Emperor's Silent Army, Terracotta Warriors of Ancient China  •  Jane O'Connor HISTORY •  2002 •  HARD COVER  • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Visually engaging and with an exciting plot line, this informative book introduces the Terracotta Army of the first Qin emperor to young readers ages 9-12. (CHN182, $17.99)
Marco Polo for Kids, His Marvelous Journey to China  •  Janis Herbert HISTORY •  2001 •  PAPER  • 144 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) This is a great activity book introducing kids to the cultures and terrain of Central Asia. Following "The Travels" from Venice to China, we meet the nomadic peoples of the steppes, learn Persian and ancient Mongol, practice qigong and yoga and much more. With 21 activities, a well-written narrative and nice archival illustrations, it's a great book for kids ages 9-12. (CHN189, $16.95)
The Road to Samarcand  •  Patrick O'Brian LITERATURE •  2008 •  PAPER  • 272 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS This story begins where Patrick O'Brian's devoted fans would want it to, with a sloop in the South China Sea barely surviving a killer typhoon. But the time is the 1930s, and the protagonist a teenaged American boy whose missionary parents have just died. In the company of his rough seafaring uncle and an elderly English cousin, an eminent archaeologist, Derrick sets off in search of ancient treasures in Central Asia. Along the way they encounter a charismatic Chinese bandit and a host of bad characters, including Russian agents fomenting unrest. (Most of these meet very bad ends.) The narrative--as in all of O'Brian's novels--touches on surprising subjects: astronomy, oriental philosophy, the correct identification of ancient Han bronzes, and some very local cuisine. It ends in an ice-bound valley, with the party caught between hostile Red-Hat monks and the Great Silent Ones, which is how the Tibetans designate the "yeti." (CAS147, $14.95)
Tales Told in Tents, Stories from Central Asia  •  Sally Clayton  •  Sophie Herxheimer LITERATURE •  2004 •  HARD COVER  • 60 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) Beautifully illustrated, this collection of 12 enchanting tales from across Central Asia illuminate life and culture in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. Geared for ages 7 and older, readers of all ages will appreciate well-known illustrator Herxheimer's detailed, full-color paintings. With notes on each story and a map of Central Asia. (CAS126, $16.95)