Afghanistan

November 1, 2012

Gr 6-8-Each of these volumes begins with a recent news event pertaining to the featured conflict and then looks back at the origin and milestones of the discord. They aren't just about history as it happened; they're about history as it is happening now. "Viewpoints" sidebars are great supplementary features. They showcase quotations about a specific matter from individuals on opposing sides, giving students arguments to consider and prompts for class discussion and individual writing exercises. The material is detailed but clear and digestible, not an easy feat given the complexity of these clashes. The informative photos and "Case Study" and other sidebars strongly support the main text. These books effectively address global hot spots that will continue to be of great concern for the foreseeable future, serving as solid, relevant resources for students and teachers alike.

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.