(3) 4-6 Bizarre Science series. If readers ignore the gimmicky series title, dripping purple caption boxes, and descriptors such as ugly, they'll find this revised book contains an informative text and engaging photographs. Five chapters cover different types of insects, behaviors, characteristics, life cycles, and defenses. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Sarah Novogrodsky

(3) YA Great Minds of Science series. These well-written biographies of famous scientists recount important developments in botany or astronomy as well as providing information about the scientists' personal lives and the time periods in which they lived. Together, the books show how the practice of science has changed over different historical eras. These revised editions feature full-color illustrations including portraits and scientific diagrams; activities are appended. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Minds of Science titles: Carl Linnaeus and Copernicus.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Great Minds of Science series. These revised editions recount important scientific developments and discoveries as well as provide information about the scientists' lives. The writing is generally straightforward but tends to be simplistic, making the subjects seem dull, or confusing when trying to explain their theories. Black-and-white illustrations include portraits and scientific diagrams. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Minds of Science titles: Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Antoine Lavoisier, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, and William Harvey.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) 4-6 Great Minds of Science series. These revised editions recount important scientific developments and discoveries as well as provide information about the scientists' lives. The writing is generally straightforward but tends to be simplistic, making the subjects seem dull, or confusing when trying to explain their theories. Black-and-white illustrations include portraits and scientific diagrams. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Minds of Science titles: Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Antoine Lavoisier, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, and William Harvey.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) 4-6 Digging for the Past series. Beginning with the 1961 excavation of Fort Ward, this book details fifty years of archaeological discovery related to colonial America, including a Quaker household's water filtering system and a large button repository in the free black neighborhood of Hayti. Art includes period and modern photographs, maps, and pictures of the artifacts. Co-author Cressey has been the Alexandria city archaeologist since 1977. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Great Minds of Science series. A chapter on ancient Athens, Plato (Aristotle's teacher), and Socrates (Plato's teacher) sets the scene for this well-documented book presenting Aristotle's life and contributions to philosophy and science. Illustrated with occasional black-and-white photos and diagrams, the book emphasizes Aristotle's breadth--from cosmology to minute observations of animal behavior--in clear writing that's generally fluent. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Digging for the Past series. Detailing the excavation of Chaco Canyon in New Mexico from 1888 to the present, the authors explore how our knowledge of ancient civilizations changes as archaeological techniques advance. The search for clues about the early Anasazi people is well explained. Along with photos and diagrams, the text makes clear that archaeology is an on-going process. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) YA Collective Biographies series. Each volume contains ten biographical profiles, illustrated with mediocre black-and-white photographs. The entries highlight each subject's professional achievements; personal information is included but not explored with much depth. Despite a few factual errors and an occasionally flat writing style, the profiles will serve as good starting points for those doing basic research on these notable figures. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta