The New Book of Knowledge, Volume 2 (B)

An illustrated encyclopedia with articles on history, literature, art and music, geography, mathematics, science, sports, and other topics. Some articles include activities, games, or selections from classic tales.

Written for grades 3 and up, The New Book of Knowledge (NBK) presents coverage of a wide-range of topics that fulfills the informational and recreational needs of elementary- and middle-school students. NBK introduces a new spinescape this year, of an eagle soaring over mountains, but continues not to split letters of the alphabet between volumes (a positive feature for reference sets aimed at students). Child-friendly page layouts include large type and numerous illustrative materials. The mid-November 2007 print-revision deadline allowed for inclusion of the Boston Red Sox World Series victory, 2007 Nobel Prize winners, and the results of the 2007 U.S. gubernatorial and congressional elections. Major world events, such as the election of Lee Myung-bak as president of South Korea and the assassination of Pakistani political leader Benazir Bhutto, are included even though occurring well after the print deadline.  Among the 21 new entries are Clinton, Hillary; Gore, Al; Internet; Lincoln Memorial; Obama, Barack; and Pelosi, Nancy. Some 47 articles were replaced or heavily revised, including Child labor, Computers, Penguins, Population, and articles for numerous countries, among them Brazil, Egypt, Germany, and South Africa. Around 173 articles were slightly revised or updated, usually to document U.S. and world events, international elections, deaths of notable people, or new sports records and championships. In addition, there are 146 new photos (140 in color), 8 new pieces of color art, and 22 new color maps. The article on China has several paragraphs on “China in the New Century,” providing a greater amount of current information than the other encyclopedias discussed here.  NBK provides additional features intended to interest its audience, such as “Wonder Questions” and literary selections. Some new special features were added this year, including a guide to keeping hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs as pets. Each volume has its own index on blue pages, and a comprehensive set-index volume concludes the set. A separate “Home & 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, including most of the sports articles, which show athletes unknown to today’s students. (Thankfully, Automobile racing does include a photo and mention of Danica Patrick.) Many “Important Dates in the History of . . .” charts include events only through 2003. Several articles relating to technology could use updating also.  Overall, the accessible writing, attractive design, and organization enhance the notable features of this set, making it an excellent choice for schools and libraries serving younger students. Grades 4-6. --Shauna Yusko