(3) YA Technology 360 series. After brief histories behind their title technologies, these books provide thoughtful discussions of the appeal, markets, risks, and social implications of their subjects; for example, environmental effects of discarded iPods and security concerns with social networking sites. The books seem to be as up-to-date as possible for print. Photos, sidebars, and other visuals, as well as documented quotations, strengthen the presentations. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Technology 360 titles: Television, Global Positioning Systems, iPod and MP3 Players, and Web 2.0.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) YA Technology 360 series. After brief histories, these books provide thoughtful discussions of the appeal, markets, new technologies, and implications of their subjects; for example, security risks of social websites and ethics of robot use. Both books seem to be as up-to-date as possible for the medium. Photos, sidebars, and other visuals, as well as documented quotations, strengthen the presentations. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Technology 360 titles: Online Social Networks and Robots.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA People in the News series. From politicians to actors to world leaders, these biographies provide mostly adulatory portrayals of their subjects (with the exceptions of Castro and Kim Jong Il); occasionally something controversial slips in to spice up the texts. Each volume includes biographical information, photographs, and career highlights (through 2008). Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Salma Hayek, Nancy Pelosi, Al Gore, Coretta Scott King, Pope Benedict XVI, Fidel Castro, and Kim Jong Il.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA 20th Century's Most Influential Hispanics series. These biographies explore the lives and work of Mexico's most famous artistic couple. Both volumes provide personal information and political context; sidebars offer additional facts about influential artistic or political movements and relevant historical figures. The photographs and reproductions, which vary in quality, help readers appreciate each artist's work. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these 20th Century's Most Influential Hispanics titles: Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.

Reviewer: Pamela Mishkin

(4) YA People in the News series. These volumes cover basic biographical facts about auto racer Dale Earnhardt Jr. and baseball star Derek Jeter, from their childhoods through their early careers to their status as of 2008. The texts, accompanied by photographs and occasional sidebars on related topics (e.g., "The Popularity of NASCAR"), are generally adulatory but also acknowledge issues such as diva behavior and romantic entanglements. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Derek Jeter.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA People in the News series. This series tries to be comprehensive in its coverage, including childhood and adult life, achievements, successes, and failures. Though controversies surrounding each person are included, the books mainly show their subjects in a positive light. The many photographs and sidebars underscore the fanzine look and feel. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Hilary Duff, Zac Efron, Hillary Clinton, Kelly Clarkson, Condoleezza Rice, and 50 Cent.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA 20th Century's Most Influential Hispanics series. Hillstrom provides a comprehensive play-by-play of Pelé's legendary career, including his role in promoting U.S. soccer. Die-hard fans will enjoy the sportscaster-style recounting of matches and photos of Pelé in action; report writers may resort to skimming entire sections. Photos vary in style and quality. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Pamela Mishkin