Covering four branches of the service plus two special forces, this series meshes outstanding photographs and “X-treme Facts” to balance out some of the more challenging words in the surprisingly informative texts.

These compact volumes are bursting with information, but the visuals are their real strength. Filled with full-bleed, full-color action photos and concise texts, the pages are also peppered with “Xtreme Fact” sidebars that add related information. Well suited for reports or pleasure reading, the books are so current that Navy Seals includes information about Seal Team 6’s attack on Osama bin Laden’s compound in May 2011. History chapters, though brief, are enriched with engaging reproductions. The texts are brief but not easy, making the books best suited to older reluctant readers.

For reluctant readers and those who are brand new to the ins and outs of the U.S. military, the straightforward text, crisp design, and full-bleed photos of SEALs in action will certainly whet the appetite for more information.