From the series Exploring Countries
Somalia
Reading Level Grade 4Interest Level Grades 3 – 7Copyright 2015
ReviewedFrom the series Exploring Countries
Reading Level Grade 4 · Interest Level Grades 3 – 7 · Copyright 2015
ReviewedOne of the easternmost countries in Africa, Somalia is called a nation of poets. Although Somalia did not have an official alphabet until 1972, spoken poetry has been around for centuries. In this title for young readers, learn about the storied past of a country working to overcome war.
This upbeat, easy-to-read set introduces each country with richly photographed spreads about standard geographical topics such as land, unique and exotic wildlife, populations, daily life in urban and rural areas, education, work, entertainment, food, and holidays. Closing spreads highlight something that is distinctive to the titular nation, such as the Panama Canal or eagle hunters in Mongolia. “Fast Fact” and “Did You Know?” boxes add interesting trivia. Text averages one to two paragraphs per spread, making the large photos of interesting places, human activities, and plants and animals the set’s strongest element. VERDICT Supplemental choices for reports or nonfiction reading.
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