Gr 4-6–Quirky topics and large color photos add to the appeal of this hi-lo set, which has disclaimers warning readers not to try any of the featured dangerous ideas at home. Throughout the volumes, the content is eclectic, with examples of the weird and strange from around the world, most either contemporary or within the recent past, except for Odd Inventions and Strange Medicine, which include tales from ancient history. There is plenty of gross-out material, including bodily functions and excrement, mutant animals, and foolish stunts. Vocabulary is simple and most new words are defined in the text. VERDICT Food, Sports, Medicine, and Inventions are good ­purchases; the other titles are supplementary.