I bought this book to use in my classroom as research material. It provides an excellent overview for student use in the upper level elementary school and middle school. Information covers a broad spectrum of topics, is very well organized and written at a level for the lay reader. The photographs, diagrams, and drawings are of excellent quality and provide a range of subject matter that will keep young people turning the pages. The book is printed on excellent stock, and appears to be able to withstand handling. I would highly recommend this book to other educators who want a reasonably priced refence book for the classroom.