(4) 4-6 Understanding Global Issues series. The problems of car-based transportation, along with public-transportation and city-planning solutions, are discussed in this thorough overview of an under-explored topic. Sidebars, minibiographies, graphs, charts, and color photos break up the text, although the design remains rather dreary. Back matter includes a timeline, "concept web," quiz, and websites. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Understanding Global Issues series. Chapters on hydropower, wind farms, and solar/photovoltaic arrays discuss various types of renewable energy, although purists may argue with the book's preference for large-scale government projects over microprojects. Sidebars, career profiles, "key concepts," charts, and color photos add to the presentation (despite the somewhat dreary design). Back matter includes a timeline, "concept web," quiz, and websites. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) YA Understanding Global Issues series. For many readers, this in-depth and sobering environmentalist tract will be a wake-up call to the harrowing consequences of the destruction of the world's forests. Numerous charts, graphs, and sidebars further the cause; softening the harsh realities are profiles of relevant careers in the field and bright color photos of the splendor that is at stake. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) YA Understanding Global Issues series. This straightforward, absorbing book examines everything from infectious and chronic diseases to the effect of environmental degradation on global health. It's not for the rose-colored-glasses crowd--sidebars include "A Mouthful of Microbes" and "Sorry, There Is No Cure"--but even they can't escape the dazzling color photos, often of harmful agents under a microscope. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram