In two books in this series, the authors each give an overview of a Native American tribe covering both traditional lifestyles and adaptations to modern living, while color photos of tribe members in both ceremonial and modern dress make the presentation current. The information isnÆt well organized and sometimes skips around, but the inclusive scope of the project will be helpful to those looking for up-to-date sources. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 4-6-Colorfully bordered spreads introduce each group, the habitat in which they live, the plants and animals native to the region, and early contacts with outsiders. Later spreads consider traditional and modern lifestyles: home construction, foods, clothing and fashion, languages, performing arts, crafts, recreation, myths and spirits, and rituals associated with birth and death. The attractive layouts feature photographs, usually in full color, as well as adequate maps. Text boxes with colorful backgrounds expand on the information. A list of up-to-date books, videos, and Web sites, along with organizations to contact, concludes each volume. Inuit gives very small dimensions for the blocks of snow used in making igloos; Hmong focuses primarily on those living in northern Vietnam. And, oddly, Yanomami pictures a miner's hand holding liquid mercury; the accompanying text states that "Mercury is very poisonous," while the glossary notes that it "can harm people who eat, drink, or touch it." Overall, however, these series entries are good choices for reports.-Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr. 4-6. In these entries in the First Peoples series, color photographs and blocks of focused text organized into concise, double-page-spread chapters effectively introduce readers to native peoples whose daily lives are dictated by their environment. The vital role of plants and animals and the impact of climate on clothing, housing, livelihoods, transportation, and more are made clear in each book. The readable texts illustrate the difficulty in maintaining the regions' natural balance, particularly when outsiders exploit the natural resources. Cultural anecdotes generously color the coverage. Children will find out, for example, that when two Inuit have a disagreement, they stand before a group and humorously explain what's wrong; the person who makes everyone laugh the hardest is the winner. They'll also learn that at a Yanomami funeral, family members drink a mixture of banana juice and the ashes of the cremated Yanomami to signify the deceased's spiritual union with survivors. Excellent resources for classroom use or personal interest. --Ellen Mandel