(4) YA People in the News series. Each title touches on the public figure's early years, later life, and achievements. Though the writing tends to be overly laudatory, difficult issues are occasionally addressed, especially in the Karzai volume (e.g., corruption allegations against him, his increasing criticism of the West). Sidebars cover more general topics, adding some context. Many photographs are included. There are eight other fall 2011 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Katy Perry, George Lopez, Sonia Sotomayor, Lady Gaga, and Hamid Karzai.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) YA Eye on Art series. These dense but useful introductions provide historical, social, and geographical context as well as definitions of key terms. Pottery considers the intersections between functionality and art in this medium, while Postmodern surveys conceptual, installation, and neo-expressionist movements. Sidebars offer glimpses into artists' philosophies and specific techniques. Postmodern would benefit from additional reproductions of the artworks themselves and fewer artists' headshots. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Eye on Art titles: Pottery and Postmodern Art.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(4) YA Eye on Art series. This series takes a chronological approach to artistic media, from the earliest experiments to contemporary leaders in each field. Dense texts provide comprehensive overviews; photographs and illustrations are interspersed but, considering the visual nature of the subject matter, readers will likely wish for additional images. Sidebars profile individual artists or provide historical context. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Eye on Art titles: Art in Glass, Photography, and The Jeweler's Art.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl