(4) 4-6 In American History series. Highlighting a specific time period, coverage in Thirteen Colonies and Revolutionary War is sketchy and overgeneralized in places. Roanoke Colony fares better with more thorough information and intriguing details. Black-and-white reproductions are sometimes blurry. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these In American History titles: The Mysterious Disappearance of Roanoke Colony in American History, The Thirteen Colonies from Founding to Revolution in American History, and The Revolutionary War and George Washington's Army in American History.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) YA Historical American Biographies series. Only touching on Thoreau's writings and philosophy, this biography focuses on his experiences growing up in Massachusetts and on his religious and political protests as an adult. Excerpts from writings and letters (both from and to Thoreau) appear in sidebars. The unadorned text is accompanied by black-and-white photos and reproductions. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jenn Matters

(3) YA Historical American Biographies series. Five figures who played diverse roles in American history are profiled in the clearly written books in this series. Maps and reproductions supplement the texts, while occasional information boxes highlighting other contemporary figures and events help place the subjects' lives in historical perspective. Each volume ends with a discussion of the subject's historical legacy. Timelines are included. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these titles: Abigail Adams, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, J. Edgar Hoover, John Paul Jones, John Muir.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Historical American Biographies series. Although formulaic (each volume in this series begins with a dramatic in medias res moment from the subject's life and ends with a chapter detailing his or her historical legacy), these books contain solid biographical information. The main texts balance personal and professional facts; sidebars offer intriguing supplemental matter. The books are illustrated with black-and-white photos. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Historical American Biographies titles: Carry A. Nation, Harry Houdini, William Tecumseh, Henry Ford, and George Eastman.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA Historical American Biographies series. These competently written biographies cover a wide range of subjects who lived between the American Revolution and World War II. The texts are supplemented by black-and-white photographs and reproductions, as well as information boxes that provide colorful background information or place events within historical context. The final pages of each volume discuss the legacy of each subject. Time lines are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) YA Historical American Biographies series. These books present informative looks at eight American figures. For the most part, the authors dispell myths and discuss each subject's flaws as well as strengths--Billy the Kid and Mary Todd Lincoln are most successful at this, Custer is less well rounded. Black-and-white archival photos, illustrations, maps, and sidebars help to establish time and place. A chronology is included in each book. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman