Mexico the Land

Children's Literature

The geography of Mexico is comprised of several different landscapes and is beset by earthquakes and volcanoes. Kalman provides an in-depth analysis of every aspect of Mexico's natural landscapes as well as giving concise information about agriculture, resources and industry, transportation, cities, and wildlife and the environment. Mexico's diverse landscape presents many challenges to those living there, and Kalman describes both present challenges and past challenges in detail. Each section is presented with full-color illustrations and photos. Words found in the glossary are presented in bold font throughout the text. An index is also included. Part of the "Lands, People, and Cultures Series." 2002, Crabtree, $7.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Danielle Williams

Children's Literature - Victoria Ryles

This reference tool explores the geography, agriculture, resources, and wildlife of Mexico, touching on earthquakes, volcanoes, the growth of cities, and the ancient cultures of this land. Kalman speaks briefly about Mexico's challenges including pollution in the cities, illegal immigration, and the growth of poverty. Students will enjoy and glean much from the array of bright and clear photos illustrating the major topics. The text is readable, and vocabulary is appropriate, often easily identified within context. Additionally, there is a useful glossary provided. It would have been good to provide a few more maps, as Mexican states are referenced and yet the one available map did not delineate states. Also, the interesting content would have been an effective way to expand map skills. Finally, the length of this text is appealing to young students—giving enough information without overwhelming, thus enticing readers to seek further information. This book is part of a series entitled "The Lands, Peoples, and Cultures Series." Reviewer: Victoria Ryles

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-There are some changes in these updated versions of the 1993 titles-increases in population, highways and railroad tracks are noted, and many pictures have been replaced-but the revisions are not significant. Culture highlights the arts, music, dance, legends, holidays, cooking, sports, and language. Land is a mixed bag-true to its title, it delves into geography, earthquakes, volcanoes, and resources, but it also speaks of illegal immigration into the U.S. and problems between the rich and the poor. People focuses on aspects of daily lives. There is overlap among the books-all three have very similar sections on Mexico's ancient cultures. Culture and People have some repetition dealing with religion and holidays. Nevertheless, the photos are bright and clear, the texts are readable, and the length of the books makes them a less formidable resource for research projects than many reference books.-Anne Knickerbocker, Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.