(4) 4-6 Cities Through Time series. Illustrated by Bob Moulder. These books deliver what their titles promise by a combination of readable text, archival photos and drawings, boxed quotations, and static illustrations. The books consider lower classes as well as middle and upper. Background artwork often creates a problem for textual legibility, but generally these are accurate, brief surveys of the cities and the culture that has evolved in each. Time lines are appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA History's Great Defeats series. The sixteenth-century Spanish conquest of Mexico is related in a dry text that provides historical background, posits various theories on why the Aztec ruler Montezuma didn't fight against the invasion, and explains the advantages that the conquistadors had over the Aztecs. Information boxes contain extensive quotes from primary and secondary sources; black-and-white reproductions illustrate the text. Time lines are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 4-6 Cities Through Time series. Illustrated by Ray Webb. Not only ancient and modern times, but all the history in between is the focus of this lucidly written volume focusing on the social history of the "city of the seven hills." Historical paintings and artwork do a better job than the competent but unexciting illustrations at highlighting the home and public lives of Rome's inhabitants through the centuries. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne

(4) YA Overview series. Unremarkable texts introduce five contemporary social concerns, reviewing their history, providing wide-ranging contemporary perspectives, and discussing what government and community action is being taken to confront the issues. Graphs, poorly reproduced black-and-white photographs, and pointed editorial cartoons provide diversion and insight along the way. All the volumes include "organizations to contact"; 'Cults' contains a glossary. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.