(3) 4-6 The answers to why bee populations have dwindled are complicated, and Hirsch explains the processes scientists are using to identify causes of bee population decline. She also shares enough broader ecology to show why we should make it our beeswax to care about bees, with frequent sidebars, diagrams, and photos of bees and their habitats to sweeten the deal.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2020

(3) YA This in-depth and refreshingly inclusive text looks at the history and current state of women in the military. Illuminating first-person accounts and biographical profiles are interspersed with descriptions of the various hurdles and discrimination women soldiers have faced (e.g., not being allowed to serve in combat until 2016). Full-color photos are featured throughout, along with sidebars on related facts. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) YA Keyser provides a broad but thorough introduction to the origins and implications of rape culture in America. She approaches this complex, controversial topic with authority and approachable language, using both academic and popular sources to build a case for dismantling systemic misogyny and violence. A first-rate resource for young researchers, activists, and news consumers alike. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(3) YA Koch's eye-opening text, well-illustrated with color photos and diagrams, unveils the semi-invisible communication happening among trees. Chapters center on individual scientists' discoveries, providing readers with a glimpse into their innovative research. Koch emphasizes that trees are living beings essential to human and nonhuman well-being and concludes with a convincing call for sustainable forest management. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Erica Wetter

(3) YA A sweeping geographic and historical overview of twentieth-century refugee crises, ranging from refugees of war to those displaced by climate change. Broad historical summaries are balanced with one-page stories from individual refugees, some of whom are well-known. Full-color photos, text boxes on related issues, and extensive back matter make this an enriching and comprehensive resource. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Julie Hakim Azzam

(4) YA Miller explores the rise in hate groups and related crimes in the United States. Supported by well-captioned photos, graphs, and sidebars, the straightforward text provides the legal definition of a hate group, discusses the evolution of hate groups, and touches on historical context. Though an adequate overview, the analysis is oversimplified, giving the impression that the rise in extremism is only a phenomenon since the 2016 election. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Monique Harris

(4) YA The complicated topic receives earnest if superficial treatment in this slim, densely-printed volume. Miller traces a continuum, from medieval blood libels to "Pizzagate," and attempts to differentiate between real fake news and those who decry unfavorable press using the epithet. In his attempts to be timely, Miller refers to the Mueller Report, but the text is, of course, already dated. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) YA Zimmer explains how chemical pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides, as well as fossil and nuclear fuels, affect human and environmental health. Case studies include prominent events like Chernobyl and the Flint water crisis. Each chapter ends with a "What You Can Do" section encouraging readers to learn more and take action. Photographs and scientific diagrams are found throughout. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Photographs by Jennifer S. Larson. Photographs by Jennifer S. Larson. Reuse and re-purpose everything from socks to sweaters to tin cans and produce hats, gloves, home décor, and more. Each of thirty appealing projects is rated for difficulty; the entries include inspiration for the crafts, required equipment and materials, and step-by-step instructions. Full-color photos show the processes as well as the finished products, some modeled by young people. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) YA A thorough, clear introduction to the concepts of fandom and fanworks, aimed primarily at those new to the subculture. DiPiazza uses plenty of examples from--and quotes from members of--a variety of fandoms, and she doesn't shy away from discussing controversies such as the misogynistic harassment of Gamergate. Black-and-green graphics and relevant photos break up the text. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) YA Fallon provides thorough discussion of the invention of early automobiles, the development of modern cars, government and industrial efforts to design autonomous vehicles, and the safety and cultural impacts of these new technologies. The engaging main text is supplemented with historical and modern photographs and relevant sidebars. A final chapter references popular fiction and films to imagine our self-driving future. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA This informative volume covers the history, development, and ongoing propagation of economic inequality in the United States. Using accessible language and easily relatable examples, Frazer covers topics such as the housing bubble and economic depression of the 2000s, the inequality of opportunity, and the cycle of poverty, as well as the connection between wealth and political power. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) YA In recent years, Ebola, Zika, SARS, and other viruses have increasingly threatened humans. Eight chapters outline factors contributing to the increase, including global travel, rapidly growing populations, loss of animal habitat bringing humans into closer contact with animals, and climate change. Goldsmith also discusses scientists' efforts to prevent disaster. Plenty of photos and diagrams help break up the straightforward text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) YA The five chapters of Haelle's in-depth look at vaccines cover how they work, their evolution, the science behind creating them, controversies surrounding them, and a glimpse into their future. She emphasizes the efficacy and importance of immunization and refutes anti-vaccination arguments by exploring recent outbreaks that proper immunization could control. Small photos and hard-to-read sidebars are included. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) YA Approximately one million people are bitten by venomous snakes each year; a tenth of them die, especially in places where there is limited medical care. Hofer considers numerous dimensions of this issue, including snake biology, research, production of antivenom, the evolution of human aversion to snakes, and snakebite treatment around the world. There are almost too many topics tackled, but most are covered in depth. Diagrams and high-quality photographs are plentiful. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Sharks that live to be over four hundred years old? Ten-thousand-year-old plants? Jellyfish that may be immortal? As scientists study these long-living organisms, particularly their DNA, they can learn more about human aging. Plenty of sidebars and photos, as well as the engagingly written text on an interesting topic, make this a good nonfiction choice for reluctant readers. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(3) YA This thoughtful, well-rounded account examines the history of marriage, from the earliest examples to modern-day trends. Keyser considers all angles, describing the business and political arrangements that inspired many early marriages and the powerlessness of the women involved. Other topics covered include interracial, interreligious, and same-sex marriage; engagement and wedding traditions; forced marriages; and the prevalence of divorce. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) YA From ancient cleanliness customs to corsets to Victoria's Secret, this well-documented survey takes a feminist look at the whys and hows of ladies' lingerie. The historical narrative investigates the development of corsets, bras, and other undergarments from the point of view of cultural phenomena and evolving attitudes toward the female figure, including current ideas about gender. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) YA Ten chapters urge readers to expand their food choices to help ameliorate the interrelated issues of climate change and global hunger. Suggestions--most already enjoyed by humans in many parts of the world--include protein-rich, sustainably raised insects (crickets, grubs); local wild plants and "weeds" (dandelions, kudzu); and invasive animal species (periwinkles, nutria). Full-color photos, recipes, nutritional charts, and "grow your own grubs" instructions are included. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 In profiles of two dozen species, Rosen emphasizes the importance of adaptation in terms of evolution and species survival. Clear prose explains the behaviors of each animal and the functions of its more unusual characteristics, including elaborate ears, noses, and jaws; sidebars provide additional facts and explanations. Multiple photographs of each species emphasize their features. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford