(4) YA Dictatorships series. This dense volume focuses on life in modern Sudan under the rule of its dictator, Omar Al-Bashir. The first third of the volume contains a short history of Sudan; the remaining two-thirds detail the political and personal struggles endured by the Sudanese people. Maps, sidebars, and photographs provide additional information. Thorough back matter includes a "Who's Who?" Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA Dictatorships series. This dense volume focuses on life in modern Burma, or Myanmar, under the rule of its military dictator, Than Shwe. The first third contains a brief history of the country; the final two-thirds detail daily struggles of the people who live there and the work of opposition leaders. A map, sidebars, and photographs provide additional detail. Thorough back matter includes a "Who's Who?" Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA Dictatorships series. Following a brief history of Iraq, the dense text offers an in-depth look at the life of Saddam Hussein, from his formative years to his rise to power and ultimate downfall. Iraqi life is also explored as well as the country's position in the geopolitical arena during Saddam's reign. Sidebars and photographs provide additional detail. Back matter includes a "Who's Who?" Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA Dictatorships series. After a brief history of Chile, the dense text provides an in-depth look at the life of Pinochet, includes his formative experiences, rise to power, and downfall. Also detailed is life in Chile during his reign as well as Chile's position in global politics. Numerous sidebars and photographs offer additional details. Thorough back matter includes a "Who's Who?" Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) YA Dictatorships series. Mugabe, once a proud symbol of African self-rule, became notorious as a corrupt, brutal dictator and bankrupted a once wealthy nation. The dense text gives historical background before exploring Mugabe's rule in greater depth. Bold, blocky design includes well-placed sidebars and photographs. Thorough backmatter includes a "Who's Who?" Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) YA Dictatorships series. These books about two Asian dictators first present histories of their countries before exploring the men's own backgrounds and regimes in greater depth. The texts are dense; strong graphic design with a bold, contemporary look including well-placed sidebars and photographs makes these books visually appealing and accessible. Thorough backmatter includes a "Who's Who?" Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Dictatorships titles: Kim Jong Il's North Korea and Mao Zedong's China.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) YA Dictatorships series. These books about two Asian dictators first present histories of their countries before exploring the men's own backgrounds and regimes in greater depth. The texts are dense; strong graphic design with a bold, contemporary look including well-placed sidebars and photographs makes these books visually appealing and accessible. Thorough backmatter includes a "Who's Who?" Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Dictatorships titles: Kim Jong Il's North Korea and Mao Zedong's China.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) YA Dictatorships series. This book gives thorough background information about Cuba before exploring in greater depth how Castro assumed and held power and examining more specific details about his regime. Though the text is dense, readers will be drawn to the bold, blocky design that includes well-placed sidebars and photographs. Thorough backmatter includes a "Who's Who?" Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn