(3) 4-6 True Tales of Rescue series. Photographs by Ella Baron. The rescue stories of four orphaned raccoon kits and an injured anteater pup are used to spotlight the work of two animal sanctuaries in these series entries. Accessible text, engaging photographs, and frequent informational sidebars allow readers to shadow the volunteer caregivers as they work toward the ultimate goal: releasing the animals back into the wild. One of the young creatures "narrates" part of each book. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these True Tales of Rescue titles: Anteater Adventure and Racoon Rescue.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Pyramid Hunters series. Sam discovered in The Iron Tomb that his parents are still alive. He and his friend Mary embark on another adventure, this time in Belize, where they search for both Sam's parents and more hidden treasures. The protagonists are a likable pair whose interactions keep the story interesting in between the action. Mystery, intrigue, and twists keep the plot humming along to its conclusion.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA Central America Today series. Useful for reports but less than scintillating in writing style, these books provide lots of information about Central America. Main texts focusing on history, geography, and people are supplemented with maps, sidebars, photos, recipes (geared toward experienced cooks), events listings, report ideas, and organizations to contact. There are four other spring 2009 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Central America Today titles: Belize, Central America, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(3) YA Cultures of the World series. Formerly British Honduras, the country of Belize is shifting from an English language society to a country where Spanish is increasingly playing a bigger role. The chapters on language, people, religion, the arts, and festivals focus on the multicultural mix of Belize. Excellent photos, maps, and chapters on history, the economy, and geography round out this presentation. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt