Great Ancestor Hunt

The subtitle of Perl's engrossing genealogy handbook seems entirely accurate: in a thoroughly readable style, she does indeed make searching out one's lineage fun. From the first chapter, ``Who Cares About Great-Uncle Edgar,'' through to an appendix with the thought-provoking title ``Digging Deeper,'' Perl makes delving into one's roots an intriguing project. She enumerates reasons people should be concerned about their forebears; she provides origins of names, a brief background of the census process, a look at immigration over the past hundred years and many other revealing aspects of genealogical research. The book's many historical photographs speak as eloquently as Perl's text; the cover shot, the deck of an over-crowded immigrant ship teeming with hopeful, upturned faces, is particularly moving. Charts, period advertisements and an illustrated time-line add further allure. This informative book should inspire many young readers to research their own personal history. Ages 9-up. (Sept.)