(4) YA World History series. Artwork reproductions and maps combine with dense chronological histories to introduce the rise and fall of the Vikings and Mongols in addition to the impact--and aftermath--of their violent campaigns across continents. Primary-source sidebars provide additional information, presenting aspects of both positive and negative influences that the Vikings and Mongols had on the cultures. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these World History titles: Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire and The Vikings.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) YA Emmajin, unconventional (fictional) granddaughter of Kublai Kahn, plans never to marry and instead join the Mongolian army. Her first assignment brings her close to trader Marco Polo; little does she expect that this imaginative explorer will cause her to examine her values, her goals, and her heart. Though it's a bit overwrought, Emmajin's story is dynamic and well plotted.

Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer

(4) 4-6 Thinking Girl's Treasury of Real Princesses series. Illustrated by Albert Nguyen. This series highlights the accomplishments of "real princesses" from a wide range of geographies and time periods; these women helmed armies, sailed ships, and led nations. Each (uninspiringly designed) volume opens with a pronunciation guide and includes maps, timelines, archival photos, and sections on food, clothing, and customs. Nguyen's cartoonish illustrations and Bridges's cheekily humorous text are entertaining. Review covers these Thinking Girl's Treasury of Real Princesses titles: Artemisia of Caria, Hatshepsut of Egypt, Isabella of Castile, Nur Jahan of India, Qutlugh Terkan Khatun of Kirman, and Sorghaghtani of Mongolia.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Robert Byrd. The thirteenth-century Mongol ruler was no barbarian; Krull presents a nuanced view of his surprisingly tolerant regime. Byrd's tapestry-like ink and watercolor illustrations reflect the broad scope of the Khan's reach and his receptive mind. Though Krull admits in an afterword that "information about Kubla Khan is sketchy," she draws on what is known in order to pull a real man from the legend.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2010

(2) K-3 In this book (originally titled Chingis Khan), Demi freely adapts from folklore and history to provide a terse but colorful sketch of the Mongol chieftain and his exploits. Small figures in tightly structured scenes and rich color tones set against ample white space--Demi's hallmarks--are used with added energy here, while lavish employ of gold paint lends opulence.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc. | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1991

(4) YA Rulers of the Middle Ages series. During the Middle Ages, powerful Mongol leader Genghis Khan marched across most of Asia, bending tribe after tribe, group after group, to his will. The book's attention to detail can be overwhelming, but many subheads and some graphics and art reproductions break up the information. A strong final chapter places the empire in context. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) YA This in-depth biography of Temujin (his name before he was proclaimed Genghis Khan)--who conquered most of Asia and part of what is now Eastern Europe--is well documented and well written. Both family history and world events are covered. Though the maps are too small to be useful, the reproductions and photographs help to break up the text. Source notes, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) YA Ancient World Leaders series. Each of the books in this series profiles a leader whose military exploits had a huge impact not only in his own lifetime but also today. While Charlemagne and Genghis are mostly well documented, Attila provides no sources for speeches given by its subject. The books are illustrated with sometimes too-small color reproductions and maps. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Ancient World Leaders titles: Charlemagne, Attila the Hun, and Genghis Khan.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(2) YA The thirteenth-century Chinese practice of using kites to test the wind is spliced into the later Japanese invention of man-carrying reconnaissance kites. Escaping his vicious great-uncle, Haoyou, twelve, joins a circus, performing death-defying kite flights and ever-more-novel feats. In addition to a grand array of colorful characters, skillful plotting, hair-raising suspense, and vivid details all help bring this adventure to life.

Reviewer: Joanna Rudge Long | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2002

(3) YA Rulers and Their Times series. Divided into three parts, this book covers the life of the infamous Genghis Khan, as well as everyday life and literature of the twelveth- and thirteenth-century Mongolian Empire. Illustrated with plentiful archival art, the facts about society, sports, housing, food, clothing, cosmetics, and other topics are brought to life. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman