(3) YA Understanding World History series. These books give useful background on important periods of modern history. Holocaust presents a clear, concise account of the atrocities committed by the Nazis against Jews and other groups leading up to and during World War II. Decade recounts major events in the very recent past: 9/11, recessions, natural disasters, etc. Sidebars and photographs enhance the readable texts. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Understanding World History titles: The Holocaust and The Decade of the 2000s.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA Inside Science series. The authors examine cutting-edge research topics, from the Human Genome Project to genetically modified food. After some history of the field, the volume examines current basic and applied research studies, and the historical and contemporary scientists engaged in the work. Color photographs and diagrams accompany the dense text. Unfamiliar words are defined in text boxes. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) YA World History series. Each volume presents the history and culture of the title Mesoamerican civilization, from its inception to its fall. Each text begins with the group's earliest influences but focuses mainly on the culture's peaks. Aspects explored include daily lives, religion, and cultural achievements. Captioned reproductions and sidebars illustrate the rather dry writing. The timeline of Maya has an error. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these World History titles: Maya Civilization and Aztec Civilization.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA Inside Science series. Climate stresses the importance of integrating past science with today's sophisticated methods to determine if climate change is accelerated by humans. Renewable details alternative technologies (solar, geothermal, biofuel, etc.) and the possibilities and challenges they present. The texts are informative but dense; background knowledge would be helpful to readers. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these Inside Science titles: Climate Change Research and Renewable Energy Research.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA People in the News series. These series entries provide a portrait of each subject's childhood, career, and influences. The texts, though superficial, are informative. Sidebars touch on related topics (e.g., Tibet in Dalai Lama, diabetes in Jonas Brothers), controversies (e.g., Fey's portrayal of Sarah Palin, DeGeneres's coming out), and trivia. There are five other spring 2010 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Tyra Banks, Hillary Clinton, Tina Fey, The Dalai Lama, Jonas Brothers, and Ellen DeGeneres.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA Lucent Library of Black History series. Nationalism examines the political and social movement to foster "the unity and pride of black people"; Equality looks at specific legal battles that helped pave the way for civil rights and beyond. The texts are wordy but informative. Some illustrations and photographs help break up the pages. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Lucent Library of Black History titles: The Struggle for Equality and Black Nationalism.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(4) YA Way People Live series. Currie discusses the influence of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison's anti-slavery newspaper The Liberator within the larger context of early nineteenth-century events. Garrison himself emerges as a strong-willed, purposeful individual, torn between pacifism and violence. Archival photos and reproductions are incorporated in the text-heavy design. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Deborah L. Thompson

(3) 4-6 America the Beautiful series. A cross between a social studies textbook and a tourist guide, each attractive, readable volume describes a state's history, geography, industry, culture, and famous citizenry. Glossy pages, detailed maps, helpful definitions (which are neatly incorporated in the text), and sharp reproductions of photographs and other artwork make the books useful for upper-elementary and middle school students in search of report resources. Time lines and "Fast Facts" sections are appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger