(3) 4-6 Presidential Perspectives series. These books look at significant events by focusing on the sitting presidents' actions and motivations. The simply written texts are informative; some events are presented out of chronological order, but timelines help reorient readers. Sidebars include opposing viewpoints, primary source quotes, writing prompts, and critical-thinking questions. The open design includes archival reproductions and photos. There are four other spring 2016 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Presidential Perspectives titles: The Civil Rights Movement through the Eyes of Lyndon B. Johnson, World War I through the Eyes of Woodrow Wilson, September 11 through the Eyes of George W. Bush, and The Louisiana Purchase through the Eyes of Thomas Jefferson.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(4) YA Nam: The Vietnam War series. Not a chronological series, these scattered but informative and insightful volumes cover many facets of the controversial war; causes, key players, international involvement, solders' experiences, and effects are all touched on. Small-font text printed on colored backgrounds along with archival photos and inserts on virtually every spread contribute to a cluttered appearance. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Nam: The Vietnam War titles: Causes and Outbreak, Disengagement and Defeat, 1969–1975, The Experience of War, The International War, The Johnson Years, 1965–1968, and The War and U.S. Society.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA Presidential Leaders series. The books in this series briefly chronicle the lives and achievements of five former presidents. Each volume attempts to portray the subject and the events surrounding his presidency honestly and openly, but the broad overview allows for little depth. Well-captioned photos enhance a bland design. Reading list, source notes, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Presidential Leaders titles: Woodrow Wilson, Harry S. Truman, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.]

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 United States Presidents series. The final chapter of each book, titled "Legacy," provides a good summation of each president's life and political career, but the preceding chapters lack vigor, typified by an undramatic description of Kennedy's assassination and Johnson's sudden assumption of the presidency. The books are illustrated with interesting source documents and too-dark black-and-white photographs. Chronologies are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta