(4) YA Mexico: Beautiful Land, Diverse People series. This series volume focuses on the architecture and various art forms, including visual, performing, and literary, of Mexico. Each topic is briefly covered, giving broad overviews of the art form's history with shorter, more focused sections on individual styles or artists. Numerous sidebars and photographs supplement the text; those of the art (rather than the artist) are most useful. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA Mexico: Beautiful Land, Diverse People series. This series volume introduces readers to notable individuals from Mexican history. Figures include political leaders, intellectuals, and artists; "Mexico's Extraordinary Women" have their own section. Each person is covered in a short biography containing explanations about their deeds; unfortunately, it isn't always made clear why their actions were notable. Photographs and sidebars supplement the text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA Modern Middle East Nations and Their Strategic Place in the World series. This volume covers all the usual bases for student reports: history, geography, economy, culture, and current events. Elaborate decorative borders try to evoke tradition but seem at odds with the emphasis on the "modern." The inexplicable omission of Queen Noor, the American wife of the recently deceased King Hussein, is jarring. The book is illustrated with well-captioned photos. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt