Italy - The People

Children's Literature

Although people have lived in Italy for thousands of years, the country we know as Italy today did not come into being until the mid 1800s. The Etruscans, the Romans, conquering armies from neighboring countries, native peoples and refugees are all part of Italy's proud and storied past. This book provides an overview of the Italian people, past and present. It includes information about Italian families, city and country life, school, customs, Italian fashion and food. Colorful photos enhance the text. Overall, the book succeeds in providing a snapshot of the Italian people and their regional differences. The photos tend to emphasize the fact that refugees from Europe, the Middle East and Africa are changing the face of modern Italy. A glossary and index are found at the back of the book. This title is one in the publisher's "The Lands, Peoples, and Cultures" series. 2001, Crabtree Publishing, $20.60 and $7.95. Ages 9 to 13. Reviewer:Jeanne K. Pettenati

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-These three slim overviews could have been issued as one title. Culture covers religion and Vatican City and touches briefly on the country's festivals, artists, architecture, music, theatre and film, and literature. A weak folktale, appended at the end, seems out of place. Land contains a map of the country and details about the topography. Major cities such as Rome, Florence, Milan, Naples, and Turin are highlighted along with the nation's industry, transportation, and environment. People devotes a few pages to history, contains a section that contrasts country life to city life, and mentions education and sports. The strengths of these books are the myriad captioned quality photos. Libraries owning Jean F. Blashfield's Italy (Children's, 1999) can look to Nickles's volumes as strictly supplemental purchases.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.