School Library Journal

Gr 5-8Like most of the books in this series, this introduction to the Middle Ages gives a clear picture of life and the times through a combination of brief text and an abundance of high-quality pictures with descriptive and informative captions. Beginning with an overview of the period and its societal structure, the book deals with various aspects of daily life among the different levels of society, the role and influence of religion, jobs, culture and the arts, health and disease, and a look forward to the coming Renaissance. All topics are covered in a double-page spread. The result is a clear, interestingly presented overview of medieval life. Details in the pictures such as an underlayer of clothing or the use of a variety of knives will intrigue children and help them gain a sense of life during this period. The excellent illustrations combine art reproductions and drawings and photographs of various objects. Children will find much to interest them here and the format encourages browsing; however, the visual and written information make this title also useful for reports and projects.Jane Gardner Connor, South Carolina State Library, Columbia