(3) 4-6 Overcoming Adversity series. In the books in this series, each subject triumphed over hardships that ranged from physical disability to nationwide political oppression. The clearly written texts do not overplay this aspect of each subject's story but incorporate it into informative and cohesive biographical portraits. Illustrated with average-quality black-and-white photos, each volume contains a timeline; Twain and Wonder also feature discographies. Bib., ind. [Review covers these titles: Triumph of the Imagination, John McCain, Shania Twain, Mohandas K. Gandhi, Stevie Wonder.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Great Disasters: Reforms and Ramifications series. The disasters fully described in each volume are recounted in terms of their historical importance as well as their significance in changing future laws and legislation, scientific methodology, and cultural attitudes. The prose sometimes becomes anecdotal (Blizzard) or redundant, but the books do a competent job of presenting each event; adequate black-and-white photos accompany the texts. Time lines are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta