New Hampshire

School Library Journal

Gr 5-9-Three visually appealing and historically sound titles. The texts, though a bit dry, begin with the age of exploration (two volumes citing Columbus as first; one crediting the Vikings) and move on to the first settlers in each colony. Five or six chapters follow, focusing on colonial politics, hardships, commerce, a bit of daily life, and immigration. The concluding epilogue zooms readers from 1776 to today, with a quick look at the state's population, industry, religion, and ethnic groups. Black-and-white and full-color reproductions, portraits, pencil sketches, and maps appear on every page. These books are not as thorough as Dennis Fradin's "The Thirteen Colonies" series (Children's Press, 2004) but they're more appealing in their prolific use of illustrations. Keep Fradin's books, but add these new titles as needed.-Linda Beck, Indian Valley Public Library, Telford, PA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.