Guinness Book of World Records (Book)

Guinness World Records Limited. (2011). Guinness world records 2011. London.

Interest Level: Ages 12 and up
Genre: Serial (Periodical, Newspaper, Magazine, etc.)
Subjects/Themes: Curiosities and Wonders, Unusual Facts, World Records,

Content: The Guinness Book of World Records is published once a year.  Inside are different lists of records, superlatives, and unusual facts in different subjects such as business, crime, the natural world, technology, war, the arts, music, fashion, and sports from around the world. Pictures are included throughout the book of the different people, places and things mentioned in the book. 

Personal Thoughts:  Some studies have shown that tween boys tend to prefer non-fiction.  For those boys, this book's for you.  Filled with pictures of people and animals setting the different world records, this book is sure to delight all sorts of readers.  The "Human Beings" section is my favorite.  In it you can see pictures of different category winners such as the longest beard, the most needles in the head, longest toenails, and much much more.  There are also other (less gross) records on topics such as recycling, disasters, and animals.  The book is full of fun facts that might surprise you.  For instance, I now know that California has three of the top ten fastest roller coasters in the world (two at Magic Mountain and one at Knott's Berry Farm).          

Company Website: Guinness World Records Website

Similar Materials: Scholastic Book of World Records (2010); Top Ten of Everything 2011 by Ash;