosis.  Lucent Books, 2003.  1-59018-299-5.   96p.  $21.96.  Gr. 5+.

As part of the series, Diseases and Disorders, this book explores the history, symptoms and treatment of the little understood disease of cystic fibrosis.  In fact, some refer to the name “sixty-five roses” as it has been mispronounced.  This readable series includes well-captioned photos and diagrams.  The sections on “Organizations to Contact” and “Further Reading” will add to the usefulness of this nonfiction selection. Includes a detailed index.                                      Ilene Goldis

 

America’s Freedoms Series:

Kersch, Ken I.  Freedom of Speech: Rights and Liberties under the Law.  Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2003. 

1-576-7-600-8.  $55.00.  395p.  Gr. 9+.

Melusky, Joseph A. and Keith Pesto.  Cruel and Unusual Punishment.  Santa Barbara:  ABC-CLIO, 2003. 

1-57607-602-4. $55.00.  376p.  Gr. 9+

A series designed to “address the origin, development, meaning and future of the nation’s fundamental liberties, as well as the individuals, circumstances, and events that shaped them.”  The books contain comprehensive essays, tables, documents, chronologies, and source lists.  Excellent for hot topic or AP research!                                                                              Joyce Valenza

 

The American Teenager.  Kate Burns, ed.  San Diego: Greenhaven, 2003.  0-7377-1467-0.  223p.  $33.70.  Gr. 9+.

This is a fascinating volume that discusses the teenager throughout history.  The term teenager didn’t arrive until the baby boomers hit the teen years in the 1960s.  The book looks at the impact this generation had on marketing, popular culture and even television.  The five chapters discuss history, youth cultures, teen consumers, sex, drugs, violence and the representation of teens in pop culture.  This book could be the foundation of an interesting research project for students.  The annotated bibliography has many excellent resources.  Youth Culture.                                              Peg Kleppinger

 

Anderson, Marilyn D.  Will Smith.  San Diego: Lucent, 2003.  1-59018-140-9.  96p.  $27.45.  Gr. 7+.

As a native Philadelphian, Will Smith is a very popular actor here and this biography will fly off the shelves in the library.  Willard (his real name!) was born in 1968 and his parents made sure that he had an excellent education, discipline and a strong work ethic as he was growing up.  He began his career as a rapper at Overbrook High School and moved up in the music world until he was selected to star in a television comedy.  He became a movie star with the films Independence Day and Men In Black. There are photographs throughout the book. It is a very readable biography, and younger students will also enjoy it.  Biography.                                                       Peg Kleppinger

 

Anderson, Robert.  Artists in Their Time: Paul Gauguin.  Danbury: Franklin Watts, 2003.  0-531-12240-9.  46 p.  $18.70.  Gr. 4-8.

This series explores some of the most influential artists of our time offering an overview of their lives including a timeline linking them with world events. There are a total of eight artists in the series, currently, and each book offers a biography, photographs of their works, and reproductions, plus works by other artists of similar media.  The authors offer personal quotes of from the artists and commentary from their contemporaries.  All books provide a balanced view by discussing not only the artists’ contributions to their own and future generations, but also by painting a realistic picture of their character flaws. A glossary helps the reader identify unfamiliar terms and there is a list of museums and galleries where the artists’ works are exhibited.  This series is available in both hardbound and paperback.                                                          Ann Wade

 

Animals Animals Group 4. Tarrytown, NY: Benchmark Books, 2003.

Jango-Cohen, Judith. Octopuses.  0-7614-1614-5.  48p.  $17.95.  Gr. 3-7.

Schwabacher, Martin. Frogs.  0-7614-1619-6.  48p.  $17.95.  Gr. 3-7.

Each volume includes a glossary, index, further readings and web pages.  This series presents the information about the animals in an engaging manner.  Each book follows the same basic format of introducing the animal, looking at its enemies, and their relationships with people.  In Frogs, the animal’s body structure is discussed as well as the many different types of frogs that live around the world.  Octopuses details an octopus’ cunning as a hunter and the dangers it encounters when it leaves its den.  Both volumes are illustrated with wonderful color photographs.  These will be a welcome addition for both browsing and report writing.                                                                                  Sandra Krieg

 

The Animal Rights Movement.  Kelly Wand, ed.  San Diego: Greenhaven, 2003.  0-7377-1045-4.  224p.  $22.45. Gr. 9+.

With an introduction to the Animal Rights movement in the United States, this volume then tackles the growth of the movement from the 19th century.  The volume has essays that trace animal rights through the 20th century.  It wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s that the animals rights movement began to grow, so this book focuses on that time period to now.  Some of the leaders from that time period are discussed as well as the major areas of concern: scientific experimentation, the rights of animals and tactics used by groups.  PETA’s tactics are also described.  Upper level high school students will find this book to be an excellent resource for research.  There is a bibliography to assist students in locating additional information.    Animal Rights.                                                                                 Peg Kleppinger

 

Animal Ways Series:

Benchmark Books-Animal Ways.  New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003.  $156.76  Gr. 5+.

Greenberg, Dan.  Whales.  0-7614-1389-8. 110p.

Schlaepfer, George G.  Elephants.  0-7614-1390-1. 112p.

Schwabacher, Martin.  Bees.  0-7614-1392-8. 112p.

Stefoff, Rebecca.  Dogs.  0-7614-1393-6. 112p

Stefoff, Rebecca.  Tigers.  0-7614-1391-x. 104p.

 Going far beyond the coverage of most animal series, this set is a delight to browse and offers significant, intriguing content for research.  For both middle and high school.

Joyce Valenza

 

The Antinuclear Movement.  Jennifer Smith, ed.  San Diego: Greenhaven, 2003.  0-7377-1152-3.  236p.  $22.45.  Gr. 9+.

Environmental classes will find this a valuable resource when looking at the controversies surrounding nuclear power and weapons.  As part of the American Social Movements Series, the editor has divided the volume into 5 separate chapters that contain essays that answer specific questions.  The origins of the anti-nuclear movement, the nuclear arms race, nuclear power, and an update on the anti-nuclear movement make up the book.  In addition, there is a section that includes personal narratives and essays.  One essay by Kinue Tomoyasu is the story of being in Hiroshima the day the bomb was dropped.  Another essay discusses the protests that have gone on since the late 1940s.  This volume will be an invaluable resource for student research.  Anti-Nuclear Movement.                                    Peg Kleppinger

 

At Issue In History Series The Tiananmen Square Massacre.  Ed. Kelly Barth.  San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2003.  0-7377-1175-2.  124p. $19.95.  Gr. 9+.

This book in the Opposing Viewpoint Series presents both sides of the Tiananmen Square Massacre through use of short essays of people directly and indirectly involved.  After a brief historic narrative, the book covers from events leading to the massacre, through the crackdown to effects.  This book serves as a good source of primary information that can be used for high school discussion.  Other titles in the series include: Battle of Gettysburg, Bill of Rights, Custer’s Last Stand, Discovery of the AIDS virus, McCarthy Hearings, Reconstruction, and Salem Witch Trials.                              Joyce Valenza

 

At Issue (Series).  New York: Greenhaven, 2003.  0-7377-1356-9.  122p.  $28.70  Gr. 7-12. 

This series covers historical events that are looked upon controversially.  Articles based upon the controversies are included from eyewitnesses, contemporary observers, and historians.  A chronology appears at the end of each book.  New Titles are:  America's Entry into World War I, The Assassination of John F. Kennedy, The Bay of Pigs, The Berlin Wall, The Bill of Rights, The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Custer's Last Stand, The Declaration of Independence, The Discovery of the Aids Virus, The Founding of the State of Israel, The McCarthy Hearings, The Outbreak of the Civil War, Prohibition, Reconstruction, The Rise of Adolf Hitler, Rwanda Genocide, The Salem Witch Trials, The Tiananmen Square Massacre, and The Waco Standoff.  Nonfiction.                                                                                                            Karen Hornberger

 

At Issue (Series).  New York: Greenhaven, 2003.  0-7377-1327-5.  79p.  $28.70.  Gr. 7-12. 

Pro/con style articles are provided for one single controversial issue in each title.  Primary and secondary sources are utilized along with helpful bibliographies and contact information for further study.  New Titles are:  Aids in Developing Countries, Alcohol Abuse, Animal Experimentation, Bilingual Education, Bulimia, The Central Intelligence Agency, Child Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church, Cloning, Computers and Education, Date Rape, Does Capital Punishment Deter Crime?, Fighting Bioterrorism, Food-Borne Illnesses, Foreign Oil Dependence, Genetically Engineered Foods, Guns and Crime, Home Schooling, Homeland Security, Is Global Warming a Threat?, Is Military Action Justified Against Nations that Support Terrorism?, Is the Death Penalty Fair?  Islamic Fundamentalism, Marijuana, Organ Transplants, Performance Enhancing Drugs, Police Corruption, Reality TV, Reparations for American Slavery, Should Abortion Rights be Restricted?, Should There be Limits to Free Speech?, Slavery Today, Teen Smoking, U.S. Policy Toward Rogue Nations, Vaccinations, Video Games, Violent Children, and White Supremacy Groups.  Nonfiction.                      Karen Hornberger

               

Armstrong,  Jennifer.  Audubon : Painter of Birds in the Wild Frontier.  New York: Harry N. Abrams, 2003.  0-8109-4238-0.   40p.  $17.95.  Gr.  3-6.

This mini-biography is a beautiful and exciting introduction to John James Audubon in a picture book format.  The illustrations by Joseph A. Smith are magnificent watercolors that add to the beauty of this book.  The story tells of an eight-year period in Audubon’s life that included his adventurous journeys through America’s wilderness in search of plants and animals never before known.  John James Audubon, Naturalists, Artists.                                                        Susan Krenicky

 

Aronson, Marc.  Witch-Hunt: Mysteries of the Salem Witch Trials. New York: Atheneum, 2003.  0-689-84864-1. 288p.  $18.95.  Gr. 9+.

Aronson has created an exhaustively researched and compelling account of the Salem Witch Trials, answering questions, debunking myths, and relating the events to the “witch

trials” of today (including the restrictions on freedom in the  aftermath of September 11th).  A story you can’t put down.  One of the best books written about the Witch Trials.

Pat Naismith

 

Bankston, John. Coretta Scott King and the Story behind the Coretta Scott King Award.  Bear, DE: Mitchell Lane, 2003.  1-58415-202-8.  48p.  $19.95.  Gr. 4-8.

This brief but insightful biography will appeal to middle school and reluctant readers. The content includes Coretta’s childhood, “meeting Martin”, and the King’s public and personal struggles and victories during the Civil Rights Movement. A list of Coretta Scott King Award titles and a chronology of her life are included. Biography.                     Michelle Stone

 

Barter, James. Travel Guide to Medieval Constantinople. San Diego: Lucent Books, 2003.  1-59018-249-9.  95p. $27.45.  Gr. 6-9.

Lucent’s series of travel guides to historical cities is written as a guide for a tourist living at that time.  The writing style presents the history, weather, interesting sites, shopping, transportation etc. in a clear but informal manner.  Further readings, works consulted and an index are included.  A glossary would be helpful.  The Travel Guide to Medieval Constantinople is a fun, interesting introduction to this important historical city.                                                         Sandra Krieg

                                                                                                               

Beller, Susan Brovost.  Civil War.  American Voices from.  New York: Benchmark Books, 2003.  0-7614-1204-2. 103p.  $31.92.  Gr. 5-8.

Using primary sources, maps and archival photographs, the author presents American History in first person accounts.  Readings are brief, the questions simple and illustrations are used throughout. Teachers may find them handy for introducing units of study; they might also serve well for independent study. American History.               Candy Blessing

 

Beller, Susan Provost.  Yankee Doodle and the Redcoats : Soldiering in the Revolutionary War.  Brookfield, CT: Twenty-First Century Books, 2003.  0-7613-2612-X.  96p.  $ 26.90.  Gr.  5-8.

An overview of the Revolutionary War from the perspectives of the soldiers who fought on both sides.  The subjects include daily life, hardships as well as personal views on the war. The stories are interwoven in chronological order of the battles with primary source documents, including diaries and letters, mixed throughout.  There are black and white illustrations and reproductions of paintings that make it somewhat less appealing as a browsing book.  However, its clean looking layout and information make it a very helpful book for research reports.   Well-documented resource notes, a bibliography, and chronology are included.  Revolutionary War, primary sources.                                          Susan Krenicky

 

Benchmark Books-Cultures of the Past.  New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003.  $83.00 set.  Gr. 5-9.

Ashby, Ruth.  Victorian England. 0-7614-1493-2.  80p.

Marston, Elsa.  The Byzantine Empire.  0-7614-1495-9.  80p.

Ruggiero, Adriane.  The Ottoman Empire.  0-7614-1494-0.  80p.

Schomp, Virginia.  The Italian Renaissance.  0-7614-1492-4.  80p.

This attractive, inviting set covers heavily-studied areas and includes friendly side-bars with primary sources, timelines, and features like “if you were born as a boy (or girl)” at the time.                                                                                  Joyce Valenza

 

Benchmark Books-Great Inventions.  New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003.  $186.00.  Gr. 9+.

Collier, James Lincoln.  Clocks.  0-7614-1538-6.  127p.

Collier, James Lincoln.  Gunpowder and Weaponry.  0-7614-1540-8.  125p.

Collier, James Lincoln.  Vaccines.  0-7614-1539-4.  127p.

Meltzer, Milton.  The Cotton Gin.  0-7614-1537-8.  125p.

Meltzer, Milton.  The Printing Press.  0-7614-1536-X.  125p.

By noted authors, this series is artfully written, heavily illustrated, and it has serious curricular relevance in the areas of science and history!                                                                                                                                                                  Joyce Valenza

 

Benchmark Books-Great Journeys.  New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003.   $131.00.  Gr. 5+.

Bial, Raymond.  The Long Walk: The Story of Navajo Captivity.  0-7614-1322-7.  94p.

Dolan, Edward F.  The Irish Potato Famine: The Story of Irish-American Immigration.  0-7614-1323-5.  109p.

Perl, Lila.  Behind Barbed Wire: The Story of Japanese-American Internment during World War II. 

0-7614-1321-9.  112p.

Perl. Lila.  To the Golden Mountain: The Story of the Chinese Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad. 

0-7614-1324-3.  112p.

A fine addition to any middle or high school collection, this series engaging covers the migrations of groups of Americans in especially clear style with fabulous photographs and illustrations.                                                                        Joyce Valenza

 

Benchmark Books-Letters from the Battlefront.  Schomp, Virginia.  New York:  Marshall Cavendish, 2003.  $150.00

or $20.95 per book.  Gr. 5-9.

World War II.  0-7614-1662-5.  96p. 

The Civil War.  0-7614-1660-9.  95p. 

The Vietnam War.  0-7614-1663-3.  93p.

World War II.  0-7614-1661-7.  96p

The Revolutionary War.  0-7614-1659-5.  96p.

A companion to Benchmark’s Letters from the Homefront series, these slim volumes tell the widely varied stories of the men and women on the front form their personal accounts—their journals and their most moving letters.  Unique collections of primary sources to make history come alive!                                                                                            Joyce Valenza

 

Benchmark Books-Life in the Renaissance.  Hinds, Kathryn.  New York:  Marshall Cavendish, 2003.  $119.71 Gr. 5+.

 The Court.  0-7614-1676-5.  80p.

 The Countryside.  0-7614-1677-3.  93p.

The City.  0-7614-1678-1.  95p.

 The Church.  0-7614-1679-x.  95p.

Our eighth grade was waiting for this clear overview set covering the various aspects of Renaissance life.  Perfect for early high school research!                                 Joyce Valenza

 

Benchmark Books-North American Historical Atlases.  By Rebecca Stefoff. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003. $135.36 Gr. 4-8.

Growth In America: 1865-1914.  0-7614-1349-9.  48p.

                The Indian Wars.  0-7614-1348-0.  48p.

The Civil War: 1861-1863.  0-7614-1346-4.  48p.

                The Civil War And Reconstruction: 1863-1877.  0-7614-1347-2.  48p.

                Texas and The Far West.  0-7614-1345-6.  48p. 

Perfect for middle school, these ten titles offer context, timelines, historical maps, glossaries, and photographs.                                                                                             Joyce Valenza

 

Benchmark Books-Open for Debate.  New York:  Marshall Cavendish, 2003.  $222.00 or $25.95 per book. Gr. 9+.

Fridell, Ron.  Capital Punishment.  0-7614-1587-4.  144p.

Gold, Susan Dudley.  Gun Control.  0-7614-1584-x.  143p.

Judson, Karen.  Chemical and Biological Warfare.  0-7614-1585-8.  144p.

Kowalski, Kathiann M.  Global Warming.  0-7614-1582-3.  142p.

Perl, Lila.  Terrorism.  0-7614-1583-1.  142p.

Spangenburg, Ray and Moser, Kit.  Genetic Engineering.  0-7614-1586-6.   125p.

This wonderful pro-con series offers great background on the arguments, history, images, specific cases, and charts.  Arguments are divided thematically.   Note: while this set provides a great deal of information, the content is entirely by the authors, not a “point-counterpoint” approach.                                                                                              Joyce Valenza

 

Benchmark Book-Rulers and Their Times.  New York:  Marshall Cavendish, 2003.  Greenblatt, Miriam.  $20.00.  Gr. 5+.

Charlemagne and the Early Middle Ages.  0-7614-1487-8.  80p.

Lorenzo De’Medici and Renaissance Italy.  0-7614-1490-8.  80p.

Suleyman the Magnificent and the Ottoman Empire.  0-7614-1489-4.  80p.

Queen Victoria and Nineteenth-Century England.  0-7614-1488-6.  96p.

This colorful, well-illustrated, easy-to-read series divides each book into three parts. The first part is the history of the ruler from his/her early beginnings through their rise in power and includes key events and battles.  The second part describes what everyday life was like during their reign including things such as clothing jewelry, customs, beliefs etc. The third section is devoted to direct quotes of people on a variety of topics of the day.  This series would be good for middle or junior high school age.                                             Joyce Valenza

 

Benchmark Books-The Story of Science. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003.  $120.00.  Gr. 6+.

Donellan, William L.  The Miracle of Immunity.  0-7614-1425-8.  79p.

Gallant, Roy A.  The Treasure of Inheritance.  0-7614-1426-6.  78p.

Gallant, Roy A.  The Wonders of Biodiversity.  0-7614-1427-4.  80p.

Parker, Barry.  The Mystery of Gravity.  0-7614-1428-2.  78p.

This slim series, by prominent science writers and experts, offers students just what they need to get their arms around frequently studied concepts. Good background for science fair. Attractive, readable and relevant!                     Joyce Valenza

                                                                                               

 

 

 

 

Berent, Polly.  Getting Ready for College: Everything you Need Before you Go.  New York:  Random House, 2003.  0-8129-6896-4.  209p.  $12.95.  Gr. 9+.

A must read for any student going to college as this book covers everything you need to know. There is a wide range of subjects covered including key ideas on jobs, academic advice, budgeting, and food plans as well as practical tips on social life, laundry etc.                                                                                                                                       Joyce Valenza

 

Bernstein, Mark and Alex Lubertozzi.  World War II On the Air: Edward R. Murrow and the Broadcasts that Riveted a Nation.  CD narrated by Dan Rather.  Naperville: Sourcebooks, 2003.  1-4022-0026-9.  284p.  $29.95.  Gr. 9+.

What an absolutely fascinating book!  History teachers will want to use this book when teaching about World War II.  Edward R. Murrow and CBS were in Europe for World War II, and he regularly covered many of the events while living in London.  It was the first time that history was covered as if “you are here.”  Murrow, Eric Sevareid, Charles Collingwood and the rest of CBS news team reported on the bombing of Britain, the invasion at Normandy, the French surrender to Hitler and many other important events.  A CD narrated by Dan Rather accompanies the book.  There are symbols that suggest when to listen to the CD as you read the book.  Teachers could use this book and CD to vividly capture World War II for their students.  The radio broadcasts are exceptional teaching tools.  There is over an hour of broadcasts included on the CD. Highly recommended.  World War II.    

Peg Kleppinger

 

Bertman, Stephen.  Handbook to Life in Ancient Mesopotamia.  New York: Facts on File, 2003.  0-8160-4346-9.   396p.  $50.00.  Gr. 7-12.

This is a very useful reference book describing geography, archaeology and history, government and society, religion and myth, language, writing and literature, architecture and engineering, the arts, the economy, transportation and trade, military affairs, everyday life, sacred scripture, and the legacy of ancient Mesopotamia, now known as Iraq.      

Pat Bender

 

Bertman, Stephen.  Handbook to Life in Ancient Mesopotamia.  New York: Facts on File, 2003.  0-8160-4346-9.  396p.  $50.00.  Gr. 7-12.

This is a very useful reference book describing geography, archaeology and history, government and society, religion and myth, language, writing and literature, architecture and engineering, the arts, the economy, transportation and trade, military affairs, everyday life, sacred scripture, and the legacy of ancient Mesopotamia, now known as Iraq.         

Pat Bender

 

Bial, Raymond.  Benchmark Books-Lifeways.  New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003.  $136.86.  Gr. 5+.

The Chumash.  0-7614-1681-1.  126p.

The Shawnee.  0-7614-1682-x.  128p. 

The Wampanoag,  0-7614-1683-8.  124p

                The Arapaho.  0-7614-1684-6.  126p.

Discusses history, culture, social structure, beliefs, and notable people with depth necessary for more serious projects.  Historic photographs and drawing are particularly engaging. Beautifully done—a necessary purchase for curricula that include Native American study.                                                                                                                                     Joyce Valenza

                                                                                               

Bial, Raymond. The Mandan. Lifeways.  New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003.  0-7614-1415-0.  126p.  $34.21. Gr. 5-9.

In this series, the origins, lifestyle, beliefs and modern-day challenges of the Mandan Indians are presented along with graphic color and black and white photos. Also included are brief biographies of notable people, vocabulary, two traditional stories and a recipe.  Native Americans.                                                                                                           Candy Blessing

 

Bial, Raymond.  The Tlingit.  Lifeways. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003.  0-7614-1414-2.  128p  $34.21.  Gr. 5-9.

In this series, the origins, lifestyle, beliefs and modern-day challenges of the Alaskan Tlingit are presented along with graphic color and black and white photos. Also included are brief biographies of notable people, vocabulary, two traditional stories and a recipe.  Native Americans.                                                                                                           Candy Blessing

 

Biography Today. 2003 Annual Cumulation. Volume 12. MI: Omnigraphics, 2003.  0-7808-0642-5.  554p.  $61.96. Gr. 8+.

Biography Today. Performing Artists. Volume 1: Profile of People of Interest to Young Readers.  MI:Omnigraphics, 2003.   0-7808-0647-6.  247p.  $38.96.  Gr. 8+.

Great addition to any biography collection.  Students will find popular recording stars, athletes or anyone that has been featured in the news.  This series also has a cumulative index. Donna Darmofal

 

Birks, Jane and Fiona Hunt.  Hands-on Information Literacy Activities.  New York: Neal-Schuman, 2003.  1-55570-456-5.  135p.  $75.00.  Professional/Grades 7+.

This collection of learning activities with CD-ROM is designed to develop key information literacy skills in high school and undergraduate students.  The lessons emphasize active learning using manipulatives and organizers and cover such areas as defining the information need; accessing information; evaluating sources; and ethical use. A very useful tool for orientations and introductory lessons.                                                                                                                                       Joyce Valenza

 

Bjornlund, Britta. The Cold War Ends: 1980 to the Present. San Diego: Lucent Books, 2003.  1-59018-209-X.  112p.  $27.45.  Gr. 7-12.

The Cold War Ends addresses the events that led to the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union and those that contributed to its end.  Political leadership, summits toward arms reduction, revolutions in Eastern Europe, and the relationship between the United States and Russia are areas of focus.  Historic events and primary source material are highlighted through sidebars.  A chronology, an index, and an extensive list of works cited are appended in this volume in The Cold War series, a sub-series of the American War Library.  Highly recommended.                 Elizabeth McChesney

 

The Black Death. Jordan McMullin, ed. San Diego: Greenhaven, 2003.  0-7377-1498-0.  111p.  $19.95.  Gr. 9+

When students study the Middle Ages, invariably, many wish to focus on the Black Death. This short volume will do much to educate students on the impact this plague had on the world.  The chapters are very readable and students learn how the plague arrived on merchant ships from Asia and was spread by the traders as they moved from city to city.  People are still discussing the Black Death and while many believe it was the bubonic plague, others think it was an anthrax outbreak. There are primary sources that recount the horror of the plague in Florence, Italy and others that discuss the chaos the plague caused in England.  There is an additional chapter that discusses the advances made in medicine, surgery and public sanitation as a result of the plague.  This is a short work, but the research it reviews will make it an essential book for student projects.  Disease.                                Peg Kleppinger

 

Blohm, Craig E. The Cold War: An Uneasy Peace, 1945-1980. San Diego: Lucent, 2003.  1-59018-201-4.  127p.  $27.45.  Gr. 7-12.  

This volume in the American War Library sub series on the Cold War covers the philosophical origins of the conflict, the expansion of tensions, battlefronts, the brink of hot war, the lengthy conflict in Vietnam, and détente “gained and lost.” Topical insets include excerpts from historians’ books, biographical notes, and brief but meaningful excerpts from significant primary sources. The text is supplemented with period illustrations, photographs, maps, a chronology and brief but somewhat informative annotations in the bibliography. While the format and writing are at the middle school level, the information is suitable for high school as well.

Other titles in the Cold War series cover containment, espionage, the home front, political leaders, weapons, and the final years from 1980 to the present. The volume, Cold War: Primary Sources edited by Stuart A. Kallen, provides an excellent selection of significant documents, many in their entirety. While this title has an index, chronology, and brief introductory remarks for both the chapter and the document, the table of contents unfortunately does not list the documents included in each topical chapter.

The entire American War Library seeks to examine the way in which wars have fostered social and technological changes and defined the American role in world affairs; most of the sub-series has a volume of primary sources for each war. All titles in the Library series offer the advantages of relatively short books with solid coverage of a focused topic. Highly recommended.  American history; Military history; World politics.                                                      Eleanor Howe

 

Blount, Roy.  Robert E. Lee. Lipper/Viking Book, 2003.  0-670-03220-4.  210p.  $16.96.  Gr. 11+.

While I have never given much thought to the military general, Robert Edward Lee, this author makes him a very real and likeable historical figure.  He is often thought of with pity because of his position on the losing side.  Nothing in his character would allow this.  Although the text reads like a rambling conversation, it does an excellent job of revealing the man and the times in which he lived. Recommended for mature readers.                                                                          Ilene Goldis

 

Blue, Rose and Corinne J. Naden.  Tony Blair.  Detroit:  Lucent Books, 2003.  1-59018-236-7.  94p.  $27.45.  Gr. 6-12.

This biography of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, part of Lucent’s People in the News series, provides some interesting facts about the head of the British government:  that he was

the lead singer in a rock band, that he considers the teachings of Christianity as important to his political views, and that he spent most of his early life ignoring politics.  Blue and

Naden trace Blair’s almost meteoric rise up the ladder of the British political system, to become the youngest Prime Minister since1812.  They also clearly explain Blair’s impact on the

Labour Party, his efforts to find a solution to the violence in NorthernIreland and his leadership of Great Britain in the era of terrorism.  Sidebar boxes provide additional information. 

Includesphotographs, a chronology and an index.                                                                                                                                                                        Rosanne Zajko

Also from the same series:  Dougherty, Terri.  Julia Roberts.  Detroit:  Lucent Books, 2003.  1-59018-139-5.  109p.  $27.45.  Gr. 6-12

 

               

Boerst, William.  Johannes Kepler: Discovering the Laws of Celestial Motion.  Greensboro, NC: Morgan ReynoldsPublishing, Inc., 2003.  1-883846-98-6.  144p.  $25.86. 

Gr. 6-12.

Boerst’s fascinating biography of Kepler captures the life and times of a man who “searched the heavens for celestial harmony because he lived his life within the disharmony created by religious conflict.”  Boerst uses primary source quotations to bring Kepler to life.  He portrays Kepler as an intelligent boy who encountered the theories of ancient Greek astronomers and Copernicus while studying at the University of Tubingen, and whose speculations about astronomy, mathematical reasoning and religious mysticism resulted in the laws of planetary motion.  Kepler’s life is researched in detail and the political and religious events of the times and their effect on Kepler are easily understood, as are the astronomical theories.  The layout is inviting, with a good balance between colored photos and illustrations, woodcuts and colored diagrams.  Includes a timeline, websites and bibliography and index.                                                               Rosanne Zajko

Also highly recommended from the Renaissance Scientists series:

Boerst, William J.  Galileo Galilei and the Science of Motion.  Greensboro, NC:  Morgan Reynolds Publishing, Inc.,

2003.  1-931798-00-1.  144p.  $25.86.  Gr. 6-12.

Goble, Todd.  Nicholas Copernicus and the Founding of Modern Astronomy.  Greensboro, NC:  Morgan Reynolds

Publishing, Inc., 2003.  1883846-99-4.  144p.  $25.86.  Gr. 6-12.

 

Bourseiller, Philippe.  Volcanoes : Journey to the Crater’s Edge.  New York: Harry N. Abrams, 2003.  0-8109-4590-8. 75p.  $14.95.   Gr. 5+.

This book translated from the French book published in 2002, provides stunning full-color photographs of volcanoes around the world.  The photographs have captions and a map of the volcano’s location.  A description of how volcanoes form is included as well as an explanation of Bourseiller’s work.  This book literally takes readers to some awesome views of the crater’s edge.  Volcanoes.                                                                                                                                       Susan Krenicky

 

Boyne, Walter J.  The Influence of Air Power Upon History. Pelican, 2003.  1-58980-134-6.  447p.  $25.46.  Gr. 11+.

The author offers a comprehensive and readable treatment of the history of warfare in the air and its psychological impact.  This book will interest a reader of military history.  It could be useful as a connection to the high school world history curriculum when used by the teacher or a very good reader.                                                              Ilene Goldis

 

Braun, Eric.  Canada in Pictures. Visual Geography Series. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications Company, 2003.  0-8225-4679-5.  80p.  $27.93.  Gr. 4-8.

This newly revised 2nd edition in the Visual Geography Series provides up-to-date information on our northern