Games Learn to play, play to win

Gr 5-8-This visually appealing book not only introduces various board and card games but also includes historical information. Colorful computer-generated graphics instruct readers in the rules and strategy of 14 games and their variations, including nine men's morris, backgammon, chess, mancala, rummy, cribbage, and spades. Great for beginners as well as seasoned players, the text provides strategy tips, test positions, and "Did you know?" boxes that give kids examples of moves and historical anecdotes. For instructional information on a wider variety of games for children, try Sam Taggar's Great Games: Old and New, Indoor/Outdoor, Travel, Board, Ball and Word (Williamson, 2002).-G. Alyssa Parkinson, Highland Township Library, MI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This handsome volume introduces readers to seven board games and nine card games, with a brief historical introduction and tidbits scattered throughout. Illustrated with color photos and diagrams, the book gives rules and strategies, as well as a few tests. It succeeds well with simple games like mancala but founders over chess and backgammon because of their complexity. Glos., ind. From HORN BOOK Spring 2004, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.