(3) YA Presidential Powerhouses series. Through these significant presidencies, this thorough series examines crucial periods in America's history: the birth of a fledgling nation, the War of 1812, the Great Depression and WWII, and the dawn of America's "New Frontier." Each president's early life, administration milestones, and ultimate legacy are discussed in detailed chapters filled with maps and period photos or illustrations. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following Presidential Powerhouses titles: Franklin D. Roosevelt's Presidency, George Washington's Presidency, John F. Kennedy's Presidency, and James Madison's Presidency.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) 4-6 Great Minds of Science series. Featuring innovative scientists, several from underrepresented groups, these biographies discuss childhood interests, study, diligence, and professional achievements, from tobacco farmer Banneker's almanac to Earle's underwater research and publications. Some effective primary material linked to online resources is included; frequent integrative questions and prompts may distract general researchers. Many photos and diagrams illustrate the text, though the pale-yellow-type captions aren't optimal. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Minds of Science titles: Charles Drew, George Washington Carver, Sylvia Earle, Jane Goodall, Charles Darwin, and Benjamin Banneker.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA Countries of the World series. This well-written title provides a comprehensive introduction to Afghanistan, its history, and its present-day political and economic challenges. The text covers geography, climate, natural resources, population, and culture; color photographs, maps, and sidebars help make the tiny type size less off-putting. Report writers will find useful information. Lists of facts and three "Places to Visit" are appended. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) YA Technology Pioneers series. Emphasizing the details of their business successes rather than their personal lives, these profiles provide young readers with inspirational, true stories of how Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos developed their start-up technology ventures into huge and profitable companies whose products and services permeate our lives. Color photos and sidebars support the workmanlike prose. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Technology Pioneers titles: Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon.com.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) YA Countries of the World series. These travel guide–like volumes begin with a tourist's view of the title country: "Your plane touches down at the Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina." 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. Review covers these Countries of the World titles: Brazil and Argentina.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt