Jane Duden

The culturally significant aspects of the Pueblo people are succinctly presented in this 45 page children's picture book. Mary Englar writes in an easy to understand voice for her target audience about the history of the farmers of the southwest from origins to modern living conditions. The graphics are very well chosen and described such that they provide visual context for that page's content, like describing the namesake home architecture of the Pueblo; she even includes a recipe for a show more local delicacy. Any elementary student doing a history project on this region would find this book very helpful, and even students in secondary school can find details that they may not have previously known. show less

This is an easy read for upper level elementary students. The book begins with Sieur de La Salle (Jean Cavelier) and his men claiming all of the land that touched the Mississippi River for France. Then, the reader is introduced to La Salle.

In a chronological format, the author describes the travels of La Salle. Each of La Salle's expeditions has its own chapter.

The cover is brightly colored with a somewhat dull picture of La Salle. The book includes colorful and black and white pictures show more that are relevant to each page. The book ends with a very useful timeline, a short glossary of terms that are emphasized in the story, and a brief list of internet sites and books that may be of interest to the reader.

Overall, this book is okay. It can be used as a refresher in either an elementary or middle school class. show less

When Russian fur trapper first began hunting off the coast of California in the 1700's, the animals they were searching for were sea otters. "The Sea Otters of California" by Jane Duden will give students great information about this threatened animal in an easy-to-read format. Chapters include "What Sea Otters Look Like", "Where Sea Otters Live", "Sea Otter Enemies and Dangers" and "Sea Otters and People". This reference book includes clear and colorful photographs by Bob Cranston and many show more students will probably find the pictures of the otters floating on their backs to eat very appealing. The book also includes an index, internet sites, a glossary, and "Fast Facts" in the back of the book. show less