(4) 4-6 Agents of Government series. This book presents an abbreviated history of the EPA, established in 1970. Wimmer chronicles the agency's evolution from a series of legislative bills to its broad oversight and enforcement powers today. Emphasis is placed on safe environmental practices and sustainability of renewable energy for future generations. Though the small-size type may be off-putting, the accessible text is enhanced by large photographs. Websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Agents of Government series. This book presents a historical overview of NASA from its founding in 1958 to the end of the shuttle program in 2011. Discussion of exploration includes the moon landing, space shuttle ventures, the International Space Station, and the Columbia disaster. Sidebars and large photographs enhance the informative text, though the small-size type may be off-putting. Websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Agents of Government series. This series presents brief, informative histories of each organization, including inception, purpose and function, key personalities involved, and the role each group plays today. Peace Corps relates the idealism of this service organization as well as the difficulties surrounding its launch. Though the small-size type may be off-putting, the texts are accessible. Large archival photographs provide readers with additional insight. Websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Agents of Government titles: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Reserve System, National Transportation Safety Board, and Peace Corps.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Agents of Government series. This series presents brief, informative histories of each organization, including inception, purpose and function, key personalities involved, and the role each group plays today. Peace Corps relates the idealism of this service organization as well as the difficulties surrounding its launch. Though the small-size type may be off-putting, the texts are accessible. Large archival photographs provide readers with additional insight. Websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Agents of Government titles: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Reserve System, National Transportation Safety Board, and Peace Corps.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 War on Terror series. This series chronicles events surrounding the September 11 terrorist attacks, including activities beginning years prior to 2001 as well as those that have transpired since. Each volume focuses on an individual topic; the books can be read independently or as a unit (there is some repetition). Numerous photographs and sidebars in a clean layout enhance the texts. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these War on Terror titles: Methods of Warfare, Pivotal Moments, Causes, Controversies, Ideology and Information, and Important Figures.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 War on Terror series. This series chronicles events surrounding the September 11 terrorist attacks, including activities beginning years prior to 2001 as well as those that have transpired since. Each volume focuses on an individual topic; the books can be read independently or as a unit (there is some repetition). Numerous photographs and sidebars in a clean layout enhance the texts. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these War on Terror titles: Methods of Warfare, Pivotal Moments, Causes, Controversies, Ideology and Information, and Important Figures.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 War on Terror series. This series chronicles events surrounding the September 11 terrorist attacks, including activities beginning years prior to 2001 as well as those that have transpired since. Each volume focuses on an individual topic; the books can be read independently or as a unit (there is some repetition). Numerous photographs and sidebars in a clean layout enhance the texts. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these War on Terror titles: Methods of Warfare, Pivotal Moments, Causes, Controversies, Ideology and Information, and Important Figures.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 War on Terror series. This series chronicles events surrounding the September 11 terrorist attacks, including activities beginning years prior to 2001 as well as those that have transpired since. Each volume focuses on an individual topic; the books can be read independently or as a unit (there is some repetition). Numerous photographs and sidebars in a clean layout enhance the texts. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these War on Terror titles: Methods of Warfare, Pivotal Moments, Causes, Controversies, Ideology and Information, and Important Figures.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Living Wild series. These photographically rich volumes describe the varieties of each mammal in the wild, including habitats, physical features, diets, and social behavior. Human influences (hunting, land development, scientific research) focus the closing discussion on wildlife conservation. The writing is informative, but the long chapters and lack of tables of contents make the volumes unsuitable for quick reference. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Living Wild titles: Monkeys and Wolves.

Reviewer: Bethany Templeton Klem

(4) 4-6 What in the World? series. The story behind the Beatles' groundbreaking Sgt. Pepper album is touched on in the final third of the book, which begins with a political history of the 1960s and an overview of the band's early years. The many glossy photographs and sidebars (some unrelated) round out the time period but also distract from the main subject. Small font is off-putting. Timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(4) 4-6 What in the World? series. The story of the first mammal cloned from DNA, biographical sketches of the scientists involved, and a general examination of cloning are covered in this volume. Some extraneous sidebars and photographs (e.g., a giant Dolly Parton publicity picture) attempt to place the topic within the context of its place in history but instead look like filler. Small font is off-putting. Timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(4) K-3 My First Look at Planets series. These books present basic facts about Venus and Mercury. Though the texts can be confusing ("A long time ago, the sun's wind blew most of Mercury's air away"), children interested in planets will find some solid introductory information. Bright, well-chosen photographs illustrate the books; each also includes a related "Make a Planet" activity. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these My First Look at Planets titles: Mercury and Venus.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 My First Look at Planets series. These books present basic facts about Venus and Mercury. Though the texts can be confusing ("A long time ago, the sun's wind blew most of Mercury's air away"), children interested in planets will find some solid introductory information. Bright, well-chosen photographs illustrate the books; each also includes a related "Make a Planet" activity. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these My First Look at Planets titles: Mercury and Venus.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow