(4) YA Understanding Literature series. These accessible author studies explore the biographical and historical factors that influenced O'Neill's plays or Faulkner's fiction. Each title includes a synopsis of the subject's life and brief critical analysis of selected works. Though dry, the books provide solid background for understanding some American literary classics. A few photographs help break up the texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Understanding Literature titles: A Student's Guide to Eugene O'Neill and A Student's Guide to William Faulkner.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) YA Understanding Literature series. This series explores the biographical and historical factors that influenced these authors. Each book includes a detailed synopsis of the subject's life and his selected works. Though dry, the books will provide a solid background for readers seeking a deeper understanding of literary classics. Some sidebars and photographs help break up the text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Understanding Literature titles: A Student's Guide to Jack London, A Student's Guide to Mark Twain, and A Student's Guide to Tennessee Williams.

Reviewer: Allison Cole

(4) 4-6 American Saga series. This uneven book explores the efforts of American women and minorities to be treated equally under the law. Hermann focuses on slavery, segregation, and women's suffrage; three final chapters deal with the struggles of Native Americans, Latinos, Asians, and people with disabilities. The sometimes oversimplified text is broken up by sidebars and illustrations. Chapter notes are appended. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Ib Ohlsson. Although marred by some stilted dialogue and stock characters, this story of the beginnings of the Perkins Institution for the Blind in Boston in 1832, as told from the perspective of Abby Carter, one of its first students, is heartfelt and often interesting. Readers will get a sense of the possibilities the school offered to blind children, who had previously been denied the hope of education and meaningful work.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee