These four books offer a mix of solid facts and trite generalizations about the rights and responsibilities of American citizens, presented in a format intended to look hip but which is ultimately hectic. Red, white, and blue borders frame each page, and the same colors are used to enhance photos and tint black-and-white archival photographs. The graphic elements compete with the texts rather than highlighting important facts. Bib., glos., ind.

Gr 5-8-LaMachia defines his subject, offers a historical account of the importance of tolerance to our democratic way of life, and looks at what happens when it isn't practiced. Unfortunately, the text is written in dry, stilted, simplistic language. Terms such as "quite large," "many," and "much" are used repeatedly, resulting in generalizations and stereotypes. The author presents lists of people and events rather than developing them. For instance, he mentions the six Arab Muslims who were suspected of being involved in the World Trade Center bombing and then says that five of them were tried and found guilty, without identifying the innocent party. Likewise, Kwanzaa is given a page but it is implied that it is on December 31, when it is actually a seven-day celebration starting on December 26. Other holidays such as Ramadan are merely glossed over. At times the text is hard to read as it is superimposed upon the frequent color and black-and-white photos and reproductions. The captions are not always clearly delineated so that readers may think they are part of the text. There is a useful chapter with suggestions of what young people can do to promote tolerance. The index is incomplete. This title attempts to do too much in too little space, and therefore presents merely a cursory overview.-Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.