(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Michael Young. This witty history of math starts with ancient number systems and wends its way through notable developments and entertaining asides ("The Italian city of Florence...banned zero...in 1299. Other places feared algebra and thought of zero as black magic") to the present. Lighthearted "Schoolhouse Rock"–style cartoons show historical smart alecks cracking wise in dialogue bubbles, and the inclusive text celebrates Muslim, Chinese, Mayan, and Indian contributions. While some topics will probably be beyond the capabilities of the target audience, math geeks will go reciprocal over this appealing window into mathematical thought. Back matter includes a timeline, famous math mistakes, math puzzles (with answers), a glossary, and an index.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Marc-Etienne Peintre. This fascinating book examines the role of color throughout human history: natural and synthetic sources, dye trades, cultural meanings, etc. Organized by color and further by specific shade (e.g., purples are subdivided into puce, Tyrian purple, and archil), each spread is illustrated in that shade. That saffron started a medieval war, that copper patina is the color verdigris, and so on--young readers will learn a ton. Ind.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) 4-6 Evoking vintage sci-fi posters in its graphic design and large format, this sprawling introduction alternates focus between real robotics history and functions and fictional bots such as R2-D2 and Transformers. Each busy two-page spread features a different topic within the expanding technological subject, and captioned photographs act as signposts in a visual tour of the robot world. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 This newly updated all-things-soccer guide covers the sport's history, rules, tactics, star players and teams, memorable games, top competitions, and the soccer industry. Each chapter opens with a full-spread photo and a short description of a famous feat (or defeat). Loads of other action-packed photos and "fact file" boxes break up the text. Removable poster included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(4) 4-6 This book will delight readers who enjoy one-upping their friends or simply correcting common misconceptions. Opening with slight aggrandizement ("Everything you know is wrong...Okay, not quite everything"), the introduction explains how facts get distorted. Gifford then organizes 152 debunking explanations into five groups, including "Body Bloopers" and "Historic Howlers." Busy illustrations combine digital images and photos. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 From space and earth science to technology and human history, this wide-ranging survey answers many questions curious readers might have. Busy pages feature stock color photographs, computer-generated illustrations, and diagrams; sidebars support and extend the accessible if superficial text. Each chapter closes with suggested websites and a recommended booklist (of other Kingfisher titles). Ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 This straightforward text provides basic facts about uniforms, rules, skills, and positions, as well as helpful tips and tidbits about famous teams and players. Some key words (e.g., dribbling) and topics are noticeably absent. Though the text isn't always carefully coordinated with the photographs, the photos themselves of cleat-clad kiddos in action are crisp, engaging, and helpful. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(4) 4-6 These volumes present basic introductions to basketball and soccer, then go on to cover specific skills, tactics, and rules. Instructions with step-by-step color photographs of male and female athletes are informative, but the captions are extremely tiny and the packed design is overwhelming. Glimpses into these sports at the professional level are also included. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these titles: Basketball and The Kingfisher Book of Soccer Skills.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) 4-6 These volumes present basic introductions to basketball and soccer, then go on to cover specific skills, tactics, and rules. Instructions with step-by-step color photographs of male and female athletes are informative, but the captions are extremely tiny and the packed design is overwhelming. Glimpses into these sports at the professional level are also included. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these titles: Basketball and The Kingfisher Book of Soccer Skills.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) K-3 Explorers series. After an introduction, crowded double-page spreads feature six categories of transportation or high-powered vehicle. Captioned photos and digital illustrations support the text (which appears in short paragraphs all over the pages) as it describes specific vehicles' purposes and how they work. Icons intended to link common themes throughout the book can be more confusing than helpful. Ind.

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi

(4) K-3 Discover Science series. This volume classifies robots by general information, types, and functions. Some of these classifications overlap, such as service robots and humanoid robots. Though it's interesting, the level of superficiality can cause confusion. Many photographs, a quiz, and a few craft project ideas are included. This revised edition was originally part of the Kingfisher Young Knowledge series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) 4-6 Combat Sports series. Each volume begins with a brief explanation of the combat sport then delves into its history. Discussion of the sport's popularity and competitive appeal, overviews of its famous participants, and "Top 10 Moves" are all explored. The spreads are busy with action photos, quotes, and sidebars, but the high-interest topics may attract reluctant readers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Combat Sports titles: Karate, Kickboxing, Wrestling, Boxing, Judo, and Tae Kwon Do.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull

(4) 4-6 Combat Sports series. Each volume begins with a brief explanation of the combat sport then delves into its history. Discussion of the sport's popularity and competitive appeal, overviews of its famous participants, and "Top 10 Moves" are all explored. The spreads are busy with action photos, quotes, and sidebars, but the high-interest topics may attract reluctant readers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Combat Sports titles: Karate, Kickboxing, Wrestling, Boxing, Judo, and Tae Kwon Do.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull

(4) 4-6 Combat Sports series. Each volume begins with a brief explanation of the combat sport then delves into its history. Discussion of the sport's popularity and competitive appeal, overviews of its famous participants, and "Top 10 Moves" are all explored. The spreads are busy with action photos, quotes, and sidebars, but the high-interest topics may attract reluctant readers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Combat Sports titles: Karate, Kickboxing, Wrestling, Boxing, Judo, and Tae Kwon Do.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull

(3) 4-6 This book will be welcomed by young golf enthusiasts, whether they're beginners or experienced players. Topics cover a broad range: rules, types of courses, correct and incorrect techniques (numerous photographs show step-by-step instructions on how to hold the club, line up the ball, tee off, swing, and follow-through), plus well-known golfing personalities. A useful and attractive guide. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 This newly revised, wide-ranging resource covers the sport's history, basic rules, tactics and strategies, major professional teams and players, famous games, and the difficulties and rewards of being a professional soccer player. Each chapter opens with a double-page-spread photo and a short description of a famous feat (or defeat). Loads of other action-packed photos and "fact file" boxes break up the text. Reading list, websites. Glos., Ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) YA Voices series. These titles explore some of the world's most pressing and difficult problems by offering a factual introduction to the complexities of the issues, how they arise, their effects, and the struggles involved in preventing, addressing, and resolving them. First-person accounts add emotional resonance to the charts, diagrams, statistic boxes, and photographs that crowd the pages. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Voices titles: Hunger, War, Child Labor, Poverty, and Violence.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) YA Voices series. These titles explore some of the world's most pressing and difficult problems by offering a factual introduction to the complexities of the issues, how they arise, their effects, and the struggles involved in preventing, addressing, and resolving them. First-person accounts add emotional resonance to the charts, diagrams, statistic boxes, and photographs that crowd the pages. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Voices titles: Hunger, War, Child Labor, Poverty, and Violence.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by David Cousens. This collection of short biographies highlights ten ancient-culture and European rulers, from Hatshepsut and Alexander the Great to Louis XIV and Catherine the Great. Comic-style illustrations spice up the otherwise dry (if informative) text, but they make the pages, which also include maps and boxed captions, look very cluttered. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by David Cousens. This volume emphasizes two elements of invention: humankind's drive to create in order to make life easier or more pleasurable and inventors' tendency to stand on the shoulders of preceding innovators to expand ideas. This chronological overview of ten inventors, famous and obscure, may inspire readers, but it lacks sources for further study. Comic-style illustrations are eye-catching but crowd the pages. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale