COBB, Allan . Cadmium . ISBN 978-0-7614-2686-8 . LC 2006051790. WATT, Susan . Zirconium . ISBN 978-0-7614-2688-2 . LC 2007060885. WEST, Krista . Bromine . ISBN 978-0-7614-2685-1 . LC 2006051812. ea vol: 32p. (The Elements Series). charts. diags. photos. reprods. glossary. index. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark . 2007. PLB $19.95. Gr 4-8 Each of these works provides a comprehensive, yet easy-to-read overview for its particular chemical element or series (as in Lanthanides ). The explanations are succinct and clear, without being oversimplified, and the layout is attractive. Diagrams and photographs complement the text on every page. "Did You Know?" fact boxes and brief biographical sketches of key individuals are highlighted in boxed areas. In each book, the contents cover the element's history; where it is found; how it is extracted, purified, and used; and its chemical reactions. Lanthanides addresses the 15 metal elements in the series and includes a chapter devoted to lights, color, and lasers. Cadmium and Bromine include chapters about the element's relationship to human health. Zirconium details the substance's importance in gemology, as well as its use in dating certain rocks and materials. The explanations and visuals provided in each text for specific chemical reactions are especially helpful. Each book has a spread devoted to the periodic table and each element's particular role in it. These texts will provide thorough overviews for reports, and will be useful additions, especially for libraries that own other titles in the series. However, the visuals are stronger in the "Understanding the Elements of the Periodic Table" series (Rosen). Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA