Understanding Differences

Children's Literature

This "Spyglass Book" has many features that will endear it to children, parents, teachers and librarians. The colorful photographs are accompanied by short text on every page that explains the pictures to enable children to understand and learn from the experience. Children will enjoy reading, re-reading and being read to about these interesting concepts while learning about the differences and similarities of people around the globe. Several features in this primary social studies book make this an outstanding selection. Two advisers assure the content is correct and the vocabulary within a child's grasp. The glossary explains words in bold print the first time they are used. The Table of Contents allows the reader to select which chapter to read first. The" Learn More" bibliography suggests material in print and on the web. The index helps readers find information hurriedly. The reinforced library binding guarantees a long life for a book that is sure to be in demand. The "People and Culture" series will provide additional learning experiences. 2005, Compass Press Books, Ages 6 to 8.
—Jennie DeGenaro

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2-In the first book, basic shapes are identified, described, and graphically presented via full-color photographs of buildings and sites. Some of the pictures of these structures, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Roman Colosseum, contain details that interfere with a clear presentation of the shape. It's unfortunate that a simple outline of it is not included within the context of the picture. Computers attempts to provide a simple introduction to technology, but the concepts and pictures about early machines are too complex for this age group. In addition, ending a sentence identifying the founder of IBM without adding a description of the company assumes too much prior knowledge. The discussion of how computers evolved is better, though a diagram of how they link in the Internet might have been more informative than a photo of a father and daughter on a keyboard. The photo of a "wearable" computer will also raise questions not answered in the text. Understanding Differences portrays random concepts and photos of people, while describing cultural manners and celebrations. References are not always identified, as in "In some countries, though, cows are sacred." Or, "People don't always use good manners. Sometimes people whistle during sports games-." The combination of random facts and arrangements, lack of detail, and use of some complex photos results in books that do not meet the requirements of their targeted audience.-Phyllis M. Simon, Bay Shore School District, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.