(2) YA The Torres family, always considered misfits in their San Antonio community, suffered tragedy a year ago when eldest sister Ana fell to her death from her bedroom window. That Ana was sneaking out to see a boy unworthy of her affection, and that her sister Jessica started dating him soon after Ana's death, are gossip-worthy enough; add to that middle sister Iridian's angry self-isolation and youngest sister Rosa's seeming ability to communicate with animals, and the siblings' feeling of alienation grows. When Ana's ghost appears, it's unclear whether she means their family well or ill. Mabry's moody writing paints a picture of a grief-stricken family mired in its own suffering and seemingly doomed to stay there. The descriptions are sensory ("She didn't yet know the pure joy that came along with smelling the pages of books, how a new book smelled like chlorine or how a used book sometimes smelled like ­cigarettes or tangy breath"), visceral, and weird ("Jessica pulled a clump of her older sister's hair from the [shower] trap...held the wet strands between her fingers for a few moments before putting the hair in her mouth and swallowing it"). The story's climax is ­chaotic and cathartic--and it ultimately presents a path forward for the sisters.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2020

(4) 4-6 In this sequel, Zack shuffles between his newly divorced parents' households. Plus, sixth grade couldn't be going worse: there's a mortifying cafeteria incident, a disastrous dodgeball game, and a scary trip to a botanica; plus, the pretty new girl, Abhi, ignores him. It's all a bit over the top, but Zack's social anxieties ring true and his San Antonio middle school is realistically diverse.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series. Nathan Hale, Revolutionary War hero, continues to distract his executioners in this sixth volume. Here the focus is on Texas's fight for independence from Mexico with Davy Crockett, Sam Houston, and other historical figures in starring roles. As always, irreverent humor makes a complicated story more accessible; readers will appreciate the compelling history lesson (provided they're not put off by the small panel illustrations and tiny type). Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) YA Remember series. This book describes the 1836 battle between the Mexican army and a small group of men fighting for independence at the Alamo where the Texians (Americans in Mexico-controlled Texas) suffered a crushing defeat. Paintings, drawings, maps, and archival photographs enhance the well-written, well-documented, and balanced account. Missing text just before the epilogue (even in this reissue) makes the ending anticlimactic. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 1-3 Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures series. Illustrated by Macky Pamintuan. Written by John Greenhut. Flat Stanley continues his travels by visiting Texas. After promising to be prompt in meeting his mother at the Alamo, Stanley and three companions explore the area; they incur various adventures and arrive late at the rendezvous. Stanley fears a showdown with his mother, but the day is saved by the arrival of his friend, Calamity Jasper. Cartoonish drawings accompany the slight, mildly diverting story.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 NBA: A History of Hoops series. These books offer brief histories of NBA teams, covering notable seasons and legendary individuals. The accessible texts are printed in a small-size type that may frustrate some readers. Six chatty "Courtside Stories" and six player/coach profiles in each volume enhance the main texts. The draw for fans will be the large color photographs featuring lots of on-court action and excitement. Ind. Review covers these NBA: A History of Hoops titles: The Story of the Miami Heat, The Story of the San Antonio Spurs, The Story of the Indiana Pacers, The Story of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and The Story of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) 4-6 What Would You Do? series. These volumes place young readers at the heart of some dilemmas of frequently studied pivotal events in American history. Sections in simple, conversational language promote discussion by alternating "What Would You Do?" questions (which are more sophisticated than the main text) with "What Really Happened." Maps and archival images add to the presentation. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these What Would You Do? titles: The Alamo, The Boston Tea Party, The Salem Witch Trials, and The Underground Railroad.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Wade Dillon. A brief narrative related to Crockett's life accompanies each letter of the alphabet. Although events are not chronological, each letter presents information that history buffs will find informative. In addition to the expected (Alamo, Jackson, Tennessee), more unusual items or events are also included (Indian Removal Act, Squatters, Whig Party). Mediocre cartoon-style drawings illustrate the A–Z biography. Timeline.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 I, Q series. Q and Angela are united not only as step-siblings but also as covert agents working for the president of the United States. Here intrigue follows them to San Antonio, Texas, where they once again encounter a dangerous terrorist cell. A list of characters and a preface bring readers up to speed for this suspenseful and thrilling fourth book in the series.

Reviewer: April Mazza

(4) 4-6 Courageous Heroes of the American West series. All originally published under different titles, the updated editions of these brief biographies, written in short, easy-to-read sentences, outline the lives of adventurous individuals who helped shape the American West during the nineteenth century. Black-and-white photographs and drawings add some interest to the text-heavy pages; the lurid cover illustrations are unappealing. There are four other fall 2012 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Courageous Heroes of the American West titles: Bill Pickett, Buffalo Bill Cody, Calamity Jane, Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Richard King, Sacagawea, and Sam Houston.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) 4-6 Stories in American History series. The updated volumes in this series spotlight key moments in U.S. history, framing the discussions with coverage of the events leading up to and following those periods. The presentation of topics is adequate; occasional drawings and photos, which vary in relevance and clarity, give the merest hint of the period in each book. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Stories in American History titles: The California Gold Rush, The Amazing Underground Railroad, The Legend of the Alamo, Surviving the Oregon Trail, and The Incredible Transcontinental Railroad.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Wade Dillon. Chemerka presents brief vignettes of historical figures that played roles in the Texas battle of 1836. Alphabetical entries include both the usual suspects (Bowie, Crockett, and Travis) and those who are less well known (Losoya, Oury, and Pollard). Amateurish illustrations with stiff, wooden characters accompany the text. Timeline.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 You Choose series. In this Choose Your Own Adventure–style book, readers explore Texas history through the experiences of a Mexican soldier or a Texan rebel in battle, providing a multifaceted explanation of historical events. Though the text itself is rather dry, paintings and reproductions add detail to the experience. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) 4-6 America's Living History series. Archival photographs, reproductions, maps, and sidebars combine with vivid texts to provide comprehensive introductions to the featured historical event or movement. Highlighting key figures and focusing on the human experience, these engaging volumes vividly bring their time periods to life. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these America's Living History titles: Alamo and The Harlem Renaissance.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Soldiers on the Battlefront series. Beller chronicles the struggles leading to Texas's independence from Mexico in 1836. The battle of the Alamo is briefly reconstructed using historical sources; the Goliad Massacre and Battle of San Jacinto are also recounted. Stories of famous men who fought and died in the struggle add life to the dry writing. Sidebars, maps, drawings, and archival photographs enhance the text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA This book describes the 1836 battle between the Mexican army and a small group of men fighting for independence at the Alamo where the Texians (Americans in Mexico-controlled Texas) suffered a crushing defeat. Paintings, drawings, maps, and archival photographs enhance the well-written, well-documented, and balanced account. Missing text just before the epilogue makes the ending anticlimactic. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Wild History of the American West series. These books chronicle the history of three events that played major roles in the expansion and settlement of the American West. The readable texts are well researched and informative. The screen shots used to illustrate the books are blurry, but archival photographs, maps, and drawings add interest (a mistake in Cherokee's timeline is unfortunate). Chapter notes are appended. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Wild History of the American West titles: Custer's Stunning Defeat, The Cherokee Trail of Tears, and The Texas Fight for Independence.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) K-3 Checkerboard: Symbols, Landmarks, and Monuments series. These books discuss some history behind each landmark or monument and how each has become a symbol of America. With their well-chosen photographs, easy-to-read text, and appealing tone, the volumes will prove useful for report writers and will inspire readers to seek out more information about these American symbols. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard: Symbols, Landmarks, and Monuments titles: Air Force One, The Alamo, Ellis Island, The Smithsonian Institution, The United States Supreme Court, and The Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ronald Himler. From the point of view of both fictional and historical figures, sixteen vignettes sketch the history of the Alamo from the 1500s to modern times, with much focus on the famous battle. Some of the first-person prose-poems sparkle, but story-line gaps require readers to refer to the author's lengthy historical note. Realistic paintings accompany the text. Reading list. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 4-6 American Battlefields series. Each book in the series highlights important battles in American history, dropping interesting tidbits that young readers might not have encountered yet (e.g., clarifying that Paul Revere's engraving of the Boston Massacre was inaccurate, but helped to raise support for the colonists' side). Maps, reproduced paintings and photographs, and other graphics complement the information. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these American Battlefields titles: Lexington & Concord, Gettysburg, Little Bighorn, and The Alamo.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang