(3) YA Understanding Literature series. This informative volume provides biographical information about Austen, overviews of her work, accessible critical analysis that contextualizes her writing, and a summation of her legacy. Reproductions of period paintings and a few black-and-white photos from recent Austen films (and those her work inspired, such as Clueless) accompany the text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christy Hale. John Cloud, a Mohawk boy, travels from the reservation in upstate New York to visit Papa, a steelworker on the Empire State Building. Rich, sunlit gouache illustrations establish the 1930s setting for this well-told story of a boy's pride in his father, his people, and--for his newfound ability to hear Father Sky and Mother Earth--himself. A historical note is appended.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(4) 4-6 First Peoples series. In two books in this series, the authors each give an overview of a Native American tribe covering both traditional lifestyles and adaptations to modern living, while color photos of tribe members in both ceremonial and modern dress make the presentation current. The information isn't well organized and sometimes skips around, but the inclusive scope of the project will be helpful to those looking for up-to-date sources. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam