Families, Children, and Sexuality ............... 410

Adolescence ................................. 411

Occupations and Careers ...................... 411

Government, Economics, and Education ........ 411

Social Issues ................................. 412

Pollution and Conservation .................... 414

Customs and Holidays ........................ 416

FAMILIES, CHILDREN, AND SEXUALITY

AuId, Mary Welcoming a New Baby 24 pp. Sea to Sea le isbn 978-1-59771-232-3 $24.25

(4) K-3 My Family and Me series. Readers learn about "welcoming a new baby" after it spends nine months in "mom's tummy." The text touches on visiting Baby in the hospital and helping out at home; special welcoming ceremonies are also briefly described. Quotes from siblings are provided in sidebars, and photographs showing happy family members of dtfferent ethnicities are included (some don't exactly match the text), CHS

Espejo, Roman, Editor Transgender People 109 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-4896-3 $31.80

Ferguson, OUvia, Editor Teen Sex 105 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-5095-9 $31.80

Watkins, Christine, Editor Do Children Have Rights? 129 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-4876-5 $31.80

(5) YA At Issue series. Each volume presents articles from a variety of sources including journals and magazines, agenda-driven websites and blogs, news programs and House Subcommittee transcripts. Very Utile background or context is provided, lessening usefulness; debate teams studying spin-filled arguments may find individual pieces instructive. The densely packed text pages are off-putting. Bib., ind. ERG

Guillain, Charlotte My First Day at a New School 24 pp. Heinemann le isbn 978-1-4329-4796-5 $22.00

Guillain, Charlotte My First Sleepover 24 pp. Heinemann le isbn 978-1-4329-4802-3 $22.00

(4) K-3 Growing Up series. These leveled volumes address children's insecurities when encountering new life experiences. The books gloss over steps in the process, touching on what to expect at a sleepover or during the first day at school. There's some talking down to readers, though the advice is sound (e.g., find out "where the bathrooms are"). Stock photos of varying usefulness decorate the pages. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. ACB

Hoffman, Mary The Great Big Book of Families 40 pp. Dial isbn 978-0-8037-3516-3 $16.99

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ros Asquith. While not actually "big" in physical dimension, this overview is vast with purpose: to recognize and validate a range of family configurations. Each two-page spread ("Homes," "Jobs," etc.) features simple, generally upbeat (though occasionally sobering -"Some small families live in big houses. . . And some people can't find anywhere to live") text. No matter the mood, Asquith's illustrations give every vignette a light touch, NB

Rissman, Rebecca Foster Parents 24 pp. Heinemann le isbn 978-1-432-94657-9 $21.50

Rissman, Rebecca Grandparents 24 pp. Heinemann le isbn 978-1-4329-4658-6 $21.50

(5) K-3 Families series. Before delving into their title subjects, each book spends nearly half of its pages attempting to explain, in very broad (and sometimes imprecise) terms, what constitutes a family: "People in a family are different ages." Attractive stock photos are often awkwardly matched with the very brief texts, especially in Foster Parents. Glos., ind. BB

Smith, David J. This Child, Every Child: A Book About the World's Children 32 pp. Kids Can isbn 978-1-55453-466-1 $18.95

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong. This volume is packed with stories about children around the world in addition to thought-provoking child welfare statistics. The lack of maps is a drawback, especially since the acrylic-illustration spreads move from country to country without clear delineation. Useful teaching features include a kid-friendly version of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and lots of learning activities. Websites. Bib. MG

ADOLESCENCE

Berkley, Elizabeth Ask Elizabeth 240 pp. Putnam isbn 978-0-399-25448-2 $19.99 pe isbn 978-0-399-25449-9 $16.99

(3) YA This "group diary" and "life handbook for teenage girls" offers advice from experts and from actress Berkley herself on issues key to a girl's emotional life: self-esteem, body image, love, loss, friendship, and family. Berkley makes for a dependable confidante, and the book covers the topics adequately and creatively. Even the scrapbooklike design is alluring (if a bit difficult to read), KEH

Edge, Laura B. From Jazz Babies to Generation Next: The History of the American Teenager 112 pp. Twenty-First Century le isbn 978-0-7613-5868-8 $33.26

(3) YA People's History series. This informative and entertaining volume recounts the history of American teenagerdom. Originally considered to be "young vagabonds," American teens defined the culture of their times, from the 1920s Jazz Age to the Digital Age of the 1980s and 1990s. The text celebrates the vulnerability and passions of America's youth and its ability to implement change. Wellchosen photographs enhance the presentation. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. APF

OCCUPATIONS AND CAREERS

Buckley, A. M. The Arts 112 pp. ABDO le isbn 978-1-61714-797-5 $34.22

Freese, Susan M. Fashion 112 pp. ABDO le isbn 978-1-61714-800-2 $34.22

Hamen, Susan E. Engineering 112 pp. ABDO le isbn 978-1-61714-798-2 $34.22

Lusted, Marcia Amidon Entertainment 112 pp. ABDO le isbn 978-1-61714-799-9 $34.22

(4) YA Inside the Industry series. Each book describes four careers; for example, Arts covers artist, dancer, photographer, and curator. Readers learn what each job entails (e.g., "What Is an Artist?") and what they can do to prepare for these competitive professions ("Would You Make a Good Artist?"). The bland texts, accompanied by young-personheavy stock photos, could be useful as very general introductions to the title careers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. RLS

GOVERNMENT, ECONOMICS, AND EDUCATION

Brezina, Corona America's Recession: The Effects of Economic Downturn 64 pp. Rosen le isbn 978-1-4488-1296-7 $29.25

(3) YA Headlines! series. This useful hi-lo volume addresses the timely topic of America's economic recession. Beginning with the housing boom that peaked in 2006, Brezina discusses predatory lending and other causes, then government efforts to combat recession. She also addresses topics such as foreclosure and unemployment, concluding with possible patterns of recovery. Good organization, clear writing, captioned photos, and sidebars deliver the information cleanly. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. FFB

Engdahl, Sylvia, Editor Taxation 179 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-4492-7 $39.70

Engdahl, Sylvia, Editor Welfare 199 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-5110-9 $39.70

(4) YA Issues on Trial series. Case overviews and short introductions precede primary and secondary source documents (court decisions and dissenting opinions, journal articles, etc.) about the title subjects. The volumes are potentially useful for student researchers, but those unfamiliar with legal jargon might have trouble with comprehension. Organizations to contact are appended. Reading list. Ind. ERG

Fischer, James Banking Basics 64 pp. Mason Crest le isbn 978-1-4222-1761-0 $22.95

Simons, Rae All About Money: The History, Culture, and Meaning of Modern Finance 64 pp. Mason Crest le isbn 978-1-4222-1760-3 $22.95

Thompson, Helen Cost of Living 64 pp. Mason Crest le isbn 978-1-4222-1762-7 $22.95

Thompson, Helen Investing Money 64 pp. Mason Crest le isbn 978-1-4222-1766-5 $22.95

Thompson, Helen Understanding the Stock Market 64 pp. Mason Crest le isbn 978-1-4222-1773-3 $22.95

(4) YA Junior Library of Money series. PubUshed faU 2010. Offering a clear, accurate introduction to the basics of finance, these books cover topics from check-writing to buU and bear markets. The texts are conversational without being condescending. Practical examples, such as hidden costs of renting an apartment, enhance accessibiUty. Numerous Ulustrations and diagrams enUven the text but contribute to cluttered pages, and there are occasional typos. Readmg Ust, websites. Glos., ind. FFB

Kenney, Karen Latchana The Bald Eagle 32 pp. ABDO/Magic Wagon le isbn 978-1-61641-149-7 $28.50

Kenney, Karen Latchana Ellis Island 32 pp. ABDO/Magic Wagon le isbn 978-1-61641-150-3 $28.50

Kenney, Karen Latchana The Lincoln Memorial 32 pp. ABDO/Magic Wagon le isbn 978-1-61641-151-0 $28.50

Kenney, Karen Latchana Memorial Day 32 pp. ABDO/Magic Wagon le isbn 978-1-61641-152-7 $28.50

(4) K-3 IUustrated by Judith A. Hunt. Looking Glass Library: Our Nation's Pride series. This series focuses on symbols, hoUdays, and buUdmgs that have come to represent America's past and ideals. The texts provide broad overviews of the title subjects, from early influences on U.S. history to continued significance today. Though the writing can be choppy, the volumes serve as decent introductions. Impressionistic Ulustrations (some muddy) help bring the subjects to IUe. Glos., ind. RSS

Langwith, Jacqueline The Role of the Government 178 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-4860-4 $37.10

(3) YA Confronting Global Warming series. PubUshed fall 2010. This volume provides thorough and balanced coverage of international and U.S. laws, poUcies, and treaties focused on managing energy use and climate change. Chapters examine the regulation of various industries involved in carbon dioxide production - including energy, automotive, agriculture, and construction - as well as incentives for individual citizens to make changes. Color photographs and diagrams illustrate major concepts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. DJR

Magoon, Kekla Today the World Is Watching You: The Little Rock Nine and the Fight for School Integration, 1957 160 pp. Twenty-First Century le isbn 978-0-7613-5767-4 $38.60

(3) YA Civil Rights Struggles Around the World series. Magoon chronicles events related to the integration of Little Rock's Central High School in 1957. The bold courage displayed by the nine students and theU parents in the face of extreme hostiUty is concisely told. Many poignant news photographs enhance the information-rich text. A concluding "Lessons of Little Rock" chapter updates the story. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. LBC

Marcovitz, Hal Energy Security 112 pp. ABDO le isbn 978-1-61714-771-5 $34.22

Marcovitz, Hal Fair Trade 112 pp. ABDO le isbn 978-1-61714-722-2 $34.22

(4) YA Essential Issues series. Trade discusses the issues related to commodities grown and sold on world markets; safe working conditions and Uving wages are also touched on. Energy presents dUferent types of energy sources and suggests ways of dealing with shortages and potential sabotage. The readable texts are crowded by (informative) sidebars and photographs. Reading Ust, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. LBC

Ollhoff, Jim The Civil Rights Movement 32 pp. ABDO le isbn 978-1-61714-709-8 $27.07

Ollhoff, Jim Courage and Growth 32 pp. ABDO le isbn 978-1-61714-711-1 $27.07

(4) 4-6 African American History series. Ollhoff profiles individuals and events pivotal to African American history from the 1950s to today. Each topic has its own page and reads like its own article, with little continuity between subjects. Large historical photographs, mostly black and white, accompany the texts, which deal frankly with serious issues including violence, poUtics, and racism. Glos., ind. MJS

SOCIAL ISSUES

Allman, Toney Cliques 112 pp. Lucent le isbn 978-1-4205-0308-1 $33.45 Published fall 2010.

MacKay, Jenny Gangs 112 pp. Lucent le isbn 978-1-4205-0343-2 $33.45

Robson, David Racism 112 pp. Lucent le isbn 978-1-4205-0228-2 $33.45 Published fall 2010.

(4) YA Hot Topics series. These volumes provide broad overviews of their teen-relevant topics. The main texts are supported by sidebars and pull-quotes. Though a good number of stock photographs are included, readers will have trouble taking some of them seriously (e.g., a "gang" of suburban-looking teens hanging at an outdoor mail). Reading list, websites. Ind. ERG

Berlatsky, Noah, Editor Popular Culture 220 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-5118-5 $38.45

Willis, Laurie, Editor The Culture of Beauty 214 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-4929-8 $38.45

(5) YA Global Viewpoints series. Published fall 2010. Previously published pieces from newspapers, magazines, websites, and other sources of varying repute examine questions related to beauty and pop culture around the world. Attempting to summarize entire cultures' viewpoints through articles with inflammatory headings ("Western Pornography and Culture Encourage Genital Plastic Surgery Among Women," "Black Women Use Hairstyles to Define Themselves") leads to generalizations. Websites. Bib., ind. ERG

Espejo, Roman, Editor Celebrity Culture 191 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-5213-7 $39.70

Haugen, David, and Susan Musser, Editors Popular Culture 188 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-4980-9 $39.70

(5) YA Opposing Viewpoints series. Published fall 2010. Teens sucked into reality TV and celebrity antics may find these volumes of compiled essays, articles, etc., useful. Since only some of the writings are from reputable sources, it's hard to determine the veracity of claims (some hysterical) about social implications. Questions of varying degrees of superficiality are included. Bib., ind. ERG

Farrell, Courtney Human Trafficking 111 pp. ABDO le isbn 978-1-61714-773-9 $34.22

Harris, Ashley Rae Arms Trade 111 pp. ABDO le isbn 978-1-61714-770-8 $34.22

(4) YA Essential Issues series. Trafficking deals with the exploitation of individuals (usually from poor, underdeveloped countries) as forced workers or sex slaves. Arms discusses the proliferation of illegal guns and explosives and how they threaten the safety and stability of numerous regions. Informative sidebars and photographs crowd the readable texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. LBC

Friedman, Lauri S., Editor Bullying 120 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-5024-9 $31.80

(4) YA Writing the Critical Essay series. Friedman compiles previously published articles arguing different viewpoints about the title topic; subjects include cyberbullying and criminalization of bullying. Three content questions precede each piece, and two surface-level analysis questions follow. The book then provides model essays for students, with sidebar comments (some helpful), explaining the writing process. Staged stock photographs and charts of varying usefulness illustrate the text. Websites. Bib., ind. ERG

Friedman, Lauri S., Editor Cyberbullying 114 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-5117-8 $35.75

Friedman, Lauri S., Editor The Death Penalty 143 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-4938-0 $35.75

Friedman, Lauri S., Editor Terrorism 164 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-4944-1 $35.75

(5) YA Introducing Issues with Opposing Viewpoints series. These volumes present previously published articles and essays that take opposing viewpoints on issues surrounding cyberbullying, the death penalty, or terrorism. Though the many photographs, sidebars, and charts make the books visually approachable, the lack of information about primary sources makes for texts that are more inflammatory (e.g., "Execution by Lethal Injection Is Too Humane") than useful. Terrorism includes a glossary. Reading list, websites. Ind. ERG

Gerber, Larry Torture 64 pp. Rosen le isbn 978-1-4488-1291-2 $29.25

Jones, Molly Health Care for Everyone 64 pp. Rosen le isbn 978-1-4488-1290-5 $29.25

(3) YA Headlines! series. These useful hi-lo volumes address timely topics in the news. Health Care begins with President Obama's 2010 legislation then discusses problems within the industry. Torture looks at the history and modern practice of torture, ending with discussion of Abu Ghraib and Guantánamo. Good organization, clear writing, captioned photos, and sidebars deliver the information cleanly. The bibliographies (including many websites) are up-todate. Reading list. Glos., ind. EFB

Guillain, Charlotte Coping with Bullying 48 pp. Heinemann le isbn 978-1-4329-4761-3 $32.00

Miles, Liz Coping with Domestic Violence 48 pp. Heinemann le isbn 978-1-4329-4762-0 $32.00

(4) 4-6 Real Life Issues series. Each volume helps readers identify and combat various types of bullying (e.g., cyber, verbal, physical) or abuse (verbal, emotional, physical, sexual). The writing is generally straightforward, though it occasionally talks down to the audience. Personal anecdotes offer immediacy and some practical advice for both victims and onlookers. Stock photos of varying degrees of usefulness illustrate the information. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. SH

Krueger, Lisa, Editor Teen Pregnancy and Parenting 183 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-4923-6 $39.70

Merino, Noël, Editor Health Care 183 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-5099-7 $39.70

(5) YA Current Controversies series. In attempting to show opposing sides of arguments, these books lump together newspaper, magazine, and website articles from supposed experts, some of whom have credentials, some whose authority is more dubious (the distinction is not necessarily evident). The volumes are more a lesson in spin and propaganda than they are useful for research. Websites. Bib., ind. ERG

MacKay, Jenny Cryptology 104 pp. Lucent le isbn 978-1-4205-0140-7 $33.45

Stewart, Gail B. Cold Cases 104 pp. Lucent le isbn 978-1-4205-0323-4 $33.45

(4) YA Crime Scene Investigations series. Published fall 2010. Emphasizing the collaborative efforts between law enforcement professionals and forensic scientists and artists, this series describes the skills, resources, technologies, and determination needed to solve crimes. Sidebars, archival documents, and photographs bolster the informative, if densely worded, studies of people who analyze written communications (Cryptology) and those who revisit unsolved crimes (Cold Cases). Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. TLD

Marcovitz, Hal Should the Drinking Age Be Lowered? 96 pp. ReferencePoint le isbn 978-1-60152-144-6 $26.95

(4) YA In Controversy series. This topical issue is framed as a debate, with chapter headings posed as provocative questions to drive reader interest. The book provides superficial coverage of various concepts interspersed with popular opinions and anecdotes. The text is complemented by photos, sidebars, and a fact summary following each chapter. Reading list, websites. Ind. DJF

Mototsune, Kat Cliques: Deal with It Using What You Have Inside 32 pp. Lorimer isbn 978-1-55277-545-5 $24.95 pe isbn 978-1-55277-544-8 $12.95

(5) YA Illustrated by Ben Shannon. Deal with It series. This volume touches on differences between cliques and groups and explores the negative effects exclusion can have on both members and non-members. The book falls short in delivering its message mostly due to drawn-out, contrived scenarios; there's no way teens illustrates buy into it. Quizzes and do's and don'ts attempt to draw in readers. Digital-looking cartoons reflect the book's be-yourself attitude. Reading list, websites, APF

* Smith, David J. If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World's People 32 pp. Kids Can isbn 978-1-55453-595-8 $18.95

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong. New ed. (2002). This updated second edition asks readers to imagine "the whole population of the world as a village of just 100 people," with each person representing sixty-nine million people (it was sixty-two million in the previous edition). Smith covers topics such as nationalities, languages, food, etc. Accurately detailed acrylic art illustrates the thoughtprovoking book. Review 5/02. JMB

Swift, Richard Gangs 144 pp. Groundwood isbn 978-0-88899-979-5 $18.95 pe isbn 978-0-88899-978-8 $10.00

(4) YA Groundwork Guides series. Swift describes the current state of youth gangs around the world and examines the conditions that give rise to and help sustain them. He also offers recommendations for reducing the appeal of gangs, such as decriminalizing drugs, avoiding zero-tolerance policies, and pursuing more equitable economic conditions. Although the book is well researched, the information is often disorganized. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. RR

Watkins, Heidi, Editor Juvenile Crime 129 pp. Greenhaven le isbn 978-0-7377-4955-7 $35.75

(5) YA Issues That Concern You series. Published fall 2010. This volume attempts to delve into the problem of juvenile delinquency by offering different perspectives on the issue. The text presents excerpts from previously published periodicals of varying repute. They're all supported by facts and figures that supposedly prove the author's argument, making it difficult to judge even the most basic claim (e.g., is violence involving girls increasing or decreasing?). Websites. Bib., ind. ERG

POLLUTION AND CONSERVATION

Allgor, Marie Endangered Animals of Africa 24 pp. Rosen/PowerKids le isbn 978-1-4488-2528-8 $21.25

Allgor, Marie Endangered Animals of Antarctica and the Arctic 24 pp. Rosen/PowerKids le isbn 978-1-4488-2534-9 $21.25

Allgor, Marie Endangered Animals of Asia 24 pp. Rosen/PowerKids le isbn 978-1-4488-2529-5 $21.25

Allgor, Marie Endangered Animals of Australia 24 pp. Rosen/PowerKids le isbn 978-1-4488-2530-1 $21.25

Allgor, Marie Endangered Animals of Europe 24 pp. Rosen/PowerKids le isbn 978-1-4488-2531-8 $21.25

Allgor, Marie Endangered Animals of North America 24 pp. Rosen/PowerKids le isbn 978-1-4488-2532-5 $21.25

Allgor, Marie Endangered Animals of South America 24 pp. Rosen/PowerKids le isbn 978-1-4488-2533-2 $21.25

(4) K-3 Save Earth's Animals! series. After providing brief introductions to the title continents, the books introduce readers to endangered animals from those areas. The language, while accessible, can be vague or incomplete. In addition to the vivid photos, each title's "Endangered Animals" spread is the most useful, featuring capsule descriptions of the animals and a continent map detailing where the creatures can be found today. Glos., ind. RLH

Bodden, Valerie Environmental Law 48 pp. Creative Education le isbn 978-1-58341-981-6 $34.25

Gunderson, Jessica The Energy Dilemma 48 pp. Creative Education le isbn 978-1-58341-980-9 $34.25

Gunderson, Jessica Global Warming 48 pp. Creative Education le isbn 978-1-58341-982-3 $34.25

(3) 4-6 Earth Issues series. Published fall 2010. Each book covers an aspect of environmental science or policy in light of human impact on climate change and energy use (with some overlap of content across volumes). Thorough coverage of background scientific and legal concepts is provided to place current events into context. Crisp color photographs illustrate the sources and uses of energy, as well as their effects on the natural world. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. DJF

Coleman, Miriam Earth-Friendly Living 32 pp. Rosen/PowerKids le isbn 978-1-4488-2592-9 $23.95

Gosman, Gillian Earth-Friendly Shopping 32 pp. Rosen/PowerKids le isbn 978-1-4488-2591-2 $23.95

(4) 4-6 How to Be Earth Friendly series. These books overlap in information, emphasizing carrying reusable water bottles and shopping bags and buying greener cleaning supplies. Shopping also discusses energy-efficient appliances and toys while Living includes facts about composting and recycling. The information that's there is useful but it's also incomplete. Pertinent, well-captioned images appear alongside less relevant stock photos. "It's a Fact!" sidebars are included. Glos., ind. SJW

Currie, Stephen Hydropower 96 pp. ReferencePoint le isbn 978-1-60152-122-4 $26.95

Mooney, Carla Oil Spills and Offshore Drilling 96 pp. ReferencePoint le isbn 978-1-60152-141-5 $26.95

(5) YA Compact Research series. These volumes provide overviews of various issues related to energy and the environment from multiple points of view. Though the information is fairly timely (Drilling touches on 2010's BP disaster), it can be difficult to follow, with pull-quotes, graphs, and charts crowding the texts. Primary source quotes lack context, making it difficult to judge their validity. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. ERG

Drummond, Allan Energy Island: How One Community Harnessed the Wind and Changed Their World 40 pp. Farrar/Foster isbn 978-0-374-32184-0 $16.99

(3) K-3 On Samso, an island "in the middle of Denmark. . . in the middle of the sea," the inhabitants decided to "harness the wind" and become as energy-independent as possible. Drummond's vignette illustrations perfectly capture the community spirit as the Danes realize their dream. Helpful sidebar information expands the science introduced in the descriptive first-person narrative, BC

Einspruch, Andrew Leaving a Light Footprint 32 pp. Smart Apple le isbn 978-1-59920-556-4 $28.50

Einspruch, Andrew Reducing Waste 32 pp. Smart Apple le isbn 978-1-59920-553-3 $28.50

Einspruch, Andrew Smart Shopping 32 pp. Smart Apple le isbn 978-1-59920-554-0 $28.50

Einspruch, Andrew Using Energy at Home and School 32 pp. Smart Apple le isbn 978-1-59920-555-7 $28.50

Einspruch, Andrew Using Energy to Get Around 32 pp. Smart Apple le isbn 978-1-59920-557-1 $28.50

Einspruch, Andrew Using Water 32 pp. Smart Apple le isbn 978-1-59920-558-8 $28.50

(4) K-3 Living Sustainably series. Einspruch focuses on the importance of using Earth's resources wisely. Each title suggests actions, such as buying organic goods (Shopping) and cultivating worm farms (Waste), that readers could employ to contribute to a more sustainable world. The texts are superficial, but the tips are sound. Stock photographs and some diagrams accompany the texts. Occasional repetition occurs across volumes. Glos., ind. LB

Gallagher, Brendan, and Debbie Gallagher Protecting Earth's History 32 pp. Smart Apple le isbn 978-1-59920-578-6 $28.50

Gallagher, Brendan, and Debbie Gallagher Protecting Ecosystems 32 pp. Smart Apple le isbn 978-1-59920-579-3 $28.50

Gallagher, Brendan, and Debbie Gallagher Protecting Threatened Animals 32 pp. Smart Apple le isbn 978-1-59920-582-3 $28.50

(4) 4-6 World Heritage series. This series discusses UNESCO World Heritage sites and the animals and wildlife that call them home. Each double-page spread gives a very brief overview of the site, with an emphasis on protecting species, preventing extinction, and preserving plant and animal life. Vibrant photographs as well as "Fact File" and "Did You Know?" text boxes enhance the presentation. There are some typos in the texts. Timeline. Glos., ind. KC

* Jenkins, Martin Can We Save the Tiger? 56 pp. Candlewick isbn 978-0-7636-4909-8 $16.99

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Vicky White. This volume provides a gracefully organized overview of how some of our endangered fellow creatures are doing. Jenkins's narrative voice is engagingly informal and lucid. White's pencil and oil paint illustrations fill the large pages; the pictures are mostly in sober black and white with occasional blushes of color. A stunningly beautiful book as well as an eloquent appeal and consciousness raiser. Websites. Ind. Review 5/11. JRL

Landau, Elaine Oil Spill!: Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico 32 pp. Millbrook le isbn 978-0-7613-7485-5 $25.26

(3) 4-6 Landau provides a blow-by-blow report of the 2010 envUonmental crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, from the initial explosion on the BP Deepwater Horizon Rig, through the multiple attempts to stop the flow, to the subsequent cleanup and suggestions for preventing future spills. Color photographs and technical diagrams show the effects of the spill and the fix and cleanup efforts. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. DJR

Marcovitz, Hal How Serious a Threat Is Climate Change? 96 pp. ReferencePoint le isbn 978-1-60152-142-2 $26.95

Marcovitz, Hal Is Offshore Oil Drilling Worth the Risks? 96 pp. ReferencePoint le isbn 978-1-60152-143-9 $26.95

(4) YA In Controversy series. Topical issues are framed as debates, with chapter headings posed as provocative questions to drive reader interest. The books provide superficial coverage of various scientific and legal concepts interspersed with popular opinions and anecdotes; Climate Change in particular overstates the opposition to maintain its consider-all-sides format. The texts are complemented by photos, sidebars, and a fact summary following each chapter. Reading list, websites. Ind. DJF

Morgan, Sally Animal Rescue 32 pp. Cherrytree le isbn 978-1-8423-4606-8 $28.50

Morgan, Sally Pollution 32 pp. Cherrytree le isbn 978-1-8423-4607-5 $28.50

Morgan, Sally Waste and Recycling 32 pp. Cherrytree le isbn 978-1-8423-4608-2 $28.50

Morgan, Sally Weather 32 pp. Cherrytree le isbn 978-1-8423-4609-9 $28.50

(4) 4-6 Helping Our Planet series. Brief paragraphs give basic explanations of some envUonmental issues: pollution, climate change, refuse disposal, and endangered wildlife. Also included are various sidebars ("You Choose," "What Can Be Done?") that ask oversimplified opinion questions or offer vague answers. Photos showing the problems (overfull garbage dumps) and some solutions (recycled-material handbags) fill much of the space. Websites. Glos., ind. SF

Peck, Jan, and David Davis The Green Mother Goose: Saving the World One Rhyme at a Time 34 pp. Sterling isbn 978-1-4027-6525-4 $14.95

(4) PS Illustrated by Carin Berger. "Old King Coal," "Little Boy Green" - thirty nursery rhymes have been rewritten with an environmentalist message. The more successful rhymes are humorous; others, some of which invoke a doomsday scenario ("Hickory, dickory, dock, / Our world is on the clock"), make one want to cry out Enough already! Naturally, the vibrant art was created with newsprint, ticket stubs, and other recyclables, NB

CUSTOMS AND HOLIDAYS

Auld, Mary Celebrating a Birthday 24 pp. Sea to Sea le isbn 978-1-59771-229-3 $24.25

Auld, Mary Going on Vacation 24 pp. Sea to Sea le isbn 978-1-59771-230-9 $24.25

Auld, Mary Sharing a Meal 24 pp. Sea to Sea le isbn 978-1-59771-231-6 $24.25

(4) K-3 My Family and Me series. Vacation highlights destinations such as cities and the country (though "Of course, the best vacations are on a beach"). Birthday touches on giving presents, making cards, and blowing out candles. Meal discusses different customs surrounding food. Quotes from children are provided in text boxes, and photographs showing happy family members of different ethnicities are included (some don't exactly match the text), CHS

Rohr, Ian Children's Celebrations 32 pp. Smart Apple le isbn 978-1-59920-535-9 $28.50

Rohr, Ian City and Rural Celebrations 32 pp. Smart Apple le isbn 978-1-59920-536-6 $28.50

Rohr, Ian Indigenous Celebrations 32 pp. Smart Apple le isbn 978-1-59920-537-3 $28.50

Rohr, Ian National and World Celebrations 32 pp. Smart Apple le isbn 978-1-59920-538-0 $28.50

Rohr, Ian Traditional Celebrations 32 pp. Smart Apple le isbn 978-1-59920-540-3 $28.50

(5) K-3 Celebrations series. After a superfluous common introduction, each volume provides scant information (usually a few sentences) about the highlighted celebrations. Some of the descriptions are vague ("Over time, the date of New Year's Eve has changed") or incomplete. Most of the vivid photographs are appropriate; a picture of an injured man in the Running of the Bulls section seems out of place. Glos., ind. MLB