(4) 4-6 Edge Books: The Science of the Summer Olympics series. Including physics, nutrition, and psychology, the science behind Olympic events is examined. The series organization feels unfocused: Popular skims through dissimilar sports (basketball to badminton to cycling), while gymnastics gets its own volume. Still, the sound science will intrigue kids who enjoyed the recent Games. Color photos (some oddly cropped) and diagrams aid in instruction. Reading list. Glos, ind. Review covers these Edge Books: Science of the Summer Olympics titles: The Science Behind Gymnastics and The Science Behind Soccer, Volleyball, Cycling, and Other Popular Sports.

Reviewer: Carrie Harasimowicz Sullivan

(4) 4-6 Searchlight Books: What Can We Do about Pollution? series. Though standard (and somewhat choppy) in describing the types of pollution or waste in each category and the problems they create, these texts may extend kids' outlooks and interest in the subjects. Illustrated with appropriate color photos and infographics, the books conclude with ways in which adults and kids can help, including writing to their representatives in government. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Searchlight Books: What Can We Do About Pollution titles: Transportation Pollution, Nuclear Pollution, Agricultural Pollution, Manufacturing Pollution, Household Waste, and Fossil Fuel Pollution.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) 4-6 Searchlight Books: What's Cool About Science? series. This slight overview of forensic science briefly introduces the field and its history, then profiles three current practices: the use of dogs to find dead bodies, insects to pinpoint time of death, and DNA identification. The coverage isn't the deepest, but it's interesting and well organized. Well-integrated photographs and sidebars provide additional details and illustrate some of the techniques described. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 STEM in the Real World series. This series entry surveys careers in forensics. Crime scene investigators, forensics specialists, and researchers in this discipline use techniques that include modern DNA profiling and future identification techniques; they also have a long history of performing autopsies, blood testing, and fingerprinting. First-person accounts, educational requirements, color photographs of scientists at work, and sidebar activities that emphasize nonfiction literacy are included. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA History of Science series. In this historical account of the scientific techniques used to solve crimes, Carmichael shows how innovations in genetics, medicine, chemistry, ballistics, and even computer science help investigators link evidence to perpetrators. Historical illustrations and photographs explain the concepts, and a final chapter on the future of the field introduces important considerations. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Great Achievements in Engineering series. These substantial books begin with a brief introduction and history, then validate the "Amazing Feats" label with remarkable projects including the International Space Station, a thought-controlled bionic leg, the Canadian Confederation Bridge, and the driverless car; challenges and problem-solving are emphasized. Illustrations include both color photos and diagrams. Career advice, facts, and a hands-on project are appended. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Great Achievements in Engineering titles: Amazing Feats of Biological Engineering, Amazing Feats of Civil Engineering, Amazing Feats of Aerospace Engineering, and Amazing Feats of Electrical Engineering.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) YA After his grandmother's death, Billy Grace, nicknamed Brother, discovers he's the secret twin of a powerful senator's spoiled, troubled son. Brother, along with the kid brother of his AWOL best friend, takes a road trip to confront the family. Strong secondary characters (when the best friend shows up, he's a kick; there's also a sassy love interest) buoy this sudsy yet compelling drama.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) YA Innovative Technologies series. These dense books describe energy sources and technologies that can serve to reduce or eliminate our use of fossil fuels. Each account includes a brief history of the field, the underlying science, technologies under development and the policies that regulate them, and the challenges faced in making these technologies economically and scientifically feasible. High-quality, well-chosen photographs accompany the texts. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Innovative Technologies titles: Hyrbid and Electric Vehicles, Methane Energy, Biomass Energy, and Hydrogen and Fuel Cells.

Reviewer: Devon Johnson

(3) YA Medical Marvels series. The rapidly advancing medical research we benefit from is often grounded in accidental findings, trial and error, and the ever-evolving understanding of the human body. In each hefty volume, eight chapters cover the history, science, methods, and people responsible for medical discoveries. Diagrams, charts, photos, micrographs, X-rays, and scans help clarify complex concepts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Medical Marvels titles: Anesthetics, Gene Therapy, Joint Replacements, and Antibiotics.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Bright, articulate, neglected Zoë goes to live with her uncle after her mother's death. Zoë's amusing and poignant middle-grade cynicism is appealing, as is a crisply realized North Carolina setting, but the crowding of too many elements--the solace of art, a feral cat, wild boy, rediscovered family--overwhelm the emotional potential of the story.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis

(4) 1-3 In his third story, Bear, a stuffed animal, wakes up alone one day and sets off to find his human friend Clara. Along the way he meets a lost stuffed rabbit and a stray cat. The three try to enjoy their independence but are delighted to be found and embraced by Clara. Though predictable and rather bland, this unassuming tale, illustrated with simple line drawings filled in with watercolor wash, is gently told.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth