Life in Ancient Egypt

School Library Journal

Gr 5-7-Each text provides background on the history, geography, rulers, people, life, arts, culture, and eventual fate of each civilization. However, the chapter titles do not always provide enough clues as to the complete scope of the section. The subheadings that divide the material into short, manageable segments are more helpful. Readers may need to skim each chapter spread, noting the subheading, to locate needed information. The pages are full of colorful photographs, illustrations, time lines, artwork, and diagrams complete with well-written captions. The texts offer more information than textbooks, but still do not delve deeply enough into each civilization to provide information for more than a simple report. However, the visual artifacts from each civilization are sure to interest students. None of the books includes a bibliography. The same information can be found in Ancient Egypt, Ancient China, and Aztec, Inca, and Maya (all DK, 2000) in the "Eyewitness" series.-Anne L. Tormohlen, Deerfield Elementary School, Lawrence, KS Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.