(4) 4-6 Great Idea: Engineering series. Unlike other entries in this engineering series, this book is more about physics and the scientific questions that caused the LHC to be created, and less about building the structure itself. The text presumes a basic understanding of physics that is probably beyond most elementary-school students, but it does convey the enormity of the questions the LHC is attempting to answer. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton

(4) YA Nutrition and Health series. Plenty of valid research studies are cited in this series. Though information that a poor diet can lead to stroke and heart disease may not resonate with teen readers, current trends, such as energy drinks and celebrity endorsements of junk food products, are covered and may spark some interest. Stock photos, useful sidebars, and "Nutrition Fact" trivia support the main texts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Nutrition and Health titles: Diet and Disease, Junk Food Junkies, and Food Myths and Facts.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) 4-6 Monsters series. These volumes include background about the title mythological creatures, including appearances in folklore, fine arts, literature, film, and video games. Illustrations ranging from historical artifacts and paintings to movie stills and book covers add interest to the somewhat dry writing. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Monsters titles: Genies and The Furies.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) YA Diseases & Disorders series. One common foreword and a short introduction specific to each volume lead to chapters defining the condition and explaining diagnosis, treatment, and current research. The writing is straightforward but not particularly engaging. Some schematic drawings of human cells and organs are included, but most of the illustrations are generic photos. There are four other spring 2010 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Diseases & Disorders titles: Autism, Depression, Acne, and MRSA.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA In Controversy series. Obesity discusses the condition's origin and causes, how serious the problem is, and how to prevent or reverse it. Stem Cell focuses on scientific background, potential benefits, moral issues, government involvement, and possible alternatives. The dense texts are accompanied by relevant photos, diagrams, sidebars, pull-quotes, and lists of organizations to contact. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these In Controversy titles: Is Stem Cell Research Necessary? and Childhood Obesity.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Great Idea series. These books look at preserving, protecting, and perfecting crops. Sunscreen follows the development of a product that shades plants from too much sun; Vault discusses local and global efforts to sustain and improve vegetation. "Did You Know?" sidebars and illustrations add to accessibility for readers, but babyish book design may deter them. Vault includes a reading list. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Idea titles: The Seed Vault and Sunscreen for Plants.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) 4-6 Monsters series. Each book introduces background myths and contemporary examples of the title creature, providing an overview of how stories have changed over time. Despite the volumes' dry writing, fans of Riordan's Percy Jackson books or similar adventures may enjoy learning more about mythical creatures. Photographs and illustrations enliven the texts. All but Pegasus includes website resources. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Monsters titles: Phoenix, Hydra, Pegasus, and Cerberus.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) YA Crime Scene Investigations series. With an emphasis on the collaborative efforts between law enforcement professionals and forensic scientists and artists, this series examines the skills, resources, technologies, and determination needed to solve crimes. Sidebars, archival documents, and photographs combine with highlights from notable cases, career information, and statistics. The writing is dense, but readers interested in criminal justice will appreciate the level of detail. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Crime Scene Investigations titles: Blackmail and Bribery, Ballistics, Criminal Profiling, and Forensic Art.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Great Idea series. Technologies behind ecologically conscious products and processes are revealed through brief explanations of the cultural and lifestyle practices that necessitated them and the creative minds that developed them. "Did You Know?" sidebars and many captioned photographs help explain the topics for readers, but babyish book design may deter them. Cars and Tires include reading lists. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Idea titles: Recycled Tires, Home Windmills, Water from Air, and Hybrid Cars.

Reviewer: Claudia Harrington DeShay

(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 Diseases & Disorders series. One common forword and a short introduction specific to each volume lead to several chapters defining the disease/disorder and explaining diagnosis, treatment, current research, and the challenges faced by patients and their families. The writing is straightforward and includes scattered anecdotes and quotes from sufferers (some well known). Photos are generic or incongruous and often placed several pages away from pertinent text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Diseases & Disorders titles: Lupus, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Skin Cancer, Postpartum Depression, Sickle Cell Disease, Lung Cancer, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Workers You Know series. These books introduce different career possibilities to young readers. Carpenter and Teacher each focus on a single project (building an addition and creating a science unit); the other titles recount daily duties of each profession. The concept is sound and the conversational texts are engaging, but the staged color photos make the books look too slick and idealized.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth