Reviews

Gr 6-9-These titles cover a wealth of material in concise paragraphs with pertinent subheadings. They work well as broad but limited introductions to the subject of economic globalization. There are some accessible examples to aid in grasping such concepts as supply and demand, loans and interest, and monopolies. These include setting up a cookie business, the cost of blue jeans, and a great sidebar with Bill Gates front and center. Business Without Borders has the most clearly written, accessible content. It touches on currency, global trade, and purchasing power, and stresses that globalization is "a process that is still ongoing today." Making the Trade reinforces the concept of balancing stock investments with an umbrella-versus-suntan-lotion example that has the great subtext of suggesting stock investment can be as risky as the weather. Hollander's books are somewhat repetitive on such topics as supply and demand, inflation, and hyperinflation, and they are not as clearly written for the age group. They need further classroom explanation and discussion to understand some of these financial concepts. However, Booms includes an informative time line from 2001 to 2009. All of the texts "keep it real" by touching on economic cycles, with an emphasis on our current recession, implying that we are coming out of it at the time of publication and include excellent photos, charts, maps, and tables that help with the understanding of some sophisticated concepts.-Meredith Toumayan, The Governor's Academy, Byfield, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.