(4) 4-6 From Many Cultures, One History series. These books offer broad treatment of their subjects. The most effective chapters in Latino begin with stories about real people. Little Rock touches on the complexities of desegregation for both blacks and whites. Well-captioned photos and sidebars enhance the books. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these From Many Cultures, One History titles: Triumphs and Struggles for Latino Civil Rights and School Desegregation and the Story of the Little Rock Nine.

Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett

(3) 4-6 African-American Biographies series. This balanced biography of the dance icon describes the events that influenced his work, including such masterpieces as Revelations and Cry. Cruz discusses Ailey's pioneering efforts to form a dance company that showcased African-American experiences and concludes with a chapter on his legacy. Black-and-white photographs accompany the accessible text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Rizzuto

(4) YA Hot Issues series. This straightforward, well-organized look at school violence discusses possible causes and both successful and controversial methods of reducing it (e.g., having school bullies watch autopsies). Readers will appreciate the book's overall lack of hysteria--Cruz even lets Marilyn Manson defend himself--but they may also feel insulted by the staged, melodramatic color photos, as of a gun, a beer, and a joint on a windowsill. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) YA Hot Issues series. A clearly written if somewhat repetitive text includes discussion of the growing population of mixed-race Americans, the prejudice they encounter, the history of interracial marriage in the United States, and terminology preferences. One-page bios of well-known people with multiracial backgrounds are interspersed throughout. Pearl Fuyo Gaskins's What Are You? is a far better book on the subject. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(4) YA Hot Pro/Con Issues series. Cruz examines both sides of the school dress code and school uniform issues in a book that, while somewhat oversimplified, will be of use for reports or debates. Examples from fairly recent national events provide context for the discussion. A two-page summary of twelve famous court cases looks at what students' rights have been. Color photos accompany the evenhanded text. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA Hot Pro/Con Issues series. The book's pro/con approach oversimplifies an extremely complex issue. However, the author uses quotes, examples, and statistics that will help students prepare their own debates on the subject. Color photographs illustrate the book. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) YA Hispanic Biographies series. Published spring 1998.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta