Gr 5 Up-A four-man American/Russian team set out in June, 1990, on a bicycle trip across Europe and the Soviet Union. This highly readable account of their amazing journey will appeal to many readers, but armchair-travelog devotees will be unable to put it down. Buettner's excellent full-color photographs enhance the text and lend a personal touch to the descriptions of his and his fellow cylcers' encounters and experiences. Time after time people went out of their way to help them through hardships caused by difficult terrain, inclement weather, and medical problems. This book not only provides lessons in geography, but also gives readers insight into Russian culture in off-the-beaten-track rural areas, particularly Kazakhstan and Siberia. Buettner uses and explains everyday Russian terms; a pronunciation guide is included. The full-color maps are numerous and of high quality. This unusual title belongs in all school and public libraries, where it will find many uses- but above all it is an exciting read.-Sue A. Norkeliunas, Arlington Senior High School, LaGrangeville, NY
