Macmillan First Dictionary
Grade 2–4—Written for use by emergent readers, this revision of the 1990 edition contains updated information (for example, on the Internet, and a current list of U.S. presidents) that makes it a useful replacement. The book features large, easy-to-read text, judicious use of white space, and more than 1400 color illustrations and photographs. Each entry includes variant forms of the term and example sentences; there are word histories for selected entries. While the dictionary contains definitions for various religious holidays, it lacks entries for the major religions. In addition to the expected guide words at the top of each page, spreads feature vertically printed alphabets on either side, with the relevant letter highlighted to ease navigation. An introduction demonstrates how to use the volume, and the book ends with a reference section, which boasts U.S. and world maps; listings of U.S. states and facts about them; the country's presidents, First Ladies, and vice presidents; and a map of the solar system, accompanied by information regarding each planet. This is a particularly welcome addition to libraries serving ESL students because the definitions are basic but they are not dumbed down.—Sara Rofofsky Marcus, Yeshiva Har Torah, Little Neck, NYCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.