(4) YA American Rebels series. This biography delves into psychological aspects of the pop star's personal life and considers how various relationships and events have affected her career. Gnojewski looks at the singer's childhood (including her mother's death when Madonna was five) before focusing on her rise to superstardom. The dense text is occasionally interrupted by stock color photos. A discography is included. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) K-3 Multicultural Crafts Kids Can Do! series. Each book contains ten simple craft projects that can be made from commonly found materials (e.g., yarn, straws). The directions are clear and easy to follow, although some of the crafts are uninspired. Hispanic is more generally culturally oriented (projects include piñatas and maracas), while African links its projects with famous people (for George Washington Carver: peanut shells used as planters). Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Multicultural Crafts Kids Can Do! titles: African-American Crafts Kids Can Do! and Hispanic-American Crafts Kids Can Do!

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Finding Out about Holidays series. This bland introduction to the Day of the Dead in Mexico discusses modern-day traditions and gives historical context. Plenty of lively photos convey the colorful festivities, and a craft project is included. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout, but no pronunciation is provided. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(4) K-3 Finding Out about Holidays series. Gnojewski covers the history of Kwanzaa, its celebrations in the U.S., and its roots in the harvest customs of various African countries. The text is choppy, but the attractive photos and large, clear typeface make this an accessible if bland introduction. Instructions for playing mancala, an African counting game, are included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt