Aztec, Inca & Maya  •  Elizabeth Baquedano  •  Michel Zabe HISTORY •  2005 •  HARD COVER  • 63 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A vivid overview of Mesoamerican cultures, covering art, archaeology, and religion. Though the three cultures are presented together, causing some confusion, there is much here to learn, and it is all vividly illustrated in the large-format Eyewitness style. For children ages 9-12. (CAM62, $15.99)
Bats  •  Sue Ruff  •  Don E. Wilson NATURAL HISTORY •  2000 •  HARD COVER  • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) An illustrated, surprisingly endearing survey of bats, their ecology, distribution and diversity for ages 9-12. A volume in the series "Animal Ways" intended for the library market (hence the sturdy binding and high price tag). (BST63, $34.21)
The Captive  •  Scott O'Dell LITERATURE •  1979 •  HARD COVER  • 244 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS The master of children's historical fiction spins a tale of greed and exploitation in the Spanish New World for young readers. As Maya villages throughout Central America submit to Spanish might, a young Jesuit missionary struggles with his own ambition -- and with his growing suspicion that he, too, is a willing oppressor. O'Dell exhibits a quiet rage at racial injustice, as well as his trademark unwillingness to coddle. The result is this tough, compelling young-adult book. (MYA27, $17.00)
Conejito / Bunny, A Folktale from Panama  •  Margaret Read MacDonald LITERATURE •  2006 •  HARD COVER  • 28 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A lively Panamanian folktale that teaches children Spanish words. The bright acrylic illustrations and repeated song (whose melody is included) will encourage participation. (PNM39, $16.95)
Costa Rica, Enchantment of the World  •  Marion Morrison CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2007 •  HARD COVER  • 144 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Published for the library market, this comprehensive overview of the geography and people of Costa Rica for children ages 9-12 has much to offer the traveler. It's a thoroughly illustrated description of the nature, history, people, religion, culture and economy of Costa Rica with photographs, tables and maps. (CRC18, $37.00)
Flute's Journey  •  Lynne Cherry NATURAL HISTORY •  1997 •  HARD COVER  • 40 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) The fully illustrated and warmly told story of a wood thrush who starts life in the woods of Maryland, and migrates across the Gulf of Mexico to the Monteverde Rain Forest in Costa Rica. Flute's struggles for survival demonstrate a variety of conservation issues for migrating birds. The handsome watercolor illustrations of birds and habitats in both North and Central America are terrific. Ages 4 to 8. (BST45, $17.00)
Honduras (Cultures of the World)  •  Leta McGaffey CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1999 •  HARD COVER  • 128 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Intended for the library market, this book is a portrait of Honduras -- its history, people and culture -- geared for middle schoolers. Maps and many full-color photographs make it an appealing volume. (CAM93, $39.93)
Jungle (Eyewitness Books)  •  Theresa Greenaway  •  Geoff Dann NATURAL HISTORY •  2004 •  HARD COVER  • 63 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Certainly the most eye-popping of the children's books on the rain forest, this book, jammed with color photographs, covers all manner of rain forest life. The concise text augments the pictures. Geared for children ages 9-12. (FST06, $15.99)
Marisol and Magdalena  •  Veronica Chambers LITERATURE •  2001 •  PAPER  • 160 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Best friends Marisol and Magdalena are looking forward to eighth grade in Brooklyn -- that is, until Marisol's mother decides that her daughter should spend the year with her abuela in Panama. Fortunately eighth graders in Panama turn out to be every bit as friendly as their New York counterparts, and with their help -- and the help of her generous grandmother -- Marisol learns much about her mother's homeland and her own Panamanian heritage. Ages 9-12. (PNM14, $5.99)
The Most Beautiful Roof in the World, Exploring the Rainforest Canopy  •  Kathryn Lasky  •  Christopher Knight NATURAL HISTORY •  1997 •  PAPER  • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A tour of the rain forest canopy for children, illustrated with color photographs. The book follows a tropical botanist and her sons as she explores a rain forest in Belize, but it is appropriate for a trip to any Central American rain forest. For children ages 9 -12, who will especially like the ropes and other rigging used to climb in the rain forest canopy. (FST04, $9.00)
Popol Vuh  •  Victor Montejo  •  Luis Garay  •  David Unger RELIGION •  1999 •  HARD COVER  • 85 PAGES • FAMILY A wonderful re-telling of this Maya sacred text, sensitively illustrated. Children will thrill to the tale of the fateful ball game between the underworld gods and the Hero Twins, and parents will appreciate the inclusion of some commentary on Spanish imperialism. Translated from the Spanish. (MYA28, $19.95)
Usborne Flashcard Spanish  •  Jo Litchfield LANGUAGE & PHRASEBOOKS •  2004 •  FLEXI-BOUND  • 50 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A standard playing card-size deck of 50 nicely illustrated flashcards geared for younger children. Each card features a colorful illustration with the Spanish word on the reverse. Vocabulary includes numbers, colors, food, animals, and other basic vocabulary that will appeal to young children. (GEN203, $8.99)