The New Russia

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-Covering the history and current status of the Russian Republic, this volume is suitable for reports. However, while generally clear and accurate, the text is not particularly interesting and suffers from occasionally awkward phrasing. The treatment is that of a general overview, which presents no problem in most sections, but the historical information is lacking in depth. The illustrations, mostly full-color photographs, are poorly selected and reproduced. The placement is often questionable, as when a discussion of the buildings in Red Square is accompanied by a photo of the Arbat shopping district of Moscow. The index and glossary are adequate. Russia (Lerner, 1992) is written in an engaging manner and is better illustrated, making it the title of choice.-Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA