(4) 4-6 Encounter series. Illustrated by Iva Sasheva. In 1988, fifty-year-old Helen Thayer hiked to the North Pole, becoming the first woman to reach "any of the world's Poles" alone. This inspiring biography's straightforward text heightens tension during action-packed scenes, but a rushed ending detracts from Thayer's accomplishment. The photorealistic illustrations convey Thayer's isolation in the stark Arctic environment. Notes from Thayer and the author are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lana Barnes

(4) 4-6 All About America series. Concentrating mostly on America in the nineteenth century, these overviews present their topics on busily designed pages. Lots of text boxes, sidebars, and captioned illustrations and drawings compete for space with the main texts. There's a fair amount of information in each book, but the crowded pages may deter some readers. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these All About America titles: Stagecoaches and Railroads, The Industrial Revolution, Explorers, Trappers, and Pioneers, and A Nation of Immigrants.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 All About America series. This series provides snapshots of life during significant periods in American history. Important and well-known individuals and events are highlighted throughout on double-page spreads. It's all a little whitewashed, but the texts' friendly tone will draw in readers, as will the pages packed with eye-catching visuals--sketches, spot art, photos, etc. (though spreads may be difficult for some readers to navigate). Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these All About America titles: Colonists and Independence, Cowboys and the Wild West, Wagon Trains and Settlers, and Gold Rush and Riches.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King

(4) 4-6 Regions of the USA series. These books offer general overviews of a particular region, including history, land, animals, cities, travel, and work. Photographs and illustrations on each page add to the appeal, but with sidebars on every page, the spreads are crowded. While students may need to seek more information for advanced research, these titles are adequate for basic reports. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Regions of the USA titles: The Mid-Atlantic, The Midwest, The Pacific States, The Southeast, The West, New England, and The Southwest.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister