(4) 4-6 Mythology Rocks! series. Each of these volumes (revised and with slightly different titles--without "Rocks!") begins with a brief introduction to the title culture. Several myths important to that culture follow; a short question-and-answer section, along with "expert commentary," appears after each story. Stippled illustrations break up the dense texts but otherwise don't add much. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Mythology Rocks! titles: African Mythology Rocks!, Celtic Mythology Rocks!, Chinese Mythology Rocks!, Gods and Goddesses in Greek Mythology Rock!, Maya and Aztec Mythology Rocks!, and Heroes in Greek Mythology Rock!

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) YA Poetry Rocks! series. This series explores American, British, and world poetry, focusing on cultural traditions and major poets of the times. A biography of each poet, some of his or her notable pieces, and explanations of the poems' significance are offered. Clear, easily understandable analysis of the works continues to be an excellent feature of the series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Poetry Rocks! titles: Modern British Poetry, World Poetry, and Contemporary American Poetry.

Reviewer: Aishah Abdul-Musawwir

(4) YA Authors of Banned Books series. Students researching book banning will appreciate this series that reviews historical censorship, provides each author's biography, summarizes the writer's most frequently banned books, and considers current issues related to the author's most famous titles. Several of the same sidebars and stock photos are repeated across volumes, giving the research a cookie-cutter quality. Discussion questions and lists of works are appended. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Authors of Banned Books titles: John Steinbeck, Mark Twain, and Madeleine L'Engle.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(4) YA Issues in Focus series. This primer discusses what AIDS is and its effect worldwide; it's also a guide to protecting against the disease and relating to those with the virus. Houle clearly describes the virus's devastating effects on the immune system, discusses the public health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, and mentions legal and social issues in America. Black-and-white photos and graphics are uninspired. Addresses, reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 American Disasters series. Attack concisely encapsulates the events of September 11, 2001, as well as its aftermath, including the emergence of new national heroes and the declared war on terrorism. Triangle recounts, in somewhat repetitive prose, the infamous 1911 factory fire that killed more than one hundred workers in New York City. Both series books are illustrated with photos that lack clarity. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these American Disasters titles: Atack on America and Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta