(2) 4-6 In this novel set in 1973, all seventh grader Melanie wants is to be one of the popular Shimmers. As her best friend, Vicky, seems to be having more success achieving that goal than Melanie is, the sudden appearance of a new friend is welcome. New classmate Dorit was born in Israel and has moved from place to place, and she and Melanie discover they have a lot in common. In fact, each has a parent with symptoms of what the author's note identifies as PTSD -- Melanie's mother from a car accident and Dorit's father from fighting in the Six-Day War. The Shimmers are less than compassionate, and in an attempt to impress them, Melanie crosses a line in what she shares about Dorit and her family. The start of the Yom Kippur War believably heightens emotions, while Melanie's growing understanding of the Watergate scandal mirrors issues of trust among Melanie and her peers in this tale of friendship dynamics that doesn't reach for easy resolutions or immediate forgiveness.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2024

(4) YA In United States History series. In these informative volumes, originally published under slightly different titles in the In American History series, four seminal events in United States history are recounted in detailed but never dull prose. Unfortunately, the black-and-white photos have been removed from these new editions, making for dense packages. There are four other fall 2014 books in this series. Reading list, timeline. Ind. Review covers these In United States History titles: The Battle of the Little Bighorn in United States History, The Watergate Scandal in United States History, The Industrial Revolution in United States History, and The Reconstruction of the South After the Civil War in United States History.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) YA American History series. Prohibition traces the roots of the temperance movement that led to the ratification of the Eighteenth Amendment, then discusses its subsequent repeal. Watergate investigates the motives behind the break-in and the ensuing consequences. Straightforward writing makes the information accessible, but the two-column layout results in a sterile, textbooklike feel. Photographs and reproductions help enliven the texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these American History titles: Prohibition and Watergate.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King

(4) YA Famous Court Cases That Became Movies series. This series provides detailed accounts of the court cases in question; the movie aspect is both less prominent and less interesting than information about the actual trials (in large part because none of the movies was made anytime recently). Historical photographs and documents are interspersed with movie stills. Sidebars provide related information. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Famous Court Cases That Became Movies titles: Racism on Trial, Evolution on Trial, Presidential Power on Trial, and The Right to Counsel.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) 4-6 United States Presidents series. Each of these mini-biographies opens with a general introduction to its subject; the following chapters (most of which are two pages) skim the surface of childhoods, achievements before and after being elected, and post-presidential work. Historical photographs and illustrations (one per spread), vital statistics, time lines, and "Fun Facts" are included in all the books. Report writers will glean the facts, but not much more. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne