Castles and Forts

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-This history of castles and forts is also a history of war and humanity's ingenious attempts at protecting themselves from their enemies. This scope, much broader than in other books on castles, makes the title fascinating reading. Even though the text is brief and often cursory, it includes such intriguing facts as the reason that spiral staircases in castles were always built counterclockwise (so that defenders could swing their sword arm as they descended the stairs). Presented in chronological order, such varied structures as Mycenae, the Great Wall of China, Masada, and the Maginot Line are included. Each chapter or subject is handled on a double-page spread with brief text and numerous colorful drawings partnered with informative captions. When a specific fortress or castle is discussed, a small inset map of its location is presented. While the writing is straightforward and clear, some of the captioned material is occasionally repetitive. As a brief overview of a huge topic, this book will be popular with young readers.-Rosie Peasley, Empire Union School District, Modesto, CA