(3) K-3 National Geographic History Chapters series. After an introduction sets the historical scene, this engaging volume provides a comprehensive introduction to the rise and fall of America's first postal service, the Pony Express. Issues explored include the challenging terrain, weather, unanticipated dangers, and emerging technologies. Archival photographs (including those on the striking endpapers), maps, and "Did You Know?" sidebars extend the text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) K-3 National Geographic History Chapters series. This book tells the story of the two explorers racing to be first to reach the South Pole. After giving some brief biographical information about the rivals, the engaging text focuses on the challenges and successes of the expeditions. The tight narrative is effective at creating tension; many archival photographs enhance the text. An epilogue describes today's Antarctica. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) K-3 National Geographic Science Chapters series. Using a conversational tone and attractive photographs (including those on the striking endpapers), this volume takes readers on an informative visit to the Serengeti Plain to meet three animals that live in this African habitat: giraffes, cheetahs, and elephants. This easy-to-read book gives an effective introduction to the ecosystem in this part of the world. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) 4-6 Who Was...? series. Illustrated by Elizabeth Wolf. This look at the first lady is a welcome alternative to the just-the-facts biographies that give no indication that their subject has an interior life. This book explores Roosevelt's character--as informed by her privileged upbringing, mother's inaccessibility, etc.--as much as it examines her public service. Throughout are expressive black-and-white illustrations. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 All Aboard Reading series. Illustrated by Larry Day & Larry Day. Beginning readers are introduced to the first all-iron warship built--why it was needed, its brief stint at sea and eventual sinking, and how it was found and brought back to the surface. Illustrations rich with black line illustrate the text and provide diagrams of the Monitor and the Virginia, its Confederate rival.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 Who Was...? series. Illustrated by Nancy Harrison & Nancy Harrison. Jefferson offers an adequate introduction but occasionally gets bogged down in detail (however, his sexual relationship with Sally Hemings is included as fact). Keller reads more smoothly. Black-and-white drawings and boxed sections on topics such as the Boston Tea Party and Braille expand the biographical information, but the overall presentation is lackluster. Timeline. Bib. [Review covers these Who Was...? titles: Who Was Thomas Jefferson? and Who Was Helen Keller?.]

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee