(4) YA World Today series. Short paragraphs, charts, captioned photos, and text boxes present information about rates of obesity worldwide. Each double-page spread briefly addresses one subtopic, ranging from a definition of obesity to possible genetic components, though the overall message is to eat less and exercise more. The busy design is confusing (as are some charts), but the book could serve as stimulus for further exploration. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Earth's Final Frontiers series. This book presents information about the topography, wildlife, and effects of climate change on the polar regions, in addition to the history and future of polar exploration. Informative and respectful background on indigenous people is also provided. Crisp photographs and illustrations support the dense text, and the pages are busy. "In their own words" sidebars provide quotes from scientists, hunters, and explorers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Ernie J. Cox

(4) 4-6 Great Journeys Across Earth series. Each series volume details a historically important expedition. The circumstances leading up to the journey as well as the aftermath are also discussed. Also included is information about who accompanied the explorers and the experiences they all had. Numerous sidebars, maps, and illustrations provide additional information (though the crowded pages divide attention). Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Journeys across Earth titles: Captain Cook's Pacific Explorations, Burton and Speke's Source of the Nile Quest, Amundsen and Scott's Race to the South Pole, Hillary and Norgay's Mount Everest Adventure, Lewis and Clark's Continental Journey, Magellan's Voyage around the World, and Marco Polo's Travels on Asia's Silk Road.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo