Grolier

Lots of interesting information on things that most kids really wouldn't think to wonder about, but then once you see the question it's like "wait, why have I never thought of that?". I especially liked the information about Jack Frost.

These encyclopedias are handy to have around for looking up basic facts, but many of the articles do not go in depth as much as I would like. However, they are very good for general encyclopedias.

The eight book diseases set covers a range of different diseases from sore throats, to the plague to mental disorders. Each book has an index that covers all topics and clearly states the page and volume where information can be found. Articles are clearly organized and are approximately one page in length in language that is accessible for high school students. As this is a reference, information is not in depth but interesting facts are included such as the incidence of ADHD. This provides show more a great starting point for students beginning research on diseases or to get quick information about these disorders for personal interest. Recommended for use in high school or public libraries. show less

English Matters! is a series of encyclopedias targeting the subject of reading, writing and grammar. I selected volume 2, book report-conferencing, to review.
The encyclopeidas are alphabetic, thus the table of contents is a random collection of issues pertaining to spelling and vocabulary, commonly confused words, mechanics and punctuations, grammar and usuage, researching, parts of speech, writing, and thinking skills. Italicized words in the contents indicate commonly confused words. show more Words that are completely CAPITALIZED are key words that "are the building blocks of English ...To be successful in life, you need to know the meaning of these terms," thus do not expect to be much of anything in life if you are not well-versed in CASE and CLAUSE.
Following the contents is a preface which enumerates the features of the book such as checklists, helpful hints, net sources, and punctuation pointers.
The content of each term is concise. The first entry, book report, is about three paragraphs long. While there are some helpful suggestions, the entry is a long way from any real practical use. "Book report: an essay or oral presentation that is typically assigned in school" is probably not the answer to the question. It is broad, multi-faceted topics like book report, computers, and clarity in writing that demonstrate how a print reference can not compete with an electronic one.
However, there are examples in which English Matters! clarifies an inegmatic topic. There is a helpful checklist to evaluate coherence. There is also a concise but clear explanation of characters, complete with reference to appropiate literary examples of such terms as static, dynamic, flat, and round. This sections mentions characters in Bridge to Terabithia, Out of the Dust, A Doll's House, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. show less