(4) 4-6 Ecosystems of the World series. An anecdote followed by an accessible definition begins each book; subsequent chapters cover each ecosystem's special features, plants, animals, relation to people, and future. Despite a dull template, the books explain their topics clearly and extend understanding via sidebars of further material and questions. Captioned photos and diagrams illustrate the texts. There are four other fall 2015 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Ecosystems of the World titles: Wetland Ecosystems, Woodland Forest Ecosystems, Coral Reef Ecosystems, and Grassland Ecosystems.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) YA History of Science series. Foran covers the history of the scientific and engineering fields associated with robotics, including automated and remotely controlled machinery and artificial intelligence. Robots are profiled according to use in industrial, research, space, and everyday contexts. Color photographs of robots and scientists, and historical images of their precursors, round out the text. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Great Warriors series. Ancient and medieval warriors are explored in these volumes. Each book provides a brief history of the fighters, details their arms and tactics, and delves into the lengthy training it took to become a gladiator or knight. Color illustrations and sidebars provide additional details. "Stop and think" questions promote critical thinking. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Warrior titles: Knights and Gladiators.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA Essential Issues series. This book presents a brief history of economic problems facing developing countries, from the establishment of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in 1944 to the present. Foran focuses especially on the poverty and hardships placed upon poorer countries that have incurred unsustainable debts; possible solutions are suggested. Photographs and sidebars enhance the text but crowd the pages. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg