(4) 4-6 Wild History of the American West series. These books chronicle the history of the events, places, and personalities that played major roles in the expansion and settlement of the American West. The readable texts are well researched and informative. The screen shots used to illustrate the books are poorly reproduced, but archival photographs, maps, and drawings add interest. Chapter notes are appended. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Wild History of the American West titles: The Gold Rush to California's Riches, The Amazing Erie Canal and How A Big Ditch Opened Up the West, What Made the Wild West Wild , The Oregon Trail and the Daring Journey West by Wagon, The Louisiana Purchase, Bleeding Kansas and the Violent Clash over Slavery in the Heartland, and The Pony Express and its Death-Defying Mail Carriers.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 States series. This series' hallmark is its web portal linked to pertinent sites. Short, choppy chapters glossing over each state's history, citizenry, and points of interest are illustrated with color photos and screen shots. Facts are relayed in paragraphs lacking transitions, creating a scattershot narrative, but the website summaries will encourage further exploration. There are nine other spring 2003 books in this series. Reading list. Bib., ind. [Review covers these States titles: Illinois, Alaska, Indiana, Delaware, and Vermont.]

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam