(4) YA Hip-Hop Stars series. These biographies deliver comprehensive information about the lives and careers of their subjects--including achievements and struggles--as well as some history about hip-hop. The same introduction by Chuck D of rap group Public Enemy begins each. The stories are engaging, though the writing tends to ramble. Photos, sidebars, and discographies add to the teen-friendly appeal. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Hip-Hop Stars titles: Jay-Z, Sean Combs, Queen Latifah, and Tupac Shakur.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey

(3) YA Black Americans of Achievement, Legacy Edition series. Each of these biographies details a well-known figure's rise from adversity to national and/or international recognition. The books go beyond the typical personal information to provide some social history relevant to the subject's time. Captioned photographs and boxed inserts enhance the conversational texts, most of which have been completely revised. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these Black Americans of Achievement, Legacy Edition, titles: Maya Angelou, Jimi Hendrix, Scott Joplin, Bob Marley, Oprah Winfrey, Josephine Baker, and Chris Rock.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(3) YA Black Americans of Achievement, Legacy Edition series. Each updated biography (Cochran, King, Parks) explains its well-known subject's rise from adversity to national and/or international recognition, working for social justice in his or her own way. Glover's volume details his past and present-day career as a tap dancer. Captioned photographs and boxed inserts enhance the conversational texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these Black Americans of Achievement, Legacy Edition titles: Johnnie Cochran, Coretta Scott King, Savion Glover, and Rosa Parks.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(4) YA Ancient World Leaders series. Each of the books in this series profiles a leader whose military exploits had a huge impact not only in his own lifetime but also today. While Charlemagne and Genghis are mostly well documented, Attila provides no sources for speeches given by its subject. The books are illustrated with sometimes too-small color reproductions and maps. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Ancient World Leaders titles: Charlemagne, Attila the Hun, and Genghis Khan.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman