(4) YA Essential Events series. These books examine seminal events in American history. Each gives background information and discusses the people involved. The writing is straightforward, and readers will find these books useful for reports. The many sidebars are informative and interesting, though the design is crowded. Archival photographs and drawings enhance the text. There are four other new books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Essential Events titles: The Battle of the Little Bighorn, Hurricane Katrina, The Great Chicago Fire, The Assassination of John F. Kennedy, and The Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA Essential Viewpoints series. This series offers readers a generally well-balanced discussion of the featured topic. The history, laws and reforms, significant events, and divergent perspectives are clearly, if dryly, presented. Offering no solutions, these titles provide readers with the facts needed to make informed decisions of their own. Primary-source reproductions, photographs, charts, and encroaching sidebars make pages crowded. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Essential Viewpoints titles: The Abortion Debate, Internet Piracy, Gun Control, The Causes of School Violence, and The Death Penalty.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale