(4) 4-6 From Many Cultures, One History series. Edwards offers an accessible though cursory sweep through the history of American Indians from the arrival of European colonists to the present. Pains are taken to mention the various tribes and the injustices they endured at the hands of the U.S. government. This broad approach, enhanced by sidebars and well-captioned photos, gives readers a sense of the chronology but not much depth. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett

(3) 4-6 Slavery in American History series. These books offer accounts based on facts, figures, and personal narratives (of the enslaved, enslaver, and historical observer) that illustrate the economic foundations and ethical, religious, and legal responses to slavery. Black-and-white illustrations and excerpts from primary source documents support the readable texts. Timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Slavery in American History titles: Abolitionists and Slave Resistance, The Rise and Fall of American Slavery, and The Slave Trade in America.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Sally Wern Comport & Sally Wern Comport. As if speaking to a live audience, Private Reubin Field tells of his adventures as a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition. In this fictionalized account, the energetic storytelling style makes the historical facts lively and immediate; equally vivid illustrations appear every few paragraphs and suggest a sketchbook of the young private's journey. Bib.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke

(4) 4-6 In American History series. Each book goes into some depth highlighting a short segment in American history. The use of details and a storytelling prose style lend interest to all three titles, which are on the whole better than other books in this series; Plymouth is especially compelling, as it includes a focus on the Pilgrims' daily life. Too small black-and-white photos appear infrequently throughout. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. [Review covers these In American History titles: The Plymouth Colony and the Pilgrim Adventure in American History, The Kansas-Nebraska Act and "Bleeding Kansas" in American History, and The Spanish-American War and Teddy Roosevelt in American History.]

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 In American History series. Each of the books in this series attempts to delineate the numerous causes and significant events that helped form a specific era in American history. These three books feature black-and-white photos and illustrations of uneven quality, boxed quotes from source documents, and timelines. Bib., ind. [Review covers these In American History titles: Jamestown, John Smith, and Pocahontas in American History; The Harlem Renaissance in American History; The Dust Bowl and the Depression in American History.]

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 In World History series. From 1607 to 1611, Henry Hudson was commissioned to find a passage from the Atlantic Ocean to China. Ultimately he was defeated by geography, ship technology, and his own enigmatic leadership practices, leading to mutiny. Edwards tells this story responsibly, with endnotes, segments of primary documents, and black-and-white illustrations-some extraneous, as are bits of the text. A timeline is appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 In World History series. The books in this series feature the lives of their subjects but also give considerable history and cultural context. Lenin reads more smoothly, but the writing in both is competent and sometimes even vigorous as the authors recount and interpret complex personalities. Brief excerpts from source documents, black-and-white photos, careful endnotes, and time lines authenticate the material. Bib., ind. [This review covers these World History titles: Lenin and the Russian Revolution in World History and King Henry VII and the Reformation in World History.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 In American History series. Seven important chapters in American history are recounted in volumes that identify participants, discuss the prevailing political and public opinions of each era, and outline its historical legacy. The books are clearly written though incomplete in some aspects; selections from historic documents or primary sources are included in boxed sections. The volumes' black-and-white photos are often too dark. Time lines are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 In American History series. Seven important chapters in American history are recounted in volumes that identify participants, discuss the prevailing political and public opinions of each era, and outline its historical legacy. The books are clearly written though incomplete in some aspects; selections from historic documents or primary sources are included in boxed sections. The volumes' black-and-white photos are often too dark. Time lines are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta