(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Short chapters explore how depression or cancer can affect the lives of young people. Drawing on research from a variety of sources and personal anecdotes, the books provide factual information and discussion of the psychological and emotional concerns associated with the diseases. The accessible if dull design includes stock photos, many staged. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Issue in Focus Today titles: The Truth About Cancer and More Than the Blues?.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Headline Court Cases series. In each case--the early nineteenth-century trial of politician Aaron Burr and the late-twentieth-century trial of terrorists Ramzi Yousef and Eyad Ismoil--the flatly written books begin with background on the circumstances around the crimes, then relate the court proceedings and the closure (or lack thereof) that followed. Burr is illustrated with reproduced art; Terrorist has black-and-white photos and a timeline. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Headline Court Cases titles: The Aaron Burr Treason Trial and The Terrorist Trial of the 1993 Bombing of the World Trade Center.]

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 On My Own Biography series. Illustrated by Smith Kimanne. This brief, easy-to-read biography focuses on Quaker Prudence Crandall's fight to run a school for black girls against the wishes of the bigoted townspeople in Canterbury, Connecticut. The text and adequate color illustrations provide readers with a glimpse at life for women and minorities in the pre-Civil War north. An author's note, afterword, and chronology are included.

Reviewer: Deborah L. Thompson

(4) 4-6 I Know America series. The brief volume, written in a flat style, reviews the history of the U.S. Postal Service, touching on the Pony Express and some early airmail efforts. There are explanations of how today's postal system is administered and some current methods used for processing and delivering mail. Sidebars cover additional related topics. Color photographs and a time line are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) K-3 On My Own Books series. This careful treatment of the historic integration of Little Rock Central High School provides a glimpse into the struggle to desegregate schools in the South. The writing creates just enough tension to allow readers to feel the danger the nine students faced while simply exercising their rights. Illustrations on every page support the story, and an author's note, afterword, and time line are included.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) YA Constitution series. The definition of and the history and controversies surrounding seven amendments to the U.S. Constitution are presented in these clearly written, evenhanded volumes. The discussion of frequently invoked or challenged amendments focuses primarily on relevant court cases; the other volumes emphasize the history behind each amendment's passage and implementation. Black-and-white photographs and the text of the Constitution are included in each volume. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) 4-6 Gateway Biography series. Over a hundred years separate these two strong and determined women, but these slim biographies underscore how far women have come since they won the right to vote. Beginning with her attempt to vote in the election of 1872, 'Anthony' highlights the crusader's early years and her work as an abolitionist and suffragist. Dole's life is detailed from her childhood through her accomplishments in government and public service. While unappealing in design, the titles will be useful for reports. Black-and-white and color photos are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.