Language and Writing

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-This superficial overview, done in the ``Eyewitness'' style, features attractive full-color visuals, but is short on substance. Rowe and Burns present bits and snatches of information on the origins of writing and the contributions made by various cultures. The writing is simplistic and the authors continually try to relate the ideas to modern forms of communication, which is not always effective. The best aspect of the book is its full-color photos and reproductions of artifacts from ancient civilizations. Although there is an excellent time line, it is, unfortunately, placed at the back of the text. Overall, this title is insufficient for reports and is not likely to attract browsers.-Marcia S. Rettig, South Buffalo Elementary School, Freeport, PA