Written at a young researcher's reading level,
The New Book of Knowledge (NBK) presents coverage of a wide range of topics that fulfill the informational and recreational needs of elementary- and middle-school students. Child-friendly page layouts include large font size and numerous illustrative materials. NBK continues to utilize the recognizable snowboarder spine design and does not split letters of the alphabet between volumes (a positive feature for reference sets aimed at students).
In the 2005 edition, the Summer Olympics in Greece, the Boston Red Sox World Series victory, the 2004 presidential election results, new NATO members, terrorist attacks in Russia, and the final recount results in the Washington State gubernatorial race have all been included. Some of these events occurred after the mid-November 2004 revision deadline. The December 26, 2004, tsunami that devastated much of Southeast Asia even receives a brief mention in the Southeast Asia article (although not in Ocean--tsunami, Indonesia, or Thailand). Yasir Arafat's death is noted in Palestine but not in the Arafat, Yasir entry. Among the 34 new entries are Ali, Muhammad; Amundsen, Roald; Dalai Lama; Qaeda, Al; Rice, Condoleeza; Rowling, J. K.; and Sacagawea. NBK continues its coverage of world leaders with new articles on Ruhollah Khomeini and Muammar Al-Qaddafi. The 25 replacement articles include Ancient civilizations, Malaysia, Nurses and nursing, Radiometric dating, Rome, and X-rays. Among the 40 articles that received major revisions are Bible; First ladies; Keller, Helen; Olympic Games; Planets; and Radio. In addition, there are 441 new photos (412 in color), 61 new pieces of color art, and 39 new maps.
NBK includes additional features intended to interest its audience, such as "Wonder Questions" ("Who was Johnny Appleseed?" "What and where is Asia Minor?"), "Literary Selections," "Homework Help," "Profiles" of famous individuals, and "See for Yourself" suggestions. Some 25 new special features were added this year, among them a time line of ancient civilizations as well as additional "Wonder Questions," "Profiles," and "See for Yourself" projects. Each volume still contains its own index on blue pages, and a comprehensive set index volume is included with the set. A separate "Home and School Reading and Study Guide" is a useful supplement and contains bibliographies, study guides, and curriculum-based activities for teachers, librarians, or homeschoolers.
Though obviously not every article can be updated each year, the set would benefit from updated pictures in many entries. For example, in Bicycling, the first photograph shows a family happily pedaling along sans helmets. And a brief mention about Lance Armstrong's achievements in the Tour de France would have been nice to see.
The accessible writing, attractive layout, and organized design enhance the notable features of this set, making it an excellent choice for schools and libraries serving younger students. Shauna Yusko
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