11/01/2019
Gr 4–8—In a welcoming tone, the authors begin each title with a unique essay that both introduces the subject of the book and piques readers' interest to continue reading. Short chapters, sidebars with a mix of quotes from primary sources or supplementary secondary source content, a fast facts chronology, a glossary, and relevant color or black-and-white photographs make up each title. Critical-thinking questions, often paired with primary source excerpts, feature prominently. Graphs are presented in each book, but the data for those graphs is generally not listed. No bibliography exists in any title either, though the authors cite material included in sidebars and list photo credits for each title. A further reading section at the end of each book generally lists two young adult titles, often published by ABDO. VERDICT The lack of a bibliography is a misstep, but this series is strong in its content. A good addition for libraries serving teens.
