How to be a medieval knight

Gr 2-5-Using a highly visual format, Macdonald introduces readers to the lives of warriors and protectors throughout history. In a format reminiscent of David Antram's "You Wouldn't Want to-" series (Watts), spreads cover the "job requirements," weaponry, family life, money, and much more. A paragraph introduces each topic and informative captions add details. Under headings such as "Can You Afford Armor?" and "Have You Had Your Hair Cut?" interesting tidbits include such facts as Samurai had to contend with lice-infested, smelly armor, and that an Aztec warrior could not cut his hair until he had captured his first prisoner. The author also examines how a medieval knight put on a heavy suit of armor, how a Roman soldier might have prepared for battle, what dangers a Samurai might have faced, and the emblems of an Aztec warrior-just the sort of facts that will appeal to young readers. The illustrations include full-color photographs of artifacts and detailed drawings, many of which are labeled. A short quiz at the end of each book prepares youngsters for their "interview," while the excellent glossaries strengthen these offerings. High-interest topics brought to life through readable texts.-Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Each of these slim volumes offers general information on the qualifications, training, uniforms, equipment, weapons, and duties of warriors. Colorful illustrations are an attractive complement to the captionlike text. The subject matter and appealing packaging will undoubtedly make these rather superficial books popular with young browsers. Reading list. Glos., ind. [Review covers these How to Be... titles: How to Be a Medieval Knight, How to Be a Roman Soldier, and How to Be an Aztec Warrior.] (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.