Whether the issue is animal rights, global warming, or student representation in government, this lively hands-on title in the Take Action series combines personal profiles of activist teens with the politics of what they are fighting for, and includes realistic advice about how to do research, set goals, ask questions, and take one step at a time to reach those in power. The open, attractive design will draw readers with color photos of young activists, past and contemporary, on every double-page spread; spotlight screens with practical tips; and facts about what young people have fought for in the past and are working for right now. There is Ben Smilowitz, who got Connecticut to put two students on the state board of education. Katrina Sherwood organized to prevent a mega-mall in her neighborhood. Though vocabulary words in bold red type interrupt the text unnecessarily, many readers will take advantage of the excellent back matter that includes a glossary and an up-to-date list of print and online resources.

DONALD, Rhonda Lucas . Animal Rights: How You Can Make a Difference . ISBN 978-1-4296-2796-2 . LC 2008026943. SANDERS, Lynn Bogen . Social Justice: How You Can Make a Difference . ISBN 978-1-4296-2798-6 . LC 2008027660. SCHWARTZ, Heather E. Political Activism: How You Can Make a Difference . ISBN 978-1-4296-2799-3 . LC 2008026939. ea vol: 32p. (Take Action Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Capstone/Snap Bks. 2009. PLB $25.32. Gr 4-7 The action plan is similar in each title, but because each author is active in the area she covers, these books are specific about problems and issues youngsters may face in trying to effect change in particular situations. All are successful in breaking down the process into doable steps. Suggestions include brainstorming ideas for what to tackle (school, community, state, national, or global); doing research to learn more about the problem and to discover who may be able to make changes (community leaders, political representatives, etc.); setting a goal and making a plan (including who else needs to be involved, possibly the media); and putting it into action. Throughout, profiles are interspersed of kids who recognized a problem and came up with a plan to address it. Color photographs of these people and descriptions of their successful projects will inspire readers. The authors use an involving, conversational style, although it sometimes results in sentence fragments. However, their approach is effective and sets readers up for success. With regard to research, they discuss biased versus objective sources and note the importance of respecting varying opinions. They warn kids that people may disagree with what they are doing, and how research and preparation will help them state their cases in a calm, mature manner. These titles will help to empower young people who often feel frustrated at their perceived lack of control over their environment to step out of their routine and truly make a difference. Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA