With two official languages and many different ethnic groups, Afghanistan is a diverse country with a rich and ancient history. Delicious food, thrilling sports, and festive celebrations are hallmarks of Afghani life, despite decades of war. This title introduces young readers to modern-day life and culture in this complex nation. Narrative openings take readers to major landmarks. Special features on recipes, activities, and languages further connect readers to the culture of the country. Landmark sidebars list top landmarks. Detailed country maps show city locations and physical features. World maps point out continent locations. Climate sidebars show capital city temperatures. Animal profiles show range maps and conservation status bars for popular animals. Language sidebar with foreign words and pronunciations.

"Vibrant colors, lively music, and welcoming smiles fill the streets of the beautiful country of Cuba. Despite a history of economic hardships, the people of Cuba have created a nation dedicated to warmth and culture. Young readers can explore the country few citizens of the United States have been able to visit in this lively title. "

In this book, readers will learn about the unique and defining features of Mexico. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn more about the key details of the country including geography, climate, culture, and resources. Compelling questions encourage further inquiry. Review: Information-packed, volumes cover the history, government, nature, geography, climate, resources, people, and recreational activities of each titular nation. Excellent color photos, many capturing the diversity of local people, convey the country's vibrancy, as does each title's upbeat tone. "Did You Know?" and "What Do You Think?" sidebars add information and/or pose questions; titles sometimes also use graphics to convey data. Highlights of each book include a "before-and-after-reading" guide for adults that offers strategies to develop students' nonfiction reading skills. Iraq omits all mention of political turmoil; Brazil suggests the nation's now-impeached president remains in office, which dates the volume. VERDICT Notable for its breadth, this series would make a fine introduction to world nations. --School Library Journal (10/26/2018) "About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

In this book, readers will learn about the unique and defining features of Russia. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn more about the key details of the country including geography, climate, culture, and resources. Compelling questions encourage further inquiry. Review: Information-packed, volumes cover the history, government, nature, geography, climate, resources, people, and recreational activities of each titular nation. Excellent color photos, many capturing the diversity of local people, convey the country's vibrancy, as does each title's upbeat tone. "Did You Know?" and "What Do You Think?" sidebars add information and/or pose questions; titles sometimes also use graphics to convey data. Highlights of each book include a "before-and-after-reading" guide for adults that offers strategies to develop students' nonfiction reading skills. Iraq omits all mention of political turmoil; Brazil suggests the nation's now-impeached president remains in office, which dates the volume. VERDICT Notable for its breadth, this series would make a fine introduction to world nations. --School Library Journal (10/26/2018) "About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

"From the mounting heights of the Pyrenees down through the Meseta Central Plateau and into the Andalusian Plains along the Mediterranean, Spain is a nation whose culture is as diverse as the land. Deep-rooted Christianity sets the stage for vibrant festivals while day-to-day life incorporates tapas and siestas. This title will allow young readers to appreciate all there is to discover in Spain!"