(4) YA Diseases & Disorders series. One common foreword and short introductions specific to each topic precede chapters defining the title condition, diagnosis, treatment, and current research. The writing, though dull, is straightforward. References to celebrity sufferers (though not up-to-the-minute) are meant to engage readers. Largely generic stock photos are included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Diseases & Disorders titles: Osteoporosis, Exercise Addiction, and Tourette Syndrome

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA Diseases & Disorders series. One common foreword and a short volume-specific introduction lead to chapters defining each condition and explaining symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and current research. The writing is straightforward but not particularly engaging. Some photomicrographs and charts are included, but most of the pictures and illustrations are generic (or even anatomically incorrect). Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Diseases & Disorders titles: Autoimmune Disorders, Hepatitis, Alzheimer's Disease, Lyme Disease, and Asthma.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA Diseases & Disorders series. One common foreword and a short volume-specific introduction lead to chapters defining each condition and explaining symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and current research. The writing is straightforward but not particularly engaging. Some photomicrographs and charts are included, but most of the pictures and illustrations are generic (or even anatomically incorrect). Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Diseases & Disorders titles: Autoimmune Disorders, Hepatitis, Alzheimer's Disease, Lyme Disease, and Asthma.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA Diseases & Disorders series. One common foreword and a short volume-specific introduction lead to chapters defining each condition and explaining symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and current research. The writing is straightforward but not particularly engaging. Some photomicrographs and charts are included, but most of the pictures and illustrations are generic (or even anatomically incorrect). Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Diseases & Disorders titles: Autoimmune Disorders, Hepatitis, Alzheimer's Disease, Lyme Disease, and Asthma.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA People in the News series. Each title touches on the public figure's early years, later life, and achievements. Though the writing tends to be overly laudatory, difficult issues are occasionally addressed, especially in the Karzai volume (e.g., corruption allegations against him, his increasing criticism of the West). Sidebars cover more general topics, adding some context. Many photographs are included. There are eight other fall 2011 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Katy Perry, George Lopez, Sonia Sotomayor, Lady Gaga, and Hamid Karzai.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) YA People in the News series. Each title touches on the figure's childhood, adult life, achievements, and surrounding controversies. Though the writing tends to be overly laudatory (not so in Madoff), difficult issues are occasionally addressed ("Leonardo's Stalker," "Is Spike Lee a Racist?"). Sidebars cover more general topics, adding some context. Many photographs are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Leonardo DiCaprio, Spike Lee, and Bernie Madoff.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) YA Lucent Library of Black History series. Currie's survey begins with "The Oral Tradition and the First Black Writers: 1600–1800" then continues through the Civil War and Reconstruction, Harlem Renaissance, civil rights era, and up to contemporary times. Particular attention is given to historical, social, and political contexts and challenges faced by the writers. The text is dense but informative. Illustrations and photographs break up the pages. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) YA Diseases & Disorders series. One common foreword and short introductions specific to each topic precede chapters defining the title condition, diagnosis, treatment, and current research. The writing, though dull, is straightforward. References to celebrity sufferers (though not up-to-the-minute) are meant to engage readers. Largely generic stock photos are included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Diseases & Disorders titles: Osteoporosis, Exercise Addiction, and Tourette Syndrome

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA People in the News series. Each title touches on the public figure's early years, later life, and achievements. Though the writing tends to be overly laudatory, difficult issues are occasionally addressed, especially in the Karzai volume (e.g., corruption allegations against him, his increasing criticism of the West). Sidebars cover more general topics, adding some context. Many photographs are included. There are eight other fall 2011 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Katy Perry, George Lopez, Sonia Sotomayor, Lady Gaga, and Hamid Karzai.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) YA People in the News series. Each title touches on the public figure's early years, later life, and achievements. Though the writing tends to be overly laudatory, difficult issues are occasionally addressed, especially in the Karzai volume (e.g., corruption allegations against him, his increasing criticism of the West). Sidebars cover more general topics, adding some context. Many photographs are included. There are eight other fall 2011 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Katy Perry, George Lopez, Sonia Sotomayor, Lady Gaga, and Hamid Karzai.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) YA Technology 360 series. After brief histories behind their title technologies, these books provide thoughtful discussions of the appeal, markets, risks, and social implications of their subjects; for example, environmental effects of discarded iPods and security concerns with social networking sites. The books seem to be as up-to-date as possible for print. Photos, sidebars, and other visuals, as well as documented quotations, strengthen the presentations. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Technology 360 titles: Television, Global Positioning Systems, iPod and MP3 Players, and Web 2.0.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA World History series. In these series entries, archival photographs or artwork reproductions and maps combine with dense texts to present thorough histories of the influenza virus and bubonic plague, including their past and present impacts on society. Sidebars with primary-source tidbits, along with explanations of scientific discoveries and advancements, provide additional information. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these World History titles: Influenza Pandemics and The Black Death.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) YA People in the News series. Each title touches on the figure's childhood, adult life, achievements, and surrounding controversies. Though the writing tends to be overly laudatory (not so in Madoff), difficult issues are occasionally addressed ("Leonardo's Stalker," "Is Spike Lee a Racist?"). Sidebars cover more general topics, adding some context. Many photographs are included. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Leonardo DiCaprio, Spike Lee, and Bernie Madoff.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) YA Technology 360 series. After brief histories behind their title technologies, these books provide thoughtful discussions of the appeal, markets, risks, and social implications of their subjects; for example, environmental effects of discarded iPods and security concerns with social networking sites. The books seem to be as up-to-date as possible for print. Photos, sidebars, and other visuals, as well as documented quotations, strengthen the presentations. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Technology 360 titles: Television, Global Positioning Systems, iPod and MP3 Players, and Web 2.0.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA Nutrition and Health series. Plenty of valid research studies are cited in this series. Though information that a poor diet can lead to stroke and heart disease may not resonate with teen readers, current trends, such as energy drinks and celebrity endorsements of junk food products, are covered and may spark some interest. Stock photos, useful sidebars, and "Nutrition Fact" trivia support the main texts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Nutrition and Health titles: Diet and Disease, Junk Food Junkies, and Food Myths and Facts.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) YA Eye on Art series. Kallen examines Japanese manga in the context of mainstream art history. Manga's roots in Japanese culture, beginning in the early nineteenth century (when the term was coined) and up to modern manifestations in popular literature, are described in detail, with homage paid to significant artists' contributions. "Girl manga" characters and American versions are also touched on. Useful illustrations and photographs are included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) YA Diseases & Disorders series. One common foreword and a short volume-specific introduction lead to chapters defining each condition and explaining symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and current research. The writing is straightforward but not particularly engaging. Some photomicrographs and charts are included, but most of the pictures and illustrations are generic (or even anatomically incorrect). Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Diseases & Disorders titles: Autoimmune Disorders, Hepatitis, Alzheimer's Disease, Lyme Disease, and Asthma.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) YA Technology 360 series. After brief histories behind their title technologies, these books provide thoughtful discussions of the appeal, markets, risks, and social implications of their subjects; for example, environmental effects of discarded iPods and security concerns with social networking sites. The books seem to be as up-to-date as possible for print. Photos, sidebars, and other visuals, as well as documented quotations, strengthen the presentations. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Technology 360 titles: Television, Global Positioning Systems, iPod and MP3 Players, and Web 2.0.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA People in the News series. Each title touches on the public figure's early years, later life, and achievements. Though the writing tends to be overly laudatory, difficult issues are occasionally addressed, especially in the Karzai volume (e.g., corruption allegations against him, his increasing criticism of the West). Sidebars cover more general topics, adding some context. Many photographs are included. There are eight other fall 2011 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Katy Perry, George Lopez, Sonia Sotomayor, Lady Gaga, and Hamid Karzai.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) YA Hot Topics series. This volume provides a broad overview of its teen-relevant topic. The main text is supported by sidebars, many focusing on pop culture (Juno, Lady Gaga); pull-quotes add interest. Though a good number of stock photographs are included, readers will have trouble taking some of them seriously (e.g., a few of the pregnant girls look like they're from the '80s). Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz