Under Every Roof: A Kid's Style and Field Guide to the Architecture of American Houses
Grade 4-8-This overview of American houses provides a cursory look at how soil, environment, economics, available materials, and personal taste have shaped regional styles. The second half of the book focuses on the architectural elements, with each style generally accorded a single page and one or two illustrations. The presentation concludes with suggestions for field exercises for readers to conduct in their own communities. Glenn's task is noble, but her execution falls flat. A history of architectural styles will generally appeal to youngsters who already have at least some interest in architecture and construction. Unfortunately, those students won't find this book very enlightening; those without background knowledge won't learn much either. Stites's cartoon illustrations are distracting and, in some cases, confusing as they parody true architectural renderings. Occasionally, characters are drawn specifically to offer witty and inane remarks about the buildings or their uses. The yellow and purple print used for headings is difficult to read and the variety of type styles and sizes for subheadings and captions is dizzying. Libraries will be better served by Diane Maddex's Architects Make Zigzags (Preservation, 1986).Jeanette Larson, Texas State Library, AustinCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.