PSLA
YA
TOP FORTY
REFERENCE 2003 TITLES
The Advertising Age
Encyclopedia of Advertising, John McDonough and Karen Egolf, ed. New York: Fitzroy Dearborn, 2003.
1-57958-172-2 3 vols. 1958p. $385.00. Gr.9+
A
comprehensive resource on a central element of today’s culture, this book is a
valuable tool for students and professionals alike. Color plates complement entries on major advertising agencies and
classic campaigns. Includes significant
coverage of issues such as representation of women and ethnic minorities as
well as professional ethics. Useful for
sociology, decades research, lots of curricular ties—an essential high school
purchase. Joyce
Valenza
African
Folklore: An Encyclopedia. New York: Routledge, 2003.
0-415-93933-X. 593p.
$175.00. Gr. 9-12.
An extremely useful resource
for researching African traditions, this book provides easy access to
information along with reliable resources that span the entire African
continent and hundreds of cultures. You can use the index to search for
specific topics, and there is a good deal of information for almost every topic.
After using this book for my senior project, I was inspired to learn more about
other topics within the encyclopedia. Palisades
High School Student
America
in the 20th Century. New York:
Marshall Cavendish, 2003.
0-7614-7364-5. 11 vol. $399.95.
Gr. 6+.
Each
volume in this series provides general information American History in the
twentieth century. Volumes 1-10
explore themes such as social policy, popular culture, health and medicine and
family life throughout each chapter.
Tables of contents are presented in chronological and thematic
order. With vivid illustrations and
biographies, this series is student-friendly, providing a useful starting point
for young researchers, and nicely fits high school curricula. Joyce
Valenza
The Atlas of U.S. and
Canadian Environmental History. New York: Routledge,
2003. 0-415-93781-7. 248p.
$150.00. Gr. 9+.
Lavishly illustrated, this unique atlas presents
environmental issues from 1492 to the present, for the United States and Canada. The chronological chapters discuss such
issues as agriculture, wildlife, forestry, land use, industry and pollution,
human habitats, and environmental policies. These topics are presented in two
page articles and illustrated with color maps and archival illustrations. Some maps present geographic features within
various time periods (mining regions, dams, national parks), while other maps
cover demographic changes in land use.
A short bibliography accompanies each article. Charts and fact boxes
further enrich the text. With over 100
articles, a subject index and a lengthy timeline, this comprehensive resource
describes the changing face of the natural environment in the United States and
Canada. By including both the U.S. and
Canada, students can easily compare environmental strategies, and discover the
“trickle down” effect of environmental policy.
Highly recommended for young adult and adult collections. Jennie Pittman
The Beat Generation: A Gale Critical Companion.
Lynn M. Zott, et al, ed. Detroit: Gale, 2003.
0-7876-7569-5. 3 vols. $350.00.
Gr. 9+.
A comprehensive Reference set on the Beat Literary
movement of writers and performers of the postwar generation who shunned
tradition and praised individualism and radical thought. Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, Lawrence
Ferlinghetti and William S. Burroughs are four of the 29 figures discussed in
this massive work. With biographical
information, primary sources, criticisms, notes, bibliographies, and other
valuable sources, this Reference set provides rich content for high school
literature classes.
Pat Bender
Current Issues. New York: MacMillan Reference, 2003. 0-02-865744-6. 4
vols. $493.95. Gr. 9+.
This encyclopedia contains 265 entries related to current issues often taught in high schools. The various entries include articles in history, government, sociology, economics, earth sciences, environmental studies and health. There is an overview of the issue and background information along with material related to constitutional principles, social or environmental considerations and other significant factors. The articles summarize different points of view and would make an excellent addition to programs that do pro-con research projects. The articles are arranged alphabetically and include graphics that supplement the text. The topics are wide ranging and include essays on many issues that students often study in high school. There is a glossary and an extensive listing of additional resources, which includes books and online resources. I know this encyclopedia will be used extensively for research projects and it will be a welcome addition to many high school libraries. Peg Kleppinger
Benchmark
Books - The Elements. Marshall Cavendish, 2003. $25.64 ea.
Gr. 4-8.
Silver. 0-7614-1464-9;
Potassium.
0-7614-1463-0.
These
attractive and informative books are well organized for middle school students. Michelle Stone
Childs,
William R., Scott B, Martin and Wanda Stitt-Gohdes. Business and Industry.
New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003.
0-7614-7430-7. $459.95. Gr. 7+.
This
A-Z 11-volume set gives definitions and summaries of key terms, select
businesses, and certain industries. The
information is thorough and includes pictures, graphs, maps, data charts and
examples. With its cross-references,
thematic outline, and lists of further reading this series is a good starting
point for research in the junior high level.
Joyce Valenza
Day, Tevor. Exploring the Ocean. New York: Oxford University Press,
2003. 0-19-521967-8. 4 vols.
Gr. 6+.
This
outstanding four volume series should be the first source that students access
for facts and information about the ocean.
The books in the series are titled:
The Physical Ocean, Life in the Ocean, and Uses of the
Ocean. The fourth volume is the Reference
Volume and Series Index.
Topics
are discussed and explained in a two-page spread that provides detailed
information, while at the same time providing an overview of the topic. Photographs, maps, diagrams and scientific
illustrations, all of which are in color, support the facts. The layout is appealing and draws the reader
in, but the layout never overshadows the solid, factual information. The Physical Ocean discusses a plethora
of topics, among them the anatomy of the ocean, coral reefs, El Niño, tides and
climate change. Life in the Ocean
addresses marine life and marine biology while the third volume, Uses of the
Ocean, focuses on ocean farming, underwater mining, habitat destruction and
ocean protection. The Index
provides factual information on the world’s oceans and a timeline. Elementary and middle school students will
find what they need here, while high school students can use this series as a
starting point. Libraries that need to update oceanography resources should
consider this series. Rosanne Zajko
Developing
Nations. Berna Miller, James D. Torr,
ed. San Diego: Greenhaven Press,
2003. 0-7377-1179-5. Series: Current Controversies. $22.45.
Gr. 9-12.
This book presents introductory information, through use
of short essays, of the issues facing developing nations at a high school
level. The book starts with presenting some of the major issues facing
developing nations including hunger, poverty, air pollution, child labor,
obesity, and infectious diseases. The
book then presents articles on the pros/cons of globalization, democratization
and the role of industrialized nations.
Joyce
Valenza
Diseases. Rev. ed. Danbury, CT: Grolier Educational,
2003. 0-7172-5688-X. 8 vol.
Gr. 6-12.
From Abscess to Zoonoses, this revised edition works for
both middle and high school research.
Articles cover body parts affected, causes, incidence, diagnosis,
stages, treatment, and prevention.
Includes photographs, diagrams, and drawing. Joyce
Valenza
The DK
Geography of the World. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2003. 0-7894-594-X. 304p. $29.99.
Gr. 4-8.
This
beautifully designed book provides information on over 180 countries throughout
the world. Arranged by continent, data
includes details about the physical geography, ethnic and cultural background,
climate, landscape, literacy rates, life expectancy, and health care available
in each country. Filled with colorful
pictures, graphs, maps, flags, and charts, this book will be a wonderful
reference source for students and will be in great demand for Social Studies
projects. A reference section, which
includes information on political systems, natural disasters, world religions,
world trade, a glossary, gazetteer, and an index make this an excellent
addition to your reference collection. Pat
Markey
The DK Geography of the
World. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2003. 0-7894-594-X. 304p. $29.99.
Gr. 3+.
Much
more than an atlas, this book offers a comprehensive look at the physical
geography, the culture, the climate, the people, and the economy of each
country. In addition, there are
important statistics such as life expectancy, literacy and health care. Countries are grouped together by continent
so the reader can get a feel for the context and relationships between them.
The special reference section at the end discusses different political systems,
natural disasters, world religions, health and education, distribution of
wealth, and world trade. The glossary
and gazetteer are also very useful.
Besides the above information, the introduction on how to use the book
is well written and easily understood.
This is an excellent resource! Jeannie
Bellavance
Encyclopedia
of African Literature. Gikandi, Simon, ed. New York: Routledge, 2003. 0-415-23019-5. 629p. $150.00. Gr. 10+.
More
than one hundred international scholars, including some from South Africa, have
contributed signed articles with bibliographies and cross-references to this
comprehensive work for the general reader.
Alphabetical entries range from one-half a page to three pages and cover
indigenous literatures, and historical, literary, and cultural topics as well
as biography and general criticism of individual authors. While its scope includes the whole of
Africa, contemporary and historical African and non-African language writers,
well-known and lesser-known authors, its emphasis is on twentieth century writers
simply because that period is the flowering of African literature. The
comprehensive index includes access by nationality, author, and subject. Highly recommended. African Literature, Reference. Eleanor Howe
Encyclopedia
of the Aquatic World. New York: Marshall
Cavendish, 2003. 0-7614-7148-8. 11 vol.
$459.95. Gr. 7+.
This
11- volume set provides researchers with information about all types of water
life, including habitats, foods and species.
Pictures are bright, colorful and bring the facts to life. Joyce
Valenza
Encyclopedia
of Espionage, Intelligence and Security. K. Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner, ed. Detroit: Gale, 2003. 0-7876-7546-6. 3 Vols. 1100p. $389.25.
Gr. 9+.
The British editors emphasized several hundred topics in
espionage, intelligence and security that are most often the news. They hoped these volumes would be a quick
reference and also serve as a foundation for additional research. The entries are arranged alphabetically and
include see also references where applicable.
There is a glossary of terms and acronyms. Each article has a listing of
books and web sites for further research.
In today’s world, terrorism has become such a part of our lives and this
encyclopedia will answer many questions students have as they watch the news
and read newspapers. While reviewing
this encyclopedia, I was able to read about ETA, the group that was originally
accused of the Madrid bombing. The
several paragraph entries written by teachers and scientists are
informative. Whether reading about missile
systems or chemical warfare or Abu Nidal, the material is fairly understandable
for most readers. This would be an
excellent resource for students and teachers in today’s world that is filled
with uncertainty and conflict. Peg
Kleppinger
Encyclopedia of Food and Culture, Solomon H. Katz, ed. New
York: Scribner’s 2003. 0-684-80568-5. 3
vols. 2004 p. $400.00. Gr. 9+
Explores the nutritional and cultural impact of food with articles by anthropologists, chefs, food historians, nutritionists, agronomists and others. Well written entries cover the history of regional cuisines, major festivals, and feasts, and examine the psychological and sociological perspectives of food. Great for global studies, historical research, and just fun to browse!
Encyclopedia of
Life Sciences. 2d ed. New York : Marshall
Cavendish, 2004. 0-7614-7442-0. 13 vol.
$647.00. Gr. 7-12.
This thirteen-volume set contains
articles on all topics in life sciences including biochemistry, biotechnology, ecology,
genetics, psychology and zoology. Included are articles on disease, animals,
botany, habitats, mental health, nutrition, body systems, conservation, and
many other topics. Each article is signed by an expert, and color illustrations
are included for most articles. Recommended as an update for an older science
collection. Pat
Bender
Encyclopedia
of 20th Century Architecture. New York: Fitzroy
Dearborn, 2004. 1-57958-243-5. 3 vol. $395.00. Gr. 7-12.
This detailed 3-volume set gives a clear
concise analysis of 20th century architecture including many
pictures and some floor blueprints.
The series alphabetical listing includes specific architects, noteworthy
buildings, and styles of certain cities and countries. The set has comprehensive index to allow
easy access for students. Joyce
Valenza
Eyerdam, Pamela
J. Using Internet Primary Sources to Teach Critical Thinking Skills in
the Visual Arts. Westport,
CT: Libraries
Unlimited, 2003. 0-313-31555-8. 329 p. $45. Professional.
Johnson,
Carolyn. Using Internet Primary Sources to Teach Critical Thinking
Skills in the Sciences. Westport, CT:
Libraries Unlimited, 2003.
0-363-31230-3. 339 p. $45. Professional.
These two weighty paperbacks
direct teachers to a variety of primary source documents and authoritative
information available online, but not necessarily easy to find using
conventional search engines. Arranged chronologically by historical
periods or eras, these guides provide gateways to “stimulating multimedia instructional
materials to enhance learning.” (Eyerdam xix). Pat
Bender
Fagen, Herb. The
Encyclopedia of Westerns. New York:
Facts on File, 2003.
0-8160-4456-2. 618p. $24.95. Gr. 7+.
This
reference book brings together a great deal of information about one of
America's favorite movie genres, the western. In an alphabetized format, with
lots of illustrations, this volume gives information about hundreds of
individual films, their casts, plots, screenwriters, crews, and production
notes. There is an index, and the entries are cross-referenced for additional
help. Film buffs who love westerns will enjoy browsing through this volume, and
students in film classes who are studying this genre will find much useful
information here. Nancy
Chrismer
Gallant, Roy A. Earthworks. Marshall Cavendish, 2003. 0-7614-1364-2. 78-80p. each. 6 vol. $120.00.
Gr. 5-12.
Each of the six volumes in this science series explores a prominent
characteristic of the earth. The history, evolution and science of each
characteristic are thoroughly explained in clear and interesting language. Color illustrations compliment the text
throughout. Each volume includes
glossary, further reading, websites, bibliography and index. Series includes: Atmosphere: Sea of Air
(0-7614-1366-9), History: Journey through Time (0-7614-1367-7), Plates:
Restless Earth (0-7614-1370-7), Structure: Exploring Earth’s Interior
(0-7614-1368-5), Water: Our Precious Resource (0-7614-1365-0), Resources:
Nature’s Riches (0-7614-1369-3). Michelle
Stone
Genetics. Richard Robinson, ed. New
York: MacMillan, 2003.
0-02-865606-7. 4 vols. $395.00.
Gr. 12+.
There are 253 signed articles that cover history, theory, technology and uses and misuses of genetic knowledge. The articles range from 2 to 5 pages each. The publishers suggest that the set be used to reinforce lessons about genetic processes, to expand on a discussion of a special topic or to introduce new topics. There are several articles that focus on genetic disorders, their causes, diagnoses, and treatments. The articles begin with discussions of the science involved and then move toward practical applications. In addition, the articles were written by professionals in the field who hoped to make their work understandable to students. There are colorful photos and useful diagrams and tables to assist student learning. Vocabulary is defined along the side margin in an attempt to help students understand the material. Students taking advanced placement science courses would find this resource invaluable in reviewing genetics information. The reading level and difficulty of genetics make this a set for advanced students. Peg Kleppinger
Gillespie,
John T. and Corinne J. Naden. Teenplots:
a Booktalk Guide to Use with Readers Ages 12-18. Westport,
CN: Libraries Unlimited, 2003.
1-56308-921-1. 341p. $51.84.
Professional.
The
authors provide detailed information on 100 highly recommended titles, covering
a wide range of topics, with emphasis on titles from 1998 to 2002. Organized
according to subject matter or genre, the authors provide background
information on the book and the author, character lists, plot summary, comments
on suitability; lists of themes, passages for book talks, similar titles, and
resources for more information. Candy Blessing
Great
American Judges. John R. Vile, ed. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2003.
1-57607-989-9. 2 vol.
$185.00. Gr. 9-12.
This
2-volume set gives a short biographical narrative of key judges of all levels
of government from colonial times to present.
Included in their biography are their key rulings on some of their more
important cases. This set is a good
start for high school research especially due to its detailed reference and
bibliography listings. Includes a judge quiz.
Joyce
Valenza
Harlem Renaissance : A Gale Critical Companion. Detroit : Gale Research,
2003. 0-7876-6618-1. 3 vols.
$462.00. Gr. 9+.
An excellent compendium of
artistic expression during the Harlem Renaissance. Volume 1 covers a multitude of topics, including performing and
visual arts. Each section includes
representative works and
primary source documents. Volumes 2 and
3 profile individual authors and artists.
An extremely useful source for any study of the period. Pat Naismith
Harris, Nathaniel. Atlas
of the World’s Deserts. New York: Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers, 2003. 1-57958-310-5. 192p. $125.00.
Gr. 6+.
In alternating chapters, this attractive, up-to-date
resource describes deserts from all continents, while discussing such topics as
history, geology, geography, animal and plant life, and environmental issues of
major desert regions. Each chapter
features an overview of a desert area, with detailed maps for individual
deserts. The exploitation of desert areas is also discussed, with projections
for future uses of deserts. Color
photos, clearly drawn maps, and sidebars enrich the text. A glossary, bibliography, index and list of
web sites are also provided. This well
researched atlas offers much more than maps; it provides a detailed look at
natural and human life in the deserts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, Australia,
and the Poles. Highly recommended . Jennie Pittman
Historic
Events for Students: The Great Depression. Richard C. Hanes and Sharon M. Hanes, ed. Detroit:
Gale. 0-7876-5702-6. 3 vols.
1500p. $363.00. Gr. 9+.
The
three-volume set on the Great Depression will win rave reviews from students
and American history teachers in high schools.
There are 45 essays that are 20+ pages each. To help students understand the Great Depression the editors have
selected a wide variety of topics that will capture their attention. A student can read about the lives of Native
Americans during the time period, the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Dust
Bowl, Hollywood, Literature, Prohibition, Religion, Social Security, Supreme
Court and the Tennessee Valley Authority and their significance during the
Great Depression. Many other topics are
included that will expand student understanding about one of the most important
events in the 20th century.
Each essay has a brief introduction, a chronology of events, an issue
summary, contributing forces, notable people and includes primary sources.
There is a glossary and a general bibliography that is divided into books,
periodicals, novels and web sites. The
cumulative index is in each volume, so the set does not become useless when
volume is checked out. Students and
teachers will appreciate the research topics and the bibliography of potential
resources. Historic Events for
Students: The Great Depression is an excellent choice for purchase. Peg
Kleppinger
History Firsthand. Farmington Hills:
Greenhaven Press, 2003. $22.45
each. Gr. 7+.
Early Black
Reformers. 0737715987. 202p.
Women’s
Suffrage. 0737713054. 221p.
This
is a multi-title review of History
Firsthand, including Early Black Reformers
and Women’s Suffrage. Arranged chronologically, both titles offer
20 essays by activists for the cause.
For example, Early Black Reformers
offers essays by Nat Turner, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Harriet
Jacobs, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Dubois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Richard
Wright, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and Rosa Parks. Essayists for Women’s Suffrage include: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frances D. Gage,
Susan B. Anthony, and Woodrow Wilson.
Eyewitness accounts provide historic accuracy, as well as a range of
opinions. A short introduction precedes
each essay. Reference helps include a
bibliography, index and chronology.
Well organized and supported by supplemental materials, these titles
offer key primary source documents on crucial topics. Highly recommended. Jennie
Pittman
How It Works:
Science and Technology. 3rd edition.
New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003.
0-7614-7314-9. 20 vols. $499.95.
Gr. 7+.
Make room in your reference section for the third edition
of this highly respected encyclopedia.
With over 800 entries, this well researched, comprehensive work provides
extensive coverage of both the history and latest advancements in science and
technology. From artificial
intelligence to nuclear weapons, from microelectronics to biotechnology, this
set is a treasure trove for student reports.
Lavishly illustrated, these volumes offer more than 2,800 color photos,
illustrations, charts, graphs, cutaway diagrams and fact boxes. Arranged
alphabetically by topic, tables of contents and subject indices are offered for
each volume and the set. Each 1-8 page
article includes cross references, making relevant information easy to find. Additional reference tools include: a
glossary, bibliography, conversion charts, geologic timescale, periodic table,
science and technology timelines, and a list of web sites. Highly recommended. Jennie
Pittman
Junior Worldmark Encyclopedia of Physical Geography. Karen Ellicott & Susan B.
Gall, ed. U.X.L., 2003. 0-7876-6265-8. 5 vol. $250. Gr. 6-12.
This is a thorough world geography resource. 192 countries
of the world are alphabetically arranged. Entries vary from 2-5 pages in length
and include a b & w map, key facts, information on fourteen types of geographical
features, additional features, and b & w photos. Each volume includes a
cumulative index. Michelle Stone
King, David. Children’s Encyclopedia of American
History. New York: DK Publishing, 2003. 0-7894-8330-0. 304p. $29.99. Gr. 5-9.
Strikingly
illustrated with period photographs, drawings and paintings, this chronological
outline of our nation’s history is fascinating. Colored tabs direct the reader to specific time periods, while
interesting articles and graphics depict the highlights the major issues in the
growth of the United States. Leslie Mastronardo
Kushner, Harvey W. Encyclopedia of Terrorism. Thousand
Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2003.
0-7619-2408-6. 523 p. $125.00
Gr. 7+.
Totally up-to-date basic
information about terrorism and terrorist activities throughout the world. September 11? U.S.S. Cole? It’s all in
here. An excellent resource for any
student
research into any aspect of
terrorism. Pat Naismith
Lowe, Joy L. and Kathryn I. Matthew.
Colonial America in Literature for Youth; A Guide and Resource.
Literature for Youth Series, No.2.
Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2003.
0-8108-47442. 296p.
$42.00. Professional.
In addition
to listing and summarizing titles about people, events and culture of Colonial
America for readers of various ages, in separate appendices the authors provide
lists of professional readings, electronic resources including videos and web
sites, museum contact information, book talk and classroom activities, and
suggested titles for age-appropriate core collections. Candy
Blessing
Maga, Timothy. The 1960s. New York: Facts on File,
2003. 0-8160-4809-6. 396 p.
$75.00. Gr. 7+.
Part of the Facts on File An Eyewitness History series, this
volume presents a chronologically arranged history of the 1960s. Illustrated
with black and white photos, this well-
organized account of the
decade includes speeches, letter and other primary source documents at the end
of each section. While not as extensive
as Gale’s American Decades series,
it is a valuable addition to
any history collection. Pat
Naismith
Marvrikis,
Peter, ed. Exploring Technology.
Marshall Cavendish, 2003.
0-7614-7406-4. 11 vol. $329.95.
Gr. 5-8.
This
colorful set covers 280 alphabetically arranged articles in the areas of:
agriculture and food, engineering and construction, information technologies,
medicine, and transportation. Each entry includes clear explanations,
interesting facts, color photos, and diagrams. Volume 11 includes timelines,
famous inventors, extension activities, a glossary, and the set index. Michelle
Stone
Niebuhr, Gary Warren. Make
Mine a Mystery: A Reader’s Guide to Mystery and Detective Fiction. Westport: Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 1-56308-784-7. 605p. $65.00.
Gr. 7+.
Preliminary chapters address the history of mystery,
collection development, and reader advisory.
Remaining chapters divide the genre into detective types—amateur,
public, and private. Bibliographies are
appended and author, title, character, subject, and location indexes are
included. This will truly be a mystery
lover’s delight. Elizabeth
McChesney
Mexico
and the United States. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2003. 0-7614-7402-1. 3 vol. $399.00. Gr. 9+.
This 3-volume encyclopedia set gives an alphabetical
listing of key figures, important families, Latin terms, Mexican organizations,
Cities, trade agreements and Treaties in the relationship between Mexico and
the United States. The brief factual
listings cover both sides of the border from pre-colonial history to the
current situations. Joyce
Valenza
Niebuhr,
Gary Warren. Make Mine Mystery: A Reader’s Guide to Mystery and Detective
Fiction. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 1-56308-784-7.
605p. $65.00. Professional.
This
comprehensive work on mystery fiction discusses building a mystery collection,
mystery fiction awards (with their websites), the history of mystery fiction,
reader’s advisory services, and the definitions of mystery, thriller, suspense,
and adventure. The bulk of the volume
is comprised of annotated titles, organized by author within sections for
amateur, public, and police detectives.
The more than 2,000 annotations are quite brief and serve as lists of an
author’s works or quick reader’s advisory information. Icons identify award winners, but there are
no separate lists of titles by award. Indexes by location, subject, title, and
author may help identify titles for purchase or reading. Eleanor Howe
The Oxford Encyclopedia of American Literature. Jay Parini, ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004. 0-19-515653-6. 4 vols. $584.50. Gr. 9+.
For
high school and academic use, this is a comprehensive introduction to great
American writers colonial to present.
Articles cover movements, genre, author biography, and criticism of
selected major works. An excellent
investment to become a standard in literary reference collections. Joyce Valenza
Palmer-Fernandez,
Gabriel, ed. Encyclopedia of
Religion and War. New York: Routledge, 2003. 0-415-94246-6. xvi,
530p. $125. Gr. 9+.
Striving to be inclusive but not exhaustive, this volume includes alphabetically arranged articles on the six major religions and some minor ones, geographical entities, and related topics such as assassins and genocide, but not persons. While its focus is on the relationship between religion and violence, it does include a few pacifistic religious groups. The signed articles range from one to several pages and include bibliographies and a few cross-references. The text is supplemented with a few illustrations, excerpts from documents, and an index. Its international coverage, which is both historical and contemporary, recognizes the recent shift from national wars to ethnic and religious wars. Highly recommended.
Eleanor Howe
Pearl,
Nancy. Book Lust: Recommended
Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason. Seattle, WA: Sasquatch Books,
2003. 1-57061-381-8. 287p.
$16.95 (pbk). Professional.
A Seattle librarian has organized her favorite books into
more than 175 useful and unique lists, alphabetically arranged, of course, from
“A … My Name is Alice” to “Zero” in the
Table of Contents. Authors and titles
are accessible in the index. Pearl’s approach is unique: instead of writing an annotation for each
title, she briefly introduces each chapter’s topic and discusses or mentions
relevant titles in a chatty style. One
has the definite impression she has read and enjoyed each of the titles in a
lifetime of reading. The chapters are
quite varied and some will definitely appeal to secondary librarians and their
students: “Adventure,” “Boys Coming of Age,”
“Girls Growing Up,” “Techno-Thrillers,” and “Three Hanky Reads.”
Included are classic titles as well as some recent publications. This is a good
tool for either collection development, browsing, or remembering books enjoyed.
Eleanor Howe
Political Theories for Students.
Matthew Miskelly and Jaime Noce, ed. Detroit: Gale, 2002. 0-7876-5645-3. 429p. $151.75. Gr. 9+.
A comprehensive and student-friendly coverage of every political system a student could possibly research. Includes chronologies and biographies of notables most associated with each theory. See reference connect theories. For each theory the editors provide analysis and critical response of the theory’s strengths and weaknesses. Perfect for debatesd!
Joyce Valenza
Schall, Lucy. Booktalks and More: Motivating Teens to
Read. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 1-56308-982-3. 277p. $37.80.
Professional.
The author provides motivation book talks and activities
for 100 recent titles, which are organized thematically around problems, and
challenges that young adults are facing.
In addition to a brief summary and suggestions for a short book talk,
Schall includes a “Related Activities” that would be helpful to teachers and
follows that with a list of related titles for further reading. This could be a great help in book selection
as well as helping to identify titles for curriculum tie-ins. Candy
Blessing
Schneider, Carl J. and Dorothy Schneider. World War II. New York: Facts on File, 2003. 0-8160-4484-8. 472 p.
$75.00. Gr. 7+.
Part of the Facts on File An Eyewitness History series, this
volume presents a chronologically arranged history of World War II. The timeline covers the period from 1933
(with a
debate on isolationism) to 1953
and the creation of the United Nations.
Illustrated with black and white photos, this well-organized account of
the decade includes speeches, letter
and other primary source
documents at the end of each section. A
valuable addition to any history collection. Pat Naismith
Scholastic
Visual Sports Encyclopedia. New York, Scholastic, 2003. 0-439-31721-5. 224p. $19.95. Gr. 5-10.
Over 100 sports are covered in this attractive volume,
including information on technique, rules, needed skills, and equipment.
Abundant photos and diagrams demonstrate technique, and label equipment and
sport-related terminology. Each of the 14 chapters is color coded for easy
navigation. Michelle Stone
Schwartz, Richard A. The 1950s. New York: Facts on File,
2003. 0-8160-4597-6. 504 p.
$75.00. Gr. 7+.
Part of the Facts on File An Eyewitness History series, this
volume presents a chronologically arranged history of the 1950s. Illustrated with black and white photos,
this well-
organized account of the
decade includes speeches, letter and other primary source documents at the end
of each section. While not as extensive
as Gale’s American Decades series,
it is a valuable addition to
any history collection. Pat
Naismith
Smithsonian
Earth. James
F. Luhr, ed. New York: DK Publishing,
2003. 0-7894-9643-7. 520p.
$50.00. Grades 6+.
In typically gorgeous DK style, this coffee table volume
describes the planet Earth, the land, ocean, atmosphere, and tectonics. Great for browsing or to engage and
jumpstart researchers. Joyce Valenza
Streissguth,
Thomas. The Greenhaven Encyclopedia of
the Middle Ages. San Diego:
Greenhaven Press, 2003.
0-7377-0793-3. 332p. $74.95.
Gr. 8+.
The
approximately 520 entries cover the major events of the Middle Ages in European
and a handful of those in the Islam World.
A chronology, bibliography and index as well as a list of web sites are
included to help your students find further information. This single volume resource will be well
used for report writing. Sandra
Krieg
Twentieth-Century History
Makers. Austin: Raintree Steck-Vaughn Publisher,
2003. $32.85. Gr. 7+.
Fidel Castro. 0739861417. 112p.
Franklin D.
Roosevelt.
0739852604. 112p.
Mahatma
Gandhi. 0739852558. 112p.
Mao
Zedong. 0749646950. 112p.
This
is a multi-title review, which includes Fidel
Castro, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Mahatma Gandhi, and Mao Zedong. Well organized and researched, these
inviting biographies describe the life and work of these influential
leaders. The authors include the
strengths and weaknesses of their subjects, and place them within the context
of world history. Easy to read, these
titles are also easy on the eyes, with archival and color photos, maps and
illustrations. Fact boxes make
information accessible, and further information is available in the glossary,
chronology, and index. Recommended as a first purchase. Jennie
Pittman
Walker, Pam. Understanding the Human Body. New York: Lucent Books, 2003. $21.96.
Gr. 5-8.
The
titles in this series include: The
Brain and the Nervous System, The Circulatory System, The Digestive System, The
Immune System, The Reproductive System, The Respiratory System. Each book discusses the organs and
functions of a system in the human body.
The information is presented in a clearly written manner with enough
detail for the layman. Included are
captioned, black and white photographs and diagrams that help to explain these
complex systems. Students will find
this series informative and easy to navigate because of the glossary and
detailed index included. Ilene
Goldis
World Book's Biographical Encyclopedia of Scientists. Chicago: World Book,
2003. 0-7166-7600-1. 8 vols, 1536p. $289.00. Gr. 5-10.
Everything you always wanted
to know about any scientist. Much more
thorough than Asimov. Photos,
chronologies, informative text boxes – everything you’ve come to expect
from World Book. Geared more for middle school readers, this
is still a great addition to all school collections. Pat Naismith
The
World Book Student Discovery Encyclopedia.
World
Book, 2003. 0-7166-7409-2. 13 vol.
$359.00. Gr. 4-8.
This
excellent introductory encyclopedia includes over 2,000 articles. The articles
are clear but brief, include color photos and diagrams for visual learners, and
have many features found in adult encyclopedias. It’s a great high/low resource
for the middle school. Michelle
Stone
World Book Student
Discoverer, 2003.
Introductory
encyclopedia. A colorful, visually
oriented encyclopedia with simply written articles on multiple topics. It is geared towards middle elementary
students, ESL and reluctant readers (Hi-Low).
The articles are well written but unsigned. Most pictures have adequate captions; however, the country maps
within the articles of the countries do not show any cities. The capital city should at least be
indicated. There are a few uncaptioned
pictures. Good starting point for many
topics. Jeannie
Bellavance