(4) YA Ancient World Leaders series. These books delve into historical, social, and political theories specific to each ancient world leader and, where applicable, to today. The texts, though informative, can be dry, and they sometimes jumble the details when explaining military campaigns and battle tactics. Archival photographs and sidebars break up the pages; additional maps, battle plans, and/or illustrations would have been helpful. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Ancient World Leaders titles: Xerxes, Cyrus the Great, Cleopatra, Hannibal, and Darius the Great.

Reviewer: Thom Barthelmess

(4) YA Modern World Leaders series. With the same foreword in each book, this series challenges readers to consider the concept of leadership by placing the featured individual in a historical context. Each title includes childhood experiences, rise to power, significant historical events, international relationships, and political ideology. Captioned photographs provide additional perspectives and break up the dense texts. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind. Review covers these Modern World Leaders titles: Thabo Mbeki, Hu Jintao, Angela Merkel, Ali Khamenei, and Michelle Bachelet.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) YA Hip-Hop Stars series. These biographies deliver comprehensive information about the lives and careers of their subjects--including achievements and struggles--as well as some history about hip-hop. The same introduction by Chuck D of rap group Public Enemy begins each. The stories are engaging, though the writing tends to ramble. Photos, sidebars, and discographies add to the teen-friendly appeal. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Hip-Hop Stars titles: Jay-Z, Sean Combs, Queen Latifah, and Tupac Shakur.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey

(3) YA Baseball Superstars series. These baseball biographies are unusually sophisticated in their analysis of each player within the context of his time and the state of Major League Baseball. Nuanced discussions of the player's strengths and personal failings (e.g., Ty Cobb's batting prowess versus his brutality) round out the portraits. Many photos, sidebars, and stats are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Baseball Superstars titles: Ty Cobb, Mike Piazza, Kirby Puckett, Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, and Lou Gehrig.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) YA Baseball Superstars series. These baseball biographies are unusually sophisticated in their analysis of each player within the context of his time and the state of Major League Baseball. Nuanced discussions of the player's strengths and personal failings (e.g., Ty Cobb's batting prowess versus his brutality) round out the portraits. Many photos, sidebars, and stats are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Baseball Superstars titles: Ty Cobb, Mike Piazza, Kirby Puckett, Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, and Lou Gehrig.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin