(3) YA Confronting Global Warming series. These books consider the current and potential future consequences of global warming on the human, animal, and plant populations and the resources we need to survive. Individual provides detailed recommendations for changes that readers and their families can make now to reduce their carbon footprints and potentially mitigate future problems. Color photographs and diagrams adequately illustrate the concepts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Confronting Global Warming titles: The Role of the Individual, Nature and Wildlife, Population, Resources, and Conflict, Farming and the Food Supply, and The Role of Industry.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) YA Hot Topics series. This accessible (if dull) volume examines waste management from practical and ecological standpoints in addition to discussing recycling initiatives. Miller helps contextualize the issues by providing background on "the history of garbage" then discussing the pros and cons of various waste solutions. Many relevant stock photos, sidebars, and some charts and graphs illustrate the volume. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) YA Confronting Global Warming series. This useful volume introduces the problem of contemporary energy production, considering global consumption rates, diminishing resources, and the effects of energy use on climate change. The text then moves on to profile the pros and cons of various alternative energy sources and technological developments toward more efficient energy use. Color photographs and diagrams illustrate major concepts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) YA Hot Topics series. This dutiful but dull overview gives background about terrorism throughout history, then narrows in on "The Current Threat: Islamic Terrorism." The text speculates on the psychology of terrorists and describes the human and material costs of their actions, especially following 9/11. Maps, photographs (some illogically placed), and sidebars appear throughout. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) YA Hot Topics series. Miller presents a thoughtful, balanced look at the questions and issues surrounding organic farming and organic foods. Chapters include the history of the organic movement and its impact, past and present, on agriculture and commerce (e.g., the pros and cons of Wal-Mart's 2006 decision to stock organic foods). Well-chosen photographs and relevant sidebars and quotations enhance the volume. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) YA Diseases & Disorders series. One common forword and a short introduction specific to each volume lead to several chapters defining the disease/disorder and explaining diagnosis, treatment, current research, and the challenges faced by patients and their families. The writing is straightforward and includes scattered anecdotes and quotes from sufferers (some well known). Photos are generic or incongruous and often placed several pages away from pertinent text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Diseases & Disorders titles: Lupus, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Skin Cancer, Postpartum Depression, Sickle Cell Disease, Lung Cancer, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) YA Hot Topics series. Patriot defines its subject and explores the tension between balancing national security with civil liberties; is terrorism "the new justification for surveillance abuses"? Corruption offers a historical overview of political misdeeds and current efforts to curb them. Miller knows her subjects and offers enough intrigue to hold readers' attention. Sidebars and relevant photos appear throughout. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Hot Topics titles: The Patriot Act and Political Corruption.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) YA Hot Topics series. Patriot defines its subject and explores the tension between balancing national security with civil liberties; is terrorism "the new justification for surveillance abuses"? Corruption offers a historical overview of political misdeeds and current efforts to curb them. Miller knows her subjects and offers enough intrigue to hold readers' attention. Sidebars and relevant photos appear throughout. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Hot Topics titles: The Patriot Act and Political Corruption.

Reviewer: Nell Beram