The Gulf War

School Library Journal

Gr 5-10-- King begins with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and then backtracks to cover the history of Kuwait as a nation and the area in general. Four ``Fact Files'' look at geography, history, Iraq under Saddam Hussein, and the force oil exerts in the Middle East. He provides a succinct chronological summation of the war, from August 2, 1990-April 3, 1991. The text is readable, if not exciting, and the style is objective and reportorial. The groundwork set so well in the opening sections allows the author to remain unbiased in his coverage; thus, a fairly complete and integrated picture of the crisis emerges. Frequent full-color photographs, maps, and charts--at least one to a page--extend and clarify the narrative; and the inclusion of the text of three of the U. N. resolutions pertaining to the situation is a plus. The glossary, although selective, gives concise definitions; the index is adequate; and the chronology is most helpful. This is a good source for reports, for interest reading, or for classroom use to clarify just what happened when and where. --Ann Welton, Thomas Academy, Kent, WA