Australia is part of the series, “Major Nations in a Global World.” It is an introduction to the country for middle grade readers. The photographs are clear and colorful. Uncommon words are highlighted in bold print and later explained in the glossary. The book is of standard format using table of contents, glossary, index, and suggestions for further reading. Many topics about the country are covered including: family life, city life, and the native peoples. Students will be interested in the variety of plant and animal life on the continent. Some small amount of the history of the country is covered. It is, however, disappointing to see a complete lack of maps in this volume. While it has that weakness, it is still recommended as an introductory book for middle grade readers because the text and graphics do satisfy the target audience. The cover is appealing and the book will be taken off the school library shelves and read through, either for fun or for a report. Reviewer: Elizabeth Swartz; Ages 8 to 12.
These three titles in the Major Nations in a Global World series provide readers with insight into the culture and history of Australia, India, and Japan. The books’ formats are identical. Six chapters entitled “History, Religion, and Tradition;” “Family and Friends;” “Food and Drink;” “School, Work, and Industry;” “Arts and Entertainment;” and “Cities, Towns, and the Countryside” are followed by suggestions for further research, a glossary, and an index. Each book features color photographs on every page, brief sidebars, and highlighted vocabulary terms, the definitions of which are provided on the first page of each chapter. Chapters conclude with three “text-dependent questions” and two suggested research projects. Content is consistently excellent. The editorial decision to establish titles of six specific content areas has resulted in a top-down exploration of these cultures. Readers understand the why of culture and then examples (the what) enrich these explanations. The approach obviates the bottom-up approach of so many volumes on countries’ cultures that ultimately read with a stereotypic bent. Centore and Perritano break vocabulary-rich diction into relatively brief sentences. The paragraphs read “smart” but are not overwhelming. Excellent color photography combine with sepia-toned images that float beneath text—another instance of adding substance without overwhelming the reader. A worthy purchase for middle grades, low-ability upper grades, and even precocious fifth graders, Major Nations in a Global World offers rich content in an accessible and functional format. (Major Nations in a Global World) Reviewer: Lauri J. Vaughan; Ages 11 to 18.
11/01/2015
Gr 6–8—Through a six-chapter format, this set offers readers largely positive overviews, covering history, family and social relationships, food, school and work, art and recreation, and major cities and regions. The history chapters are abbreviated, relegating important topics, such as Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, to one or two paragraphs. Content is standard fare for country books aimed at middle school readers, but the vocabulary is stilted and too advanced for the intended audience; students may be unfamiliar with words such as verdant and purloined. The photos that appear on every page appear to be stock images, and they are not well coordinated with the texts. There are no maps. VERDICT Readers are likely to find these titles difficult to read, and they don't improve on extant materials. At best, supplemental report choices.
