(3) 4-6 Overcoming Adversity series. Dreary black-and-white photographs and pedestrian texts fail to enliven these biographies. Although the book about twin sisters Ann Landers and Abigail Van Buren covers their famous feud, the account of Elizabeth Dole's life is largely adulatory. Chronologies are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Great Disasters: Reforms and Ramifications series. The 1918 Spanish flu struck over two billion people worldwide, causing as many as forty million deaths. This account, illustrated with black-and-white photographs, describes the rapid spread of the disease and the futile attempts to stop it in prose that sometimes becomes repetitive and anecdotal. The strongest sections detail contemporary efforts to develop a vaccine in case of a future outbreak. A time line is included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Need to Know Library series. These books offer very basic definitions, descriptions, and treatments, as well as coping strategies for people with the conditions and those interacting with them. Breast Health presents more general information about maturing bodies, changing perceptions of female attractiveness, self-examination, and mammograms. Short vignettes add interest, but the photos are dull and add little information. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Female Firsts in Their Fields series. Accompanied by poorly reproduced black-and-white photos in an uninspired design, each of these volumes profiles the professional accomplishments of six pioneering women. The books don't discuss their subjects' personal lives in any depth, but they do address issues such as how individuals have made decisions about career, marriage, and/or family. This series offers a general history of women entering traditionally male-dominated professions. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Mary Burkey

(3) 4-6 Junior Drug Awareness series. Generally informative and clear, with an obvious "just say no" message throughout, this series will provide helpful information for students seeking up-to-date facts, whether for personal reasons or for school reports. Each volume includes color photos and charts and appended lists of websites and organizations to contact. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee