(4) 4-6 First Book: African Civilizations series. Clearly written books look at the archaeological sites, social and religious beliefs, art forms, and significant historical figures related to each civilization. The legacies and, when appropriate, contemporary life of these peoples are briefly discussed. Captioned color photographs (some of which are poorly reproduced), archival portraits, maps, and time lines are included in each presentation. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer:

(3) YA Illustrated by Stan Mack & Ida Marx Blue Spruce. Bode provides a valuable resource for young adults making decisions about pregnancy, as well as those researching the issue for school projects, in this completely updated book of interviews with pregnant teens, boyfriends, families, health-care workers, and counselors. A lively design, which includes cartoon strips and snippets from current newspaper and magazine articles, adds to the dynamic presentation. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne

(3) 4-6 First Book series. The deep and shallow ocean environments profiled in these books host a variety of living creatures from tiny plankton to giant oarfish. Both texts focus on the structural adaptations that make survival in harsh conditions possible. Color photographs of the unusual-looking animals greatly enhance the text in each book. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Impact Book series. An ardent arms-control advocate, Cheney writes an earnest, detailed account of the history of nuclear proliferation, including current government policies designed to limit the spread of nuclear technology, past and present nonproliferation treaties, the problems caused by the breakup of the Soviet Union, and ideas for curbing future nuclear development. Black-and-white photographs are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne

(3) 4-6 Watts Library series. This book begins by providing a general overview of the different raptor groups, noting their common physical characteristics. Subsequent chapters focus on each of these groups, discussing their specific physical adaptations, hunting techniques, nesting habits, diet, and habitat. A final chapter describes past and present threats to raptors' survival. Color photographs, sidebars, and a map round out the presentation. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(4) 4-6 Book Report Biography series. Illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs, these biographies emphasize each subject's strengths and contributions to this country. Brief period anecdotes and historic highlights peppered throughout the books place each life within the broader context of her times. Readers will gain a sense how each of these women helped shape her husband's presidency. Time lines are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 4-6 This clearly written text recounts how the scientific community galvanized to alert environmental policymakers about the precipitous decline of frogs, toads, and salamanders, and describes how scientists searched for the causes. Fridell successfully employs the detective analogy to describe the process of scientific inquiry. Black-and-white photos are supplemented by sets of color plates. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Daniel Brabander

(4) 4-6 First Book series. Illustrated with captioned color photos, this informative text on glaciers and icebergs covers their formation, movement, and effect on the landscape. Also included are profiles of famous and historical glaciers and the ways in which scientists study ice. Addresses for North American national parks with glaciers are provided. Websites listed are either outdated or geared toward adults. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 First Book series. The deep and shallow ocean environments profiled in these books host a variety of living creatures from tiny plankton to giant oarfish. Both texts focus on the structural adaptations that make survival in harsh conditions possible. Color photographs of the unusual-looking animals greatly enhance the text in each book. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 First Book: African Civilizations series. Clearly written books look at the archaeological sites, social and religious beliefs, art forms, and significant historical figures related to each civilization. The legacies and, when appropriate, contemporary life of these peoples are briefly discussed. Captioned color photographs (some of which are poorly reproduced), archival portraits, maps, and time lines are included in each presentation. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer:

(4) 4-6 Science of the Past series. Each book offers a straightforward introduction to some of the scientific and technical accomplishments of these cultures. Among the areas discussed are medicine, mathematics, astronomy, natural history, and physics. Science is defined broadly and includes mention of such peripheral applications as the Mayan use of decorative jade and gold dental fillings and the Indian practice of yoga. Color photos and reproductions illustrate the texts. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Howard

(4) 4-6 Science of the Past series. Each book offers a straightforward introduction to some of the scientific and technical accomplishments of these cultures. Among the areas discussed are medicine, mathematics, astronomy, natural history, and physics. Science is defined broadly and includes mention of such peripheral applications as the Mayan use of decorative jade and gold dental fillings and the Indian practice of yoga. Color photos and reproductions illustrate the texts. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Howard

(4) 4-6 First Book: African Civilizations series. Clearly written books look at the archaeological sites, social and religious beliefs, art forms, and significant historical figures related to each civilization. The legacies and, when appropriate, contemporary life of these peoples are briefly discussed. Captioned color photographs (some of which are poorly reproduced), archival portraits, maps, and time lines are included in each presentation. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer:

(4) 4-6 First Book: African Civilizations series. Clearly written books look at the archaeological sites, social and religious beliefs, art forms, and significant historical figures related to each civilization. The legacies and, when appropriate, contemporary life of these peoples are briefly discussed. Captioned color photographs (some of which are poorly reproduced), archival portraits, maps, and time lines are included in each presentation. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer:

(4) YA Venture Book series. The topic may have limited teen appeal, but those with affected relatives or those interested in high profile victims (Muhammad Ali, Michael J. Fox) will find this description of symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and coping strategies understandable. Case studies and quotes from those with the disease break up and personalize facts. Black-and-white photos add little to the book. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA Impact Book series. An overview of genetically engineered plants and animals, their benefits and risks to humans, and their potential for ending hunger and fighting disease are among the topics covered in this sometimes dryly written volume. The chapters that trace the history of genetic engineering and describe methods of gene transfer are extremely technical. The accompanying black-and-white photographs are unimpressive. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA Impact Biography series. The thorough text follows Ashe's progress from child tennis prodigy to Wimbledon champion, detailing his battles with racism, his commitment to social causes, and his eventual grace in dealing with his terminal illness. Illustrated with black-and-white photos, the clearly written prose is well documented with quotes from sports journalism, author interviews, and Ashe's own writings. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA Venture Book series. Before launching into the history of rockets, the author explains how rockets work and why they work better in space. Miller describes the use of rockets in war, entertainment, and research (including the various aspects of space travel), and rocket cars and airplanes are also examined. Technical details are well covered in the book, which is illustrated with photos and diagrams. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) 4-6 Animals in Order series. Cicadas and aphids are two members of the order Homopteran, which also includes mealybugs, whiteflies, and spittlebugs. Fourteen homopterans are pictured and briefly described. The clear color photos capture some of the stranger traits of these insects, and the concise text explains some of the more interesting characteristics. A final chapter contains tips on observing these creatures. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Howard

(3) 4-6 Animals in Order series. Perching birds, classified as birds that have three forward-pointing toes and one backward-pointing toe, are briefly discussed in a clear, concise text. Fourteen birds, including the titmouse, the blackbird, the chickadee, and the bluebird, are described and pictured in close-up color photos. A chapter on birdwatching closes the book. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Howard