(4) YA USA Today Health Reports: Diseases and Disorders series. In each volume, six or seven chapters cover the basics of each illness or disorder: definition, symptoms, treatment, and research. The scientific writing is serviceable; personal stories plus articles, interviews, graphs, and other archival material from USA Today provide real-life context. Accompanying photos are generic, but the photo-micrographs are clear and specific. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these USA Today Health Reports: Diseases and Disorders titles: Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and AIDS.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Following her parents' advice that she try to look and act more "normal," Eve dresses for success at her new school and subsequently makes friends with girls who care only about appearances. Eve's conversational and opinionated narrative humorously questions the gender stereotypes she sees played out at school and at home with her disorganized house-husband father and thoughtless older brother.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by John Kaufman. Sonenklar's breezy discussion ranges over many recent developments in robotics, introducing an entertaining and intriguing cast of invented creatures. Robots employed in police and disaster work, space exploration, medical procedures, and recreational competitions all receive their due. The black-and-white visual images vary in quality and appeal, but the text is timely, nontechnical, and readable. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Margaret A. Bush | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2000

(4) 4-6 When class wimp Howard Weinstein wins a chance to meet his television hero, the nine-year-old learns that Mighty Boy's world and superpowers are just set props and special effects. A predictable plot turn casts Howard as a real-life hero; however, his feats--including starting a fire with his glasses and luring a bully to a beehive--strain credibility, undercutting the story's message about distinguishing between reality and fiction.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Betsy Lewin. In this sequel to Bug Boy, Charlie is still using his Bug-A-View's powers to transform himself into the bugs he loves. When he shares his secret with best friend and fellow bug-lover Suzanne, she is less than thrilled. Luckily for Charlie, Suzanne uses the Bug-A-View anyway to heroically rescue him from near disaster. A quick, humorous adventure with sketchy, energetic black-and-white illustrations.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin