Gr 8 Up A straightforward, well presented biography that will provide a good introduction to Mussolini and Facism. Mussolini's life is presented chronologically from his childhood as a bully and trouble maker; through his rise to power; his years as the dictator of Italy, controlling yet uncertain of himself or his direction; and finally to his fall from power, weak attempt at escape, and execution. Lyttle presents a relatively unbiased and perceptive portrait with enough background information interwoven to make the Italian political scene comprehensible to most young readers. The book's end seems as abrupt as Mussolini's. Having become involved with Italian politics and Mussolini's family, readers may feel the need for a tying up of loose ends, but perhaps this will lead them to do further reading. The lack of a map of Italy is a minor flaw. Jules Archer's Twentieth Century Caesar, Benito Mussolini (Messner, 1964; o.p.) is more fictionalized. Many children's books, both fiction and nonfiction, are available on Germany's role in World War II, but there are few on the Italian involvement. Il Duce will help to fill the gap. Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, N.J.
