(4) YA Dictatorships series. This dense volume focuses on life in modern Sudan under the rule of its dictator, Omar Al-Bashir. The first third of the volume contains a short history of Sudan; the remaining two-thirds detail the political and personal struggles endured by the Sudanese people. Maps, sidebars, and photographs provide additional information. Thorough back matter includes a "Who's Who?" Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA Dictatorships series. After a brief history of Chile, the dense text provides an in-depth look at the life of Pinochet, includes his formative experiences, rise to power, and downfall. Also detailed is life in Chile during his reign as well as Chile's position in global politics. Numerous sidebars and photographs offer additional details. Thorough back matter includes a "Who's Who?" Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA In contrast to the more violent approach of his contemporaries, Spaniard Cabeza de Vaca, exploring parts of North and South America during the 1500s, attempted to peacefully interact and trade with the Native Americans he met. Paired with black-and-white maps, photos, and historical reproductions, the text is dense, but report writers will appreciate the details. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) YA Pivotal Moments in History series. Each volume details an important turning point in ancient history. Sure to satisfy history buffs, the books not only relate facts about the specific topics but also delve into the events leading up to those points as well as exploring their effects throughout history. Numerous sidebars, illustrations, maps, and art reproductions provide additional information. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Pivotal Moments in History titles: The Conquests of Alexander the Great, Marco Polo's Journey to China, The Signing of the Magna Carta, and The Fall of the Roman Empire.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 Chronicle of America's Wars series. These books do an adequate job of detailing the activities that led to the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War as well as the wars themselves. "Eyewitness quotes," reproduced art, and maps help to break up the sometimes dense text. Occasional double-page spreads focus on topics such as weapons and uniforms. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Chronicle of America's Wars titles: The War of 1812 and The Mexican-American War.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) YA This wide-ranging overview includes solid information and intriguing anecdotes about how various levels of society lived in fourteenth-century England. Religion, education, commerce, and daily life are discussed in cogent prose and illustrated with historical reproductions. However, the text makes frequent references to The Canterbury Tales, giving this work the feeling of a supplementary study guide instead of standing on its own merit. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta