(4) 4-6 Tales from Shakespeare series. Illustrated by Yaniv Shimony. Abridged prose retellings make the plots clear, but little remains of Shakespeare's original language. Complex characterizations and emotions are reduced to simple terms and the ambiguity that makes Shakespeare endlessly interpretable is eliminated. Brief quotations from the original works appear in sidebars. Two-tone line drawings help give young readers a sense of the action and are especially successful conveying the comedy of Twelfth Night. Review covers these Tales from Shakespeare titles: Julius Caesar and Twelfth Night.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(4) YA Social Issues in Literature series. Solid but impassive, these collections present short essays and excerpts (usually five to twelve pages) broken down into three categories: background and biography, critical readings of the title topic, and contemporary perspectives that highlight a classic author's continuing relevance. Selections are up to date, varied, and culled from reputable sources. These volumes are useful, but they're unlikely to be read for fun. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind. Review covers these Social Issues in Literature titles: Women's Issues in Alice Walker's The Color Purple, Women's Search for Independence in Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, Tyranny in William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Censorship in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, and War in Time O'Brien's The Things They Carried.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(4) 4-6 Young Reader's Shakespeare series. Illustrated by Janet Hamlin. In this solid prose retelling, a victorious Caesar returns to Rome, where some wish to king him and others conspire against him. Many of Shakespeare's original phrases are smoothly incorporated into the story, and short chapters help set a brisk pace. The red- and-gold-hued illustrations, however, are often awkwardly composed. Ind.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 4-6 National Geographic World History Biographies series. These books outline the lives of famous figures, from their early years to their deaths; their lasting impacts are also discussed. An emphasis on placing the biographies into the context of world history at the time is done well. Each double-page spread includes a running timeline. Maps, archival photographs, sidebars, and quotes add interest. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these National Geographic World History Biographies titles: Julius Caesar, Mao Zedong, Anne Frank, and Mozart.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(3) YA Rulers of the Ancient World series. Well written and engaging, each of these biographies paints a complete portrait of a pivotal historical figure and places him securely in the context of his time. The lucid prose receives further support from an uncluttered design (including black-and-white illustrations and photos, sidebars, and maps) and well-placed subheads. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Rulers of the Ancient World titles: Julius Caesar and Ramesses II.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) 4-6 In World History series. This book clearly narrates Caesar's rise through military ranks, his understanding of psychology and politics, and his influence in establishing the Republic that later became the Empire. However, some of the background merely lengthens the text rather than illuminates Caesar. Brief excerpts from source documents, black-and-white photos, careful endnotes, and time lines authenticate the material. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Dorling Kindersley Discoveries series. Illustrated by John James & Jim Robins. Various topics are covered on two- or three-page spreads, with brief introductory text and detailed captions for each of the numerous maps, pictures, and photographs. The book design is crowded, but the information will fascinate young readers. One noteworthy feature is the small scroll on each page containing a primary source quote related to the topic. Ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang