(3) 4-6 Alternator Books: Ancient Mysteries series. Each book in this series looks at a different ancient city or monument and explores unanswered questions about its construction and uses. Both historical and modern views are provided, with differences explained by recent research and technology. Plentiful photographs and illustrations bring the sites to life. "Dig Deep!" and "Myth Alert!" sidebars provide additional interesting context and detail. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Alternator Books: Ancient Mysteries titles: Mysteries of the Egyptian Pyramids, Mysteries of the Great Wall of China, Mysteries of Easter Island, Mysteries of Pompeii, Mysteries of Machu Picchu, and Mysteries of Stonehenge.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Fact Finders: Engineering Wonders series. This brief history of the Great Wall includes a look at its purpose in ancient China, the different dynasties that contributed to its construction, and the unique construction methods and materials. Illustrations, modern photographs, and text boxes on uncluttered pages work together to present the material in a clear, concise manner. Critical thinking questions appended. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) K-3 Ancient Wonders series. Each volume offers the basic who-what-when-why-and-how for its titular ancient structure and concludes with a quick overview of its current condition and tourism. Color photos, maps, and other illustrations supplement the text; short question-and-answer footers provide additional detail. The brightly designed series is basic, but the content is sufficient for the target audience. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review includes these Ancient Wonders titles: Egyptian Pyramids, Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, Statues of Easter Island, Stonehenge, and Taj Mahal.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) YA History's Great Structures series. From its earliest incarnations to modern symbolism, the Wall is explored as a military fortification and cultural icon. Illustrations, modern and archaeological photographs, maps, diagrams, sidebars, and definitions supplement the rich, detailed but still easy-to-read text. Numerous quotations from primary and secondary sources add academic weight. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Great Idea: Engineering series. Because The Great Wall of China took nearly two thousand years to construct, Nardo aptly focuses on its shifting historical context, including changes in its purpose over time. Conversely, the Burj Khalifa and the Qinghai-Tibet Railway are both contemporary structures designed to break records and bring modernity to remote areas of Asia. Diagrams, maps, and photos amplify the comprehensive accounts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Idea: Engineering titles: Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Burj Khalifa, and The Great Wall of China.

Reviewer: Shara Hardeson