(4) YA Face the Facts series. This lucid, example-rich overview of globalization discusses its four planks (economy, politics, work, culture); its effects on the environment, international security, and developing countries; and ways that readers can contribute to the debate. Unfortunately, the book's double-page spreads ambush readers with an overwhelming combination of text, sidebars, photos (some lost in the gutter), and distracting backdrops. Directory, reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Exploring Tough Issues series. Hibbert covers the basics (how home environment and school ethos can predict bullying, adverse effects of being bullied, coping strategies) as well as more interesting terrain: the evolution of the word bully, what bullies and their victims have in common, etc. The text ably conveys the complex psychology of bullying; unfortunately, the posed color photos do not. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram