(3) YA Odysseys in Government series. Designed for advanced middle-school readers and up, this series focusing on four well-known government systems aims to increase understanding of the basic concepts on which each ideology is based. Readers are encouraged to compare and contrast policies and practices and acquire information about important leaders. Glossy photographs and art, a roomy page layout, and inserts on related topics increase interest. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following Odysseys in Government titles: Communism, Dictatorship, Monarchy, and Democracy.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA Odysseys in Art series. This well-written, scholarly series takes a historical approach to the study of artistic movements, devoting much time to social sentiments and major events that shaped artists of various eras. The volumes would benefit from more reproductions, and what there is would be better served in a larger, more open format. There are three other fall 2015 books in this series. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Odysseys in Art titles: The Baroque Period, Late Modernism, Realism, Romanticism, and Cubism.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) YA Odysseys in Art series. This well-written, scholarly series takes a historical approach to the study of artistic movements, devoting much time to social sentiments and major events that shaped artists of various eras. The volumes would benefit from more reproductions, and what there is would be better served in a larger, more open format. There are three other fall 2015 books in this series. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Odysseys in Art titles: The Baroque Period, Late Modernism, Realism, Romanticism, and Cubism.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) 4-6 Forms of Government series. This series compares and contrasts four different forms of political leadership. A brief history of the origins, status, and characteristics of each type of government is presented, along with the principal countries and personalities involved in its evolution. Lengthy blocks of text may be off-putting to struggling readers. Inserts and photographs, both recent and archival, provide insight and interest. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Forms of Government titles: Communism, Dictatorship, Monarchy, and Democracy.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 Natural Wonders of the World series. A cursory text presents the region, plant and animal life, climate, ecology, and history of the river that carries the world's largest amount of water and runs through three countries. Particular attention is paid to the need for conservation efforts. Sidebars, captivating color photographs, captions, and sufficient white space work well to enhance the overall presentation. Facts about the river are appended. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 Great Inventions series. This book connects the simple mathematics of counting stones and the abacus with the evolution of increasingly complex calculating methods. Pascal's 1643 mechanical calculator and adding machines are part of the story, as well as transistors and the microchip. The poor, confusing design is compensated for by a brief logical text and better-than-average photos. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) K-3 Human Body series. Four short chapters introduce and describe these systems, their functions, and how to care for them. An activity demonstrating a previously stated fact concludes each book. Full- and half-page color photos on each spread and generous white space will attract young readers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Human Body titles: The Skeletal System and The Muscles.]

Reviewer: Gail Hedges