Japan

Gr 4–8—A solid, up-to-date resource covering information typically needed for school reports, this volume maintains the high standard of quality expected from the series. Topics such as climate, wildlife, history, government, pop culture, and the arts are all addressed, providing a well-rounded look at Japan's past and present. With content revised considerably from previous editions, this book goes beyond facts and statistics to give readers an intimate glimpse at typical Japanese youth through fictionalized anecdotes detailing moments in their daily lives. The text is straightforward and accessible, with information neatly organized into logical divisions. A "Fast Facts" section offers quick reference information that is especially relevant for students, such as demographics, currency, and famous landmarks, and a useful time line places Japan's history in context with world events, updated through the devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 2011. Page layouts are much the same as in earlier editions: headings introduce topics, sidebars highlight interesting tidbits of information, and full-color images make for an appealing reading experience. Though a few common misconceptions make their way into the text as fact ("Japanese homes are quite small"), as well as one typographical error (hopi instead of hapi coat), this volume is, on the whole, thoroughly researched and quite accurate. An enjoyable introduction to Japan and a worthy addition to any collection.—Allison Tran, Mission Viejo Library, CA