(3) 4-6 Tangled History series. A socially and environmentally significant event is humanized, to wrenching effect, for middle-grade reading or research. The devastation of the 2010 earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti is related, day by day, from the perspective of several survivors; full-color photographs accompany the chronological narrative. An epilogue summarizes the earthquake's toll and updates readers on the survivors' lives. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jessica Bushore

(3) 4-6 Captured World History series. This book examines the history behind the iconic photograph of the Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara taken by photographer Alberto Korda. Smith-Llera provides an engaging overview of the Cuban Revolution and the particular moment in history when the portrait was taken, as well as insight into Guevara, Korda, and the ongoing impact of the photo today. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Natural Disaster True Survival Stories series. In a series about real-life disaster survival, this volume focuses on the earthquake that decimated Haiti in 2010. A brief introduction describes the disaster, followed by five chapters that detail real individuals' involvement. Gripping, you-are-there narratives are supplemented with primary source quotations (footnoted and sourced); photos and other graphics (maps, graphs, diagrams, etc.) provide additional insight. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) K-3 One World, Many Countries series. This serviceable overview is liberally illustrated with sharp photos. An introductory chapter highlights a festival that both celebrates the patron saint of Santiago de Cuba and honors Fidel Castro. This chapter and a "Global Connections" page mention changes in political relations between the U.S. and Cuba. Four chapters focus on land, government and cities, people and cultures, and daily life. Fast facts are appended. Maps, reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Code Red series. Twelve double-page spreads present the 2010 natural disaster in Haiti. The text first describes the earthquake and its immediate aftermath, then explores worldwide reactions and ongoing relief efforts. While the writing is stiff, the photographs effectively reflect the enormity of the disaster. A final spread briefly profiles four people (including Bill Clinton) with roles in the event. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) YA Essential Events series. Focusing mainly on the January 2010 earthquake disaster, this book also touches on the challenges Haiti has faced from Columbus days to the present: slavery, extreme poverty, frequent hurricanes, historically corrupt political leaders, etc. Efforts to rebuild and stabilize the country are also discussed. Sidebars and photographs extend the readable text but tend to crowd the pages. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA Caribbean Today series. Though they're not the most scintillating reads, these books provide plenty of information for report writers. Main texts focusing on history, geography, and people are supplemented with maps, sidebars, photos, recipes (geared toward experienced cooks), events calendars, report ideas, and organizations to contact. There are five other spring 2009 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Caribbean Today titles: Cuba, Caribbean Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Leeward Islands, Barbados, and Windward Islands.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) YA Caribbean Today series. Though they're not the most scintillating reads, these books provide plenty of information for report writers. Main texts focusing on history, geography, and people are supplemented with maps, sidebars, photos, recipes (geared toward experienced cooks), events calendars, report ideas, and organizations to contact. There are five other spring 2009 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Caribbean Today titles: Cuba, Caribbean Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Leeward Islands, Barbados, and Windward Islands.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) YA Caribbean Today series. Though they're not the most scintillating reads, these books provide plenty of information for report writers. Main texts focusing on history, geography, and people are supplemented with maps, sidebars, photos, recipes (geared toward experienced cooks), events calendars, report ideas, and organizations to contact. There are five other spring 2009 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Caribbean Today titles: Cuba, Caribbean Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Leeward Islands, Barbados, and Windward Islands.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) YA Caribbean Today series. Though they're not the most scintillating reads, these books provide plenty of information for report writers. Main texts focusing on history, geography, and people are supplemented with maps, sidebars, photos, recipes (geared toward experienced cooks), events calendars, report ideas, and organizations to contact. There are five other spring 2009 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Caribbean Today titles: Cuba, Caribbean Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Leeward Islands, Barbados, and Windward Islands.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) YA Caribbean Today series. Though they're not the most scintillating reads, these books provide plenty of information for report writers. Main texts focusing on history, geography, and people are supplemented with maps, sidebars, photos, recipes (geared toward experienced cooks), events calendars, report ideas, and organizations to contact. There are five other spring 2009 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Caribbean Today titles: Cuba, Caribbean Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Leeward Islands, Barbados, and Windward Islands.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) YA Caribbean Today series. Though they're not the most scintillating reads, these books provide plenty of information for report writers. Main texts focusing on history, geography, and people are supplemented with maps, sidebars, photos, recipes (geared toward experienced cooks), events calendars, report ideas, and organizations to contact. There are five other spring 2009 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Caribbean Today titles: Cuba, Caribbean Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Leeward Islands, Barbados, and Windward Islands.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 Visit To series. In each revised and updated book, thirteen double-page spreads with one photo per page cover such topics as landmarks (natural and man-made), dress (traditional and modern), homes, transportation, and leisure activities. Unremarkable texts, consisting of a few large-type sentences under each picture, point out similarities to American customs while introducing cultural traditions. Pronunciation guides for a few words are included. Glos., ind. Review covers these Visit To titles: Puerto Rico and Cuba.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Countries of the World series. The lush landscape and colorful wildlife of Jamaica are well represented in this book that gives information about the island nation's history, government, people, and culture. Various maps cover different topics, including geography, ecology, demographics, and politics. This overview should satisfy the requirements of the standard elementary school research project. Timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) K-3 Visit To series. In each revised and updated book, thirteen double-page spreads with one photo per page cover such topics as landmarks (natural and man-made), dress (traditional and modern), homes, transportation, and leisure activities. Unremarkable texts, consisting of a few large-type sentences under each picture, point out similarities to American customs while introducing cultural traditions. Pronunciation guides for a few words are included. Glos., ind. Review covers these Visit To titles: Puerto Rico and Cuba.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 From Many Cultures, One History series. Worth discusses Puerto Rico's culture and its relationship to the United States. The text is broad but accessible, offering insight into the island's history under Spanish rule, the transition to American occupation, and the island's emergence as a U.S. commonwealth. The useful information is supported by sidebars and well-captioned photographs. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett

(3) 4-6 Countries of the World series. This book provides a useful overview of the Caribbean's largest island. Excellent photographs and informative political, historical, and ecological maps make this a welcome addition for libraries updating their collections. A photograph of Guantánamo being used as a refugee camp, not a detention center, in the 1990s and events as recent as Fidel Castro's eightieth birthday in 2006 are included. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) YA Dictatorships series. This book gives thorough background information about Cuba before exploring in greater depth how Castro assumed and held power and examining more specific details about his regime. Though the text is dense, readers will be drawn to the bold, blocky design that includes well-placed sidebars and photographs. Thorough backmatter includes a "Who's Who?" Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) 4-6 World Cultures series. This book discusses the lives and customs of Creole people on the islands of Guadeloupe. Topics include history and community life. Celebrations are also touched on, with a special emphasis on Mardi Gras. The large-font text can be simplistic, but the many photographs are engaging. A carnival headdress craft is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) 4-6 Visual Geography series. A dry but informative text combines with color photographs, maps, and sidebars to provide a comprehensive study of Cuba's geography, history, government, people, culture, and economy. A website maintained by the publisher offers additional up-to-date information for the report-driven reader. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale