Reviews

Gr 5 Up-The standards of readability and vocabulary analysis, curricular relevancy, and integrated visual aids remain consistent in this revision of the 2009 resource. Unchanged is a format that, for the most part, provides a volume for each letter of the alphabet with the last volume consisting of a research guide and a thoroughly cross-referenced index. The set features an attractive biographical spinescape and an opening page for the featured letter that now uses a map, rather than a chart, to illustrate the evolution of the letter over time and place. New entries include "Sonia Sotomayor," "Project Green," "Swine flu," "Kanye West," "Binge eating," "Michelle Obama," and "Emmet Till." Information has been added or revisions made to entries such as "Barack Obama," "Automobile Industry," "Television," "Malaysia," "Agriculture," "Shakespeare," and "Mythology." Often taken for granted are the more than 27,500 visual aids, such as the transparent color overlays in the "Human Body" article; or the charts, color-coded tables, and museum-quality illustrations in the "Insects," "American Indians," and "Brain" pieces. Contributors are noted at the end of entries, which will satisfy teachers' requirements for secondary, rather than tertiary, source material. Population figures still, unavoidably, reflect the 2000 census data, but that alone should not deter a decision to purchase this fine edition that is unsurpassed for the audience.-Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia Jr. Sr. High School, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This annually published, dependable resource is full of concise entries on a variety of subjects. While designed for elementary through high school students, it also works for anyone looking for a quick profile of a topic. Subject areas are continually undergoing review and revision by more than 4000 scholars and experts. Articles covering broad subjects such as "World History" have a helpful outline, maps, and related articles that aid students in organizing. State and country profiles, sports, animals, and biographical information are among the wide range of subject matter. U.S. Census data from 2010 has also been incorporated in many articles. Color photos are featured, along with handy cross-referencing throughout, for example: when searching "phytoplankton," readers are referred to "see: Ocean (The plankton; The food cycle)." A research guide/index volume will help students locate all articles on their subject. VERDICT In the wake of Encyclopaedia Britannica's ceasing print publication, the need exists for a print encyclopedia at the library. It is particularly handy in a public library to have a circulating set as well, and this standard remains versatile and useful.-Barb Kundanis, Longmont P.L., CO (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.