The Enlightenment

School Library Journal

Gr 6-8-It is virtually impossible to cover such complex topics in 50 pages or less. Each title opens with a four-page introduction followed by single-page profiles and a full-page photo or portrait of some of the major players. Of the three books, Enlightenment is probably the most useful and accurate. There is confusion in Russian Revolution concerning Nicholas II's marriage and his being crowned tsar. The last chapter concludes with Stalin's death in 1953, but the chronology ends with Lenin's death in 1924. The War of 1812 states that James Madison was a founder of the Republican Party, but does not explain that this is not today's GOP. On several different occasions, the text states that Madison declared war when only Congress can do that. The British did burn the White House but they did not burn "the mansion to the ground" as stated. It is hard to believe that Andrew Jackson fought in the American Revolution at age three. The World Book says it was age 13. The chronology entry for June, 1814, is "Peace negotiations between the U.S. and Britain commence in Ghent, Belgium." The entry for August 8, 1814, states, "American and British representatives begin peace negotiations in Ghent, Belgium." What is the difference? Most of the information in these titles can be found in individual encyclopedia entries.-Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.