(4) 4-6 The Roman Empire's insatiable appetite for expansion changes the life of a Carthaginian girl. After one terrible day, Sara finds herself enduring a dangerous sea voyage that calls upon her untapped courage and leads, perhaps, to romance. Lawrence doesn't fully succeed in transporting contemporary readers to this particular time and place, but the ancient history details are nonetheless intriguing. Glos.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) 4-6 National Geographic Investigates series. This series discusses how archaeologists' work helps us learn about ancient cultures. Each volume highlights major sites and finds; the text touches on the impact of modern history (the Iraq war, pollution) on priceless artifacts and discusses controversies (Elgin marbles). Sidebars and well-captioned photos expand on the information, as does an interview with a working archaeologist. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these National Geographic Investigates titles: Ancient Inca, Ancient Iraq, Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt, and Ancient Africa.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) 4-6 First Book: African Civilizations series. Clearly written books look at the archaeological sites, social and religious beliefs, art forms, and significant historical figures related to each civilization. The legacies and, when appropriate, contemporary life of these peoples are briefly discussed. Captioned color photographs (some of which are poorly reproduced), archival portraits, maps, and time lines are included in each presentation. Bib., glos., ind.

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