972

This books introduces young readers to the world of the Aztecs, starting with the basic question, "Who were the Aztecs?" Each chapter focuses on one topic, from the codices, to the government, to the reilgious practices. While topics such as human sacrifice are covered, there is a substantial amount of the book that focuses on home life, farming, and family. The illustrations are beautiful watercolors and are complemented by images from the codices as well as photographs of modern Mexico. The author of this book has written numerous history books for children as well as being an editor; the consultant workes for the British Museum and also has worked on several books for children and adults. This helps explain the level of detail in the text as well as the images used throughout the book. One interesting feature of the book, popular with children, is the use of flaps to show the reader "then and now" for sites such as the Twin Temples of Tlaloc and Huitzilopotchli. Overall, this is a very dense book which would be good for young readers as well as older students and adults with an interest in the topic. It is one of the most thorough and well-balanced accounts of the Aztecs that I have read. ( )