Gr 9 Up-More than 1200 plants and animals identified as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are described in this remarkable encyclopedia. One volume covers mammals, birds, and reptiles; another discusses amphibians, fishes, and shellfish; a third covers arachnids, insects, crustaceans, ferns, conifers, and lichens. Two are devoted to dicots and the final volume includes monocots, an extensive glossary, and both geographical and master indexes. The articles for each species include a shaded box of bulleted summary information with one or more full-color images, followed by information on species, behavior, habitat, distribution (past and present), threats, conservation and recovery efforts, organizational contacts, and references. The writing is clear and information is thorough and current. The set updates The Official World Wildlife Fund Guide to Endangered Species of North America (Beacham; o.p.). While the information is presented in a factual format, the sheer number of species at risk, as well as the fascinating ecological material and environmental vulnerabilities described, will make an impression on readers. With its range, depth, and specificity, this beautifully bound, glossy-paged guide is a magnificent addition to all libraries.