(3) YA Makers of Modern Science series. These in-depth accounts detail the accomplishments of two pioneering scientists as well as the research fields (immunology and virology, genetics) to which they made major contributions. The texts are dense, but, notably, the books reveal the inner workings of academic science in the twentieth century, where both intense competition and collaboration aided the quest for knowledge. Black-and-white illustrations and photographs are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Makers of Modern Science titles: Jonas Salk and Barbara McClintock.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Makers of Modern Science series. These revised editions detail the accomplishments of two pioneering scientists, as well as the physics and engineering fields to which they made major contributions. The books place science in cultural and political contexts, examining the roles each man played during World War II or the Cold War, and the ethics of their decisions. Black-and-white illustrations and photographs are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Makers of Modern Science titles: Niels Bohr and Wernher von Braun.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Makers of Modern Science series. These revised editions detail the accomplishments of two pioneering scientists, as well as the physics and engineering fields to which they made major contributions. The books place science in cultural and political contexts, examining the roles each man played during World War II or the Cold War, and the ethics of their decisions. Black-and-white illustrations and photographs are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Makers of Modern Science titles: Niels Bohr and Wernher von Braun.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) YA Teen Issues series. Despite the book's subtitle, the authors aren't just interested in spinning cautionary tales. They take a sociological and occasionally humorous approach to their subject--although they do devote chapters to fallacies about fads and fads that have proven deadly. Keenly insightful about consumerism and loaded with specific examples, the book is illustrated with dull, grainy black-and-white photos of trendy teens. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) YA Issues in Focus series. A clear text presents basic information about broadcast journalism, explaining how news is gathered and presented, what makes a story newsworthy, and why objectivity is a top priority. The volume, which is illustrated with unexceptional black-and-white photographs, also provides tips on how to watch the news critically, using a "baloney detector" to look for bias in story positioning, vocabulary choices, and vocal intonations. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Open for Debate series. Ethical issues related to plant and food modification, cloning, and stem cell research are explored in this informative if uninspired text. Each discussion ends with a list of "pluses" and "minuses" that clearly presents the arguments on each side of these hot-button issues. The book includes a few scientific charts and bland color photos. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA Teen Issues series. In an effort to define their slippery subject, the authors provide compelling examples of the ways that propaganda can be used for good (e.g., to stop pregnant women from smoking), or for ill (e.g., to fuel hate campaigns). This trenchant exposé will encourage critical thinking by the most reluctant reader. Scattered throughout are muddy black-and-white propagandist images. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Artist Biographies series. The large typeface (and publisher's age recommendation) indicates this series is intended for primary-grade readers, but the forthright language and sophisticated ideas make the books more appropriate for middle graders. Reproductions and photos accompany the comprehensive, though short, texts. These volumes provide a strong picture of each artist's career. Timeline, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Artist Biographies titles: Andy Warhol, Willem de Kooning, John Singer Sargent, Norman Rockwell, Edward Hopper, and Georgia O'Keeffe.]

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Artist Biographies series. The large typeface (and publisher's age recommendation) indicates this series is intended for primary-grade readers, but the forthright language and sophisticated ideas make the books more appropriate for middle graders. Reproductions and photos accompany the comprehensive, though short, texts. These volumes provide a strong picture of each artist's career. Timeline, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Artist Biographies titles: Andy Warhol, Willem de Kooning, John Singer Sargent, Norman Rockwell, Edward Hopper, and Georgia O'Keeffe.]

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) YA Issues in Focus series. In this survey of online information-gathering, readers are reminded that Internet sites can often have a hidden agenda, can give personal anecdotes the imprimatur of universal truth, or may simply be wrong. The text, which includes some conflicting statistics, encourages skepticism and offers advice on how to detect misinformation. Many of the black-and-white photos are only superficially relevant. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Issues in Focus series. These introductions to two harrowing cultural phenomena mean to inspire activism. Genocide explores the Holocaust, the Armenian genocide, Cambodia's killing fields, Rwanda, and the former Yugoslavia; Hate Groups takes a broader look and doesn't restrict its gaze to the twentieth century. The featured black-and-white photographs are of inconsistent quality, but many are deeply affecting. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) YA American Historic Places series. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs, this volume profiles ten early U.S. settlements, from a Pueblo community to a gold rush ghost town, that can currently be visited by tourists. This history lesson/tour book's mixed focus and its often dry tone--while informative--make for a less than engaging presentation. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) YA American Historic Places series. Each of the ten entries in this book focus on a place that is a landmark for a specific fight for social or political justice. Places covered include Wounded Knee, the Jane Addams-Hull House Museum, and Valley Forge. Much of the information is useful, but some of the material is very loosely connected to the subject. The book design and text are quite dry and encyclopedia-like. Black-and-white photos and maps are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.