Northern and Western Asia

Children's Literature

When young readers look at a map of Russia they do not remember when this country was anything other than what it is now. Those of us who are a little older find it difficult to remember the names of all the new little countries that were formed as a result of the breakup of the USSR. This text presents these countries and others in a simple, yet informative manner. Each entry includes brief facts, a replica of the flag, a physical map and photos of the country's people. An inset map shows the location of the country in relation to its geographic region. An index and a glossary are included. This is one of the seven titles in the series "The World in Maps." This is an excellent "first" atlas for elementary classrooms. 2000, Lerner Publications, $23.93. Ages 12 to 16. Reviewer: Joyce Rice

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-Bramwell has undertaken a daunting task by attempting to encapsulate information on the geography, population, and industry of over two dozen nations in 40-page volumes. Albeit overzealous, the attempt is largely successful. For each nation in Asia, there is a color topographical map indicating major cities, mountains, and deserts; a small, color replica of the national flag; a formatted box containing pertinent national information; and often a color snapshot. Compact profiles briefly describe the geography, topography, industry, and economy of each country. Readers will appreciate the easy-to-read paragraphs and will absorb a good amount of cursory information. While students may be initially confused by the order in which the countries are presented, Bramwell has devised a geographical order of exposition that will aid their ability to see geographic and economic ties among neighboring nations. Each book contains an index to locate places within it, but without a series index, researchers will be frustrated by trying to figure out which volume contains which country. More comprehensive and well-delineated information is available in the Junior Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations (UXL, 1998). Turn to the National Geographic World Atlas for Young Explorers (1998) for brief information, stunning pictures, and maps.-Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gainesville, FL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.