(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 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 Ice Hockey Legends series. Each of the books begins with an action-packed chapter focusing on a decisive ice hockey game, then goes back to trace the athlete's journey from childhood to the NHL and, except for Kariya, an Olympic hockey team. Personal information is sometimes glossed over in favor of sports details, but fans probably won't mind. The accompanying black-and-white photographs are often mediocre. Time lines and player stats are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Baseball Legends series. Each of the books begins with an action-packed chapter focusing on a decisive ice hockey game, then goes back to trace the athlete's journey from childhood to the NHL and, except for Kariya, an Olympic hockey team. Personal information is sometimes glossed over in favor of sports details, but fans probably won't mind. The accompanying black-and-white photographs are often mediocre. Time lines and player stats are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Howard

(4) 4-6 Race Car Legends series. Each of these books focuses on the positive aspects of car racing, either emphasizing the contributions of individual racers and the history of racecar organizations, or describing specific events and types of racing. The biographical profiles consist of descriptions of racing action and uncritical narratives about the driver's life. Black-and-white photos, some of which are too dark, accompany the text. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Basketball Legends series. Readable texts and adequate black-and-white photos chronicle the careers of these two basketball stars. From high school to college to NBA, these formulaic books offer play-by-play descriptions of games and accounts of the athletes' personal lives. A chronology and list of stats are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.