(3) YA Hidden Heroes series. Well-paced chapters with archival photos examine Native American activists' first attempt to invade Alcatraz in 1964, the history of their struggles with white settlers and the government, and the seeds of activism in the Native American community. Later chapters cover the nearly two-year-long occupation of Alcatraz beginning in 1969 and the protest's ongoing impact. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) YA Essential Literary Genres series. Each volume briefly introduces a genre, then summarizes four or five well-selected books within it, suggests simple critical angles for understanding and interpreting the titles, and gives examples of topics for high-school essay-writing. Brevity rather than depth defines this series. The light-pastel sidebar type was a poor design decision. There are four other spring 2017 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Essential Literary Genres titles: Young Adult, Nonfiction, Graphic Novels, and Science Fiction.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(3) YA Hip-Hop Artists series. Each standalone biography highlights a (male) hip-hop artist's artistic influences, childhood experiences, and professional challenges and successes, all supported by healthy source notes; narratives touch on (but don't delve deeply into) controversial aspects. Attractive layouts include colorful sidebars, bolded quotes, and plentiful photos. Though the content will date quickly, this is a well-curated and visually appealing series. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Hip-Hop Artists titles: Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, Drake, Future, J. Cole, and Kanye West.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) YA Race in America series. A substantive series that examines race as a social construct and racism from many different viewpoints, both historical and contemporary. Although concentrating on the African American experience, the books cover to a lesser extent problems faced by Latinos, Asian Americans, and Native Americans. Discussion starters, archival and contemporary photos, and other materials add to the presentations. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Race in America titles: Roots of Racism, White Privilege, Race in the Criminal Justice System, What Are Race and Racism?, and Race and Policing.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) YA America's Great Political Families series. This well-written, thoroughly researched series delves into the lives and careers of presidential families, providing in-depth looks at multiple family members. From family histories and drama to political scandals, criticisms, and maneuvers, each subject is explored in a clear, objective, and engaging way. Each volume includes archival photos, a family tree, and appended "fun facts." Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following America's Great Political Families titles: The Kennedys, The Roosevelts, The Bushes, and The Clintons.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) YA Contemporary Lives series. Generously illustrated with stock photos, these serviceable biographies chronicle the personal and professional lives of the celebrity entertainers, including awards, hit songs and albums, and charitable work. Miley (dryly) discusses the controversy surrounding the performer; fans may also be surprised to learn the extent of Williams's career as a producer. There are three other spring 2015 books in this series. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following Contemporary Lives titles: Miley Cyrus, Pharrell Williams, and Blake Shelton.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith