Just because many states forbid the tattooing of people under age 18 doesn't mean students don't have a keen interest in the subject. Whether for a research paper or for personal information, this series presents a good overview of the art of tattooing, touching also on other forms of body modification such as piercings. In Getting Inked, readers get the chance to hear in some detail about finding a competent tattoo artist, what the inking process is like, and how to care for the tattoo afterward. The design and the reading level are accessible without talking down to the audience, so this is a good choice for enticing reluctant readers with an interest in body art.

GERBER, Larry . Getting Inked: What to Expect When You Get a Tattoo . ISBN 978-1-4488-4616-0 ; ISBN 978-1-4488-4621-4 ; ISBN 978-1-4488-4625-2 . LC 2010045970. NAGLE, Jeanne . Why People Get Tattoos and Other Body Art . ISBN 978-1-4488-4617-7 ; ISBN 978-1-4488-4620-7 ; ISBN 978-1-4488-4623-8 . LC 2011000276. SPALDING, Frank . Erasing the Ink: Getting Rid of Your Tattoo . ISBN 978-1-4488-4615-3 ; ISBN 978-1-4488-4619-1 ; ISBN 978-1-4488-4624-5 . LC 2010045920. ea vol: 64p. (Tattooing Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen . 2011. PLB $30.60; pap. $12.95; ebook $30.60. Gr 7 Up These hi/lo titles provide solid information and engaging visuals. Each volume has bright, full-color photos and illustrations, showing readers the range of tattoo art. The photos are well selected, and they don't focus on current celebrities, who would quickly date the books. The tone of the writing is serious but not stuffy, encouraging anyone considering a tattoo to give much thought to the idea. Struggling readers should not have trouble reading these well-written and well-researched volumes. While not necessarily of high appeal to browsers, the books will be attractive to teens researching tattoos. There is a fair amount of subject overlap across the four volumes; if budgets are tight, purchase Getting Inked . For larger libraries or where interest is high, all four volumes would be positive additions. Melissa Rabey, Frederick County Public Libraries, MD