(4) 4-6 History Maker Bios series. With soft illustrations on almost every page, the first-ever first lady is presented as a gracious hostess and a selfless helpmate to George. Beyond that, little about her own life and personality is included--the emphasis is on the historic events of the emerging United States. A period portrait of young Martha Custis (Washington), an afterword, and a timeline are included.

Reviewer: Jenn Matters

(4) 4-6 History Maker Bios series. Each book in this series offers a straightforward profile of a notable individual in American history. The simply designed pages include period reproductions, portraits, and captioned photos, as well as unfortunate (and unnecessary) cartoon drawings. Sidebars enhance the text effectively. Chronology, reading list, websites. Bib., ind. [Review covers these History Maker Bios titles: Clara Barton, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King Jr.]

Reviewer: Jenn Matters

(4) 4-6 Easy Menu Ethnic Cookbooks series. These introductions to world cuisines have been updated to include low-fat and vegetarian options. Introductory material focusing on culture and cookery will be useful for school projects. Color photos and definitions of cooking terms and unusual ingredients will aid novice cooks. The recipes themselves are for the most part too complex for junior cooks to tackle solo but should whet their appetites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Easy Menu Ethnic Cookbooks titles: Desserts around the World, Cooking the Australian Way, Cooking the Austrian Way, and Cooking the North African Way.]

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(4) YA A & E Biography series. Though the prose is more competent than inspired, the biographies of this diverse group of notables adequately traces their personal and professional achievements. Occasional information boxes contain material that supplements the texts, which are illustrated with black-and-white (and occasional color) photos and reproductions. Both Hendrix and Latifah include discographies. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta