These newest offerings from the Thinking Critically series (4 new titles) offer a tremendous amount of information packed into concise, formulaic packages. Each title identifies a controversial issue, provides definitions and background circumstances to create context, poses three yes-or-no questions, and then argues both sides, bringing in facts, statistics, quotes, charts, and diagrams that help analyze the material in support of one side or the other. E-Cigarettes and Vaping asks how e-cigarettes affect public health, if flavoring liquids should be banned, and whether vaping is a safe way of using nicotine. Pages are filled with manageable paragraphs of text set off by subtitles and graphics; extensive back matter includes source notes, overarching facts, lists of related organizations and websites, and suggestions for further reading. These utilitarian guides offer strong support for student researchers and for educators teaching almost any aspect of inquiry or the research process.

This series provides well-reasoned arguments for and against hot topics in America today. Each title begins with a detailed table of contents that will direct readers to their section of choice. The chapters provide an overview of the discussion followed by the arguments. Students are given questions to consider while reading both sides of the debate. The arguments are nuanced. For example, rather than arguing for or against Black Lives Matter, the chapters examine the success of the organization. The book on police brutality debates the effects of qualified immunity and body cameras not whether shootings are justified. Back matter includes source notes, a fact list divided into topics, websites and organizations, an index, and resources for further research. VERDICT A well-planned and executed pro-con series that will help researchers find the information they need. Recommended.