This season’s government and military selections inform readers about United States presidents, military technology, espionage, and various forms of government throughout the world. Military enthusiasts will enjoy the books on machines and technology. Those interested in espionage will gain a better understanding of the reality of spy networks. Readers will also receive introductions to forms of government beyond democracies.

Elementary

Marlin, Charles. Aircraft Carriers. ISBN 9798892503341.
––––. Bombers. ISBN 9798892503358.
––––. Drones. ISBN 9798892503365.
––––. Fighter Jets. ISBN 9798892503372.
––––. Helicopters. ISBN 9798892503389.
––––. Ships. ISBN 9798892503396.
––––. Submarines. ISBN 9798892503402.
––––. Tanks. ISBN 9798892503419.
ea vol: 32p. (Military Machines). North Star/Apex. Jan. 2025. Tr $31.35.
Gr 2 Up–Descriptions and uses of various vehicles employed by the armed forces are featured in this attractive eight-volume series. Readers learn that modern aircraft carriers are fueled by nuclear power, a B-52 bomber can hold one hundred missiles and bombs, drones are often used as decoys, and stealth jet fighters can hide from radar. Helicopters are used to move soldiers and supplies, destroyers and cruisers protect aircraft carriers, ballistic missile submarines carry nuclear weapons, and an M1 Abrams tank can go three hundred miles before refueling. The prose is direct and factually sound, with color photographs enhancing the text. These titles are informative, current, and will appeal to young military enthusiasts. VERDICT These volumes provide sufficient introductions to military machines and should be considered where collections need updating.

Walton, Kathryn. Abraham Lincoln. ISBN 9781978542310.
––––. Andrew Jackson. ISBN 9781978542341.
––––. Franklin D. Roosevelt. ISBN 9781978542372.
––––. George Washington. ISBN 9781978542402.
––––. John Adams. ISBN 9781978542433.
––––. Thomas Jefferson. ISBN 9781978542464.
ea vol: 24p. (From Past to President). Enslow. Jan. 2025. Tr $24.27.
Gr 3-6–Standard biographical information on six United States presidents is provided in these volumes. Facts such as when they were born, their pre-presidential careers, and highlights of their administrations are presented. Readers learn that John Adams defended British soldiers responsible for the Boston Massacre, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, and George Washington was Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal included the Social Security Act, and Abraham Lincoln is remembered for his role in ending slavery. Although informative, these narratives do not present different information from the numerous similar biographies available for the targeted audience. The accompanying illustrations are adequate but do not enhance the texts. VERDICT While these biographies will be sufficient for basic reports, selectors should consider these secondary purchases.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Crooks-Johnson, Jenny. Guardians of U.S. Satellites. ISBN 9798892601696.
––––. The Stormbringers, Preparing for War in Space. ISBN 9798892601719.
––––. The Technology of the U.S. Space Force. ISBN 9798892601702.
Hubbard, Martha. The Creation of the U.S. Space Force. ISBN 9798892601689.
––––. Guardians of the International Space Station. ISBN 9798892601665.
––––. Joining and Serving in the U.S. Space Force. ISBN 9798892601672.
ea vol: 48p. (The U.S. Space Force). Mitchell Lane. Jan. 2025. Tr $40.
Gr 4-6–Comprehensive introductions to the roles and technology of the United States Space Force are presented in the six informative volumes. Readers learn that the United States Space Force was formed in 2019 to secure the nation’s interests in space. The requirements for becoming a guardian are presented, as well as the technology used. Guardians can detect missile launches with satellite-based infrared systems that warn others of impending attacks. The Delta 9 Unit, aka “the Stormbringers,” protect satellites from attacks from other nations. The Space Force also protects the International Space Station, whose functions are detailed. The narratives are factual and those with an interest in this newest branch of the United States armed forces will find them useful. Technology buffs will be fascinated by the modern marvels employed. Colorful photographs complement the texts. VERDICT The data contained in these up-to-date volumes will be of value to report writers and to those interested in space technology. Selectors should consider.

Webb, Alex. Communism. ISBN 9781916949584.
––––. Democracy. ISBN 9781916949621.
––––. Dictatorship. ISBN 9781916949669.
––––. Monarchy. ISBN 9781916949706.
––––. Parliamentary Government. ISBN 9781916949744.
––––. Socialism. ISBN 9781916949782.
ea vol: 48p. (Political Systems in Action). Cheriton. Jan. 2025. Tr $33.32.
Gr 4-9–These six volumes inform and evaluate various forms of government around the world: communist, democratic, dictatorship, monarchy, parliamentary, and socialist. Readers learn about the background and evolution of each. Communism was based on the idea that wealth should be shared, democracy involves ordinary people running their own countries, and monarchs are ordained by God to rule over their people. Examples of countries employing these systems are also examined. The narratives are comprehensive, but the dense texts can make for dull reading. Dictatorships is already dated as it references the regime of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad (he was overthrown December 2024). Likewise, the sentence in Parliamentary Government “Margaret Thatcher was the first and only female prime minister in the UK Parliament,” is confusing as two other women have held the office. Photographs complement but do not enhance the texts. VERDICT While report writers will glean some facts, browsers will pass. There are many other works on these subjects and selectors will do well to examine other options.

Upper Middle School to High School

Anton, C. C. The MSS. ISBN 9798889892953.

Eberth, Krissy. The CIA. ISBN 9798889892939.
––––. The FSB. ISBN 9798889892908.
––––. The Mossad. ISBN 9798889892915.
––––. The SIS. ISBN 9798889892922.
Lorenzo, Tomas. The VAJA. ISBN 9798889892946.
ea vol: 80p. (Odysseys in Spycraft). The Creative Company/Creative Education. Jan. 2025. Tr $50.
Gr 8 Up–The histories and methods of various countries’ systems are related in these six volumes. Information about each intelligence agency is related, like that the CIA’s purchase of a crypto system in 1970 allowed them to obtain information on many nations, that Russia’s FSB’s main job is to recruit assets, and that Israel’s Mossad avenged the murders of Israeli athletes. Insights into the business of spying are presented in each title, for instance, spies are motivated by one of four things: money, idealism, compromise (extortion), and ego. Extensive training is a requirement, as is the ability to perform various duties. Readers may be disappointed to learn that the life of most spies is nothing like James Bond. The volume on Mossad provides the most exciting examples of their missions, such as kidnapping Adolf Eichmann. Photographs complement the texts. VERDICT These informative volumes will attract those interested in the spy game and will be useful for report writers. Selectors should consider where there is a demand.

Those with strong interests in the military and modern technology will appreciate the volumes on “Military Machines” (North Star) and the “U.S. Space Force” (Mitchell Lane). Readers interested in the spy tactics of various countries will find comprehensive introductions in “Odysseys in Spycraft” (The Creative Company).

FALL 2025 SERIES MADE SIMPLE REVIEWS