(4) YA Special Reports series. Authors explore the history and current status of contemporary issues using major news stories and anecdotes about individuals affected by each topic. The subjects are changing so fast that the information in these books will be quickly dated. Nevertheless, each volume provides serviceable background for report writers. Stock photographs and frequent sidebars contribute to the choppy layouts. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Special Reports titles: Religion and Free Speech, Black Lives Matter, and Transgender Rights and Issues.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) 4-6 STEM Trailblazer Bios series. The continuation of the series, this time featuring all-female science and technology innovators from modern history, will tie in well with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum objectives. The inspiring profiles touch on childhood, education, and the subjects' breakthrough accomplishments. A colorful, easy-to-read format features photos and "tech talk" sidebars with quotes, mostly from the "trailblazers" themselves. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these STEM Trailblazer Bios titles: Nuclear Physicist Chien-Shiung Wu, Programming Pioneer Ada Lovelace, Animal Scientist and Activist Jane Goodall, Environmentalist Rachel Carson, Astronaut Mae Jemison, Mathematician and Computer Scientist Grace Hopper, Computer Scientist Jean Bartik, and Vaccine Innovators Pearl Kendrick and Grace Eldering.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) 4-6 Writing Builders series. Illustrated by Yu-Mei Han. These five installments introduce fictional duos of kids tackling various writing projects. Though the series' solid information and writing tips are mostly suited to middle graders, they may not appreciate the childish framing stories and illustrations (unattractive in some books). Concise, helpful step-by-step instructions for building the titular piece of writing conclude each volume. Reading list, websites. Glos. Review covers these Writing Builders titles: Rick and Rachel Build a Research Report, Frank and Fiona Build a Fictional Story, Jesse and Jasmine Build a Journal, Nell and Nan Build Narrative Nonfiction, and Olivia and Oscar Build an Opinion Piece.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) 4-6 Writing Builders series. Illustrated by Caroline Hu. These five installments introduce fictional duos of kids tackling various writing projects. Though the series' solid information and writing tips are mostly suited to middle graders, they may not appreciate the childish framing stories and illustrations (unattractive in some books). Concise, helpful step-by-step instructions for building the titular piece of writing conclude each volume. Reading list, websites. Glos. Review covers these Writing Builders titles: Rick and Rachel Build a Research Report, Frank and Fiona Build a Fictional Story, Jesse and Jasmine Build a Journal, Nell and Nan Build Narrative Nonfiction, and Olivia and Oscar Build an Opinion Piece.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(3) YA Unsolved Mysteries series. Archival photographs, sidebars, and maps combine with a straightforward text to present thought-provoking examinations of these unresolved phenomena. Theories and possible explanations along with myths and current debates provide a comprehensive discussion. The concluding "Tools and Clues" feature includes a list of equipment used to investigate crop circles and a summary of popular explanations for the Bermuda Triangle. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Unsolved Mysteries titles: The Bermuda Triangle and Crop Circles.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) YA Countries of the World series. This travel guide–like volume begins with a tourist's view of the title country: "You eagerly step off the plane in China on your long-awaited vacation." Chapters then cover all the expected details for report-writers: geography, flora and fauna, history, people, culture, politics, economics, and contemporary life. Vivid photographs and useful maps in an eye-pleasing design enliven the presentation. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt