The Sumerians

Gr. 4^-6. They invented the wheel and developed the first system of writing. They studied math and medicine, made great contributions to the arts, and were the first people to establish laws and government. This new series, appropriately titled the Cradle of Civilization series, examines the rise of the earliest societies and their impact on the world today. Cultural achievements are well noted, but most of the discussion centers on the rise and fall of various rulers and, of course, the gods. The age-appropriate vocabulary and easy-to-read type are perfect for the target audience. Both books are also generously illustrated with numerous color photos and drawings. There is some repetition of information (the first chapter of both books is nearly identical, but this could be an aid to struggling readers and may be useful when the books are used independently). Each includes a time line, bibliography, and glossary. See the Series Roundup in this issue for another title. --Lauren Peterson

Gr 5-7‘Useful, solid information for report writers. Each of these titles introduces the history and culture of an empire that was influential in the development of Mesopotamia. They all begin with the same chapter describing the prehistoric tribal origins that led to the rise of more powerful, organized city-states and cultures during the early history of the Middle East. Subsequent chapters focus on the rise and ultimate demise of the specific empire. The texts are lucid, smoothly written, and easy to understand. Large type; open pages; and frequent use of maps, full-color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations of artifacts and architecture enhance the readability and usefulness of these titles. Topics covered include daily life and customs of different classes; social roles; notable rulers and their accomplishments; advances made in law, the arts, agriculture, and sciences; and factors leading to the decline of that empire. A good complement to these books is Clarice Swisher's The Ancient Near East (Lucent, 1995), which does a commendable job of tying these Mesopotamian cultures together, giving readers better insight into the development of early Middle Eastern civilization up to the conquest by Alexander the Great.‘Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukee, OR (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

These ancient Mesopotamian civilizations are described in detailed texts, maps and illustrations, and color photos of artifacts. Landau discusses how Assyria's vast armies were fed and how their large instruments of war were transported; the importance of culture and a fair legal code in Babylonia; and the great advances of the Sumerians, who invented the wheel and created time units still in use today. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.