Hot Topics from Scholastic is a welcome new style of publication on a range of ‘Topic Based’ or ‘Themed’ subjects. Castles will prove to be a useful resource for teachers in Primary schools who are trying to broaden the curriculum from the narrow constraints it has been placed under until recently. It offers a range of cross curricular themes with clear learning objectives and links to National Curriculum Programmes of Study. It contains ideas suited to all KS1 and 2 phases which provide busy teachers with a confidence building framework to expand the school curriculum. Good illustrations and useful photocopiable resources. It doesn’t do all the work but gives useful starting points which could be linked to or expanded in many directions. Sue Horn, Leigh Beck Junior School, Essex