(4) YA Modern Role Models series. These biographies chronicle the subjects' rise to fame, major setbacks and accomplishments, and efforts toward helping others. The busy design includes photographs, bolded quotations, and many different-color fonts. Sports fans will appreciate the range of topics discussed in the series, from basketball to snowboarding, auto racing and professional wrestling. There are twelve other fall 2008 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Modern Role Models titles: Danica Patrick, John Cena, Shaun White, Sheryl Swoopes, and Dwyane Wade.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey

(4) YA Making of the Middle East series. This series presents the history and culture of the complex, influential Middle East region, from the early twentieth century to today. Maps and photographs (some gruesome) expand the dry, straightforward texts, which provide clear accountings of events, places, and political and religious figures. There are five other fall 2007 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Making of the Middle East titles: The First World War and the End of the Ottoman Order, The Palestine Mandate and the Creation of Israel, 1920–1949, The Middle East in the Age of Uncertainty, 1991–Present, The Cold War in the Middle East, 1950–1991, and The Rise of Nationalism.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Africa series. Captioned illustrations and maps accent these African countries' struggles with ethnic and political unrest and health and environmental challenges. For easy access, "Quick Facts" summarize the geography, economics, and population information. Readers will have to search the texts to find any positive aspects of these countries. There are eight other spring 2005 books in the series. Reading list, recipes, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Africa titles: Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ivory Coast, and Tanzania.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) 4-6 Great Disasters: Reforms and Ramifications series. These series books capably examine two of Texas's tragic legacies: the 1900 hurricane that became the twentieth century's deadliest natural disaster and the 1993 firefight that felled the Branch Davidians. The authors discuss the consequences of these events, including, in Waco's case, an increased number of anti-government militia organizations. Poorly reproduced black-and-white photos augment the texts. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Great Disasters titles: The Galveston Hurricane and The Waco Siege.]

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Famous Figures of the American Frontier series. Despite some oversimplifications, the books in this series provide adequate introductions to these individuals. After acquainting readers with the subject's more colorful accomplishments, succeeding chapters present a biographical sketch. Illustrated with (often colorized) archival photos, the texts are readable and accessible. Timelines are included. There are five other fall 2001 books in this series. [Review covers these titles: Crazy Horse, Davy Crockett, Annie Oakley, Wyatt Earp, Geronimo.]

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Great Disasters: Reforms and Ramifications series. Each of the books in this series begins with an account of the disaster it concerns, followed by background, including what is known of the causes, how those causes were determined, and what remedies were attempted. Illustrated with black-and-white photos and a few diagrams, the detailed but uneven texts reward close reading. Chronologies end the books. Chernobyl has a glossary. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Great Disasters: Reforms and Ramifications titles: The Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster, The Irish Potato Famine, The Holocaust.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Great Disasters: Reforms and Ramifications series. Stock Market opens with a pallid account of 1929's "Black Thursday"; Triangle Shirtwaist contains a dramatic retelling of the factory fire. Both describe the social conditions that led up to these disasters and discuss what political and social reforms resulted from them. Illustrated with black-and-white reproductions, the books are written in utilitarian prose. Time lines are included. Stock Market contains a glossary. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA Overcoming Adversity series. These biographies cover the personal lives and professional careers of two major figures in the world of skating. Focusing on their struggles with adversity (Hamilton's mysterious childhood illness and his recent bout with cancer, and the sudden, tragic death of Gordeeva's partner and husband), the books present their subjects' human and heroic sides. Black-and-white photos accompany the capably written books. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(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

(3) 4-6 Women of Achievement series. Published spring 1998.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn