The Reproductive System: (2nd Edition)

School Library Journal

Gr 5 UpTwo volumes that address the structure and physiology of their respective systems. The texts are succinct but complete, and include plenty of detail without being overwhelming. Skeleton explains the types of muscles and how they work, joint diseases, bones, skeletal diseases and disorders, and more. Reproductive System addresses male and female anatomy, genes, fertility problems, contraception, STDs, and human development from conception to adolescence. Both books are well organized and well written. The full-color photos, diagrams, and illustrations are clear and complement the text. Fact boxes on topics such as DNA, population and numbers of bones in the body give additional information. Good introductions to two complex systems of the human body.Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8-Each title uses the pilgrimage site as a focal point for the religion associated with it. The Vatican-the weakest of the three titles-first describes daily life within the Vatican, explains why it is important to the world's Catholics, and gives a brief history of the religion. Readers are given a peek inside the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican museums. The second half of the book expands to discuss relics, feast days, and other pilgrimage sites, but the author has oversimplified several complex issues, to the point of confusion. Bodh Gaya is the strongest of the three as it sticks the most closely to the series' intent. It covers the shrine in India where the Buddha first found enlightenment and keeps its focus on the shrine itself, describing what Buddhists do when they visit it and what is actually there to see. Ross digresses to explain concepts of Buddhism only when absolutely necessary and then in clear terms. Western Wall offers a good history of the area, and clearly explains the reason for the site's importance to Judaism. This leads into the discussion of the tenets of the faith, including a description of its practices. Again, there is some oversimplification. Regarding Jerusalem, the author first states that "people from these religions [Christianity, Judaism, and Islam] have lived together peacefully there." But then she adds that "many wars have been fought over Jerusalem" without further elaboration. All three volumes have good-quality, full-color photos, but the lack of clarity in the writing makes them marginal purchases.-Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.