(4) 4-6 Ming and his archaeologist father live a rough life in Communist China. When an imperial tomb is discovered in their village, Ming befriends a clay soldier that comes to life. The soldier tells stories about Emperor Qin's ancient China while helping Ming protect the site. Ironically, the clay soldier is the most fully realized character in this accessible if purposeful novel. Glos.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) K-3 Historical Biographies series. Although the information is at times confusingly presented, these brief, formulaic biographies of important rulers of ancient Greece, Egypt, Mali, and China provide good starting-off points for report writers. The books are liberally illustrated with maps and well-reproduced color images of art and artifacts of the subjects' eras. Reading list, pronunciation guide, timeline. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Historical Biographies titles: Alexander the Great, Hatshepsut, Mansa Musa, and Qin Shi Huangdi.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman