(4) YA Graphic Universe: My Boyfriend Is a Monster series. Illustrated by Janina Görrissen. Nora falls in love with Tom, a goodhearted ghost trapped in her family's Victorian house. Together they rid the house of angry spirits and ultimately free Tom's soul. The against-all-odds romance is too familiar, but it will appeal to fans of this supernatural graphic novel series. The wide-eyed characters bring an innocence to a tale that might otherwise feel more sinister.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) YA Civil Rights Struggles Around the World series. These series entries address three struggles in the worldwide history of civil rights. Strong texts provide readers with essential background information on such topics as the ILGWU, apartheid, and Chinese government oppression; the activist movements' beginnings, confrontations, results, and significance within their nations' histories are then discussed. Many dynamic photographs illustrate the information-rich (if dense) volumes. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Civil Rights Struggles Around the World titles: We Stand as One, Open the Jail Doors--We Want to Enter, and Who Will Shout If Not Us?

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) 4-6 Fantasy Chronicles series. These accessible but uneven texts give overviews of how elements of fantasy developed while discussing their roles in history and the modern world. Though perhaps too focused on the West, the books do include some creatures and conjurers from around the globe. Illustration reproductions include early representations of magical creatures and contemporary cartoonish ones. Reading list. Bib., ind. Review covers these Fantasy Chronicles titles: cf2]Wizards and Witches, Fairies and Elves, and Fantastical Creatures and Magical Beasts.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(4) 4-6 Visual Geography series. A dry but informative text introduces the geography, history, government, culture, and economy of Australia. In a textbook-like design, color photographs and maps offer a useful resource for the report-driven reader. The book is intended to be used with a designated website. Directory, reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale