Review “We Visit Malaysia” is an excellent introductory guide to the complex history, cultures, religious influences and geographical attributes of Malaysia, condensed and photo-illustrated for a young adult audience of students in grades 5 and up. Part of the innovative educational series “Your Land and My Land: Asia,” “We Visit Malaysia” presents a wealth of succinct information about the cultures, religions, background, and historical context of the land and peoples of Malaysia, from prehistoric times to the present day, 2014. Complete with colored world maps, modern and historical illustrations and photographs and color coded informative sidebars, “We Visit Malaysia” contains 9 chapters covering an overview of Malaysia, Malaysian history, popular religious and cultural holidays, European exploration, the rise of modern Malaysia and cities, and a concept of 2020 which indicates the wish to keep a clear vision of the best of past traditions while forging ahead in use of modern technologies and industries. Additional featured sections include chapter 9, Malaysians Who Have made Their Mark, a list of thumbnail sketches of famous modern Malaysians, a typical Malaysian recipe for Mango Chicken, instructions for creating a Malaysian kite for a related craft activity, a Timeline from 3000 BCE to 2014, chapter notes, a list of works consulted (including books and internet sources), glossary and index, plus a brief biographical sketch of author John Bankston. “We Visit Malaysia” packs a great deal of accurate and fascinating data in a compact book format which is filled with immense color and popular appeal. Other titles from this same series which are also highly recommended include: “We Visit China” (9781612284767, $33.95) by Joanne Mattern, “We Visit North Korea” (9781612284804, $33.95) by Claire O’ Neal, “We Visit the Philippines” (9781612284835, $33.95) by John Bankston, “We Visit Singapore” (9781612284842, $33.95) by John Bankston, “We Visit Cambodia” (9781612284750, $33.95) by Claire O’ Neal, “We Visit Japan” (9781612284798, $33.95) by Tammy Gagne, “We Visit South Korea” (9781612284811, $33.95) by Amie Jane Leavitt, “We Visit India” (9781612284774, $33.95) by Khadija Ejaz, and “We Visit Indonesia” (9781612284781, $33.95)"
--Russell Roberts, Children’s Bookwatch, May 2014 Booklist "Just as Africa is a continent and not a country, the continent of Africa cannot be sterotyped. The books in the Your Land and My Land: Asia series offer an engaging snapshot of some of its diverse nations. While all of the titles provide basic, geographic and travel facts, this is not a cookie-cutter series. Cambodia focuses on the history of Khmer people, the politics and corruption of the Khmer Rouge, and initiatives to lift the country from being one of the poorest in Asia. Malaysia reveals the nations rich animal and plant life (including the largest carnivorous plant on earth), its blend of traditional and modern culture, and the “vision” to be fully developed by the year 2020. North Korea recounts how the country came to be divided, its devastation during the Korean War, the legacy of the Kims, and the country’s juche, or Hermit Kingdom, which keeps its borders tight and produces everything it needs. Singapore describes the country’s high immigrant population (along with the cultural diversity and religious tolerance), the arrival and history of European explorers, and how the Industrial Revolution transformed the island into “the jewel of the east.” Numerous color and archival photographs and extensive black matter add more details to these great references for country studies.”
--Angela Leeper, Booklist, April 2014