(4) YA Illustrated by Laurie McGaw. Offering biographies of several real-life princesses, including England's Victoria, Hawaii's Ka'iulani, and India's Gayatri "Ayesha" Devi, this book aims to describe what childhood was like for various royalty. Enthusiastic readers will be disappointed at the brief treatment each subject receives. Time lines, portrait-like paintings, and archival photos illuminate the biographies. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Sarah Jane English. As much a story of Maya culture as it is of the discovery of the hieroglyphs and their eventual deciphering, this book contains copious illustrations, codes for children to work out, and games. Though the format is attractive and the information difficult to find elsewhere, the text is not always clear. The glossary is not especially child-friendly and could have used pronunciation hints (as could the book throughout). Endpapers with embossed glyphs for secret writing are a plus. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) 4-6 This child's-eye view of the Kennedy White House excels in layout and eye-catching illustrations but is less successful in unifying text and overall content. The juxtaposition of attempted family normalcy (children playing before bedtime, attending school, picnicking on the South Lawn) with national activities (welcoming dignitaries, traveling abroad) and a broad outline of the Kennedy presidency muddles the focus. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter