(4) 4-6 American Saga series. This book traces the rise of abolitionism as a political force. The author introduces some of the major figures of the antislavery movement (e.g., Elijah Lovejoy, Wendell Phillips, Levi Coffin, Harriet Beecher Stowe), whose writing, oratory, and organizational skill helped lead to emancipation. The text, which includes sidebars, is dry but informative. Reproductions and maps illustrate the pages. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) 4-6 American Saga series. With the declaration of war against Spain in 1898 and resulting conflicts in Cuba and the Philippines, the United States began a campaign of influence around the world that continues today. The author traces and systematically (if somewhat dryly) describes this progression, with the support of sidebars, photographs, and maps. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) 4-6 Slavery in American History series. This book is a departure from many on the subject because it highlights the myriad views--pro and con--of this peculiar institution. Typical voices, such as Henry Bibb, whose many attempts to escape slavery were finally successful, are collected with the not-so-typical voices of southern belle Letitia Burwell and race scientist Joseph Le Conte. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Deborah L. Thompson