(4) 4-6 Famous Figures of the Civil War Era series. Illustrated with reproductions of photos and a few other documents from the period, the books in this series capably introduce their subjects to young readers. Some complex topics are glossed over, but all the books offer a brief account of these men's lives up to the Civil War and considerably more detail about their involvement in it. An individual chronology and a timeline are appended. There are five other new books in this series. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these titles: George Gordon Meade, Stephen A. Douglas, John Brown, William Henry Seward, James Ewell Brown Stuart.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Revolutionary War Leaders series. The books in this series profile such individuals as Kosciuszko, whose engineering genius enabled the American army to safely retreat from Fort Ticonderoga, and Burgoyne, who underestimated the enemy. Illustrated with black-and-white and color reproductions, the text is also broken up by sometimes irrelevant sidebars. There are five other new books in this series. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these titles: Baron von Steuben, Molly Pitcher, George Rogers Clark, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, John Burgoyne.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 Composite Guide series. Each volume begins with a chapter focused on a specific athlete or a dramatic sporting event, followed by the history of that sport, the accomplishments of notable figures in the field, and scattershot information on official rules and regulations. These serviceable introductions are illustrated with unexceptional black-and-white photos. All have chronologies, and all but Extreme Sports and Strongman Competition have glossaries. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Composite Guide series. Each volume begins with a chapter focused on a specific athlete or a dramatic sporting event, followed by the history of that sport, the accomplishments of notable figures in the field, and scattershot information on official rules and regulations. These serviceable introductions are illustrated with unexceptional black-and-white photos. All have chronologies, and all but Extreme Sports and Strongman Competition have glossaries. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Harry, Jr. Pulver. Black-and-white photographs and color cartoons illustrate this book of trivia. The light text scans basketball's history, with specific chapters on African Americans and women in basketball. Offbeat details and facts are presented through "Did You Know?" boxes and "Trivia Teasers." The book's design is unappealing, but basketball enthusiasts won't be deterred. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Harry Jr. Pulver. Included in this hodgepodge of information are hockey trivia, statistics related mainly to the sport's record holders, and short chapters on women and African Americans who have played professional hockey. This randomly organized book is illustrated with photos and color caricatures. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Sports Trivia series. Unlike countless other sports trivia books, this volume includes chapters on women's professional leagues and the black baseball leagues. There is also a helpful explanation for statistical concepts such as ERA ("Earned Run Average") and "batting average." Cartoonish drawings and photos liven up this hodge-podge of baseball lore, much of which can be found elsewhere. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.