These 13 notable bridges all fulfill the same basic function with strength and grace, yet each is distinct and beautiful in its own way. Arranged chronologically, the discussion begins with the ancient Roman bridge and aqueduct Pont du Gard and ends with the twenty-first-century Millau Viaduct. Nine of the bridges are in Europe, such as Ponte Veccio in Florence and Tower Bridge in London. The others featured are China's ancient Anji Bridge, Australia's Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as America's Brooklyn Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge. Each appears in a two- or four-page section that includes a succinct, informative text, a fast-fact box, and well-captioned color photos. Running across the tops of pages, a continuous time line places the construction of each bridge within the context of historical and cultural events, such as the Roman conquest of Gaul in 51 BCE and the publication of the first Harry Potter book in 1997. Another solid entry in the 13 series.

Gr 4-7 Students who are fascinated by bridges won't find a lot on the topic here, nor is it actually a given that children ought to know these bridges. Rather, this title is an attractive travelogue that briefly highlights various bridges located around the world (nine in Europe, two in the United States, and two in Asia and the Pacific) and built in different historical periods, beginning in ancient Roman times. The excellent color photos show off the structures to their best advantage; they'll make readers long to walk astride these impressive engineering marvels. Among the book's useful features are informative captions; cumulative time lines that cite social, literary and artistic, technological, and political events that happened concurrently with the bridges' construction; fact boxes containing information about when and where they were built and what types they are; what bodies of water or land forms the bridges cross; their size; who designed or engineered them; and occasional intriguing "Did You Know?" factoids. Three "Quiz Questions" (readers likely won't know the answer to two of them, but answers are provided) and a "Challenge" to students to try drawing their own "fancy bridge" are also included. VERDICT A browsing item that fills a small niche, but there isn't enough information for reports or for avid bridge aficionados. An additional purchase for large public collections. Carol Goldman, Queens Library, NY