Paraguay

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-These titles follow a similar format, yet accommodate the differences imposed by the very different nature of the countries covered. In each case, history, geography, economy, and culture are discussed, but the order and emphasis given to each section varies. The books are generally bias-free, and the authors demonstrate familiarity with their subjects. It is particularly helpful that definitions of unfamiliar words are seamlessly woven into the text instead of referring readers to a glossary at the back. Abundant and well-chosen black-and-white reproductions and full-color photographs appear throughout each book, and there are maps at the beginning and the end of the texts. Two of them, one in Cyprus and the other in Indonesia, are slightly out of date, but they are generally useful. The fact summaries give overviews for researchers. Similar ground is covered in the ``Visual Geography'' (Lerner) and ``Children of the World'' series (Gareth Stevens), but collections needing additional material on these countries would do well with these books.- Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City