(4) YA Issues in Society series. An introduction explicates this worldwide health problem. One chapter zeroes in on the mental and physical consequences of obesity and four subsequent chapters explore possible solutions: government regulation, education, marketing restrictions, taxation of sugary drinks and snacks. Generic color photos and occasional "Viewpoint" sections add interest to the dense prose and dull, textbook-like layout. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA In Controversy series. From computer hacking and online activity to teenage driving habits and gun control, each book begins with an overview of the featured issue with subsequent chapters addressing five key points from differing perspectives. Captioned stock photographs add little to the straightforward texts; text boxes provide supplementary information, and pull quotes highlight salient points. The text-heavy pages may be off-putting to some readers. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these In Controversy titles: Can Gun Control Reduce Violence?, How Serious Is Teen Drunk and Distracted Driving?, How Serious a Problem Is Computer Hacking?, and How Are Online Activities Affecting Society?.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) YA Library of Tattoos and Body Piercings series. These dense volumes offer balanced explorations of tattooing and piercing as cultural practices dating back to ancient times and as contemporary customs for self-expression; Teens delves into the trends' implications for young people. Blandly designed, text-heavy pages are broken up by striking photographs, "Did You Know?" sidebars, and inserts with primary source material. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Library of Tattoos and Body Piercings titles: Tattoos, Body Piercings, and Teens, A Cultural History of Tattoos, and A Cultural History of Body Piercings.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) YA Thinking Critically series. Diagrams and sidebars (and one photo per volume) support these well-organized models for classroom discourse. First chapters provide an overview of the debates surrounding medical marijuana and stem cell research; subsequent chapters present pro and con responses to four key questions. Despite lots of graphic elements, the text-heavy pages may be off-putting. Two pages of facts and lists of related organizations are appended. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Thinking Critically titles: Stem Cell Research and Medical Marijuana.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) YA In Controversy series. After providing background on the issue ("What Are the Origins of the Animal Experimentation Debate?"), the text examines questions surrounding medical testing, classroom use (e.g., dissection), and feasibility of alternative methods (in vitro testing, human studies, etc.) for advancing scientific research. Some of the photos aren't for the squeamish. Informative sidebars and summaries of facts ending each chapter complement the dense narrative. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz