You and Other People: Understanding Psychology ¦ Money: Understanding Business and Shares

'Viewpoints', a new paperback series for teenagers from Collins, has a slightly misleading title as the books are not so much controversial statements as personal insights into their subjects. At a time when much non-fiction tends to be worthy and when information often comes pre-packaged in convenient two-page spreads, these books make a refreshing and informative change.

They will not have universal appeal: some will not appreciate the blue typeface and its layout on the page; others will not like the cartoons and graphics which make them appear more like leaflets for a new bank account than information books - and the lack of an index could deter those seeking a specific term.

What is unquestionable is the value of these books as good introductions to their fields.

Texts are clear, useful terms are defined and the reader is often given a practical context to apply theory. In You and Other People, for example, the nature of relationships is explored by an exercise that invites the reader to compare 'real' friends with 'first' friends. This volume covering personal behaviour, interpersonal skills and learning patterns, succeeds because of the author's combination of a clear explanatory style, a compassionate tone and much good sense. The style of Money is more detached but equally practical in its review of the financial world from corner shop to international market. For teenagers wanting to know about bangs and crashes or bulls and bears, this could be just the book!