(3) 4-6 Searchlight Books: Climate Change series. Each volume provides a basic definition of human-induced climate change, then considers the impact of rising temperatures and an increase in carbon dioxide on plant and animal life, weather, and humans, with only minor overlap of content across the books. Though the cases presented are dire, solutions and mitigation of negative impacts are considered. The high-quality images and layouts organize the material well. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Searchlight Books: Climate Change titles: Climate Change and Air Quality, Climate Change and Extreme Storms, Climate Change and Energy Technology, Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels, Climate Change and Rising Temperatures, and Climate Change and Life on Earth.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Presidential Powerhouses series. Through these significant presidencies, this thorough series examines crucial periods in America's history: the birth of a fledgling nation, the War of 1812, the Great Depression and WWII, and the dawn of America's "New Frontier." Each president's early life, administration milestones, and ultimate legacy are discussed in detailed chapters filled with maps and period photos or illustrations. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following Presidential Powerhouses titles: Franklin D. Roosevelt's Presidency, George Washington's Presidency, John F. Kennedy's Presidency, and James Madison's Presidency.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) 4-6 History's Greatest Disasters series. This accessible account of the 2010 oil rig explosion that led to a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico examines what happened and why and the huge environmental damage the spill caused. The matter-of-fact text is supplemented by photos, clear diagrams, and informative sidebars. Writing exercises and prompts to visit the publisher's website are intrusive. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Once, in America series. Illustrated by Lisa Greenleaf. Crotta Brennan's earnest but scattered history of the creation of Earth Day situates the event in the environmental and political issues of twentieth-century America. Historical photographs of environmental conditions in industrial areas plus profiles of Gaylord Nelson, Denis Hayes, and other conservationists highlight the consequences of unregulated pollution and the belief that youth can change the world for the better. Timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Cheryl Kirk Noll. During the American Revolution, Rhode Island enlisted slaves to fight against the British because the state had too few available soldiers. Brennan discusses the development of the Black Regiment, its success in battle, and what life was like for troops after the war was over. A crowded book design includes sidebars, maps, and illustrations. A list of places to visit is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: KaaVonia Hinton

(3) PS Illustrated by Mari Takabayashi. With a few well-chosen words, this poem evokes the pleasures of summer, as readers follow the activities of two children throughout the day. In the morning, "Sun sings. / Wings fan. / Swing on porch / With toast and jam." At night there's a marshmallow roast. "Neighbors visit / Into the night. / Marshmallow kisses / By firefly light." Takabayashi's watercolors are full of delicately painted, homey details.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert