(3) YA World Transformed series. With an emphasis on how history has been transformed by their subjects, these straightforward and engrossing texts incorporate anecdotes and quotations, bright design elements, archival photographs, and plenty of sidebars. Oil ranges from the first-known use of oil to present-day environmental concerns, while Atomic proceeds from the Manhattan Project to present-day nuclear threats and international treaties. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these World Transformed titles: The Story of Oil and The Story of the Atomic Bomb.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(3) YA World Transformed series. From the invention of gunpowder in China to recent school shootings and gun-control debates in the United States, this book gives a sobering overview of the role firearms have played in different countries throughout history. Anecdotes and quotations, engaging design elements, illustrations and photographs, and plenty of sidebars make for a quick yet informative read. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(4) 4-6 Graphic Library: Cartoon Nation series. Illustrated by Charles III Barnett. Here's a painless introduction to U.S. government: basic facts are interspersed with anecdotes supported by cartoons (e.g., the president and his Cabinet squished all together into a cabinet; a candidate on a treadmill "running" for reelection). One only wishes all the supplemental info boxes, sidebars, and definitions didn't create such a visual racket. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Graphic Library: Cartoon Nation titles: The U.S. Congress, Political Elections, and The American Presidency.

Reviewer: Nell Beram