(3) YA Race and Sports series. These titles expertly examine the interconnection of sports, race, and society and highlight the issues and topics that are born from these intersections. Stereotypes and Media Coverage provide the foundation for the other titles. Instructive sidebars and captioned photos accompany the crisply written, informative narratives. Useful introductions to the many-layered subjects for students writing research papers. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Race and Sports titles: Fighting Stereotypes in Sports, Gender and Race in Sports, Politics and Protest in Sports, Race and College Sports, Race and Sports Management, Race in Sports Media Coverage.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) YA Understanding World Religions and Beliefs series. These primers take on each faith's history, beliefs, politics, and contemporary issues. The well-designed, accessible volumes include plenty of photos and other images; the series' broad scope results in a few errors (Judaism doesn't mention Halacha (Jewish law) or the Shulchan Aruch, which codifies the law; Christianity conflates communion with confirmation in the Catholic Church). Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Understanding World Religions and Beliefs titles: Understanding Christianity, Understanding Hinduism, Understanding Hinduism, Understanding Buddhism, Understanding the Nonreligious, Understanding Scientology, Understanding Islam, Understanding Sikhism, and Understanding Judaism.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) YA Understanding World Religions and Beliefs series. These primers take on each faith's history, beliefs, politics, and contemporary issues. The well-designed, accessible volumes include plenty of photos and other images; the series' broad scope results in a few errors (Judaism doesn't mention Halacha (Jewish law) or the Shulchan Aruch, which codifies the law; Christianity conflates communion with confirmation in the Catholic Church). Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Understanding World Religions and Beliefs titles: Understanding Christianity, Understanding Hinduism, Understanding Hinduism, Understanding Buddhism, Understanding the Nonreligious, Understanding Scientology, Understanding Islam, Understanding Sikhism, and Understanding Judaism.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) YA Famous Ships series. These books chronicle the histories of three ill-fated modern ships, including the largely forgotten Wilhelm Gustloff, which was transporting German refugees when it was torpedoed by a Russian submarine during WWII. Each readable narrative covers the design, construction, and operation of the ship; its misfortunes are suspensefully described. Excellent archival photographs, diagrams, and "Mini-Bios" enhance the volumes. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Famous Ships titles: The Wilhelm Gustoff Story, The USS Arizona Story, and The Titanic Story.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) 4-6 Immigrant Experiences series. This series provides general glimpses into many immigrant groups' struggles in the U.S. Each book's vignettes (with direct quotes) on real immigrants striving for citizenship and acceptance in America add intimacy and impact to the presentation; frank discussions of discrimination are included. Photographs extend the narratives. There are four other fall 2017 books in this series. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Immigrant Experiences titles: Mexican Immigrants, Somali Immigrants, Japanese Immigrants, and German Immigrants.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Spark of Invention series. These books examine the history and technological underpinnings of these modern machines. Each volume hits on a few key people and events critical to the creation of the technology as well as to the products' broad popularity. The books are quite short, though, and don't provide much more than basic information about these technologies. There are four other spring 2016 books in this series. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Spark of Invention titles: Inventing the Internet, Inventing the Television, Inventing the Cell Phone, and Inventing the Hybrid Car.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Geography Library: Troubled Treasures--World Heritage Sites series. This book touches on the major pyramids of Egypt. Topics include the landmarks' physical structures, time periods and locales, and a "How They Did It" section. The last spread emphasizes protection and preservation. Photographs and a map, in addition to a useful pronunciation guide, help support the rather sparse information. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Geography Library: Troubled Treasures--World Heritage Sites series. This book gives a broad overview of the periods of construction of China's Great Wall. Invaders who threatened the country and the roles various rulers played in fortifying their realm are also touched on. The last few spreads emphasize protection and preservation. Photographs and a map, in addition to a useful pronunciation guide, help support the rather sparse information. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Geography Library: Troubled Treasures--World Heritage Sites series. This book provides basic information about the world's largest reef, located off the east coast of Australia. Topics include its formation, marine life dependent upon it, and how environmental changes are affecting the delicate ecosystem. Measures to protect the reef are also discussed. Photographs and a map, in addition to a useful pronunciation guide, help support the rather sparse information. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Geography Library: Troubled Treasures--World Heritage Sites series. This volume presents an overview of the unique islands, including history (Darwin's explorations are touched on), geography, topography, and wildlife. Preservation efforts, especially with the increase in tourism, are also discussed. Photographs and a map, in addition to a useful pronunciation guide, help support the rather sparse information. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg