Not So Civilized

Selecting a world-history series that combines an appropriate amount of information with an appealing presentation can be difficult. However, for libraries in need of new lucid and inviting cultural and ancient histories, the standouts below have the potential to introduce some fascinating cultures. Whether exploring humble origins in the Fertile Crescent, fighting in the Colosseum, or investigating pre-Columbian America, these series utilize vibrant images and sound research and analysis to compel readers into envisaging themselves in a society beyond their own.

Gr 3-6–Marked by beautiful, vividly colored, comic-book-style illustrations and well-chosen color photos of artifacts, these books explore the milieu of these culturally rich civilizations in six chapters that stylishly cover daily life, religion, government, ideas and inventions, and important people. Conversationally toned, brief chapters and informative captions will appeal to report writers searching for information on subjects such as Aztec festivals, Chinese religions, and Greek government. Along the way readers will encounter great leaders from King Hammurabi to Akhenaton and learn how each civilization influences the present. Each work begins with a handy map and introduction and concludes with a time line and pronunciation guide. While short on specifics, this series is sure to sustain readers’ interest while introducing them to historical concepts with which they may be unfamiliar.

Gr 4-6–Bold, clear texts and ample photos and illustrations make this series a decent introduction to cultures from the contemporary and historical worlds. The books follow a simple formula in which chapter titles are questions such as “What do the Inuit Wear?” “Do the Amazonian Indians have Medicines?” and “What work did Plains Indians do?” Similar questions are asked of each group, allowing readers to compare civilizations to one another and to their own culture. Some of the questions, however, such as “Do the Inuit have families like ours?” seem a little condescending when asked of modern cultures. The answers provide an adequate amount of intelligible material for the reading level. For example, the answer to the question, “Who were the Prehistoric Rulers?” includes brief details on Boudicca of eastern Britain, status symbols, and the objects that might have been buried with a leader. Fine historical introductions to the groups covered.

Gr 7-10–Similar in style to DK’s “Eyewitness Books,” this appealing series moves from prehistory through medieval Europe and onward to the global issues of today. Along the way, readers are introduced to many prevalent themes in the areas of religion, government, and economics, for example. Spreads discuss a subtopic each, such as the literature and arts of ancient Rome or Inca society and religion. Their effectiveness lies in the combination of lush illustrations, well-chosen, captioned photographs of contemporary artifacts, and reasoned, concise narratives. Succinct time lines border most pages, and effective introductions, the proper amount of white space, and clear dark print maintain organization and clarity. A superior choice.

Gr 5-8–These books explore the fascinating world of myths and legends by alternating stories about gods, heroes, and cultural icons with social, economic, and political information on the societies from which they originated. The highpoint of the series are the mythology sections, which are composed of vibrant illustrations of key figures (Amun-Ra, in a section in Egyptian Civilization that describes his nightly journey), symbols (the Trojan horse in Greek Civilization), and events (the creation of the world in Native American Civilizations). All of them are fluidly narrated and placed on a black background from which the white text seems to pop. The consistency of this method allows for smooth transitions into the nonfiction, which is presented on a white background and is attended by captioned photos of various artifacts ranging from Roman jewelry to Chinese weapons. This series fills a need for quality materials that combine mythology and facts.

Gr 5-8–Fans of the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series (Hyperion) will enjoy this witty assortment of profiles from Greek mythology. Each work begins with a quick description of the meaning and purpose of mythology as well as its current allusions from Valentine’s Day to Nike shoes. Then, readers are introduced to the wondrous array of monsters, mortals, gods, beasts, heroes, and goddesses, ranging from Aphrodite to Zeus, in four to six informative pages each. Features include a one-column resumé that lists “Divine Powers,” “Attributes,” and “Top 10 Things to Know about Me” for each subject and a running footer that encapsulates his or her “Family, Flings, Friends, and Foes.” Eye-catching fonts and full-color reproductions and cartoon illustrations accompany the fascinating descriptions and provide an excellent framework for understanding the Greek pantheon. While some of the jokes take corny to a new level, these books are guaranteed to garner the attention of mythophiles.

Gr 4-6-From early African societies to the election of Barack Obama in 2008, this chronologically arranged series presents an introduction to a poignant and remarkable journey. Beginning with accounts of the African kingdoms of Egypt, Mali, and Ghana, the history then turns to the development of the slave trade, including the horrors of “long journeys” to the coast, the notorious “Middle Passage,” and exploitation on New World plantations. Through numerous captioned photos, illustrations, and biographical insets, the authors deftly cover the monumental “struggle for freedom” that has transpired in America and around the globe. Whether describing the Jim Crow South or South African apartheid, these books show how multitudes of leaders and innovators such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Nelson Mandela, and Maya Angelou have impacted the modern world. A first purchase.

Gr 8 Up–A common deficiency of the other series reviewed here is their lack of richly detailed maps, but these books are the exception. Multiple pages of colorful and unambiguous maps of the Near East, Europe, Africa, and the Americas illustrate various subjects such as alliances, territorial boundaries, topography, roads, trade routes, and military campaigns. Whether exploring the Great Market at the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan or the temple at Karnak, each book moves quickly through its topic with spreads representing fascinating facets of life in the empire. A well-organized time line, germane charts, quality writing, and apt photos of artifacts, landscapes, and art all help to bring these ancient cultures alive.

Gr 7 Up–Featuring beautiful, well-chosen photographs of people, places, and artifacts that include Egyptian funeral masks and hieroglyphics and sculptures from India’s various faiths, these books delve much deeper than any other series here into the details of these astonishing cultures. Whether the subject is Chinese dynasties or the cosmos of Native American tribes, readers will be drawn into reasoned discussions of exceptional art, fascinating cultural traditions, and exotic landscapes. Well organized and manageable in length, each chapter presents a wealth of material on myths, beliefs, fashions, art, gender roles, life, and death. Unlike most of the other series reviewed here, these books were written by subject experts whose deep knowledge and passion emerges in these unique, stylish narratives.

Gr 4-8–This series attempts to utilize the popularity of graphic novels to draw reluctant readers into the topic of warriors throughout world history. Stories that for the most part consist of boys becoming pirates, gladiators, and so forth are followed by block narrations that provide irrelevant historical tidbits. Each book’s concluding “Discover More” section offers scant leads to additional information. While the illustrations are colorful and of above-average quality, the plotlines and writing are generally pitiful, as when a young samurai exclaims, “Don’t stab me. It will hurt!” While the concept of combining graphic novels and historical topics has definite potential, this series falls short.

Gr 4-7–Murrell presents famous warriors from Spartacus to Alexander the Great while reconstructing in rich detail the tumultuous, exciting worlds they inhabited. What makes these books an improvement over Rourke’s “Warriors” titles is that they forego the story mode and instead provide concise treatments of castle life and the Bushido code, for example. While most of the focus of is placed on battles, tactics, armor, and weapons, the author makes a valiant effort to describe the cultural realms occupied by these warriors. Bold, comprehensible type and full-color and black-and-white illustrations; reproductions; and photographs will make this offering a hit with its target audience, including reluctant readers.

Gr 4-8–The introductions to these books recount events varying from the birth of the Aztec “New Fire Ceremony” to the Spanish “Invasion” of England in 1588. The rest of the texts consist of short, narrative chapters covering aspects of domestic life, holidays, customs, and war. The chapters in Elizabethan England and Aztec Empire are not subdivided internally, but those in the other two books have subheadings such as “What Did They Eat?” and “Was Education for Everyone?” Chapters conclude with a “FYInfo” page on various topics from Elizabethan theater to John Winthrop’s fork. Each book ends with a craft, and whether constructing an Aztec feather headdress or an Elizabethan feather fan, they are uncomplicated, utilize readily available materials, and provide readers with a perfunctory “hands-on” experience. The upside of this series is the consistent organization and clear, bold text. Nevertheless, with its lackluster writing (“in every crowd, someone was bound to have a fiddle or fife,” which seems unlikely) and dubious photo selection, it disappoints.

Gr 4-6–Representing the best choice of all the warrior culture series reviewed here, these titles have a simple and elegant design with the proper balance of quality writing and quantity of information. Brief, informative discussions of social structures, army organization, weapons, tactics, and government form the core of the books. These are intermittently alternated with “Spotlight On” and “In Profile” sections that introduce historical battles, icons, and leaders such as Japanese daimyo Oda Nobunaga, knight William Marshal, Pharaoh Ramses II, and Emperor Commodus. Handy time lines, well-chosen photos of ruins and artifacts, quality illustrations, inset “Quick Facts,” and “What You Should Know About…” features will grab reluctant readers and captivate even those with short attention spans. What was a Viking funeral like? What really happened at Thermopylae? These questions and many others are skillfully presented and answered and will surely leave readers hungry for more.

While only the “Facts at Your Fingertips” (Brown Bear Books) and “Civilizations of the World” (Rosen) series represent true outstanding achievements, both the “Life in Ancient Civilizations” (Millbrook) and “World Black History” (Heinemann) series will superbly fill gaps in many history collections. The “Mythlopedia” series (Watts) covers a perennial favorite for reports with an engrossing and effective presentation. The “History of the World,” series (Zak Books), which is meritorious as the only comprehensive history in this group, is a great update. Finally, those seeking to draw reluctant readers should look no further than “Ancient and Medieval People” (Benchmark). As for the rest, selecting titles to fill particular needs is always a good option.

Marcia Kochel, Olson Middle School, Bloomington, MN

Gr 7 Up–This set presents numerous stories of ghosts and hauntings taken from books, Web sites, and other publications. The easy-to-read books contain a good deal of text and are suitable for those who want substantial information. The quality and tone of the writing varies, with some of the titles contradicting each other. Ghosts, the strongest title in the series, does an excellent job of balancing ghost stories with a discussion of the lack of scientific evidence for them. The other books are a little more sensational and at times imply that the encounters occurred. Color images and sidebars will help to hold readers’ attention and make the books appealing to reluctant readers. While the authors rely heavily on Web sites for information, each book contains suggestions for further reading and detailed source notes.

Gr 5-7–This series presents a wide range of phenomena in a colorful, easy-to-browse format that will appeal to readers of all abilities. Each oversize volume is chock-full of some of the greatest enigmas from the past to the present, ranging from the Egyptian pyramids to UFOs. The brief texts are enticing, but are not substantial enough for research and provides no documentation or further-reading suggestions. The layout and use of visuals are extremely appealing even though it is not always clear whether the images depict the phenomenon being discussed. If you’re looking to entice reluctant readers, these books will do the job, but pair them with more substantial works to encourage children to dig deeper.