(4) YA American History series. Prohibition traces the roots of the temperance movement that led to the ratification of the Eighteenth Amendment, then discusses its subsequent repeal. Watergate investigates the motives behind the break-in and the ensuing consequences. Straightforward writing makes the information accessible, but the two-column layout results in a sterile, textbooklike feel. Photographs and reproductions help enliven the texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these American History titles: Prohibition and Watergate.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King

(4) YA American History series. These books provide simple, clear introductions to important events in American history. The writing is accessible but bland. The two-column text design layout makes the pages look dense and textbooklike. Maps, photographs, and illustrations enliven the overall presentation, and some primary source material sidebars help provide more historical context. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these American History titles: The American Revolution, The Constitution and Founding of America, and The Salem Witch Trials.

Reviewer: Juliet S. King

(4) YA Way People Live series. These historical overviews document the ravages of the plague in fourteenth-century Europe; gladiators, chariot races, and other forms of entertainment in Rome; and the culture and politics of ancient Greece. While the historical images that illustrate the books are poorly reproduced, the texts are clearly written and well-supported by boxed quotes from primary sources. Rome and Athens have glossaries; Black Death contains a time line. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta