(4) YA Technology 360 series. After a brief history of their technologies, these books provide thoughtful discussions of the appeal, markets, new technologies, risks, and social implications of cell phones and video games--for example, intrusive use of cell phone cameras and video game violence. Photos, sidebars, and other visuals, as well as documented quotations, strengthen the presentation. There are a few copy-editing and content errors. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Technology 360 titles: Video Games and Cell Phones.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Mysterious Encounters series. Descriptions, origins, and anecdotes about ESP are presented along with historical research investigations and more recent debunking efforts. Although some alternative explanations are discussed, the text generally presents the supernatural as fact. Those who have read the Fortune-Telling book in this series may experience some déjà vu (a term also covered here). Stock photos and illustrations break up the pages. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi

(4) 4-6 Monsters series. These brief volumes will be appreciated by mythology fans. The texts describe the creatures' origins as well as giving examples from contemporary popular culture (e.g., J. K. Rowling's hippogriff). Illustrations ranging from historical artifacts to movie stills and book covers add interest to the somewhat dry writing. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Monsters titles: Centaurs, Griffins, and The Minotaur.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) YA 20th Century's Most Influential Hispanics series. Chávez's nonviolent approach to political reform is presented within the context of the civil rights movement. The text highlights his determination to overcome discrimination and his role in creating the first organized union for migrant laborers. Photographs (some of poor quality), quotes, and sidebars help round out the biography. Occasional typos and misuse of accent marks are distracting. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Pamela Mishkin

(4) 4-6 Mysterious Encounters series. These books present descriptions, origins, and anecdotes about the title subjects. Fortune-Telling includes contemporary practitioners; Ghost Ships focuses on legends about historical "abandoned ships." Sidebars provide alternative explanations, though the texts do tend to present the supernatural as fact. Curiously, Johnny Depp makes his way into both volumes. Stock photos and illustrations break up the texts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Mysterious Encounters titles: Ghosts Ships and Fortune-Telling.

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi

(4) 4-6 Our Environment series. These four titles discuss human interference with the ecosystem due to dam building, slash-and-burn farming, pesticide and herbicide use, and pollution of the waterways. Helpful background and history of the issues is included. The photos are useful, but their captions do not always extend the text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Our Environment titles: Dams and Levees, Rain Forests, Pesticides, and Water Pollution.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) YA Point-Counterpoint series. Geared toward high school debate students, this title examines both sides of several controversial issues related to animal rights including the use of animals in medical research, for food and clothing, and for entertainment purposes. Condensed chapters provide factual supporting information useful in formulating a convincing argument either pro or con. Reading list, source notes, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Point-Counterpoint series. These books present issues in a debate format, with well-written, if complex, arguments and responses for both sides. The main chapters include information about relevant court cases and current events. Final chapters describe possible solutions and developments for the problems; sidebars highlight statistics, judicial decisions, and questions to consider. Stock photos illustrate the dense text. Ind. [Review covers these Point-Counterpoint titles: The Right to Privacy, Trial of Juveniles as Adults, Mental Health Reform, and Gun Control.]

Reviewer: Becky Levine