Looking at Germany

Children's Literature - Barbara L. Talcroft

This slender title, a part of the "Looking at Countries" series, is intended as an introduction to life in present-day Germany, though several castles and some old houses are pictured too. In a series of two-page chapters, younger middle readers can locate Germany in the world and Europe and go on to learn something about landscape and weather, people in their schools and families, and life in the city and country. Several pages focus on German houses and food and what Germans do at work and play. Middle readers will find the young soccer players appealing; others may be attracted to the high-speed train next to a beautifully maintained autobahn or to a plate of luscious-looking sausages. In combination, the bright color photos, brief informative text, and numerous sidebars move readers along briskly but end up giving kids a good overview of life in a clean, modern, prosperous country that values tradition, though its history and darker sides are not explored. A facts page shows the black, red, and gold flag, a Euro coin, and a castle in Dortmund (other places pictured throughout are seldom identified). A glossary and recommendations for websites (mostly commercial; not very satisfactory) are included, as is a reproducible outline map of Germany. This glossy book could be fun for browsing and would make an appealing introduction to a study of Germany, offering beginning report writers many ideas for topics to research further. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft