These nonfiction volumes are banal recitations of basic facts augmented by graphic-novel-style illustrations. The focus on action does little to inspire discussion or explore the complexity of history. They will appeal to visually oriented students, but higher quality picture books are already available on these topics. There are four other spring 2005 books in this series. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

DOEDEN, Matt . The Battle of the Alamo illus. by Charles Barnett & Phil Miller. ISBN 0-7368-3832-5 . LC 2004014483. OLSEN, Kay Melchisedech . The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln illus. by Otha Zachariah Edward Lohse. ISBN 0-7368-3831-7 . LC 2004020300. SMALLEY, Roger . The Adventures of Marco Polo illus. by Brian Bascle. map. ISBN 0-7368-3830-9 . LC 2004015498. ea vol: 32p. (Graphic Library, Graphic History Series). bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Capstone 2004. PLB $22.60. Gr 3-6 These books offer high-interest subject matter in a graphic-novel format. Historically accurate, each one presents brief information about the featured event. Yellowish-tan bubbles indicate direct quotations from primary sources. Alamo , Lincoln , and Polo are slightly stronger as stories than King Tut , perhaps because they are about real events while Tut is as much about a superstition as it is about Howard Carter's discoveries. And make no mistake, these are stories, based on fact and classified as nonfiction; there is invented dialogue, which is close to melodramatic at times. Thoughts and feelings are also fictionalized. Likely to be snatched up by young and reluctant readers, these titles work as hooks to lead to more in-depth information or as fun and interesting reads. Colorful artwork with strong black lines is competently done and contributes to a sense of time and place. Great literature? No. Shelf sitters? Definitely not. Peg Glisson, Mendon Center Elementary School, Pittsford, NY