(3) YA Science Behind Sports series. These overviews of popular sports foreground performance; chapter headings include topics such as "Training and Nutrition," "High-Tech Equipment," and "Injuries and Treatments." Physics, biology, and psychology concepts related to the sports are rarely isolated; instead, they're wrapped into technical discussions of moves and techniques. Many photographs of pros and novices in action add interest to the volumes. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Science Behind Sports titles: Gymnastics, Snowboarding, Ice Hockey, and Basketball.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) YA Lucent Library of Black History series. Sharp covers the tumultuous life of Malcolm X (born Malcolm Little), from petty thief to drug-addict convict to converted, charismatic, influential leader of the Nation of Islam. The text includes background about his family along with facts about his relationships with civil rights leaders. The volume is wordy but informative. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(3) YA Hot Topics series. Offering facts and opinions from opposing viewpoints, these books present the title issues from cultural, legal, moral, and religious perspectives. The subjects' complexities are further explored through famous cases including Kevorkian and Schiavo (Die) and the Rosenbergs (Penalty). Discussion questions and organizations to contact are appended. Relevant photographs illustrate the texts. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Hot Topics titles: Death Penalty and The Right to Die.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) YA 20th Century's Most Influential Hispanics series. This biography celebrates the life and career of Nancy Lopez, highlighting her determination to overcome discrimination as well as her commitment to prioritizing family. The text recounts Lopez's record-breaking wins, pivotal role in promoting women's golf, and enduring popularity among fans, providing ample material for report writers. Numerous photographs (some poorly placed) illustrate the text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Pamela Mishkin

(4) YA People in the News series. From politicians to actors to world leaders, these biographies provide mostly adulatory portrayals of their subjects (with the exceptions of Castro and Kim Jong Il); occasionally something controversial slips in to spice up the texts. Each volume includes biographical information, photographs, and career highlights (through 2008). Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Salma Hayek, Nancy Pelosi, Al Gore, Coretta Scott King, Pope Benedict XVI, Fidel Castro, and Kim Jong Il.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA People in the News series. These books follow the ups and downs of the basketball and skateboarding stars' lives, from childhood to adulthood. Their achievements, successes and failures, and controversies are included, though the books are generally laudatory. The many photos and sidebars are of the usual fan magazine caliber. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: LeBron James and Tony Hawk.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA People in the News series. This series tries to be comprehensive in its coverage, including childhood and adult life, achievements, successes, and failures. Though controversies surrounding each person are included, the books mainly show their subjects in a positive light. The many photographs and sidebars underscore the fanzine look and feel. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Hilary Duff, Zac Efron, Hillary Clinton, Kelly Clarkson, Condoleezza Rice, and 50 Cent.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA A & E Biography series. From the Vikings to English pirates in the Caribbean to Chinese junk fleets, this survey adequately profiles famous female pirates. Sidebars offer related information and additional profiles. Unsourced black-and-white photos and engravings enliven the text, though the images don't distinguish between historical records and fictional portrayals. Those seeking the flavor of the swashbuckling past will enjoy this volume. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam