(3) 4-6 With Krystyna Poray Goddu. Krystyna (Krysia) Mihulka recounts her harrowing experiences during WWII. Nine-year-old Krysia was deported from southeastern Poland following the German and Soviet invasions and spent two years on a Soviet work farm in Kazakhstan, followed by several years in refugee camps in Iran and Rhodesia. Mihulka's warmth shines through, and her perspective offers a unique angle on the WWII narrative. Small black-and-white photos included.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(2) 4-6 Twelve-year-old Jaden, adopted from Romania and suffering from attachment disorder, travels to Kazakhstan with his parents, who have decided to adopt a second child. As his parents struggle to bond with an emotionally unresponsive infant, Jaden bonds with disabled toddler Dimash--a breakthrough for Jaden. This story about a troubled adoptee and the equally troubling issues of international adoption is compelling and involving.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2014

(4) 4-6 Countries of the World series. Though the prose and photographs have a generic quality, these country studies offer adequate overviews of the history, geography, and culture of Syria and Kazakhstan. Each book touches on kid-friendly topics such as sports, introduces notable figures, and discusses the nation's relationship with the United States. Arabic, Kazakh, and Russian words are defined in the glossaries. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Countries of the World titles: Kazakhstan and Syria.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Modern World Nations series. These formulaic books discuss climate, geography, history, government, economy, and culture in clearly written chapters divided into manageable subheadings and illustrated with photographs. Iran's and North Korea's strained relations with other countries are discussed, along with internal challenges that face each. Iran and Korea include bibliographies. Map, reading list, timeline. Ind. [Review covers these Modern World Nations titles: Iran, Kazakhstan, India, and North Korea.]

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) YA Cultures of the World series. These are generally accurate presentations providing detailed information about life in these two Asian countries. Chapters about religion, language, culture, history, and lifestyle are accompanied by plenty of color photos. In an unfortunate production error, the two books' cover photos have been reversed: Bhutan shows two Kazakh children; Kazakhstan features a Bhutanese girl. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt