We Visit North Korea

November 1, 2014

Gr 6-8-Offering substantial detail, books orient "visitors" with an introduction and "Facts at a Glance" page, followed by chapters that discuss each country's physical features, culture and customs, history, economy and language, concluding with a recipe and instructions for a craft project.;Authors emphasize defining characteristics of each country, such as repression in North Korea and economic opportunity in Singapore. There are some weaknesses, including occasional dryness and crowded layouts. Maps are limited to a small map of Asia and a dated-looking country map in each book, and neither includes many of the physical features and locations mentioned throughout the texts. Generic photographs don't always match content, and readers are likely to be frustrated when they don't find photos of locations, animals, and landmarks that the authors describe. These weaknesses will limit readers' enjoyment of their "visits," making books supplemental choices.

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2014
Grades 4-8 Just as Africa is a continent and not a country, the continent of Asia cannot be stereotyped. The books in the Your Land and My Land: Asia series offer an engaging snapshot of some of its diverse nations. While all of the titles provide basic, geographic, and travel facts, this is not a cookie-cutter series. North Korea recounts how the country came to be divided, its devastation during the Korean War, the legacy of the Kims, and the country's juche, or Hermit Kingdom, which keeps its borders tight and produces everything it needs. Numerous color and archival photographs and extensive back matter add more details to these great references for country studies.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)