Gr 6 Up-This title examines the basic history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, explores doctrines of the religion, and briefly discusses Mormonism today. The authors organize the material logically and attempt to explore the subject in a balanced, albeit lifeless, manner. Unfortunately, the book suffers from internal inconsistencies and several minor inaccuracies that dampen the overall effectiveness of the text. For example, at one point the authors assert that Joseph Smith established the Mormon Church in 1829. A few pages later readers are told that it was founded on April 6, 1830. In describing the Mormon belief in baptisms performed by proxy on behalf of those who have died without baptism, the text reads: "At the temple baptism ceremony, the person standing for the dead is ritually washed, anointed with oil-." In reality, washing and anointing with oil is not associated with such baptisms in any way. The dark and often blurry photographs do little to enhance the narrative. Better choices include Claudia and Richard Bushman's Mormons in America (Oxford, 1999) and Maxine Hanks's up-to-date Mormon Faith in America (Facts On File, 2003).-Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Library, UT Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
