KISHEL, Ann-Marie . Rules and Laws ISBN 978-0-8225-6396-9 ; ISBN 978-0-8225-6402-7 . LC 2006018517. KISHEL, Ann-Marie . What Is Government? map. ISBN 978-0-8225-6393-8 ; ISBN 978-0-8225-6399-0 . LC 2006018519. ea vol: 24p. (First Step Nonfiction Series). illus. photos. glossary. index. CIP. Lerner 2007. PLB $17.27; pap. $4.25. K-Gr 2 Each of these books has a sentence or two in large type under a full-color photo. These sentences would form one paragraph, but appearing on separate pages, they create a choppy text, with statements such as, It runs schools and libraries ( Government ). The texts are so vague that they convey little information, and some of the photos lack sufficient explanation. In Rules , for example, a picture of children climbing the ladder of a playground structure is captioned, A good rule is fair to everyone. Citizenship and Rules have charts with text and pictures to help explain how to become a U.S. citizen and how laws are made, but most youngsters this age will need assistance to make sense of them. Because all of the books are simplified for the sake of newly independent readers, they will require adult input to make them effective for meaningful civics lessons. Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, NJ

These books in the Cornerstones of Freedom series are packed with features. Each book begins with both a series introduction and an introduction to the background of the specific topic. Each ends with a two-page map of "What Happened Where?"; a two-page epilogue; glossary-style identifications of significant people; a page of primary sources; a bibliography of books; a glossary; and an index plus author bio. In between, numerous photos and sidebars enliven the text, including "Today's Perspective" and "Yesterday's Headlines," both of which add depth and variety. The individual books are interesting and age appropriate. Citizenship covers everything from basic facts about naturalization to debates over hot issues such as gun control. With such a variety of information, something in each book is sure to engage readers.