(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) 4-6 Natural Disaster True Survival Stories series. In a series about real-life disaster survival, these volumes focus on weather-related events in the U.S. In each book, a brief introduction describes the disaster and four or five chapters detail real individuals' involvement. Gripping, you-are-there narratives are supplemented with primary source quotations (footnoted and sourced); photos and other graphics (maps, graphs, diagrams, etc.) provide additional insight. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Natural Disaster True Survival Stories titles: California Wildfires, Hurricane Katrina, and Joplin Tornado.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(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

(4) 4-6 Unsolved Mysteries series. These books offer clear-eyed assessments of persistent unexplained phenomena. An anecdote introduces the titular subject; each survey superficially touches on history and possible explanations--scientific or otherwise. The slight texts are easy to read and enhanced by captioned photos and "Myth or Fact?" bubbles. The open-ended discussions allow readers room to reach their own conclusions. There are four other fall 2015 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Unsolved Mysteries titles: Bigfoot, Haunted Houses, Crop Circles, and The Bermuda Triangle.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano