Sonneborn, Liz. France.

Sonneborn, Liz.  France.  Scholastic/Childrens Press  2013  144p  $40.00      ISBN 978-0-531-25600-8  ms/hs  series: Enchantment of the World #5   E-BNS

This beautiful book on France, which is a second edition, in the Enchantment of the World series, lives up to the fine reputation of the previous book.  Sharp, beautiful, full-color pictures enhance the text and will delight young readers. Additional text boxes and captions provide further information and clarify the text.  Each chapter succinctly describes an attribute of France, keeping information chunked and easy to follow for young readers.  The layout and design are also conducive to research.

The text is crisply written and flows well.  This informative book is a great resource tool, as it contains a table of contents and concludes with a timeline, fast facts, a find-out-more page, and a comprehensive index.  This second edition is sure to engage and inform young and reluctant readers and researchers.

This is one book in the Enchantment of the World, second series. There are currently more than forty books about different countries in this series.    

France                                                      --Virginia McGarvey

Sonneborn, Liz. Shoplifting and Theft.

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Sonneborn, Liz.                   Shoplifting and Theft.  Rosen Publishing Group  64p         $31.95 978-1-4488-5558-2   2012  ms/hs              VG-BNS  series: FAQ: Teen Life                  Nonfiction

“Why do people shoplift?” is one of the frequently asked questions included in this volume in the FAQ: Teen Life series.  The nature of shoplifting as well as ways to help people overcome the addiction to it are well presented here.                The volume is divided into five essential frequently-asked questions.  In each, the author gives factual information to answer each question, augmented by narratives of specific shoplifting situations.  For example, the case of Winona Ryder begins the volume.

The layout of the text is attractive, with color photos and good use of graphics in the chapter headings and opening pages.  Myths and facts about shoplifting are highlighted. 

Supplemental material includes a glossary, extensive bibliographical references and a comprehensive index.  With the topic simply and clearly presented, this is a valuable book on an important subject.  It should prove to be a welcome addition to middle- and high-school collections.                 

Shoplifting                                                                                                                                                          --Pat Naismith

Sonneborn, Liz. Ancient China.

Sonneborn, Liz.                   Ancient China.   Scholastic/Grolier  112p  $25.50                978-0-531-25176-8         2012  elem/ms  VG  series:  The Ancient World       Nonfiction

With such a vast time period to cover, this book is short on detail, being only 99 pages of text, yet  it gives an overview of the importance of China in moving civilization forward.  Numerous color paintings and photographs of historical places and items make the text come alive.  The chapters start with a look at the various dynasties, and following chapters discuss them all within the framework of a segment of Chinese life, such as the economy, arts and literature, government, and social life and customs.  The last chapter looks at how modern China pays homage to its ancient beliefs and history.  Words new to readers are presented in bold type with a definition appearing on the same page. There are two pages of biographical sketches of important Chinese people, a lengthy timeline, a comprehensive glossary, a list of resources for further reading, and an index.  This is a colorful book that will encourage students to read further about items and issues presented.  

Ancient Chinese history                                                                                                                                  --Lois McNicol

 

Sonneborn, Liz. Northwest Coast Indians.

Sonneborn, Liz.   Northwest Coast Indians.  Capstone Publishers, 2012.  48p.  $32.00  ISBN 978-1-4329-4949-5      elm/ms  (Grades 5-8)      VG-BNS           

     This book discusses foods, clothing, housing, beliefs, and life today pertaining to Indians of the Northwest Coast.  Using the format of answers to questions, it gives quite a complete overview of the Native American tribes living along the Northwest coast of North America.  It covers Alaska and south along the coast of Canada through Washington and Oregon.  This series stresses the similarities among the tribes in the highlighted geographic area.  It explains the early interactions between the Pacific Northwest Coast Indians and non-Indians. 
     The title includes a timeline, glossary, and index.  The source list for further information is extensive.  It includes four books, four web sites and five places to visit.
     The photography is bright and colorful, and it greatly enhances the text. 
The coverage is balanced, emphasizing general patterns among the tribes, and then that pattern is illustrated through details about a specific group.  It would provide an excellent introductory reference to the study of these tribes.
     The First Nations of North America series divides all tribes into ten geographic areas.  Adapting to their surroundings, the tribes in each area share similar customs.  Each title gives a good overview of the history and culture of the tribes covered.    

Subject: Indians of North America - Pacific Northwest

Joan Theal