The Security Agencies of the United States

November 1, 2012

Gr 6-8-Each title begins with a real-life example of a specialized branch of government at work. President opens with an account of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Supreme Court gives an account of why the Court got involved in the 2000 presidential race. Starting each title this way puts the powers, privileges, and pitfalls of each aspect of government in historical context. More real-life examples appear throughout. Photographs, some in color and some in black and white, have different levels of relevancy. The two-page aerial photo of the immense National Security Agency headquarters (Security Agencies) adds intrigue with its cryptic caption about the unknown number of employees, while the two-page publicity photo of President Johnson and his wife sitting on a bench in a sunny field seems pointless (Congress). The writing is accessible, and the organization and source notes are impeccable. Overall, these are great choices for middle-school students.Jennifer Prince, Buncombe County Public Libraries, NC

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.