Barron's New Student's Concise Encyclopedia

A guide and reference book providing overviews of subjects covered in high school

Much of the important information high school students need to know is packed into this thick but handy volume. It is intended to be "the next best thing to having a computer implanted in your brain." Almost any critical or trivial fact is described briefly here. It also has much practical information, from how to do research and write a paper to how to balance your checkbook and use an ATM machine.

The encyclopedia is divided into 24 sections that cover the arts, each of the sciences, government, history, language arts, law, life skills, literature, music, mythology, philosophy, religion, and statistics on countries of the world. Most sections are largely made up of a dictionary or narrative. Each section has numerous charts, time lines, and black-and-white illustrations. There are a few color plates in the science section, and some of the maps are in color. The index is accurate and fairly detailed. The table of contents includes lists of charts and color illustrations and maps.

This up-to-date encyclopedia is a treasure trove. It is entertaining reading; often the entry starts a chain reaction that leads to other lookups. It is affordable for any high school or public library and is recommended as a personal purchase for students needing desk-reference material.