Barbarians

December 1, 2012

Gr 5-9-With their intriguing subject matter and colorful illustrations, these books will grab readers. All have the same structure, making it easy to compare the various groups, but they don't read like formulaic titles. Rather, each one covers the beginnings of the people, weaponry, war tactics, and famous leaders, and examines the current perception of the group in popular culture in an appealing, detailed, and evenhanded manner. Historical reproductions, primary documents, photographs, maps, and film stills appear throughout these colorful, engaging explorations of history. Readers will learn about propaganda (a "barbarian" is anyone not Greek or Roman, making it clear who wrote the history books), innovation (Mongol women wove silk cloth strong enough to be used as armor), and how to get past the stereotypes and get at the facts of who these people were and why they were driven to fight. Solid additions.-Heather Acerro, Rochester Public Library, MN

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2012
Grades 5-8 Were barbarians merely vicious savages? Did the Vikings really wear those horned helmets into battle? Each entry in the Fearsome Fighters series examines the fighting techniques, rise and fall, key figures, and cultures of these combative groups. In the process, the books debunk stereotypes and reveal these fighters' impact on society today. Barbarians focuses on the transient, adaptable Celts, Franks, Goths, Huns, and Vikings, collectively known as barbarians, and their differing warring skills against the Greek and Roman Empires. Artistic reproductions and color photographs of historic sites and relics, many full page, offer attractive imagery, while numerous sidebars, such as the Mongols' use of paper money backed by gold, silver, or silk, add interesting details. Informative with a touch of beauty.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)