(3) 1-3 Life and Times of Birdie Mae Hayes series. In this series-opening chapter book, Birdie's comfortable life in small-town Alabama is disrupted when she begins to have visions about bad things happening...and the visions come true. But Birdie's grandmother, who has the same ability, teaches her how to use it for the greater good. Birdie's conflicted feelings about her "gift" are realistically portrayed. The black-and-white illustrations capture the warmth and energy of Birdie's community.

Reviewer: Mariko Turk

(4) K-3 First Facts: Life and Times series. This book gives cursory information on Native American life (prior to European settlement) by geographic location, with just a quick appended mention of the impact of Europeans. Tribes within each region and their customs, culture, and food sources are touched on. Illustrations provide some insight into housing construction and hunting methods. Bold vocabulary words are defined on each page. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 First Facts: Life and Times series. This volume gives young readers a cursory explanation of the colonists' dissatisfaction with British rule and the push for independence; George Washington's role as leader of the Continental Army and his election as the first president are also featured. Illustrations, archival art, maps, and sidebars provide additional information and interest. Bold vocabulary words are defined on each page. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Life and Times series. Life in ancient Egypt isn't easy, but it gets harder for thirteen-year-old Maïa when she justly accuses her uncle of stealing from the temple. Fearing the wrath of the temple priests, Maïa hides but ultimately comes forward to ask that her uncle be shown lenience. While some elements seem unlikely, the setting is fascinating and Maïa is a satisfyingly complex character.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 Life and Times series. When Roman soldiers sack his village, Atticus is sold as a slave to the Emperor's best friend. He then finds himself used as a spy to help stop a plot to assassinate the Emperor. Though some plot developments are unconvincing, the mystery element and well-realized setting have appeal.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(3) 4-6 Rivers in American Life and Times series. Each book focuses on a major North American river and its significance in American history. Close attention is paid to small facts, but the details are never overwhelming nor do they muddy the bigger picture. The dense text is smoothly written, and short highlighted sections and color pictures and maps help to break it up. Hudson lists websites. Timeline. Bib., ind. Review covers these Rivers in American Life and Times titles: The Hudson River and The Missouri River.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(3) 4-6 Rivers in American Life and Times series. Each book focuses on a major North American river and its significance in American history. Close attention is paid to small facts, but the details are never overwhelming nor do they muddy the bigger picture. The dense text is smoothly written, and short highlighted sections and color pictures and maps help to break it up. Hudson lists websites. Timeline. Bib., ind. Review covers these Rivers in American Life and Times titles: The Hudson River and The Missouri River.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 Life Times series. Focusing on rites of passage, Ganeri presents information on the customs and ceremonies common in the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths. Though the brevity of the descriptions prevents Ganeri from giving readers much context, the books are informative and easy to read; the color photos and illustrations are set in an overly busy design. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne

(4) 4-6 Life Times series. Focusing on rites of passage, Ganeri presents information on the customs and ceremonies common in the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths. Though the brevity of the descriptions prevents Ganeri from giving readers much context, the books are informative and easy to read; the color photos and illustrations are set in an overly busy design. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne

(4) 4-6 Life Times series. Focusing on rites of passage, Ganeri presents information on the customs and ceremonies common in the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths. Though the brevity of the descriptions prevents Ganeri from giving readers much context, the books are informative and easy to read; the color photos and illustrations are set in an overly busy design. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne

(4) 4-6 Life Times series. Focusing on rites of passage, Ganeri presents information on the customs and ceremonies common in the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths. Though the brevity of the descriptions prevents Ganeri from giving readers much context, the books are informative and easy to read; the color photos and illustrations are set in an overly busy design. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne