(3) YA Essential Critiques series. These volumes introduce critical theory and provide instructions for understanding historic speeches and works of four famous Americans. Lightly annotated essays modeling the application of criticism through different approaches are included. Each book leads readers through key steps of analysis and encourages readers' own critiques. These are suitable overviews of historic interpretation and essay construction. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Essential Critiques titles: How to Analyze the Works of Frederick Douglass, How to Analyze the Works of Abraham Lincoln, How to Analyze the Works of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and How to Analyze the Works of George Washington.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA People in the News series. Each title touches on the figure's childhood, adult life, achievements, and surrounding controversies. Though the writing tends to be overly laudatory (not so in Madoff), difficult issues are occasionally addressed ("Leonardo's Stalker," "Is Spike Lee a Racist?"). Sidebars cover more general topics, adding some context. Many photographs are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Leonardo DiCaprio, Spike Lee, and Bernie Madoff.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee