Choice Review

This volume, the second in a series, follows The Measure of America: American Human Development Report, 2008-2009, compiled and edited by Burd-Sharps, Lewis, and E. B. Martins (CH, Jan'09, 46-2429). Burd-Sharps and Lewis are both codirectors of the American Human Development Project of the Social Science Research Council. This work demonstrates how Americans compare to each other and to the world. It is divided by state, congressional district, race, gender, and ethnicity, with the goal of mapping risks and suggesting ways that progress may continue. The authors outline three "building blocks of human development": health (the capacity to live a long and healthy life), education (access to knowledge), and income (the capacity to maintain a decent standard of living). The information they provide makes clear the great disparity among Americans today. Researchers and students in the social sciences and education will find the material presented very useful; e.g., statements indicate that the Education Index's top five states "spent an average of over $14,500 per K-12 pupil. The bottom five spent under $9,000 per pupil.. Charts and illustrations are colorful and easy to read. Each of the building blocks is color-coded, offering readers a fast visual understanding of relatively complex data. Readers may also wish to consult the Web site Mapping the Measure of Americ. (CH, May'11, 48-4859). Summing Up: Highly recommended. All libraries; all levels. V. L. Wainscott Northwest Missouri State University