(4) YA Diseases & Disorders series. One common foreword and short introductions specific to each topic precede chapters defining the title condition, diagnosis, treatment, and current research. The writing, though dull, is straightforward. References to celebrity sufferers (though not up-to-the-minute) are meant to engage readers. Largely generic stock photos are included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Diseases & Disorders titles: Osteoporosis, Exercise Addiction, and Tourette Syndrome

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(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 Diseases & Disorders series. A short introduction leads to a first chapter exploring the social and historical issues surrounding alcohol and alcohol abuse, including Prohibition, advertising's influence on the public, and common myths. Subsequent chapters cover alcoholism's dangers, effect on families and peers, and recovery options. Many photographs are included, though some are generic and others are awkwardly staged or incorrectly placed. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA Diseases & Disorders series. One common foreword and a short introduction specific to each volume lead to chapters defining the disorder and explaining diagnosis, treatment, and current research. The writing is straightforward and factual but not particularly engaging; some books offer occasional personal anecdotes or quotes from patients. Most of the accompanying photographs are generic or incongruous, some distractingly so. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Diseases & Disorders titles: Dementia, Childhood Obesity, Amnesia, Phobias, Anxiety Disorders, and Hodgkin's Disease.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA Diseases & Disorders series. One common foreword and a short introduction specific to each volume lead to chapters defining the disorder and explaining diagnosis, treatment, and current research. The writing is straightforward and factual but not particularly engaging; some books offer occasional personal anecdotes or quotes from patients. Most of the accompanying photographs are generic or incongruous, some distractingly so. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Diseases & Disorders titles: Dementia, Childhood Obesity, Amnesia, Phobias, Anxiety Disorders, and Hodgkin's Disease.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges