Going to School in India
Grade 4-6–"Every school day millions of children go to school in India in city classrooms, mountain fields, desert tents, and glowing temples." This brilliantly hued volume depicts 12 different types of learning situations. An eight-page foldout of photographs, sometimes set on a background of swirling color, shows how children get to school; a shorter foldout displays typical lunchtime foods. While containing interesting information and admirable in its concept, the book is poorly organized and difficult to use. The depiction of each "school," despite additional detail in small type, is often inadequate in answering such basic questions as to how many children learn this way or whether any adults are involved. The only map is on the table-of-contents page. Bright photographs and textured backgrounds extend to page edges; the text, set in black, white, or blue type, is very hard to read. At best, this is a coffee-table book for children.–Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.