Discovering Ancient Mesoamerican Civilizations

Gr 6–8—This attractive but dry set explores the histories of ancient cultures. The books share a four-to five chapter structure that covers standard ancient history topics, such as the culture's origins; societal, governmental, and military structures; the daily lives of its people, and eventual decline. There is enough organizational variation to allow authors to emphasize the most important aspects of each civilization, rather than adhering to a strict format; for instance, Greece and Rome focus on lasting cultural contributions. Analysis of legacies varies in length from a paragraph to a chapter, and books don't always incorporate or cite the latest research or discoveries. North American Cultures is the weakest title, with superficial coverage of numerous tribes from prehistory to the present. Above-average illustrations include maps, reproductions of art, and photos of artifacts and locations, while paragraph-length sidebars add facts.