(3) YA American Values and Freedoms series. This series (by a lawyer/American studies PhD) discusses fundamental American rights and freedoms established by the Constitution and legislative action, both the history and their evolution through time; the message is that these freedoms are continually debated. Photographs and archival documents, inserts on related topics, and chapter-ending "Discussion Starters" add interest to the informative and thought-provoking texts. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these American Values and Freedoms titles; Freedom of Religion, Freedom of the Press, Governmental Checks and Balances, The Right to Bear Arms, The Right to Protest, and The Right to Vote.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Fact Finders: Cause and Effect: The Bill of Rights series. Each of these accessible titles examines the causes for and effects of an amendment to the Bill of Rights, including how the amendment came to be, how it has evolved over time, and current controversies surrounding it. The dry but informative texts are accompanied by drawings, photographs, and quotes, as well as "Fast Facts" and word definitions. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Fact Finders: Cause and Effect: The Bill of Rights titles: The First Amendment: Freedom of Speech and Religion and The Fourth Amendment: Civil Liberties.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA Special Reports series. Authors explore the history and current status of contemporary issues using major news stories and anecdotes about individuals affected by each topic. The subjects are changing so fast that the information in these books will be quickly dated. Nevertheless, each volume provides serviceable background for report writers. Stock photographs and frequent sidebars contribute to the choppy layouts. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Special Reports titles: Religion and Free Speech, Black Lives Matter, and Transgender Rights and Issues.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) 4-6 Great Debates series. Questions surrounding freedoms to vote, marry, and own property; the role of the military; and the appropriate relationship between church and state are debated in both contemporary and historical contexts. These overviews are more utilitarian than inspired, but the writing is solid and the material presented evenhandedly. The approachable layout includes sidebars, stock photos, and archival reproductions. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Debates titles: Church & State, The Fight for Freedom, and Our Military.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) 4-6 With the best of intentions and varying degrees of success, this collection of poems and short stories compiled by Amnesty International is inspired by the thirty articles of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Highlights include stories by Margaret Mahy and Michael Morpurgo and a poem from Rita Williams-Garcia. Author biographies and a condensed version of the Rights conclude the text.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(4) YA Constitution of the United States series. These thorough introductions to the title amendments will be useful resources for middle- and high-school researchers. Each volume begins with a specific historical incident that helps set context, then moves on to explore the amendment's development over time. Illustrations include photographs and (distracting) screen shots of websites accessible through the publisher's own site. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Constitution of the United States titles: A Look at the Nineteenth Amendment, A Look at the First Amendment, and A Look at the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) YA Issues in Focus Today series. Seven chapters examine religion and free speech within the context of public, private, and political life. The book tackles issues challenging the separation of church and state, such as religion and the Constitution, holiday celebrations in schools, and religious symbolism. The short, accessible chapters are accompanied by stock photographs, some art reproductions, and occasional sidebars in an uninspired design. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Michael Dooling. The story of Anne Hutchinson and her family in 1630s America is told through her youngest child Susanna's eyes. Anne disagrees with Puritan dogma and holds political meetings in her home. As a result, she's exiled from the colony, and the family eventually helps settle what becomes New York. Somber paintings add depth to this story based on historical accounts.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 Dear America series. Fourteen-year-old Polly and her family have recently emigrated from England. Her diary recounts their first year in New Yeovil, Minnesota which proves more difficult than her father, a Baptist pastor, had promised. Droughts, fires, blizzards, and locusts plague their daily lives; while "savages" make for uncertain neighbors. The diarist of this novel is based on the author's own family history, making for a poignant read.

Reviewer: Lauren Rizzuto

(4) 4-6 Creative Minds Biography series. Illustrated by Lisa Harvey. Born in London in 1644, William Penn rebelled against his naval-officer father by joining the Society of Friends. Living through the Protectorate, plague, and Great Fire, he emigrated to establish the colony of Pennsylvania on land granted by King Charles II. Swain recounts Penn's life in accurate details that sometimes overwhelm the trajectory of the narrative. Black-and-white drawings accompany the text. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA Oxford Portraits series. The author has drawn much of his information from Williams's own writings in this biography that is very academic and a bit tedious at times. The volume goes beyond its subject's life and delves into greater issues of the times: religious freedom, tensions between Native Americans and the colonies, and the colonies' dependence on England. Black-and-white photos and archival drawings accompany the text. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden