Mara, Wil. James Garfield.

Mara, Wil.     James Garfield.        Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, 2012.  96p. $27.42.  ISBN 978-1-60870-183-4   elm/ms VG                 

James Garfield is a well-written book geared toward upper-elementary and middle-school student researchers. Mara provides readers with biographical data from Garfield's beginnings as a child in Ohio through his years in office.  He includes important events such as Garfield's college years at Williams College, his marriage to Lucretia Rudolph, and various career choices -- including teacher, Eclectic Institute’s school president, public speaker, politician, Ohio state senator, Civil War colonel, U.S. Congressman, and eventually the president of our great country.    There is a great deal of information leading up to Garfield’s presidential win in 1880 and assassination in 1881 by Charles Guiteau.  Even though Garfield’s presidency was short, the author presents readers with his often overlooked legacy. 
The book includes primary historical documents, color and black and white photographs, a chronolog, a glossary, a list of books and web sites for further reading, and a great comprehensive index.  It is part of the series Presidents and Their Times, each title of which examines the period and formative events of an individual president's term, and includes childhood character-building experiences, entry into politics, major events of the presidency, and a life after the presidency.         

Subject: Garfield, James A. (James Abram), 1831-1881.               Charleen Forba-Mayer

Loricchio, Matthew. The Cooking of France.

Loricchio, Matthew. The Cooking of France.  Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, 2012.  96p.  $35.64.

ISBN 978-1-60870-551-1       ms       E-BN              

The twofold purpose of this book is to introduce the culture of France through its regional cooking styles and provide authentic French recipes.  In the first part of the book, the eleven regions of France are grouped into three larger regions -- north, central and southern -- and the similarities and general characteristics of the foods of each region are discussed.   The remainder of the book consists of recipes, with five to seven recipes for each region.  Each recipe is extremely well presented, with clear lists of ingredients and well-written directions.  All of the recipes require adult assistance.  Tips are provided, and cooking terms such as "fold" are explained.   There is even an explanation of how to recognize egg whites that have been beaten until stiff peaks form.  Many of the recipes have color photographs.
The second-edition titles in this series (Super Chefs) are almost identical to the ones in the first edition, with the addition of two recipes and more color photographs.  If your first-edition copies are well worn, it is definitely worth the money to replace them with the second edition.  For libraries without this series, it is a "must-have".  There are eight titles in the Super Chef series, each one representing the culture of a country through its regional cuisine.            Subject: Cookery, French                               Joan Theal

Elish, Dan. Fiction.

Elish, Dan.  Fiction.  Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, 2012.  96p.   $34.21.  ISBN 978-1-60870-497-2 ms/hs   VG-BN          

This book provides a look at the hallmarks of high-quality fiction writers and at ideas and techniques essential to crafting short stories or novels.  The first part of the book reflects on various fiction writers of both short stories and novels who are regarded as high-quality writers.  Quotations from the authors discuss the writing process.  Examples of high-quality prose are presented, along with the reasons they are considered high-quality.  The rest of the book encourages students to persevere when they start the writing process and continue the rewriting necessary for final submission to a publisher.  Techniques to to help with writer’s block are listed.  Discussions about point of view, hooks to get readers interested, character development,  plot development, and use of proper grammar boil down to very solid advice for budding writers.  References for further reading, chapter notes, and an index complete the book.  One typographical mistake appears on page 56: “I haven’t see you here in awhile.”  The series is The Craft of Writing, and it comprises five books (Fiction, Journalism, Plays, Poetry, Screenplays).  Each book provides high-quality examples of each style of writing and explains why were chosen as examples for students, and offers tips for writing well.      Subject: Writing technique     

Lois McNicol

Burlingame, Jeff. The Lost Boy of Sudan.

Burlingame, Jeff.     The Lost Boy of Sudan.       Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, 2012.  80p. $23.95

ISBN 978-1-60870-475-0       ms/hs   E-BN 

This book presents a concise retelling of the horrors experienced by children caught in the civil wars in Sudan.  Photographs, some very grim, bring their plight into sharp focus. The Americanization of some of the refugees met with mixed success.  The first chapter tells the history of Sudan from early times through the start of the civil wars. Each time civil war broke out, the looting and raids on villages caused families to flee, with many children losing track of their families. The boys who survived faced forced marches, relief efforts that were never enough, and finally a hope that they could emigrate to America. The harsh conditions in which they survived in their native land are heartbreaking to read.  Many personal narratives are interwoven to give a sense of immediacy to the writing.  The refugee effort to assimilate the Lost Boys who emigrated into life in the United States had its shortcomings, as the older teens were not provided the support necessary to be successful in a strange land.  Those who were of school age faired much better.  A timeline, glossary, list of resources for further reading, and an index complete the book.  The series Great Escapes provides an up-close and personal look at the conditions under which survivors have lived and managed to start a new life after escaping conditions of horror. The books are well illustrated and include personal quotations embedded in the narrative.           

Subject: Refugees -- Sudan                                                                                          Lois McNicol

Sterngass, Jon. Same-Sex Marriage.

Sterngass, Jon.  Same-Sex Marriage.  Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, 2012.  143p.  $37.07.  ISBN 978-1-60870-490-3       hs        E-BN  

Same-Sex Marriage presents an overview of the controversial issue of same-sex marriage from societal, historical, legal, and religious perspectives.  The topic of same-sex marriage is in the news every day, and as such, it is a topic for debate in many high-school classes.  This book is a truly unbiased presentation of all sides of the issue.  The author takes the reader on a systematic progression of subtopics, beginning with the reasons same-sex marriage is currently so controversial, and then jumping back in time to present a historical perspective on the issue.  As one reads through each chapter's perspectives, one builds a thorough knowledge base from which he or she can formulate a personal opinion. Side-bars present related information, such as “Some Cross-Cultural Comparisons" on page 37 and “Federal Marriage Amendment” on page 101.  Full-color photographs accompany the text throughout the book, which concludes with extensive chapter notes, references for further information (both text and web-based), a bibliography, and an index.        

The book is part of the Marshall Cavendish series Controversy!, a collection of titles that address many of the most controversial issues discussed by young adults.  The information is presented in an unbiased, multi-perspective fashion that allows students to develop their own opinions based upon the solid information found they have read.         Subject: Same-sex Marriage -- United States

Lynn Fisher

Trueit, Trudi Strain. The Vikings.

Trueit, Trudi Strain.           The Vikings. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, 2012.  64p  $26.28.  ISBN 978-1-60870-76          ms       VG-BNS                    

This book focuses on the discoveries and inventions of the ancient Viking civilization in the areas of transportation, agriculture, architecture, science, and technology.  Students who need to gain extensive knowledge about the Vikings will find this title appealing.  Filled with information about the male warriors, The Vikings teaches students that the Vikings were incredibly gifted at sea and used their skills and technology in sea travel to gain wealth, conquer territories, establish settlements, make trades, and discover new lands.  The Vikings made raids to provide for their families back home and to create adventures that sometimes led to new settlements and discoveries.  The author provides readers with a sense of what life was like during the Viking Age and how the institution of family was at the center of Viking civilization.  Many ideas were developed by their ancestors, and perhaps they borrowed ideas from other cultures as well.  The author includes an entire chapter on how Viking men and women made a living and/or did their jobs, including farming, fishing, and cooking.  The architecture used during the Viking era included sturdy structures that could withstand wind, snow, and rain.  Since Viking families usually grouped together to live, building designs needed to be simple but also make use of all the space available for family members.  The Vikings traveled by land and sea, and as they traveled they discovered new establishments and territories.
The Vikings includes color photographs, portrait reprints, interesting fact boxes, a timeline of events, a glossary, a list of recommended books and websites, and a comprehensive index.    It is one book in the series Technology of the Ancients.  Each title in this series focuses on world history, beginning with the earliest known civilizations and extending to the twentieth century.  Each book gives readers an up-close look at the ingenuity of forward-thinking inventors and engineers from the early civilizations.

Subject: Vikings                                                                                              Charleen Forba-Mayer

Sterngass, Jon. Terrorism.

Sterngass, Jon.  Terrorism.   Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, 2011.  80p.  $22.95  ISBN 978-0-7614-4977-5     ms/hs E-BNS      

     This well-written and well-researched guide to terrorism examines the various reasons for terrorist acts and offers statistics on their effects.  Famous groups are introduced, ways that governments deal with terrorism are covered, and the role of the media and censorship are presented.  Several strengths make this book a very good choice for introducing the subject of terrorism to teenagers.  First, the author presents two viewpoints, that of the victim and that of the perpetrator.  That unbiased look shows new students of terrorism that people who commit these acts have an agenda, often basing their actions on their own interpretations of religious documents and beliefs or on a desire to make a certain political statement, such as striving for independence in Northern Ireland. 

     In addition to the definition of terrorism and a look at the reasons for the actions of terrorists, the author organizes the book into five parts, thus ensuring clarity and helping young readers divide this rather difficult topic into a structure that will aid in their comprehension of the different kinds of terrorism.  The five chapters include a definition, an examination of the various terrorist organizations, a look at the machination of terrorism, actions that governments undertake to fight terrorism, and finally, several case studies that allow for wonderful classroom interactions and discussions. 

     Another strength lies in the introductory coverage of related topics.  Jon Sterngass introduces thought-provoking issues like water boarding, retaliation and suicide bombings, and he provides statistics about injuries and deaths, which are not presented to scare the reader but to inform him or her.  By broaching these related topics, Sterngass offers the classroom teacher much to discuss and debate.  On the other hand, the supporting photographs are chilling in their portrayal of real-life events, especially the photograph of a suicide bomber with her three-year-old son holding a grenade.  With that in mind, classroom teachers should choose which parts to introduce to younger readers.  For more mature readers, they will undoubtedly find this book to be helpful both as a starting point or as an entire unit!  A timeline, glossary and index wrap up the book.     

     The series is entitled Debating the Issues, and it includes titles about animal rights, global warming, immigration, nuclear energy, student rights and terrorism.  Well-organized and comprehensive, these books study each issue fairly and offer a glossary, a timeline and debate topics.

Martha Squaresky

 

Gold, Susan Dudley Freedom of Information Act

Gold, Susan Dudley      Freedom of Information Act    

 Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark  2012  143p  27.95 978-1-60870-485-9      hs/adult    E-BNS       

      Follows U.S. Representative John Moss’ struggle, along with other representatives, senators and private citizens through the years, to get the Freedom of Information Act passed in 1966.   The Freedom of Information Act  (FOIA) has become the cornerstone of the public’s right to know in the United States. From Township records to Presidential documents, the FOIA balances government security, business interests and private concerns through the language of the Act. The history of the Act and it’s more public, subsequent uses are explained. This book is well sourced (notes and bibliography - both print and web-based. The ever-present (in this series) “From Bill to Law” can be found toward the end of this book. Illustrations are present, but the book is strong not because of them but because of the information it presents in such a readable fashion.   Landmark Legislation (MC)     

    Twenty titles complete this series. As with other titles in this series, all are well written and most informative. Highly recommend this for any middle school, high school or public library.    United States, Freedom of Information Act        Lyn Fisher

Locricchio, Matthew. The Cooking of China.

Locricchio, Matthew.  The Cooking of China.     Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, 2011. 96p.  $24.95  ISBN 978-1-60870-550-4      ms/hs E-BNS      

     This new addition to the superb Superchef series informs readers of the different regions of China and how they influence the well-known foods, spices and flavors they are famous for. Author Matthew Locricchio and photographer Jack McConnell take readers on a brief tour of the Northern, Western-Central, Eastern and Southern Regions of China, including succinct history, famous landmarks, and tastes of the areas. Locricchio also provides information about different foods and spices of each region, brief cooking instructions and several traditional recipes from the different areas. 
     The book responsibly begins with an emphasis on safety and introduces cooking terms to prepare young readers for cooking, and then delivers the influences of the regions. The next chapter provides “The Basics”, which includes information and recipes needed in preparation of the subsequent chapters. These chapters consist of recipes divided into the categories “Soups and Appetizers,” “Vegetable Dishes,” “Main Dishes,” and “Deserts.” The book concludes with a directory of kitchen equipment and utensils, a description of essential ingredients used in Chinese cooking, a “Find Out More” list, metric conversion chart, and extensive index.
     Matthew Locricchio has impressively created an improved and updated edition of the previously well-known and responsible Cooking of China. In addition to the informative text, it has an attractive layout and includes lively illustrations and photographs. Text boxes with chef’s tips are scattered throughout the recipe chapters, adding to the visual appeal, as well as providing helpful information.
     This book is one of eight titles in the new, second edition Superchef series. Other titles include The Cooking of ... Italy, Thailand, Mexico, Greece, France, India, and Brazil.      

Subject: Cooking, Chinese    

Virginia McGarvey

 

Hicks, Aubrey. Student Rights.

Hicks, Aubrey.  Student Rights.  Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, 2011.    80p. $22.95

ISBN 978-0-7614-4969-5  ms/hs VG-BN      

     The right to express ourselves is the first provision in the constitutional amendments of the United States. The First-Amendment rights of school students are clearly presented in this interesting book, which begins with a historical overview of freedom of speech (or the lack thereof) and censorship through landmark cases.  Sidebars throughout the book present related topics, such as "The Socratic Method," and "Proposition 8". Blurbs entitled “Did you know?” can also be found throughout the book, and they address everything from the US Supreme Court to cyber-bullying. Bright, full-color illustrations highlight the text and are placed appropriately throughout. Each chapter concludes with “What do you know” questions, which provide excellent points for class or group discussion. The book concludes with a timeline, glossary, references for further information (both print and web), and an index.

     The series is Debating the Issues. If other titles in the series are as informative and interesting as this book, they should be a definite consideration for addition to any middle-school, high-school, or public library collection. 

Subject: Freedom of speech -- United States    

Lynn Fisher

Burlingame, Jeff. Prisons.

Burlingame, Jeff. Prisons.  Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark,   2011. 143p  $25.95

sISBN 978-1-60870-493-4 ms/hs VG-BNS           

     Rehabilitation or punishment?  From the earliest times to the present, the prison system has been viewed in many ways.  The pros and cons of each argument about the penal system are highlighted in this informative volume.

As with other titles in the Controversy series, this volume brings the debate over various aspects of the current prison system and current legislation into the spotlight.  Beginning with a historical overview of the purpose and character of the prison system from its earliest days to the present, the author then goes on to highlight multiple views on the role of the prison system today, with personal narratives and profiles.  What is most cost effective?  Is rehabilitation a better solution than punishment?  Social activists, the parole system, different types of prisons, and release programs are all covered. 
     Photos and text boxes are used effectively to highlight interesting supplemental information.  The only problem is that the text boxes are placed in the middle of the narration in every chapter, interrupting the flow of the text. 
     A timeline, extensive chapter notes, and bibliographical resources, plus an extensive index, supplement the textual material in this volume for middle and high-school readers. 

     This book is part of the Controversy series, set 3.  There are six books in the series at this time.  The purpose of the series is to help students make informed choices, by presenting both sides of controversial issues.    

Subject: Prisons 

Pat Naismith

 

Burlingame, Jeff. Government Entitlements.

Burlingame, Jeff.   Government Entitlements.    Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, 2012.  143 pages. $25.95  ISBN 978-1-60870-491-0 ms/hs VG         

     This book traces the history, funding, and features of the most popular government entitlement programs, such as Social Security, welfare programs, unemployment insurance, workers’ compensation and veterans’ benefits, for students in grades 7-12.  It is colorfully illustrated and provides two-page inserts that interrupt the flow of the text with further information about events and people mentioned in each chapter. The history of government entitlements starts in ancient times and continues to the present-day United States. The last chapter looks at smaller programs such as block grants, foster-care assistance, housing assistance, farm subsidies, earned income-tax credits, CHIP, and Head Start programs available in the United States. For students unfamiliar with these programs, the book presents background information and current concerns about the viability of each one. This book provides a good first place to start research on current-events topics, debate topics,and persuasive papers.  The book concludes with chapter notes, references for further reading,and an index.  The series, Controversy, includes six titles that reflect current events in the news. Each book provides a historical background on the topic as well as current concerns related to it. Each book is colorfully illustrated, and has an index, chapter notes, and references for further research.

Subject: Public Welfare Programs

Lois McNicol

 

Petersen, Christine The Tailor

Petersen, Christine     The Tailor  

 Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark  2012  48p   20.95 978-1-60870-417-0 

 elem  VG-BNes            

    “Explores the daily life of tailors during the colonial era in the United States.”  Elementary students will gain a better understanding of colonial life, specifically the colonial tailor.  Students begin to understand how wool is made through a production process to create clothing.  Becoming a tailor during colonial times usually was geared toward men and they had to learn the trade through an apprenticeship.  Some tailors were required to join a guild, which were organizations that controlled everything in their trade from sales to daily wages.  Women still learned how to sew, but few colonial women held paying jobs.  Colonists in general had just a few options when it came time to get new apparel.  Strict colonial dress code was typical during this period in time.  Students are presented with instructions and with a list of materials needed for making an apron.  Since the number of tailors was growing, many tailors decided to specialize their skills since more competition meant fewer jobs.  Details of a colonial tailor’s life is examined from owning shops to where one resides.  Highly skilled tailors in large cities did well if they specialized in certain types of clothing.  Some master tailors however earned similar to what a carpenter or bricklayer would earn, while journeymen tailors were often labeled as poor.

Includes color photographs, picture reprints, a glossary of terms, recommended books and Internet sites, and a comprehensive index.      Colonial People (MC)    Each title in this series explores aspects of everyday life, responsibilities, and social life as colonial Americans.  Titles include the doctor, glassblower, miller, tailor, and tanner.     Tailors--History.
      Charleen Forba-Mayer

 

Marsico, Katie The Doctors

Marsico, Katie    The Doctors 

 Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark  2012  48p   29.93 978-1-60870-412-5  

ms/hs E-BN        

 In the new world the few doctors that arrived with the colonist had a really hard life and very few medicines to heal the sick and the dying. This new land was so new that the doctor had very little knowledge of the herbs that might be found to help their patients.    

     In the 17th century medicine was still in the experimentation age. The colonist who came to the new world were met with incredible challenges. They had to deal with new deceases and illnesses.
The doctors who had an education took on assistants and tried to teach them as much as they could and very often these assistants were sent out to take care of other colonist in another parts of the country.
     Many of the practices were quite barbaric and sometimes worked and sometimes the patient died. Many practice attaching leeches to injuries.  Surgery was in it’s infancy and also quite barbaric in it’s practices. Hygiene was lacking and may have been the cause of many death. Sometimes apothecaries were like doctors. Their specialty was  working with herbs, plants and chemicals but on occasion they were more like doctors not only prescribing but also administering to the sick.      Colonial People (MC)    Titles in series: The Farmer, The Blacksmith, The Miller, The Tailor    Physicians - United States - History - 17th century     Magna Diaz