Sweden

Gr 3-5‘Attractive titles that cover the important holidays and customs of their respective countries. The authors begin with a map and general description of the country followed by the significant festivals arranged by season. For each, five holidays are chosen for a two-page, in-depth treatment. The books conclude with one craft and one recipe. Readers will be fascinated with the descriptions of the festivals, some of which have similarities to those in the U.S. while others are vastly different, e.g., Ireland's Puck's Fair or Sweden's Lucia Day. Full-color photographs on every page depict children, many in traditional costumes, enjoying the holidays. Both crafts and recipes require easily obtained materials and ingredients. Handsome additions to most collections.‘Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Unremarkable texts introduce five contemporary social concerns, reviewing their history, providing wide-ranging contemporary perspectives, and discussing what government and community action is being taken to confront the issues. Graphs, poorly reproduced black-and-white photographs, and pointed editorial cartoons provide diversion and insight along the way. All the volumes include organizations to contact; 'Cults' contains a glossary. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.