Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Pebble Books)

PreSchool-Grade 1-Supporting national social-studies standards, these books offer brief discussions of the holidays' histories and how they are celebrated. Written in uninspiring, textbook style, each double-page spread teaches one concept, with a color or black-and-white photograph or reproduction on the left and two simple sentences in large print on the right. Some pictures are confusing or inappropriate. In the first book, a small photo of a horse-drawn wagon surrounded by men is paired with the words, "Some people did not agree with Martin. Someone killed him on April 4, 1968." Only observant readers will notice the coffin in the wagon and make the connection. In the second volume, members of three generations of a family sit smiling as they look at an album of baby pictures. The text reads, "Families gather on Memorial Day. They talk about family members who have died." Despite the controlled vocabulary, youngsters will still need adult guidance in understanding the intrinsic meaning of these commemorative days.
Pamela K. Bomboy, Chesterfield County Public Schools, VA
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