(4) YA Major World Leaders series. Each of these dense, in-depth texts investigates a world leader's early political career, his current challenges, and his country's future. Color and black-and-white photographs offer further glimpses into these men's lives. These books are comprehensive additions to current events collections. Timeline. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Major World Leaders titles: Pervez Musharraf and Ariel Sharon.]

Reviewer: Lauren Rizzuto

(3) YA Transforming Power of Technology series. This straightforward text discusses how concurrent experiments by European inventors perfected the science and mechanics of this power source. Kras then focuses on nineteenth-century steam-powered applications (e.g., ships, farm and factory equipment, trains) and on how steam engines are used today. Black-and-white and color photos and reproductions accompany the narrative. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Major World Leaders series. Students researching current events will appreciate these volumes about six newsworthy subjects. Workmanlike prose balances biographical details with information--both positive and negative--about how these political figures have led, or continue to lead, their countries. The accompanying color photos are often pallid. Timelines are included. There are six other fall 2002 books in this series. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Major World Leaders titles: Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, Anwar Sadat, Saddam Hussein, Vladimir Putin, and Yasir Arafat.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta