The Marine Corps in action

Children's Literature

The United States Marines Corps stands out as one of the elite military forces in the world. However, it might surprise you to realize that at least four American Presidents proposed disbanding the Marine Corps or submersing it into the Army. The Marine Corps survived those internal threats much as it has the military missions it has been called upon to fulfill. Today, approximately 174,000 men and women serve as full time Marines while tens of thousands more maintain their reserve enlistment. The Marine Corps is designed as a rapid deployment strike force with varied capabilities. The role, structure, history and composition of the modern day Marine Corps are some of the subjects reviewed in this volume in the "U.S. Military Branches and Careers" series. In an illustrated format, the author does a very capable job of detailing what life in the Marine Corps is like. Readers with an interest in military history or those contemplating a career in the service will find this to be a valuable book. The periodic insertion of "mini-biographies" of noteworthy Marines and a section dedicated to minorities and women in the Corps makes this book a colorful look at a military institution with a proud history. 2001, Enslow, $20.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer:Greg M. Romaneck

VOYA

Although not exceptional, this offering, part of the U.S. Military Branches and Careers series, provides a solid general introduction to the worlds of U.S. Marine Corps service. Seven short chapters, enhanced by black-and-white photographs and illustrations, cover a wide range of topics, including mission and role; history; recruitment and training; structure; careers, pay, and benefits; the role of women and minorities; and a look at what the future might hold. Sidebar inserts provide a closer look at the contributions made by specific people. Of special interest is the section detailing weapons and equipment used in each branch. The text is easy to read, and the contents will be helpful to students looking for report information as well as those researching military career opportunities. Ample chapter notes, further reading suggestions, and a list of Internet addresses provide additional resources for students needing more detail. Given the recent terrorist activity in the United States and the war in Afghanistan, titles providing information about the armed services might be in greater demand among young adult readers. Other titles in the series cover the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Navy. Glossary. Index. Illus. Photos. Source Notes. Further Reading. VOYA CODES: 3Q 2P M J (Readable without serious defects; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2001, Enslow, 128p. PLB $20.95. Ages 11 to 15. Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo SOURCE: VOYA, February 2002 (Vol. 24, No.6)

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-Each author looks at a particular branch of the military, including its mission and role, history, recruitment and training, structure, career and pay benefits, representation of minorities and women, and its future. The texts are readable with appropriate terminology and vocabulary defined in context. Both titles are liberally illustrated with black-and-white photos. Sidebars and boxes provide supplemental information as do several flowcharts. The last segment of each title consists of photos and descriptions of equipment that each branch uses. Though both volumes reflect thorough research, Army has some minor flaws. The photo captions often repeat the text. One of them incorrectly states that the U.S. and the other U.N. countries defeated North Korea in the Korean Conflict. In one instance, the text refers to "the chart above" when it actually appears below the text. These problems, however, do not detract from the overall content. Both books will be adequate purchases for libraries needing current information or where there is high demand for the topic.-Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.