(3) 4-6 Overcoming Adversity series. In the books in this series, each subject triumphed over hardships that ranged from physical disability to nationwide political oppression. The clearly written texts do not overplay this aspect of each subject's story but incorporate it into informative and cohesive biographical portraits. Illustrated with average-quality black-and-white photos, each volume contains a timeline; Twain and Wonder also feature discographies. Bib., ind. [Review covers these titles: Triumph of the Imagination, John McCain, Shania Twain, Mohandas K. Gandhi, Stevie Wonder.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Women of Achievement series. Quoting profusely from their subjects, as well as their peers and historians, the books in this series offer laudatory biographies of these influential women. Joan uses extensive excerpts from trial transcripts and documents, although there are no source notes. Mostly dull black-and-white photos and reproductions do little to break up or extend the text. All the books include a timeline. Bib., ind. [Review covers these titles: Katharine Graham, Diane Sawyer, Joan of Arc, Amy Tan, Martha Stewart.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 Costume, Tradition, and Culture: Reflecting on the Past series. This slim volume offers one-page entries on twenty-five Roman gods and goddesses, including the lesser-known Pomona, Flora, and Somnus. The myths are well told, if brief, and will be especially useful for students needing ready reference. The color reproductions of early twentieth-century collectors' cards are a poor choice for illustration. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen

(4) 4-6 Looking into the Past series. Twenty-five summaries of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian figures consist of very poorly reproduced full-page portraits and one-page synopses. Lacking spark in both text and illustrations, the book is still an adequate information source. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.