(4) YA Cultures of the World series. These are generally accurate presentations providing detailed information about life in these two Asian countries. Chapters about religion, language, culture, history, and lifestyle are accompanied by plenty of color photos. In an unfortunate production error, the two books' cover photos have been reversed: Bhutan shows two Kazakh children; Kazakhstan features a Bhutanese girl. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) YA Cultures of the World series. The books in this series will be helpful to report-writing students. In these revised editions, economic and political information has been brought up to date, the color photographs are well reproduced, and the emphasis on the traditional arts and customs of each country has not changed. The economic and cultural maps, a time line, and a list of websites are useful features. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Cultures of the World titles: Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Japan, India.]

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) YA Cultures of the World series. These books look at two different Islamic countries, Bahrain in the Persian Gulf and Maldives, south of India. Both are archipelagos, and the influence of their geographical formations is well described, including the effect of global warming on Maldives. Cultural and religious traditions are delineated, and contemporary life is a major focus. Crisp photos, a recipe, a map, and a fact page in each book are useful features. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) YA Cultures of the World series. The strengths of these two volumes are found in the numerous contemporary color photos and the descriptions of everyday life, the arts, and traditional customs. Over half of each book is devoted to the country's people, but history, geography, the economy, and the current political situation are discussed as well. A recipe, a map, and a fact page are useful features. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt