(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

(4) YA Historical American Biographies series. Although formulaic (each volume in this series begins with a dramatic in medias res moment from the subject's life and ends with a chapter detailing his or her historical legacy), these books contain solid biographical information. The main texts balance personal and professional facts; sidebars offer intriguing supplemental matter. The books are illustrated with black-and-white photos. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Historical American Biographies titles: Carry A. Nation, Harry Houdini, William Tecumseh, Henry Ford, and George Eastman.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA Historical American Biographies series. Three nineteenth-century notables who flourished in politics, civil rights, and the arts are profiled in the thorough biographies in this series. Supplemented by black-and-white photos and reproductions, the clear text features occasional information boxes that provide additional color or place events within a historical context. Each volume ends with a chapter discussing the subject's legacy. A time line is included. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Historical American Biographies titles: Daniel Webster, Dorothea Dix, Edgar Allan Poe.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA Historical American Biographies series. These effective, if formulaic, biographies are well documented with chapter notes. Information boxes supplement the main texts (for instance, a reference to Mark Twain seeing a Pony Express rider is accompanied by a sidebar that provides a brief overview of the Express). Unexceptional black-and-white photos illustrate the lucidly written books. Time lines are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta