Polynesians

July 1, 2004
Gr 3-5-These titles provide a wealth of information on traditionally underrepresented people in children's books. Each one discusses the history, social structure, language, culture, and current issues facing the indigenous group. Sidebars offer profiles of individuals and additional notes on customs, clothing, and more. The issue of nudity, mentioned specifically in two of the books (with an explanation that due to extremely hot temperatures not much clothing is worn and that the people are "not ashamed of nudity") is handled with care and respect, and the photographs are appropriate for young audiences. Each cover features a striking close-up of a child's face, and the well-designed pages provide a mixture of vivid color photographs, historical drawings, and eye-catching graphics.-Sue Morgan, Tom Kitayama Elementary School, Union City, CA

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.