Careers in Focus

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-Each of these volumes gives a brief introduction to the field followed by alphabetically organized chapters giving specifics about individual jobs. Each entry includes an overview of the career and its history, a job description, educational and training requirements, employment opportunities, outlook, earnings, and work environment. There is also a list of places to contact for more information at the end of each section. The writing is straightforward and loaded with pertinent information. The chapters on "Public Relations Specialists" are exactly the same in Writing and Business. As a matter of fact, all three books' entries are close to verbatim from Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance (Ferguson, 1999). Blythe Camenson's Real People Working in Business (VGM, 1998) is similar in content to Business but is more readable. Preparing for a Career in Travel & Hospitality (Ferguson, 1998) is very similar to Travel & Hospitality, though most of the writing in the older version is more upbeat and interesting, and includes helpful information on preparing for and seeking employment. Elizabeth Foote-Smith's Opportunities in Writing Careers (VGM, 1999) is more practical and easier to read than Writing. These new titles are current, but already exhibit initial signs of being dated, the bane of career books in general.-Diane P. Tuccillo, Mesa Public Library, AZ Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.