(4) YA Special Reports series. These volumes offer balanced explorations of social problems facing American citizens today. Each book examines the topic's past and current history, outlines the issues involved, and discusses possible solutions. Statistical data is included when relevant, but much of the information will be quickly dated; photographs and sidebars (many with tiny type) extend the texts. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Special Reports titles: Hate Crimes in America, Gun Control and the Second Amendment, The Gender Wage Gap, and The War on Poverty.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) YA Ecological Disasters series. These in-depth books examine major threats to biological and ecological systems. Invasive explores the history and science of animal species invading foreign locations, and Coral looks at the rapid destruction of coral reefs from climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Descriptions of attempts to mitigate the problems; quotes from experts; and helpful photographs, diagrams, and sidebars round out each presentation. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Ecological Disasters titles: Invasive Species and Coral Reef Collapse.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Ecological Disasters series. Contemporary threats to ecological systems and to the health of people, plants, and animals include natural disasters and human production of waste. These books delve deep into related science and technologies, each issue's history, and ethical considerations. Descriptions of attempts to mitigate a problem; quotes from experts; and helpful photographs, diagrams, and sidebars reinforce each problem's severity. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Ecological Disasters titles: E-Waste, Melting Arctic Ice, The California Drought, and The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Conservation Success Stories series. Each in-depth volume examines conservation issues in a major habitat, focusing on topics such as deforestation, pollution, invasive species, and climate change, as well as scientific and legal efforts to restore and revitalize plant and animal populations. Full-page "Science Connection" inserts touch on related background science. Large photographs clearly show humans' impact on the environment. A cause-and-effect diagram is appended. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Conservation Success Stories titles: Bringing Back Our Freshwater Lakes, Bringing Back Our Oceans, Bringing Back Our Tropical Forests, Bringing Back Our Deserts, Bringing Back Our Wetlands, and Bringing Back Our Tundra.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Conservation Success Stories series. Each in-depth volume examines conservation issues in a major habitat, focusing on topics such as deforestation, pollution, invasive species, and climate change, as well as scientific and legal efforts to restore and revitalize plant and animal populations. Full-page "Science Connection" inserts touch on related background science. Large photographs clearly show humans' impact on the environment. A cause-and-effect diagram is appended. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Conservation Success Stories titles: Bringing Back Our Freshwater Lakes, Bringing Back Our Oceans, Bringing Back Our Tropical Forests, Bringing Back Our Deserts, Bringing Back Our Wetlands, and Bringing Back Our Tundra.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA The oxygen-poor sections of the Gulf of Mexico, Baltic Sea, and other bodies of water threaten marine and coastal animal populations, as well as human livelihoods. Hand explains the main causes--fertilizers and runoff from upstream agribusinesses and lawns; human sewage--and possible engineering and policy solutions. Color photographs and diagrams illustrate the scope of the challenge and its impact. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Cutting-Edge Science and Technology series. Hand examines the old traditions and modern technologies that are used in sustainable farming of plants and animals. Detailed descriptions of soil, water, seeds, crops, pest control, and energy use illustrate how they are managed to provide continuous, productive growth with minimized environmental impact. Stock photographs and profiles of important scientists, ecologists, and environmentalists are included. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Growing Green series. This series for upper-middle grades focusing on "green" food and farming practices that have gained popularity covers what has sparked each movement, what its health and environmental benefits are, and what some of its challenges are. Supplemental text boxes of related information may provide interest but make for choppy reading; appropriate color photos illustrate the texts. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following Growing Green titles: Organic Foods, Urban Gardening, Free-Range Farming, and Eating Local.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 Women in STEM series. Each volume includes descriptions of careers women have pursued within broad scientific fields; bios of historic pioneers, contemporary industry superstars, and regular people; and profiles of programs for girls in STEM. Copious photographs of women and girls involved in scientific pursuits are included, along with direct quotes from the profiled scientists; nonfiction literacy activities and prompts connect to the Common Core. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Women in STEM titles: Women in Computer Science, Women in Earth and Space Exploration, Women in Engineering, cf2]Women in Medicine, Women in Conservation, and Women in Physical Science.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 STEM in the Real World series. This series entry surveys fields associated with ocean study, including the life sciences, but with emphasis on the technologies of ocean-floor mapping and sampling. Topics include a history of ocean exploration, profiles of scientists, educational requirements, and consideration of future ocean science and engineering. Color photographs of scientists at work and sidebar activities that emphasize nonfiction literacy are included. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA History of Science series. Both books trace the history of their respective earth-science fields, examining the ideas about earth processes or atmospheric chemistry that built over time to produce current theories within each field, and ending with contemporary challenges and predictions for the future. The sophisticated concepts are illustrated with diagrams, photographs, and sidebars that add case detail and profile key scientific contributors. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these History of Science titles: Seismology and Climate Change.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA History of Science series. Each volume traces the history of health sciences, medicine, or biology, considering the effects of discoveries and technological advancements on humans, and ending with innovations in present-day science and policy. The concepts, technologies, and scientist profiles are illustrated with photographs and diagrams. Final chapters look to future challenges, including global disease and the ethics of gene therapy. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these History of Science titles: Epidemiology, Genetics, and Medicine.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Essential Library of Inventions series. These books focus on pivotal inventions as historical events, examining why each was created and what preceded it; how each has changed life today; and how it will evolve. Supplemented with excellent photos, archival images, and diagrams, the well-written narratives also clearly explain the technology of each invention. There are three other fall 2015 books in this series. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Essential Library of Inventions titles: How the Light Bulb Changed History, How the Refrigerator Changed History, How the Internet Changed History, How the Toilet Changed History, and How the Printing Press Changed History.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) YA Essential Health: Living with Health Challenges series. "Expert Advice" from a practicing clinician precedes nine chapters, each opening with the personal story of a teen dealing with the title challenge and concluding with questions for readers to consider. Definitions, symptoms, causes, susceptibility, diagnosis, treatment, and coping mechanisms are clearly described. Use of the second person and a conversational tone involve readers. Generic color photos are plentiful. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Living with Health Challenges titles: Living with Acne, Living with Anxiety Disorders, Living with Depression, and Living with Asthma.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) YA Essential Health: Living with Health Challenges series. "Expert Advice" from a practicing clinician precedes nine chapters, each opening with the personal story of a teen dealing with the title challenge and concluding with questions for readers to consider. Definitions, symptoms, causes, susceptibility, diagnosis, treatment, and coping mechanisms are clearly described. Use of the second person and a conversational tone involve readers. Generic color photos are plentiful. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Living with Health Challenges titles: Living with Acne, Living with Anxiety Disorders, Living with Depression, and Living with Asthma.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA Countries of the World series. This well-written title provides a comprehensive introduction to Colombia, its rich history, and its present-day political and economic challenges. The text covers geography, climate, natural resources, population, and culture; color photographs, maps, and sidebars help make the tiny type size less off-putting. Report writers will find useful information. Lists of facts and "Places to Visit" are appended. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) YA Innovative Technologies series. These dense books describe energy sources and technologies that can serve to reduce or eliminate our use of fossil fuels. Each account includes a brief history of the field, the underlying science, technologies under development and the policies that regulate them, and the challenges faced in making these technologies economically and scientifically feasible. High-quality, well-chosen photographs accompany the texts. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Innovative Technologies titles: Hyrbid and Electric Vehicles, Methane Energy, Biomass Energy, and Hydrogen and Fuel Cells.

Reviewer: Devon Johnson