Maine

Children's Literature

This clever new series by Enslow, "MyReportLink.com Book," integrates the slim-volume chapter books with corresponding Internet resources found at their special Web site. Perfect for researchers, the book on New York presents the reader with an overview of the state's falls and halls, nature and culture, native sons and presidents, government and history. The chapter on history reveals the explorers of the region and the importance of the Dutch Colonists to the states rich culture. Sports fans will enjoy reading about New York's famous Yankees baseball team and other popular sports teams. Beginning researchers will be motivated by the clever way the book sets the stage for further fact-finding at the pre-evaluated web links made exclusively as a companion to the book. Links are kept up-to-date and provide source documents, photos, and further information. The Web site also includes a special link for teachers, librarians, and parents. Each page is cleverly designed to mimic a Web page and includes color photos, charts and maps, and illustrations on almost every page. These visuals add interest and further engage the reader. This idea can save teachers hours of planning time and will motivate even the most reluctant student. 2002, Enslow Publishing,
— Sue Reichard

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-Combining text and technology, these titles provide students with plenty of information for classroom research or personal inquiry. Five pages of annotated Internet addresses precede the chapters. The quality sites can be accessed through the MyReportLinks site; a password is provided and the publisher states that it "will keep these Report Links up to date on- [the Web site] for three years from the book's first publication date." Once there, users find a simple and uncluttered page that provides subject links and a keyword search option. Each specific state link leads to a table. A page of easy-to-use quick facts covers general information about the state such as famous people and interesting locations. Other chapters cover land and climate, economy, government, and history with each spread replicating the format of a computer screen in Internet Explorer. Plentiful color photos, maps, and pictures of actual Web pages varying in contrast and sharpness complement the information. The simple sentence and paragraph structure, as well as the layout of the text and the Web-site design, allow for quick access to information.-Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.