(3) 4-6 Presidential Perspectives series. These books look at significant events by focusing on the sitting presidents' actions and motivations. The simply written texts are informative; some events are presented out of chronological order, but timelines help reorient readers. Sidebars include opposing viewpoints, primary source quotes, writing prompts, and critical-thinking questions. The open design includes archival reproductions and photos. There are four other spring 2016 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Presidential Perspectives titles: The Civil Rights Movement through the Eyes of Lyndon B. Johnson, World War I through the Eyes of Woodrow Wilson, September 11 through the Eyes of George W. Bush, and The Louisiana Purchase through the Eyes of Thomas Jefferson.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(3) YA Women's Lives in History series. Each book provides biographies of a good number of women--both well-known and lesser-known--who are high achievers in their respective fields. Clear, engaging texts provide context-setting background, and the volumes' clean design includes with many photos and useful sidebars. There are four other fall 2016 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Women's Lives in History titles: Women in Science, Women in Politics and Government, Women in Arts and Entertainment, and Women in War.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(3) 4-6 Back from Near Extinction series. Each volume follows the featured animal's journey to the brink of extinction and back. Four chapters cover the species' decline over time; its physical characteristics, diet, behavior, and reproduction; specific threats to its survival; and various conservation efforts. Layouts with large stock photos, maps, charts, and text boxes enhance the informative, workmanlike texts. Comprehension exercises and writing prompts appear throughout. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Back from Near Extinction titles: Giant Galápagos Tortoise, Gray Wolf, Grizzly Bear, California Condor, American Alligator, Humpback Whale, American Bison, and Bald Eagle.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(3) YA History of Science series. This is a wide-ranging look at the science of food, agriculture, health, and nutrition. Lanser takes a historical perspective on scientific inquiry in these fields, linking technological progress in areas such as food production and preservation with improvements in sanitation and health. The final chapters look to the future of GMOs. Historical and recent photographs and diagrams illustrate the concepts. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Digging Up the Past series. Archaeological sites and finds are explored in this series, which touches on scientific, cultural, legal, and political implications of the discoveries; research; and preservation. Sidebars expand the thorough main text, while ample photographs of excavations and artifacts will spur the curiosity of readers with interest in ancient civilizations or archaeology. Solid bases for further study. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Digging Up the Past titles: Chaco Canyon, �-tzi the Iceman, Machu Picchu, and King Tut's Tomb.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) 4-6 Great Predators series. These books introduce two reptilian predators, covering each animal's life cycle, habitat, behaviors, predatory adaptations, and conservation status. The clean layout features plenty of leading between lines of text and short sentences that don't sacrifice pertinent detail (though they make for choppy reading). Chapters are arranged similarly in each formulaic volume, but this is a useful high-interest series nonetheless. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Predators titles: Crocodile and Boa Constrictor.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo