(4) 4-6 Spark of Invention series. These books examine the history and technological underpinnings of these modern machines. Each volume hits on a few key people and events critical to the creation of the technology as well as to the products' broad popularity. The books are quite short, though, and don't provide much more than basic information about these technologies. There are four other spring 2016 books in this series. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Spark of Invention titles: Inventing the Internet, Inventing the Television, Inventing the Cell Phone, and Inventing the Hybrid Car.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 How the US Government Works series. This series provides a broad overview of the historical development and current operations of various entities of the U.S. government. Although there is some overlap, each independent volume presents an account of the function and performance of its particular branch or agency. Lackluster texts are enhanced with photographs, sidebars, and instructional aids. "Stop and think" questions are appended. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers the following How the US Government Works titles: How the US Security Agencies Work, How Political Campaigns and Elections Work, How Political Parties Work, How the Executive Branch Works, How the Judicial Branch Works, and How the Legislative Branch Works.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 How the US Government Works series. This series provides a broad overview of the historical development and current operations of various entities of the U.S. government. Although there is some overlap, each independent volume presents an account of the function and performance of its particular branch or agency. Lackluster texts are enhanced with photographs, sidebars, and instructional aids. "Stop and think" questions are appended. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers the following How the US Government Works titles: How the US Security Agencies Work, How Political Campaigns and Elections Work, How Political Parties Work, How the Executive Branch Works, How the Judicial Branch Works, and How the Legislative Branch Works.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Science Library: Earth's Treasures series. This series tracks the history, natural origins, and modern uses of valuable elements and minerals. In addition to their cultural and geological backgrounds, Petersen discusses where they can be found today; sidebars suggest ways for readers to find or interact with them. Maps, diagrams, rather dull photos, and garish gem-stone borders don't add much to the clear and informative texts. Glos., ind. Review covers these Earth's Treasures titles: Diamonds, Gold, Jade, and Pearls.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Science Library: Earth's Treasures series. This series tracks the history, natural origins, and modern uses of valuable elements and minerals. In addition to their cultural and geological backgrounds, Petersen discusses where they can be found today; sidebars suggest ways for readers to find or interact with them. Maps, diagrams, rather dull photos, and garish gem-stone borders don't add much to the clear and informative texts. Glos., ind. Review covers these Earth's Treasures titles: Diamonds, Gold, Jade, and Pearls.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Science Library: Earth's Treasures series. This series tracks the history, natural origins, and modern uses of valuable elements and minerals. In addition to their cultural and geological backgrounds, Petersen discusses where they can be found today; sidebars suggest ways for readers to find or interact with them. Maps, diagrams, rather dull photos, and garish gem-stone borders don't add much to the clear and informative texts. Glos., ind. Review covers these Earth's Treasures titles: Diamonds, Gold, Jade, and Pearls.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Science Library: Earth's Treasures series. This series tracks the history, natural origins, and modern uses of valuable elements and minerals. In addition to their cultural and geological backgrounds, Petersen discusses where they can be found today; sidebars suggest ways for readers to find or interact with them. Maps, diagrams, rather dull photos, and garish gem-stone borders don't add much to the clear and informative texts. Glos., ind. Review covers these Earth's Treasures titles: Diamonds, Gold, Jade, and Pearls.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby