United States

School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up-Two series entries that present broad, introductory overviews of the history, social attitudes, cultural traditions, and current status of women in their respective countries. The first chapter of each book offers a biographical account of a famous woman. Given the vast number of figures who could have been highlighted, readers may wonder about the criteria for the selection of Harriet Tubman and Grace O'Malley, or Granuaile as she came to be known. Throughout, the accomplishments of a large number of significant women are introduced in brief summaries. These sketches could serve as springboards to longer biographies. Full-color photographs enhance the readable, double-column texts. However, the illustrations and maps are mediocre, and the smooth flow of the narratives is continually broken up by the awkward placement of colored blocks of print that add additional facts. United States does not offer any new or fresh insight into the role of women in our society; Ireland does offer some material not readily found elsewhere.-April L. Judge, Association for Library Service to Children, ALA, Chicago