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This is a nonfiction companion to the Magic Tree House series, specifically Hour of the Olympics. It has a "letter" as an introduction, from the two main characters, Jack and Annie, who describe what the readers will encounter as they read the book. Topics covered include daily life in ancient Greece, religion, the Olympics, and the general culture of the Greeks as well. Each chapter is organized the same way and the there are drawings and maps throughout the book. Some pages include a short summary of the main points of the chapter or section, and there is a guide in the back for readers who want to learn more. One good feature is a list of things to keep in mind while doing research...like this one, "Never copy exactly from a book". The authors are sisters; Mary has written over fifty books for children and they enjoy collaborating on research and visited several museums while writing this guide. I think this is a great resource for young readers interested in the series, and also older readers who need a basic source for information. ( )

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