"Full-color illustrations and photographs are tastefully placed on the pages, along with just the right amount of white space, shaded color sidebars, and an accessible font….All of the population data, maps, election results, illustrations, and information have been updated, making these books a must-have for all school, public, and home libraries….A longtime leader in educational publishing, World Book is sensitive and supportive of all Common Core Standards….Very highly recommended as a primary source of information for children in grades 4K-5. The set would also work well with special education classes for older youths and with adult literacy classes." - Catholic Library World
"This general reference set includes simple text, short sentences, and colorful graphics designed to invite students to browse for fun and information. Entries are brief, giving only the barest of highlights of persons, places, and things; states and countries have more comprehensive coverage and pertinent facts in brief. The better use might be as high interest/low level eye candy for older, struggling readers. Special features on desalination, rain forest, endangered species, and Tutankhamen, for example, are particularly fascinating. Heavy on U.S. and Canadian subjects, the set nonetheless includes many entries of pop culture, which enhances its use. The atlas is limited to U.S. and Canadian country maps besides maps of the world and its continents, with no key provided for the world terrain map. As a teaching and learning tool, this set would be useful in libraries who serve students of all ages with difficulties in reading. Lonna Pierce, School Librarian, MacArthur & Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools, Binghamton, NY" - Library Media Connection
“This edition boasts 30 percent new content, including biographical articles on figures such as Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, and Lemony Snicket, as well as updated state and country information and many new maps. Happily, it retains the sharp visual style and easy-to-read text that distinguished earlier editions. It mirrors the organization and content of the World Book Encyclopedia (2005), but presents the information in a more accessible form for younger readers. Best of all, the appealing style makes this set perfect for older students at a lower reading level. All of the elements of a great encyclopedia are here: effective cross-references; pronunciation guides; clear and concise articles; and thousands of illustrations, diagrams, photos, and maps, all with informative captions. The content is well chosen to match both the interests of elementary school students and their curriculum. If you serve beginning readers or older students with reading difficulties, this set belongs on your shelves.” - School Library Journal