Carisbrooke Castle

Children's Literature - Lori M. Saporosa

Colorful illustrations and photographs tell the tale of the Carisbrooke Castle, from its origin through medieval times. Various weapons and armor that may have been used to defend the castle are defined and pictured, such as chain mail and a crossbow. The author interestingly chooses photographs that depict actual soldier's point of view during a battle. In another section entitled, "Living in Peace: Isabella's Castle," another dimension of the castle is shown. At the time of Isabella de Fortibus, the castle was converted into a grand home and became one of the first homes to have glass windows. Important vocabulary terms are in bold print throughout the book and then are defined in the glossary. A comprehensive timeline and list of related books for further reading is also part of the backmatter. While the book is targeted for an intermediate reader, each of the twelve sections are short enough for a slightly younger reader.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-Succinct and readable introductions to archaeological sites. Little is in print specifically on Carisbrooke Castle and this book provides a look at this early stronghold on the Isle of Wight. The book covers the period from the castle's beginnings shortly after the Norman invasion to its restoration in 1896. Shuter discusses castle construction, advances in warfare, the re-fortification and use of the site over the centuries, and more. Numerous full-color photos and an occasional drawing illustrate the text. Mesa Verde describes the structures and probable lifestyle of the "Ancestral Puebloans" (ca. A.D. 500 to A.D. 1292). Topics such as clothing, beliefs, trade, farming, and tools are discussed. Close-up color shots with thorough explanations in the captions highlight the basic text. This title will be especially useful in rounding out holdings on Native American peoples. Neither book is a definitive text, but both provide good introductory information in a pleasing format.-Roxanne Burg, Thousand Oaks Library, CA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|