(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

(3) 4-6 Around the World In... series. Each book in this series sketches events in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Anecdotes, modern-day references, and an emphasis on daily life in the historical period keep the text interesting. Maps, archival reproductions, and color photos illustrate the pages. This crosscultural approach makes these overviews useful resources. A list of related Internet sites is included. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Around the World In... titles: 800, 1200, and300 B.C..]

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 Snakes series. The books in this series cover snake facts including different species, habitats, hunting and feeding, breeding, and myths. Although the simple text is sometimes choppy and repeats information both between and within volumes, it defines difficult terms and doesn't talk down to its audience. Close-up color photos show snake species and special attributes. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Snakes titles: Anacondas, King Snakes, Rat Snakes, Vipers.]

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Snakes series. The books in this series cover snake facts including different species, habitats, hunting and feeding, breeding, and myths. Although the simple text is sometimes choppy and repeats information both between and within volumes, it defines difficult terms and doesn't talk down to its audience. Close-up color photos show snake species and special attributes. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Snakes titles: Anacondas, King Snakes, Rat Snakes, Vipers.]

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Snakes series. The books in this series cover snake facts including different species, habitats, hunting and feeding, breeding, and myths. Although the simple text is sometimes choppy and repeats information both between and within volumes, it defines difficult terms and doesn't talk down to its audience. Close-up color photos show snake species and special attributes. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Snakes titles: Anacondas, King Snakes, Rat Snakes, Vipers.]

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Snakes series. The books in this series cover snake facts including different species, habitats, hunting and feeding, breeding, and myths. Although the simple text is sometimes choppy and repeats information both between and within volumes, it defines difficult terms and doesn't talk down to its audience. Close-up color photos show snake species and special attributes. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Snakes titles: Anacondas, King Snakes, Rat Snakes, Vipers.]

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Letters from the Homefront series. The books in this series provide vivid accounts of the American home front during three wars fought by U.S. troops overseas. With excerpts of letters from soldiers and their families, political leaders, and schoolchildren, the volumes consider the social, economic, and cultural climates of each era, as well as domestic war support and protests. The creative design includes clear photos and a time line. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Letters from the Homefront titles: World War I, The Vietnam War, World War II.]

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(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

(3) 4-6 Cornerstones of Freedom series. Although the prison at Alcatraz should more properly qualify as a cornerstone of confinement, the five volumes in this series all deal with important episodes and places in American history. Written in simple language and illustrated with archival images, the books serve as solid introductions that contain intriguing historical vignettes without neglecting the overarching historical significance of the topics. Time lines are included. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta