Attack in Iraq

Library Journal

Gr 5-8-These two titles offer little in the way of new information or insight into the continuing conflict in Iraq. Delving into specific detail, occasionally to the point of trivia, the books give a day-to-day, sometimes hour-by-hour account of the events that raged across Iraq in the early days of the war. Thorough descriptions of the aircraft, weaponry, and troop movements are given. With a seeming reliance on the news media for both photographs and information, they sometimes have a pro-Western feel. The texts are laced with quotations from various military and political luminaries reinforcing the Western slant. There is an attempt at giving a balanced view of the situation by highlighting some of the pitfalls that occurred, such as the looting of the Iraq National Museum and the lack of clean drinking water. Many of the graphic, full-color photographs seem gratuitous, being used more to lure readers in, as opposed to extending the narrative. Important and effective components of the books are the time line and "Fast Facts" sections that help to make the information more accessible. The glossary seems incomplete, leaving out difficult terms such as coalition, yet including words like jubilation. Students who are particularly interested in all things military may find these titles appealing, but their educational merit is limited. Librarians looking for information on the region may be wise to see how things play out before investing in the series.-Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.