(4) 4-6 Hall of Fame Sports Greats series. Originally published in the Sports Great series, these formulaic, somewhat updated biographies of players (all now retired) provide brief information about their early lives, then delve into specific games or important playing seasons. Occasional quotes from teammates and coaches (unsourced) provide some insight into the men's personalities, but the books mostly focus on on-field accomplishments. Color photos throughout enliven the chapter-book presentation for reluctant readers. Websites. Ind. Review covers these Hall of Fame Sports Greats titles: Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Nolan Ryan, Cal Ripkin, Jr., Deion Sanders, and Troy Aikman.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) YA Library of Ghosts & Hauntings series. These volumes, many of which overlap with one another, tackle paranormal topics. Each book includes five chapters that define the subject, describe historical and contemporary examples, and examine their veracity. Though the texts claim that nothing is proven, the writing does take belief for granted ("Ghosts have other reasons to linger"). Many photographs, some graphic, illustrate the texts. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Library of Ghosts & Hauntings titles: Communication with the Dead, Ghost Hunters, Poltergeists, Ghosts, and Hauntings.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) YA Great Historic Disasters series. These accounts will prove useful for report writers and intriguing for nonfiction readers. The texts chronicle, in great detail, the historical context, tragic events, and aftermath of the Hindenburg crash and the atomic bombings of Japan. The narratives of the disasters are personalized with descriptions of those involved. Captioned photographs support the texts. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Great Historic Disasters titles The [cf4]Hindenburg[cf3] Disaster of 1937 and The Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(4) 4-6 Mysterious & Unknown series. These volumes provide detailed explorations of the legends (and history) surrounding King Arthur and the beliefs and stories about unicorns. The texts are dense, but stock photos, illustrations, pull-quotes, and sidebars add visual interest. Many of the lengthy captions are lifted directly and repeated from the main texts. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Mysterious & Unknown titles: Unicorns and King Arthur.

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi

(4) YA Lucent Library of Black History series. These volumes provide historical overviews of African Americans' contributions to the worlds of visual, literary, and performing arts. Problems of racism and stereotyping as well as overcoming obstacles are discussed. The texts are dense but informative. Some illustrations and photographs help break up the pages. Film includes a timeline. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Lucent Library of Black History titles: Blacks in Film and The Black Arts Movement.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(3) YA Great Historic Disasters series. The author explains in detail the seismic activities that caused the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, as well as the lack of systems in place to quickly notify those in danger. Also included are many well-captioned photos (some graphic and disturbing) and short but interesting personal stories of both survivors and victims. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) YA In World History series. In balanced, readable prose, the books in this series recount their subjects' actions and motivations, setting them within appropriate cultural contexts: Queen Victoria's role in establishing the British Empire; Joan's martyrdom; Cromwell's assumption of power to rule England; and the ruthlessness of the Inquisition. Black-and-white illustrations and sidebars of primary material extend the documented text. Bib., ind. [Review covers these In World History titles: The British Empire and Queen Victoria in World History, Joan of Arc and the Hundred Years' War in World History, Oliver Cromwell and the English Civil War in World History, and The Spanish Inquisition in World History.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) YA In World History series. In balanced, readable prose, the books in this series recount their subjects' actions and motivations, setting them within appropriate cultural contexts: Queen Victoria's role in establishing the British Empire; Joan's martyrdom; Cromwell's assumption of power to rule England; and the ruthlessness of the Inquisition. Black-and-white illustrations and sidebars of primary material extend the documented text. Bib., ind. [Review covers these In World History titles: The British Empire and Queen Victoria in World History, Joan of Arc and the Hundred Years' War in World History, Oliver Cromwell and the English Civil War in World History, and The Spanish Inquisition in World History.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA History's Great Defeats series. Each book identifies a historical empire or culture and analyzes the people, events, and political philosophies--both at home and abroad--that contributed to its eventual decline and fall. The dry texts are supplemented by information boxes containing quotes from primary and secondary sources, as well as sometimes poorly reproduced black-and-white photos. Time lines are included. Third Reich contains a glossary. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA American War Library series. Each of nine volumes focuses on a different aspect of World War II. The articulate texts provide detailed accounts of specific battles and participants, as well as anecdotes, both grim and moving, that personalize the lives of those who served in the military and those who remained on the homefront. Illustrated with black-and-white photos, six of the books contain time lines and three include glossaries. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA American War Library series. Each of nine volumes focuses on a different aspect of World War II. The articulate texts provide detailed accounts of specific battles and participants, as well as anecdotes, both grim and moving, that personalize the lives of those who served in the military and those who remained on the homefront. Illustrated with black-and-white photos, six of the books contain time lines and three include glossaries. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Modern Nations of the World series. The dense and wide-ranging country study examines Ireland's history (including its ancient past), geography, and culture, with a chapter devoted to "the Troubles," which discusses recent peace agreements. Supplemental background on specific people, places, and events is included in occasional information boxes. Archival material and poorly reproduced black-and-white photos illustrate the book. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Great Sports Teams series. This series presents impressive collegiate and professional programs that have consistent records of success. The format surveys the athletes' memorable games, team histories, and legendary players and coaches. Grainy black-and-white and color photos are accompanied by informative captions, and team websites are listed. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Charlotte S. Huck

(3) YA Holocaust Library series. Published spring 1998.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA Holocaust Library series. Published spring 1998.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Great Sports Teams series. Filled with game action and numerous quotes, these texts relate the most famous moments in the history of each team and briefly describe the team's best players, the leadership behind the team, and what the future holds for them. The intended audience of reluctant readers will appreciate the fast-paced writing and won't be bothered by the grainy quality of the color and black-and-white photos. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.