Schuman. Maya and Aztec Mythology Rocks!

Schuman, Michael  Maya and Aztec Mythology Rocks!     

 Enslow      2011  112p  31.93 978-0-7660-3899-8 

 ms/hs E-BNS       

    Myths of the Mayan and Aztec peoples focusing mostly on creation myths.  Each is introduced,  the story given, study questions presented and an expert commentary provided on the myth.  Middle into high school.    After an introductory review of the history of the Mayan and Aztec  peoples, eight myths are presented.  The format is excellent to produce understanding.  There is an introductory section for each myth followed by the actual myth rendered in modern English.  The following pages present questions and their answers to give readers the chance to check their understanding.  Each myth chapter concludes with expert commentary from a scholar  or specialist on that mythology.  This arrangement gives the reader a very thorough understanding of these myths from both their own viewpoint but also the thinking of experts who draw parallels with other religions.
  The deceptively simple pen and ink drawings which introduce each myth do provide extra background information towards understanding the myth.  Many of the drawings require a second or third look to see all the detail included.
  This title would be a great companion to the study of Mayan and Aztec history in middle school or high school grades.  It would be valuable either as a text for all students or supplemental reading for interested students. Mythology Rocks! (Enslow)    The series consists of six titles covering mythology of the world.  Greek mythology is split into two volumes of Gods and Goddesses and Heroes.  A great complement to the curriculum.   Mythology of the Americas     Joan Theal

 

Schuman, Michael A. Scarlett Johansson.

Schuman, Michael A. Scarlett Johansson.
Enslow 2011 112p 31.93
978-0-7660-3556-0
People To Know Today VG-BNS

This is a detailed biography of the actress Scarlett Johansson, complete with discussion of her movies, a chronology and a filmography. The book is well organized and thorough, with discussion of each of her movies and the critics’ responses to them. Concepts are explained in text ... for example, there is an explanation of what the Oscars are, for any student who hasn’t already figured it out! But the style is pleasing, and the tone very respectful. There is a section on the kinds of charity work that Ms. Johansson has engaged in, such as her work with Oxfam and in raising money for needy families. The filmography at the end is helpful, and there are many footnotes. The list of books for further reading includes a book on breaking into the field of acting and a book on Oxfam, as well as books on the actress herself. Others in the series include books on Lance Armstrong, Tina Fey and Steven Spielberg. This book is recommended for students in grades five and up. Kennedy, Carol

Schuman, Michael. Tina Fey.

Schuman, Michael. Tina Fey.
Enslow 2011 112p 31.93
978-0-7660-3557-7
People To Know Today VG

A biography of the very successful comedian, screen writer and actor Tina Fey. From her years as a somewhat ‘mean girl’ in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, to her multitude of successes as a comedy writer, this mid-level biography documents Tina Fey’s life to date. Written for elementary and middle school students, the author often takes the time to clarify the many television and recent history references that mark the milestones of Ms. Fey’s timeline. For example, what the TV shows “The Honeymooners” and “The Flintstones” were, and how “The Flintstones” was in fact a cartoon version of “The Honeymooners.” Along with the brief history of 60’s television, readers also get a behind the scenes look at what it takes to produce a television show, live, such as “Saturday Night Live.”
This book is well written and has many photographs appropriately placed within the book.
This series of biographies is complete in 16 titles. If they are all comparable, this is a well written, illustrated and documented series that upper elementary and middle school students will enjoy reading.
Highly recommended for addition to any elementary school, middle school or public library collection. Fisher, Lynn

Barack Obama: We Are One People,

Schuman, Michael Barack Obama: We Are One People, Revised & Expanded
Enslow 2009 160p 34.60 978-0-7660-3649-9 elm/ms
African American Biographies(Enslow)
This title, revised and expanded, contains information about Obama’s life as a young child up to when he became President. Includes excerpts from his inauguration speech, photos in the appropriate places, chronology, chapter notes, books and Internet sites for further reading, and an index. Very good resource for upper elementary and older readers in need of high interest material. This title is a revised and expanded edition of Barack Obama’s biography. It contains information about Obama’s life as a young child, his family, his school years, early employment, and political life. It goes up to when he became President and includes excerpts from his inauguration speech. There are unobtrusive side bars on some pages that highlight the information on the page or present details on some aspect of the text. Photographs are placed in the appropriate places within the text and there is a color map that indicates places where Obama has lived during his younger years. As in other titles in the African-American Biography Library series, this book contains a chronology, chapter notes, a list of books and Internet sites for further reading, and an index. In reading this book, I gained more knowledge about Obama’s background and the process necessary for him to become President. The writing is clear and well researched and the information is quite accessible to most readers. This would be a very good resource for upper elementary and older readers in need of high interest material. Weinraub, Tina