Castles

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6 Well written and clearly presented, Castles gives an excellent overview of this form of shelter through history. A brief introduction sets readers on a course from 800 a.d. through the 1500s. Motte-and-bailey, stone, and concentric castles are explored in several chapters. Chapters on defending a castle and life in the castle are particularly interesting. Just enough history keeps readers aware of how and where trends originated. A brief chapter on the end of castles and some short legends and ghosts stories finish things off. The black-and-white photos, diagrams, and drawings are clear and well placed. An excellent addition to David Macaulay's Castle (Houghton, 1977) and R. J. Unstead's color illustrated but briefer See Inside a Castle (Watts, 1986). Elisabeth LeBris, Kenilworth Public School System, Ill.