Israel

Gr 7 Up—Previously published under the Benchmark imprint, these third editions are comprehensive geographic profiles with chapters about each country's physical features, history, ethnic groups, culture, religion and languages, economic development, and food and festivals. Revisions include new book and chapter introductions and photos, but text changes are limited to some new paragraphs about recent events or updated statistical information. Authors are positive about each country but discuss problems such as Islamic repression of women and environmental challenges. Well-captioned color photos and maps supplement the texts, and there are Internet links at the end of each chapter. The high level of detail and background information will help report writers understand how geographical factors shaped and define each nation. These books are solid choices for libraries that don't own the second editions, but they haven't been revised enough to justify replacement purchase for those that do.