(4) YA Write This Way series. Each step-by-step, form-specific guide for middle school students maps the process of selecting a topic, gathering information, organizing ideas, drafting, and revising. Interspersed writing exercises and tips from well-known authors encourage new writers to discover what approaches work best for them. Unfortunately, a text-heavy layout may discourage leisurely browsing. Writing career advice is appended. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Write This Way titles: Writing Fantastic Fiction, Writing Outstanding Opinion Pieces, Writing Powerful Persuasive Pieces, Writing Intriguing Informational Pieces, and Writing Notable Narrative Nonfiction Pieces.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(4) YA Contemporary Lives series. Generously illustrated with stock photos, these serviceable biographies chronicle the personal and professional lives of the celebrity entertainers, including awards, hit songs and albums, and charitable work. Miley (dryly) discusses the controversy surrounding the performer; fans may also be surprised to learn the extent of Williams's career as a producer. There are three other spring 2015 books in this series. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following Contemporary Lives titles: Miley Cyrus, Pharrell Williams, and Blake Shelton.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) 4-6 Great Minds of Science series. These biographies explore their subjects' early years, scientific discoveries, and innovative accomplishments that still affect modern life today. Five easy-to-read chapters are enhanced with sidebars, illustrations, photos, and diagrams; "Straight to the Source" sections include primary-source material. The numerous prompts for critical thinking through writing, discussion, and online research may distract general researchers. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Minds of Science titles: Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking, Isaac Newton, and Temple Grandin.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) 4-6 Great American Authors series. These straightforward, somewhat banal biographies feature large, easy-to-read texts and archival photos of varying quality. Sidebars provide further information and encourage literary analysis, web exploration, or investigation of graphs and charts. The books are invitingly designed and may appeal to reluctant readers. Back matter includes "Important Dates," "Key Works," and writing prompts. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great American Authors titles: Langston Hughes, Louisa May Alcott, Emily Dickinson, and Robert Frost.

Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer

(4) YA Essential Events series. This book chronicles the struggles of African Americans to achieve equality since the abolition of slavery. Key components include laws related to voting, school attendance, access to public buildings and transportation, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Figures such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. are also discussed. Photographs and sidebars enhance the text but crowd the pages. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) YA Lives Cut Short series. Each biography opens with a pivotal moment in the performer's career. The texts then move chronologically from the person's childhood to his untimely death, touching on upbringing, setbacks, and accomplishments along the way. The writing occasionally veers into melodrama. The volumes are enhanced by their many photos and clean design. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Lives Cut Short titles: John Lennon, Tupac Shakur, Michael Jackson, and Heath Ledger.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey