(4) 4-6 ShockZone--Villains series. This series presents brief biographical vignettes of some of the world's most notorious villains. The chatty, informal writing style is entertaining, but the gruesome anecdotes and graphic illustrations aren't for the faint-hearted. The authors' selections are largely lesser-known villainous figures (Hitler, Pol Pot, and Henry VIII are not included). Period art, archival photographs, and text boxes fill the pages. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these ShockZone--Villains titles: Merciless Monarchs and Ruthless Royalty, Pirates, Scoundrels, and Scallywags, Lethal Leaders and Military Madmen, Assassins, Traitors, and Spies, Gangsters, Bootleggers, and Bandits, and Outlaws, Gunslingers, and Thieves.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 ShockZone--Deadly and Dangerous series. Each busy double-page spread focuses on a topic: Battles accentuates the human toll on both sides during war, while Danger deals with natural threats (volcanoes, tigers) and unexplained phenomena (the Bermuda Triangle). Color photos and illustrations, captions, text boxes, headers, and attitude-fueled texts compete for readers' attention in these browsable books. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Shock Zone Deadly and Dangerous titles: Deadly Bloody Battles and Dead Danger Zones.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 History Maker Bios series. Simple, pedantic text introduces readers to the heroic young activist who broke racial and educational barriers. The volume traces Bridges's life to adulthood, noting that she continues to work for educational equality in the still-hurricane-ravaged city of New Orleans. Effective archival photographs and less useful chapter-opener illustrations are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(4) K-3 Pull Ahead Books series. This early introduction to the continent strives to engage young readers with photographs, maps, informal language, and interesting facts unique to Europe. Though the text doesn't always match the photos and some clarification would have been helpful, the book is accessible for emergent readers. Additional facts are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 Pull Ahead Books series. This early introduction to the continent strives to engage young readers with photographs, maps, informal language, and interesting facts unique to Asia. Though the text doesn't always match the photos and some clarification would have been helpful, the book is accessible for emergent readers. Additional facts are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 Pull Ahead Books series. This early introduction to the continent strives to engage young readers with photographs, maps, informal language, and interesting facts unique to Australia. Though the text doesn't always match the photos and some clarification would have been helpful, the book is accessible for emergent readers. Additional facts are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 Pull Ahead Books series. This early introduction to the continent strives to engage young readers with photographs, maps, informal language, and interesting facts unique to Africa. Though the text doesn't always match the photos and some clarification would have been helpful, the book is accessible for emergent readers. Additional facts are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 Pull Ahead Books series. This early introduction to the continent strives to engage young readers with photographs, maps, informal language, and interesting facts unique to North America. Though the text doesn't always match the photos and some clarification would have been helpful, the book is accessible for emergent readers. Additional facts are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 Pull Ahead Books series. This early introduction to the continent strives to engage young readers with photographs, maps, informal language, and interesting facts unique to Antarctica. Though the text doesn't always match the photos and some clarification would have been helpful, the book is accessible for emergent readers. Additional facts are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Amazing Athletes series. After an introductory chapter, each of these formulaic profiles cover an athlete's childhood and early career. The remaining sections focus on professional accomplishments and highlights. Despite the perfunctory nature of these brief treatments, a colorful page design, crisp photographs, and large print should appeal to younger and reluctant readers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Amazing Athletes titles: Venus & Serena Williams, Ichiro Suzuki, Jeff Gordon, and Tiger Woods.]

Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck