(4) 4-6 Africa series. Captioned illustrations and maps accent these African countries' struggles with ethnic and political unrest and health and environmental challenges. For easy access, "Quick Facts" summarize the geography, economics, and population information. Readers will have to search the texts to find any positive aspects of these countries. There are eight other spring 2005 books in the series. Reading list, recipes, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Africa titles: Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ivory Coast, and Tanzania.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) 4-6 Countries of the World series. Wide-ranging overviews discuss the culture, geography, and history of two African countries. Written in encyclopedic prose and illustrated with generic photographs and reproductions, the books introduce notable individuals; touch on sports, food, and leisure activities; and examine the relationship between these nations and the United States. Glossaries define some Arabic and Tanzanian words. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Countries of the World titles: Algeria and Tanzania.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Countries of the World series. In three sections--an overview, a "Closer Look" at topics specific to Moroccan culture, and an exploration of the country's relations with the United States--this study dispenses solid, usable information in an inviting format. Appealing black-and-white and color photos fill the pages, but the many captions and sidebars interrupt the flow of the text. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) YA Modern Middle East Nations and Their Strategic Place in the World series. These surveys, intended for report writers, try to be up to the minute in terms of political events but must be supplemented by current sources. They provide adequate background material on geography, history, people (including minority groups), and foreign relations. The photos are clear, but the stylized borders on some pages are distracting. There are seventeen other fall 2003 books in this series. Chronology, reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Modern Middle East Nations and Their Strategic Place in the World titles: Israel, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Yemen, and Iraq.]

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt