(4) YA USA Today's Debate: Voices and Perspectives series. These volumes present opposing sides of the title issues. Brief introductions are followed by histories, arguments (and details about the organizations that espouse them), and legislative action. Conversational writing style and numerous anecdotes make the volumes' small font and two-column, textbooklike design more approachable; photos, graphs, and excerpts from USA Today add interest. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these USA Today's Debate: Voices and Perspectives titles: Same-Sex Marriage and Gun Control.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA Discovery! series. After noting the natural causes of previous mass extinctions, this book focuses on the human element of environment destruction, especially in North America. The earnest writing is convincing and accessible, though only the barest suggestions of what steps to take to alleviate the crisis are offered. Vibrant photographs, illustrations, and sidebars supplement the text. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) YA Andryszewski explores the legal, political, social, and religious arguments surrounding the issue of granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The readable text presents many arguments both for and against same-sex marriage. Cleanly designed pages, including photographs, sidebars, and quotations that extend the text, make the book approachable. Although the information is already out of date, background facts will help students begin research. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) 4-6 This look at the development of human civilization through migratory patterns too often presents statements of historical and scientific possibility as fact. Additionally, the text can be difficult to follow and includes some errors in time-span. The sepia-toned pages include engaging, easy-to-decipher graphics such as maps and diagrams, in addition to black-and-white illustrations and sidebar information. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(3) 4-6 Headliners series. A straightforward text discusses the age-old conflicts in the Balkans that have torn the region apart. Past and present are thoroughly explained in simple, clear language with informative boxed text on key people, places, events, and terms. Maps, black-and-white and color photos, and a time line round out the book. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Sara Pearce

(3) YA Headliners series. This objective, factual volume details the Reform Party's history, from Ross Perot's founding to the background behind Pat Buchanan's switch from Republican candidate to Reform Party nominee in the 2000 presidential election. Jesse Ventura's decision to leave the party because of Buchanan's divisive views is covered as well. Illustrated with clear color photos, the book concludes with a time line. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) YA This scrupulously objective look at the gay-rights movement in America features transcriptions and excerpts from propaganda and other written statements on the topic. The information-heavy text is scattered with black-and-white photographs, predominantly of activists on either side of the debate. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Gateway Biography series. Illustrated with standard photographs, most in color, this biography stresses Bradley's accomplishments as a Rhodes Scholar, professional basketball player, and politician, with his presidential aspirations only briefly addressed. Personal information is handled in a fairly cursory fashion, making the text somewhat superficial, but the book is helpful for those studying current events and contemporary figures. A time line is included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Beginning with brief topographical and historical notes, these titles provide readers with state-by-state descriptions of what they'd see and experience along each popular hiking trail. A distracting design and bland writing style make these trail primers less engaging than they could be, but interested readers will find them useful. Color photographs appear throughout each volume. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) 4-6 Beginning with brief topographical and historical notes, these titles provide readers with state-by-state descriptions of what they'd see and experience along each popular hiking trail. A distracting design and bland writing style make these trail primers less engaging than they could be, but interested readers will find them useful. Color photographs appear throughout each volume. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute