People

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-These titles purport to use geographic themes to introduce maps. The opening sections do that. In fine two-page spreads, many of the symbols and language of maps are presented. Unfortunately, what follows is a disappointing hodgepodge of photographs, mediocre drawings, and maps filled with fairly useless symbols. The books are organized geographically, with a double-page spread devoted to each area. The regions are so large, however, as to be worthless in reinforcing the concept suggested in the titles. For example, in Landscapes, the discussion of Southern Europe, an area that includes all the land from Spain to Greece, stresses volcanoes. To combine Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands into a single grouping to demonstrate People and then to highlight carnivals and steel bands conveys an equally unfortunate impression. Such broad generalizations, while appealing graphically, often serve to reinforce stereotypes rather than counter them. While there are certainly some nice features in these books, and the geographical organization makes sense to some degree, it is hard to follow the logic behind the examples selected for each section. The indexes are of little use and contain several errors. Too often they lead readers to a word or phrase that has been used in the text, but not necessarily to an explanation. Furthermore, some of the maps are distorted by the book's gutter and are frustrating to use. Unnecessary purchases for most libraries.-Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City