PSLA YA TOP FORTY REFERENCE / PROFESSIONAL 2004(05) TITLES

American Decades Primary Sources. Ed. by Cynthia Rose.  Detroit: Gale Group, 2004.10 volumes. 0-7876-6587-8. $1,500.Gr. 9+.
Finally, there’s a comprehensive compendium of more than 2,000 primary source documents on US history and culture, organized chronologically, and more attractive to read than Annals of America. The selections are on-target for the high school audience.  Each volume includes document facsimiles, thematic timelines, and black and white images.  This is a purchase with long-lasting value.  It was popular with students and teachers as soon as it hit the shelves.  Joyce Valenza

Americans at War: Culture, Society, and the Homefront. Ed. by John P. Resch. Detroit: Gale Group, 2005. 4 volumes.  0-02-865806-X.  $450.  Gr. 9+.
Each A-Z volume covers a broad period in the social and military history of the US.  Also included are chronologies, synoptic outlines of events, glossaries, and sections of primary source documents. Though students would have to know which volume the war they are researching falls in, this is a useful tool for background knowledge.  Joyce Valenza

Arts & Humanities Through The Eras. Ed. by Edward Bleiberg. Detroit: Gale Group, 2005. 5 volumes. 0-7876-5695-X. $450. Gr. 9+.
In style similar to American Decades and American Eras, each volume in this impressive reference set represents an era and each era is divided into the categories: architecture, dance, fashion, literature, music, philosophy, religion, theater, and visual arts.  Within these categories are lists of important events, overviews, topics, significant people and documentary sources.  Each volume begins with an era overview.  Primary source documents are separated in gray boxes throughout the text.  A wonderful resource useful for research in the arts and history!  Joyce Valenza

Crime and Punishment in America:  An Almanac.  Ed. by Richard Hanes.  Detroit: UXL. Gale Publishers.  2004.  0-7876-9163-1.  $109.96.  Gr. 7-12.
This almanac on Crime and Punishment in America provides an extensive chronology of significant developments in the justice system in the United States from the 1800’s to the Early 2000’s.  It includes information on specific crimes, the effects on society, significant events in the judicial system, the criminal correction system and media portrayals and reporting.  This reference should provide students with quick and easy to find information on criminals and events in American history.  American History, Government, Law.  Susan Mowery

Crime and Punishment in America: Biographies.  Ed. by Sarah Hermsen and Kelly Rudd.  Detroit:  UXL. Gale Publishers.  2004.  0-7876-91674.  $59.96.  Gr. 7-12.
This biographical reference on crime and punishment in America brings together some of the more notorious criminals, prosecutors, attorneys, judges, writers and legal minds.  Included are J. Edgar Hoover, authors, Dickens and Capote, Ted Kaczynski and Timothy McVeigh to list a few.  Each chapter highlights people and events of special interest to student research with additional sources listed at the end of each chapter.  Also included are many black and white photographs, a timeline, a glossary and a subject index.  American History, Government, Law.  Susan  Mowery

Crime and Punishment in America.  Primary Documents.  Ed. by Sharon Hanes.  Detroit: UXL. Gale Publishers, 2004.  0-7876-9168-2.  $59.96.  Gr. 7-12.
This reference of primary documents relating to crime and punishment begins with the earliest piece, The Magna Carta, 1215 (an excerpt) and brings the students into the present with the chapter on terrorism and The Al Qaeda Training Manual. Included are speeches, letters, laws, trials, and government documents. The chapter on the often-researched topic, “Capital Punishment” will also be helpful to students.  This easy-to-read and understand reference will provide a wealth of information for middle and high school research.  Also included is a “Timeline of Events,” black and white photographs, an extensive bibliography entitled, “Where to learn more,” and a detailed index.  American History, Government, Law.  Susan Mowery

The Crusades:  Almanac.  Ed. by Michael J. O’Neal.  Detroit:  UXL.  Gale Publishers, 2004.  0-7876-9176-3.  $104.96.  Gr. 7-12.The Crusades:  Biographies.  Ed. by J. Sydney Jones.  Detroit:  UXL.  Gale Publishers, 2004.  0-7876-9177-1.  $104.96.  Gr. 7-12.The Crusades:  Primary Sources.  Ed. by J. Sydney Jones.  Detroit:  UXL.  Gale Publishers, 2004.  0-7876-9178-X.  $57.96. Gr. 7-12.
“The Crusades with a capital “C” were a series of military campaigns launched by the Christian countries of western Europe in the late eleventh century.  From the first crusade launched in 1095 until the capture of Jerusalem in 1099, much debate still exists as to the success of the crusades and many Muslims still regard the Christian crusades as an assault on their religious lands.  The Biographies include profiles on twenty-five men and women who attained some form of notoriety during this period in history.  They include King Richard the Lionheart of England, the Muslim warrior Saladin and St. Francis of Assisi.  The text also includes more than forty-five images.  The almanac contains thirteen chapters of this time period chronicling the battles, adventures and significant events that highlight the Crusades.  Significant religious places are also mentioned and the changes that occurred there.    The Primary Sources contains representative works that include speeches, original documents, or literary works from the period.  There are also accounts of battles and sieges in the region and autobiographical material.  There are timelines, glossaries, indices, and an index to the volumes.  These reference texts will provide much needed information in a very readable format.  World History, World Biography.  Susan Mowery

DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe.  London: Dorling Kindersley, 2004.  075660592X.  351p.  $40.  Gr.  6+.
Young and older browsers alike will love this coffee table volume!  The book gathers approximately 1000 superheroes, supervillains, sidekicks, demons, techno-sorcerers, malevolent entities, professional criminals, primordial beings, despotic conquerors, and others from the pages from DC Comics’ history back to the 1930s.  Fact boxes offer a kind of baseball card overview for each character.  More important characters, like Wonder Woman and Superman are listed with key storylines and longer profiles.  Entries are alphabetically arranged with some characters appearing in their appropriate teams. If you have comic fans, you’ll want this one in your collection.  Joyce Valenza

Encyclopedia of American Folk Art.  Ed. By Gerard Wertkin.  New York: Routledge, 2004.  0425929865.  612p.  $150.  Gr. 10+. The comprehensive A-Z collection of 607 topical essays, covers three centuries of  “American folk creativity in the visual arts.”  It is intended for researchers, students and the general public.  It examines painting, sculpture, basketry, ceramics, quilts, furniture, toys, beadwork, and more, and “considers individual artists, schools, artistic, ethnic, and religious traditions, and heroes who have inspired folk art.”  Much of the material here is not available elsewhere.  Joyce Valenza

Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion. Ed. by Valerie Steele. Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2005. 3 volumes. 0684313944. $395.Gr. 9+.
Students interested in fashion studies will feel validated by this academic source relating the clothes we wear to our place in culture and society.  The 640 topical essays are arranged alphabetically, from academic dress to zoran.  Entries range in length from half a page to multiple pages. Black and white photographs are numerous and each volume includes a center insert of color images. Some articles include intriguing sidebars. The work includes biographies of individuals who influenced fashion, for instance, Manolo Blahnik and Princess Diana.  This is the second title in the Scribner Library of Daily Life reference series. The well-reviewed Encyclopedia of Food and Culture (2003) was first.  This significant, well-researched, wide-ranging resource belongs in most high school reference collections.  It is fun to browse as well!  Joyce Valenza

Encyclopedia of Exploration: Places, Technologies, and Cultural Trends.  By Carl Waldman and Jon Cunningham.  New York: Facts on File, 2004.  0-8160-4678-6.  1421+p.  $225.  Gr. 12+.
This two-volume encyclopedia is an in-depth study of exploration.  Volume I presents the biographical entries about explorers arranged in alphabetical order.  There are several hundred entries about the explorers that range from a paragraph to a few pages.  Explorers have searched for food, land, precious metals, and scientific knowledge, people to exploit, enslave or convert and a chance to explore beyond their own borders. Vol. II reviews topics of exploration. There are articles on exploration of the Congo River, the Dutch East India Company, the Gemini Program, the Marianas Trench and Mt. McKinley, just to name a few of the more intriguing essays.   The appendices help a student use the encyclopedia. The explorers are divided by occupation in Appendix A.  They are artists, astronauts, colonists, pioneers, guides, interpreters, mariners, merchants, mountain men, military men, missionaries, geographer, historians, linguists and naturalists just to name a few. One can check the index and then return to the articles to learn more about the explorers. Appendix B lists the explorers by geographic area. In another one, they are arranged by birth date. The appendices are the key to these volumes and make the set useable for students.  There are many interesting explorers to read about in the set.  Students with an interest in exploration will find this set invaluable.  Exploration.  Peg Kleppinger

Encyclopedia of Family Health.  Third edition. 18 volumes. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2005. 0761474862. $399. Gr.  8+.
This third edition follows the familiar format of the earlier highly illustrated and inviting slim volumes, with content arranged alphabetically.  Volume 18 contains further reading and Websites, as well as organizations that might provide additional knowledge.  A solid purchase, containing articles useful across the curriculum.  Joyce Valenza

Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance.  By Cary D. Wintz and Paul Finkelman. London: Routedge, 2004.  2  volumes.  157958389X.  $325.  Gr. 9+ .
This major reference work on the Harlem Renaissance covers both culture--literature, art, and music—and the history, politics, and economics of the period. Excellent for high school projects.  Joyce Valenza

Explorers and Exploration.  New York:  Marshall Cavendish, 2004.  0-7614-7535-4.  Gr. 5-8.
This eleven volume set, including index, gives a comprehensive overview of exploration from the wheel to space exploration.  Time lines, a glossary, resources for further study, tremendous illustrations, and clear layout enhance this very useful reference.  Leslie Mastronardo

Fashion, Costume, and Culture: Clothing, Headwear, Body Decorations and Footwear through the Ages.  By Sara Pendergast and Tom Pendergast.  Detroit: UXL, 2004.  0-7876-5417-5.  5 vols.  $275.  Gr. 6-12.
Each volume thoroughly covers a specified time period, organized by culture. They include: The Ancient World,  Early Cultures Across the Globe, European Culture from the Renaissance to the Modern Era, Modern World Parts 1: 1900 to 1945, and Part II: 1946 to 2003.  The set is very easy to navigate.  Each volume includes a table of contents, all entries in alphabetical order, all entries by category, a timeline, a glossary, and index.  Michelle Stone

Gods, Goddesses, and Mythology.  New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2004. 0761475591.  $460.  Gr. 8+ . 
This eleven-volume cross-cultural encyclopedia is exactly what you’ve been looking for to meet the needs of literature, history, and mythology projects.  It does what Edith Hamilton does not—separating each god, hero, or character., making it easy to complete a project on the assigned super-being!  Joyce Valenza

Grants for School Libraries.  By Sylvia D. Hall-Ellis and Ann Jeraback.  Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2003.  1-59258-079-X.  197p.  $37.80.
This reference-ready handbook is a guide to all aspects of grant writing from identifying potential funding sources and team building to organizing and managing the process, compiling relevant research, and planning for evaluation.  Each section is supported by reproducible forms and examples.  FAQ’s about grantsmanship, 50 tips for grant writers, and a glossary of key terms are among the helpful appendices.  Not just for librarians, this is a book that all grant writers will appreciate. Highly recommended.  Candy Blessing

Graphic Novels in Your Media Center.  By Allyson A. W. Lyga and Barry Lyga.  Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2004.  1-59158-142-7.  180p.  $37.80. 
A comprehensive introduction to graphic novels, the inclusion of sample pages makes this guide unique. The author, an elementary librarian, recommends titles for elementary, middle and high school, explains the genre and discusses ways the books can be used to deal with multiple intelligences, reluctant readers and visual literacy.  Lists of publishers, policy issues, how to partner with books stores and involve art teachers are just a few of the areas Lyga discusses.  Advice from other librarians and teachers makes this a valuable addition to your professional collection. Highly recommended.  Candy Blessing

Grzimek’s Student Animal Life Resource. Mammals. (Also Fishes; Insects and Spiders; Birds; Reptiles)   Ed. by Melissa McDade.  Detroit: Thomson, Gale, 2005.  0-7876-9138-6.  5 vols.  $260.00.  Young Adult.
A young adult version of Grzimek’s Animal Life Encyclopedia, this set gives broad coverage to 265 species of mammals.  The entries cover the physical characteristics, diet, behavior, habitat, conservation status, etc of each of the animals. Includes maps, photographs, and illustrations.  This set makes Grizmek’s Animal Life Encyclopedia a great and accessible resource for student research.  Susan Krenicky

Handbook of Classical Mythology.  By William Hansen.  Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2004. 1576072266. 394p. $75.00.Gr. 10+.
Excellent compilation of Greek and Roman mythology.  Explores the origins, geography and thematic context of classical mythology.  Entries are easy to understand, and well laid-out, with complimentary black and white illustrations.  An annotated bibliography, glossary, and comprehensive index complete the volume and enhance its usefulness.  While not as complete as the Oxford Dictionary of Classical Myth and Religion, this is an inviting and useful addition to mythology collections for high school and public libraries.  Pat Naismith

Handbook of Native American Mythology.  By Dawn E. Bastian and Judy K. Mitchell.  Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2004.  1-85109-533-0.  297p.  $75.00. Gr. 10+.
Excellent compilation of Native American themes and tales.  Explores the origins, geography and thematic context of legend and myth.  Entries are easy to understand, and well laid-out, with complimentary black and white illustrations.  Multiple tales are listed under each thematic heading.  I was able to find a number of tales from my childhood that are relatively obscure.  An annotated bibliography, glossary, and comprehensive index complete the volume and enhance its usefulness.  Pat Naismith

Handbook of Polynesian Mythology. By Robert D. Craig. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2004. 1576072266. 394p. $75.00. Gr. 10+.
Excellent compilation of mythology from the Polynesian triangle.  Explores the origins, geography and thematic context of mythology from New Zealand to the Hawaiian Islands.  Many tales are difficult to find elsewhere.  Entries are easy to understand, and well laid-out, with complimentary black and white illustrations.  An annotated bibliography, glossary, and comprehensive index complete the volume and enhance its usefulness.  Pat Naismith

Hip-Hop Poetry and the Classroom.   By Alan Sitomer and Michael Cirelli.  Beverly Hills: Milk Mug, 2004.  0972188223.  160p.  $24.95.  Professional.
Your English teachers will love this one! The authors analyze “the poetry of hip-hop and compare its motifs, themes and general poetic devices (such as alliteration, rhyme scheme, figurative language, etc.) to the ‘classic’ poems traditionally studied.”  The lessons will absolutely engage students.  Librarians will appreciate such additional resources as “How to Host a Poetry Slam,” glossaries, and interpretation guides.  Joyce Valenza

A History of Science (five volumes).  By Ray Spangenburg and Diane Moser.  New York: Facts on File, Inc., 2004.  0-8160-4854-1.  $200.00.
Each volume in this series contains its own introduction, table of contents, as well as a chronology, glossary, and index.  These tools provide easy access to the information in the series, which is organized by time period.   The authors provide an engaging background on the highlights of major scientific developments, biographical information about scientists as well as pseudo-scientists.  The wide-ranging discussion and good writing holds the reader’s interest.      Erika Thickman Miller

History of World War II.  Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2005.  3  volumes.  076147482X.  $357.  Gr. 7+. Volume 1: Origins and Outbreak; Volume 2: Global War; Volume 3: Victory and Aftermath
This reader-friendly set is beautifully illustrated and enhanced with interesting sidebars offering “eyewitness views,” maps, graphs, and background on key figures and events. The useful appendix offers a timeline and charts.  In addition to a general index, the set is indexed by personalities, places, and battles.  Of permanent value to any high school collection. Joyce Valenza

The Horror Readers’ Advisory: The Librarian’s Guide to Vampires, Killer Tomatoes, and Haunted Houses (ALA Readers’ Advisory series). By Becky Siegel Spratford and Tammy Hennigh Clausen.  Chicago: ALA, 2004. 0-8389-0871-3.  161p.  $36.00. 
The authors begin with an informative chapter on the evolution of horror literature and film. They then provide a helpful review of reader’s advisory interview techniques, with special emphasis on the appeal factors of horror. Their annotated list of 22 horror “classics” are drawn from pre-1974 titles that can also be included in the canon of good literature: these titles are obviously recommendations for a basic horror collection as well as for novice horror readers.  Further chapters discuss and provide annotations of recommended titles for the various sub-genre of horror: ghosts and haunted houses, mummies and zombies, vampires, werewolves, maniacs and monsters, black magic and witches/warlocks, demonic possession, scientific and biomedical horror, and psychological horror. They conclude with recommended horror resources (i.e., awards, magazines) and suggestions for collection development and marketing.  Other titles in the ALA Readers’ Advisory series address science fiction and fantasy, mystery fiction, romance, short stories, and genre fiction. Title and series highly recommended for those librarians wishing to develop fiction collections and promote reading.  Readers’ Advisory, Horror Fiction.  Eleanor Howe

Internet Information Skills: A Guide for Teachers and School Librarians. By James E. Herring.  London: Facet, 2004.  1-85604-493-9.  171p.  $65.00.  
Included are chapters about the learning and teaching context, the Internet, evaluating websites, subject gateways, research skills and the PLUS model of research, developing a school website, developing an instructional website, and future developments. Each chapter includes a list of skills to be mastered, discussion, conclusions, and references. The text is supplemented by illustrations, charts, website pages, and a thorough index. It is clearly and professionally written with a focus on student learning. Recommended.  Information Technology Skills, Internet, Research skills.  Eleanor Howe

Islamic World Past and Present. Oxford: Oxford U.P, 2004.  3 volumes.  0195175949.  $286.  Gr. 6+.
The three-volume A-Z encyclopedia is friendly for both middle and high school students and answers many timely and frequently asked questions about both modern and historic Islam.  The attractively illustrated set presents profiles of countries, issues, laws, and philosophies. Particularly helpful to our students are the articles on Women, Women and Reform, Women in the Qur’an.  Joyce Valenza

Junior Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations.  4^th edition.  Detroit: Gale, 2004.  0-7876-92115-8.  10 vols. $ 335.  Gr. 6+.
This set includes 192 country entries arranged alphabetically. Each entry is broken down into 35 important headings, and includes a map, the flag and seal, profiles and data insets, and b & w photos.  Each volume includes a glossary.  Volume 10 includes a set index.  The arrangement and thorough coverage will appeal to students and teachers.  Michelle Stone

Junior Worldmark Encyclopedia of the States. 4^th ed.  Ed. by Timothy L. Gail and Susan Bevan.  Detroit, MI: Thompson/Gale, 2004.  0-7876-9197-6 (set).  306p.  $195.  Gr. 4-9.
This four volume encyclopedia includes information about each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and an overview of the United States.  It is based on the Worldmark Encyclopedia of the States.   Students will find the information, graphs and illustrations helpful for report writing.  Bibliographic listings, websites and an index are included. Sandy Krieg

Junior Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations.  4^th ed.  Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2004.  0-7876-9215-8.  10 vols.  $335.00.  Gr. 6-10.
Basic information on 193 countries, attractively and usefully laid-out, supplemented with biographical information on famous people for each country.  Web-based references would have been helpful, and the “plunge” into the 21^st century is promised for the next edition.  This edition is based on the eleventh edition of the Worldmark Encyclopedia of the Nations, and will be a readable and excellent resource for middle school and public library collections.  Pat Naismith

National Geographic United States Atlas for Young Explorers. Washington D. C.:  National Geographic, 2004.  0-7922-6840-7.  176p.  $24.95.  Gr. 5+.
Everything you could want in a US atlas is included in this beautifully illustrated volume.  Michelle Stone

Neal-Schuman Guide to Celebrations and Holidays around the World: The Best Books, Media, and Multicultural Learning Activities.  By Kathryn Matthew and Joy L. Lowe.  New York: Neal-Schuman, 2004.  1-55570-479-4.  407p. $59.95.
This is a well thought out and useful guide to the hundreds of different holidays.  Starting out with an overview of the celebrations and holidays through the year, the book expands to include some holidays in social studies curriculum.  Parts II to V present the holidays seasonally, starting with autumn. Part VI covers special holidays and celebrations.   Each holiday is explained with an annotated list of media and books and activities that tie into the media mentioned.  Back matter includes author, illustrator, title and subject indices. Be sure to promote this valuable guide to all faculty members.  Jeannie Bellavance

Newsmakers.  By Judy Galens and Kelle S. Sisung.  Detroit: UXL, 2005.  0-7876-9189-5.  4 vols.  $215.  Gr. 6-12.
The focus of this reference series are biographies of people who are currently in the news. There are 100 biographies in the first four volumes and two additional volumes will be published this summer.  What makes this series so valuable is the breadth of the fields of endeavor, from business to music to social issues.  My students appreciated the Writing category, as the eleven authors represented were authors they were researching.  The personalities selected are well known to students and are people they would be interested in knowing more about.  The biographies average 10 pages, some a little less, with a black and white photo introducing the biography.  Additional photos and sidebars are included. The biographies explain the importance or contribution of the individual, but do not include any primary interview information other than a quote. Web sites point students to additional information.  Table of Contents is organized by volume and by field of endeavor.  Index is a general index.  This is a valuable reference source and by its currency complements the traditional biography references. Also available as an e-book.  Rosanne Zajko

Newsmakers.  By Judy Galens and Kelle S. Sisung.  Detroit: UXL, 2005.  0-7876-9189-5.  4 vols.  $215.  Gr. 6-12.
This set contains 100 concise biographies of people currently in the news, from nine different fields.  The subjects were selected with students in mind, and include many popular children’s authors, entertainers, athletes, government officials, and more.  Each entry includes one or more b & w photo.  Each volume is easy to navigate with set table of contents, listings by “field of endeavor” and Index.  Michelle Stone

Opera: A Critic’s Guide to the 100 Most Important Works and the Best Recordings (The New York Times Essential Library series).   By Anthony Tommasini.  New York: Henry Holt/Times Books, 2004.  0-8050-7459-7.  316p.  $17.00.  Gr. 10+ and Professional. 
Included in the recommended operas, alphabetically organized by composer, are 100 major and lesser works from the 16^th to 20^th centuries by Adams, Britten, Handel, Monteverdi, Mozart, Rossini, Strauss, Verdi, Wagner, and Wiesgall among others.  The short, well-written but accessible essays on each title address the origins, major themes, and challenges of each opera and provide a rationale for the recommended performances.  While they are not plot summaries, the essays do entice both the novice and the experienced opera lover either to see an opera (just go and enjoy the music and story) or to listen to recordings.  Two advantages of listening are that there may not be local productions, some operas are not performed, and the focus is on the music rather than the staging.  The recommended discography lists conductor, orchestra, and major singers.  The “Essential Twenty” are absolute staples that demonstrate the diversity and excellence of opera. The text is supplemented by a few portraits, very thorough indexing, and an annotated bibliography.  Highly recommended.  Opera—History and criticism, Opera—Discographies.  Eleanor Howe

Oxford American Writer’s Thesaurus.  Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004.  0195170768.  1088p.  $40.  Gr.  8+ .
Offering more than 300,000 synonyms and 10,000 antonyms, and 200 mini-essays, this works so much better than your word processor’s meager tool.  A fine update for your reference collection or your desk.  Joyce Valenza

Oxford Atlas of the Civil War.  Ed. by Steven Woodworth and Kenneth J. Winkle.  Oxford: Oxford UP, 2004.  400p.  $85.  Gr. 7+.
The authors, both noted Civil War historians, divide the war chronologically into five sections and offer detail on every significant battle and campaign with impressive scope.  Beyond the battles the work addresses the non-military--politics, economics, geography, legislation, and social context.  Increasing the value are contemporary posters, editorial cartoons, and period photographs. Pulitzer-prize winning author James McPherson, contributes the foreword and the essays that open each section.  A wonderful purchase of permanent value for the high school reference collection--fun for browsers as well.  Joyce Valenza

Oxford Atlas of the World.  12^th ed.  New York: Oxford UP / Phillip’s, 2004.  0195221478.  305p.  $80.  Gr. 7+.
Oxford packs an impressive amount of information into this latest edition and reasonably priced volume, including colorful, detailed maps, a gazetteer of nations, text, charts, graphs, and thematic maps.  Reaching beyond usual atlas fare, it features city maps and such thematic maps as: climate, energy, minerals, trade, health, the human family, water and vegetation, and many more.  This standard reference tool is an essential purchase for every high school and public library collection.  Joyce Valenza

Oxford Atlas of World Art.  Ed. by John Onians.  Oxford: Oxford UP, 2004. 780195215830.   352p.  $150.  Gr. 10+.
The history of art from 40,000 B.C. to the present, using maps as a medium, is organized in seven chronological periods, with smaller sections focused on large land masses, further divided by regions or countries. Images representing major works are scattered in appropriate time periods. The maps point to concepts not usually treated in art reference--locations of raw materials, trade routes suggesting outside influences, and regional geographic, political, social, and religious influences. The depth of work is staggering, and though this is not for every collection, art teachers with strong history interests will likely appreciate.  Joyce Valenza

Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America. Ed. By Andrew F. Smith. Oxford: Oxford U. P., 2004.  2 volumes.   0195154371.  $250.  Gr. 9+ .
From additives to zombies (the drink!) this comprehensive A-Z encyclopedia offers several types of entries: chronological surveys of American history; product entries; contributions of racial, ethnic, religious and cultural groups; biographies; and political and social movements.  This one will satisfy needs relating to American History and Consumer Science courses.  It is great for research projects, project ideas, and its fun to browse through such articles as: drinking songs, Chinese-American food, the politics of food, and Mr. Peanut.  Joyce Valenza

Peoples of Eastern Asia.  New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2004.  0-76147547-8.  $472.00.  Gr. 4-8.
Colorful pictures illustrate the articles in this comprehensive reference of Eastern Asia. Each volume includes a Glossary, suggestions for further reading an index and websites. A basic introduction to all aspects of the cultures of eastern Asia.  Barb Wray

Poverty in the United States  (two volumes).  Ed. By Gwendolyn Mink and Alice O’Connor  Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2004.  1-57607-597-4.   $185.00.
This well-written encyclopedia of poverty in the U. S. begins with an overview of the issue from the Colonial period through the present.  The remainder of this two-volume set covers a variety of topics surrounding the main issue of poverty.  Photographs and copies of original documents add interest and a pleasant diversion to the informative text.  Each volume contains a complete table of contents, and the index is excellent.  Erika Thickman Miller

Shamanism: An Encyclopedia of World Beliefs, Practices and Culture.  Ed. by Mariko Namba Walter and Eva Jane Neumann Fridman.  Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2004.  2 vols.  1-57607-645-8.  1054p.  $185.  Gr. 12+. 
Shamanism is a “religious belief system in which the shaman is the specialist in knowledge.” The shaman knows the spirit world and human soul through the power of an altered state of consciousness, or trance, which is used to make a connection to the world of spirits in order to bring about benefits to the community.  The first volume has short essays on topics such as animal symbolism, divination, healing, music and trance.  The second volume then discusses shamanism in various geographical areas.  The reading level of this set would make it very difficult for most students.  There are articles in the second volume that would seem to be more approachable for students.  I think academic libraries would be the target audience for this set, not high schools.  Peg Kleppinger

The Sixties in America. Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2004.  0-7876-9249-2.  4 vols.  $185.00.  Gr. 10+.
An excellent source of material about the 1960s.  Sold as a set, or can be purchased by individual volumes.  Vol. 1. Almanac ($60.00); Vol. 2. Biographies ($60.00); Vol. 3. Primary sources ($60.00); Vol. 4. Cumulative index ($5.00). Coverage includes politics, culture, and daily life during the 1960s, including articles on such aspects as the Vietnam War, the policies of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson, and arts and entertainment; twenty-six biographical profiles; twenty primary sources; a time line; and a glossary.  Great addition to US History collections.  Pat Naismith

Southeast Asia: A Historical Encyclopedia from Angkor Wat to East Timor.  Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2004.  1-57607-770-5.  $285.00.  Gr. 9-12.
This reference provides the researcher with over 800 alphabetically arranged articles contributed by more than 130 specialists on the region.  Archaeology, prehistory, political history, cultural heritage, economic and social transformation, ethnohistory of ethnic minorities are each of the subjects covered by this reference.  A comprehensive 109 page introduction provides in depth background of the region and its history.  Karen Hornberger

Sport in American Culture: From Ali to X-games.  Ed. By Joyce Duncan.  Santa Barbara: ABL-CLIO, 2004.  1-57607-024-7.  479p.  $95.  Gr. 5-Adult.
A sports fan’s delight, this encyclopedia includes over 400 entries on sports figures and topics, with a focus on their impact on American culture. Each article is signed, includes a “see also” of related entries, and further reading for the topic.  Michelle Stone

U.S. Immigration and Migration:  Biographies.  Ed. by James L. Outman.  Detroit:  UXL.  Gale Publishers.  2004.  0-7876-7733-7. $104.96.  Gr. 7-12.  U. S. Immigration and Migration:  Primary Sources. Ed. by James L. Outman.  Detroit: UXL.  Gale Publishers.  2004.  0-7876-7669-1.  $57.96.  Gr. 7-12. U.S. Immigration and Migration:  Almanac.  Ed. by Sonia Benson.  Detroit:  UXL.  Gale Publishers.  2004.  0-7876-7732-9.   $104.96.   Gr. 7-12.
The biography and almanac sections are comprised in two chapters each.  The primary documents are contained in a single volume.  These excellent reference texts provide information on the American Immigrant experience from the earliest times to the significant periods from 1820 to 1930 to today when immigrants to this country find more obstacles to attaining citizenship.  The information is historic and timely including references to 9/11 and beyond. Also included are discussions as to why the immigrants came to America, how they assimilated, and information regarding significant contributions of immigrants to American society.  The biography books profile fifty men or women who emigrated to America and why their presence is significant.  The primary sources include a reference to the 1649 “Declaration of Religious Tolerance” and end with Pat Buchanan’s views on immigration policy.  Each book contains relevant information to student research in the area of American immigration, black and white photographs, timelines, bibliographies and indices.  The work is highly readable and will benefit both middle and high school students.  American History, Government, Law.  Susan Mowery

UXL.  Space Exploration Reference Library.  Detroit: UXL, 2004.  0-7876-9209-3.  $225.  Gr. 6+.
Set includes a two volume almanac, and one volume each of primary sources and biographies, and a cumulative index. Each volume includes a readers guide, timeline, and glossary.  Articles are informative and understandable with sidebar boxes highlighting interesting facts, and include b & w photos and illustrations.  Michelle Stone

Western Philosophy: An Illustrated Guide.  Ed. by David Papineau.  New York: Oxford UP, 2004. 780195221435. $35. 224p. Gr. 9+. Put away those dry philosophy texts.  This single volume combines philosophical history, biography, and historical background.  Organized thematically—World, Mind and Body, Knowledge, Faith, Ethics, Aesthetics, and Society--this accessible introduction to the enduring questions will work for research projects and will help teachers generate thoughtful discussion across the curriculum.  Joyce Valenza

Women in Early America: Struggle, Survival, and Freedom in a New World.  By Dorothy A. Mays.  Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2004. 1-85109-429-6. $90. 494 p. Gr. 7-12.
This useful one-volume reference book contains in-depth articles about early American women from 1607 to 1812.  Topics cover: historical figures, ethnic heritage, status, culture, health, pastimes, occupations, religion, social reform, and other issues of importance.  Alphabetically arranged, entries average a page and a half to two pages and include further reading suggestions.  This is a welcome resource for school libraries since books on early American women’s history are not exactly overflowing on our library shelves.  Pat Bender

Committee Members:

Jeannie Bellavance, Gwynedd-Mercy Academy
Pat Bender, Upper School Librarian, The Shipley School
Candace Blessing, Ephrata High School
Nancy Chrismer, Juniata High School
Donna Darmofal, Scranton Preparatory School
Ilene Goldis, Radnor High School
Karen Hornberger, Palisades High School
Eleanor Howe, Pine-Richland High School
Pamela Kavanaugh, Grier School
Margaret Kleppinger, Hatboro-Horsham High School
Susan Krenicky, Phoenixville Area Middle School
Sandra Krieg, The Haverford School
Leslie Mastronardo, On Leave
Elizabeth McChesney, Greenville High School
Erika Miller, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School
Susan Mowery, Upper Dublin High School
Pat Naismith, Springfield High School (Del Co)
Constance Roupp, Harlan Rowe Middle School
Mary Schwander, New Hope-Solebury High School
Michelle Stone, Sandy Run Middle School
Joyce Valenza, Springfield Township High School
Barbara Wray, Sayre Middle School
Rosanne Zajko, Ancillae-Assumpta Academy