Greats of Past and Present
RSSReviewed by Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA -- School Library Journal, 11/01/2009
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Biography
From ancient Greece to last month's headlines, this selection of biographies and collective biographies covers a huge span in time and distance. Looking for browsable, up-to-the-minute choices on tween stars? Check. How about substantive information on important historical figures? That's here, too. Many are designed with young readers in mind, adding large photographs and bold graphics to draw the eye, but also include high-quality writing to hold their interest and feed their minds.
BESEL, Jennifer M. Robert Pattinson ISBN 978-1-4296-3729-9. LC 2009002748.LLANAS, Sheila Griffin Zac Efron ISBN 978-1-4296-3402-1. LC 2009002749.
SCHWARTZ, Heather E. Miley Ray Cyrus ISBN 978-1-4296-3398-7. LC 2009002746.
SCHWARTZ, Heather E. Miranda Cosgrove ISBN 978-1-4296-3401-4. LC 2009002747. ea vol: 32p. (Star Biographies Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Capstone 2009. PLB $25.32.
Gr 3-6-These fluffy biographies are visually attractive but have little substance. The bold graphics and colorful sidebars give the series a teen-magazine feel, with topics such as hairstyles and fashion choices at the forefront. Short, simple sentences discuss family background, career highlights, and other personal bits of information that generally stick to more positive, less controversial topics. Tweens looking for fun browsing will be drawn to these books, but that's about their only use.
NEMETH, Jason D. Edge ISBN 978-1-4296-3346-8. LC 2009002179.NEMETH, Jason D. Randy Orton ISBN 978-1-4296-3348-2. LC 2009002180.
O'SHEI, Tim Batista ISBN 978-1-4296-3349-9. LC 2008055908.
O'SHEI, Tim. John Cena ISBN 978-1-4296-3347-5. LC 2008055926.
O'SHEI, Tim. Undertaker ISBN 978-1-4296-3351-2. LC 2008055953.
PRICE, Sean Stewart Chris Jericho ISBN 978-1-4296-3350-5. LC 2008055906. ea vol: 32p. (Stars of Pro Wrestling Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Capstone 2009. PLB $23.99.
Gr 3-6-Filled with graphics, bright colors, large photographs, and bold fonts, these titles focus on action inside the ring and provide only the briefest of personal information about the subjects. Through play-by-play action depicted over the course of several pages, various wrestling moves and story lines among the wrestlers are described. Nowhere in this series is the scripted nature of professional wrestling mentioned, and readers will be left with the impression that the action is spontaneous. Fans will enjoy perusing these titles, but those looking for depth or insider information about the sport won't find it here.
BURGAN, Michael Barack Obama bibliog. ISBN 978-1-4329-3218-3. LC 2009018176.CATEL, Patrick Nelson Mandela map. ISBN 978-1-4329-3219-0. LC 2009018178.
ISAACS, Sally Bill and Melinda Gates bibliog. ISBN 978-1-4329-3220-6. LC 2009018180.
PRICE, Sean Stewart Benazir Bhutto map. bibliog. ISBN 978-1-4329-3222-0. LC 2009018315.
PRICE, Sean Stewart. Osama bin Laden map. bibliog. ISBN 978-1-4329-3221-3. LC 2009018182. ea vol: 112p. (Front-Page Lives). photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Heinemann 2009. Tr $38.93.
Gr 5-8-Focusing on headline makers from the past 20 years or so, this series does not shy away from the controversial topics that are part of what make this grouping of people noteworthy. The subjects' lives are presented with depth and breadth and in such a way as to make clear how their actions impacted the world and why they are or were so important. Headlines and short descriptions of events from various years of the newsmakers' lives begin each chapter and provide context for their actions and motivations. The writing is accessible and engaging, with color and black-and-white photographs and (except in Obama and Gates) color maps complementing the text. Bhutto and bin Laden are particularly good choices as they offer provocative, compelling information about people whose personal stories are not often told. The other books are solid additional purchases.
CRAIN, Cynthia D. & Dwight R. Lee. Adam Smith 160p. map. Nov. ISBN 978-1-59935-107-0. LC 2009000138.CRAIN, Cynthia D. & Dwight R. Lee. John Maynard Keynes 144p. ISBN 978-1-59935-109-4. LC 2009000168.
CRAIN, Cynthia D. & Dwight R. Lee. Milton Friedman 144p. chart. Nov. ISBN 978-1-59935-108-7. LC 2009000169.
RÖSSIG, Wolfgang & Dwight R. Lee. Karl Marx 112p. Nov. ISBN 978-1-59935-132-2. LC 2009029563. ea vol: (Profiles in Economics Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Morgan Reynolds 2009. PLB $28.95.
Gr 8 Up–These books provide in-depth personal histories coupled with detailed analyses of the subjects' theories. Relationships, education, early influences, and family life are all described, creating fairly complete pictures of the individuals. Economic theory is closely tied to cultural and political events, and the authors make every effort to highlight how these differing influences impacted both the theorist and the idea. While the other books are generally positive, Marx is negative, both about the man's theories on socialism and regarding his personal life. While the writing is straightforward, the authors assume a certain level of knowledge about world events. Worthwhile purchases.
CROMPTON, Samuel Willard Lewis and Clark 116p. maps. photos. ISBN 978-1-60413-418-6. LC 2009008687.CROMPTON, Samuel Willard. Robert de la Salle 112p. maps. ISBN 978-1-60413-419-3. LC 2009014166.
CROMPTON, Samuel Willard. Sir Edmund Hillary 112p. maps. photos. ISBN 978-1-60413-420-9. LC 2009008688.
KOESTLER-GRACK, Rachel A. Ferdinand Magellan 112p. maps. ISBN 978-1-60413-422-3. LC 2009011587.
KOESTLER-GRACK, Rachel A. Sir Ernest Shackleton 144p. photos. ISBN 978-1-60413-421-6. LC 2009014164.
LACE, William W. Captain James Cook 112p. maps. ISBN 978-1-60413-416-2. LC 2009009891.
LACE, William W. Sir Francis Drake 112p. maps. ISBN 978-1-60413-417-9. LC 2009015017.
WAGNER, Heather Lehr Hernán Cortés 120p. maps. ISBN 978-1-60413-424-7. LC 2009014165.
WOOG, Adam. Jacques Cartier 112p. maps. ISBN 978-1-60413-430-8. LC 2009016267. ea vol: (Great Explorers Series). reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Chelsea House 2009. PLB $30.
Gr 7 Up–The information in this series on well-known and oft-written-about explorers is not necessarily new but it is presented in such a way as to attract and maintain readers' interest. Each title opens with a glimpse into a particularly thrilling or critical moment in the man's life, and then the chapters unfold chronologically. The explorers' triumphs and foibles are described in keen detail, with the common factors in their stories being the descriptions of the subjects' unending desire to see the world, do something no one else had done, and their unfailing determination. With a full complement of maps, photographs (where available), illustrations, time lines, and document reproductions, a full story is told. Well-written and thoroughly researched, this series will make a solid addition.
ELLIOT, Henry Frederick Douglass: From Slavery to Statesman map. ISBN 978-0-7787-4820-5; ISBN 978-0-7787-4836-6.ELLIOT, Henry Harriet Beecher Stowe: The Voice of Humanity in White America illus. map. ISBN 978-0-7787-4821-2; ISBN 978-0-7787-4837-3.
HORN, Geoffrey M. John Brown: Putting Actions Above Words map. ISBN 978-0-7787-4823-6; ISBN 978-0-7787-4839-7.
HORN, Geoffrey M. Sojourner Truth: Speaking Up for Freedom ISBN 978-0-7787-4824-3; ISBN 978-0-7787-4840-3.
LANTIER, Patricia Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad illus. maps. ISBN 978-0-7787-4822-9; ISBN 978-0-7787-4838-0.
THOMAS, William David William Lloyd Garrison: A Radical Voice Against Slavery map. ISBN 978-0-7787-4825-0; ISBN 978-0-7787-4841-0. ea vol: 64p. (Voices for Freedom: Abolitionist Heroes Series). photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Crabtree 2009. PLB $22.95. ; pap. $10.95. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-8–Detailed and completely readable, these titles provide thoughtful examinations of an important era in American history. While the information is available elsewhere, these books stand out because they are accessible and engaging. The writing is lively, drawing readers into the drama of the anti-slavery movement, and the accompanying photographs, illustrations, maps, and primary-source reproductions combine with the texts to make a quality package.
GITLIN, Martin Joseph Pulitzer: Historic Newspaper Publisher map. ISBN 978-1-60453-765-9. LC 2009009994.GOLDSMITH, Bonnie William Randolph Hearst: Newspaper Magnate ISBN 978-1-60453-763-5. LC 2009010000.
GRANAHAN, Shirley John Newbery: Father of Children's Literature ISBN 978-1-60453-764-2. LC 2009009993.
MORGAN, Kayla Barnes & Noble: Groundbreaking Entrepreneurs ISBN 978-1-60453-758-1. LC 2009009990.
ROBINSON, Tom Jeff Bezos: Amazon.com Architect ISBN 978-1-60453-759-8. LC 2009015989.
ROWELL, Rebecca Randolph Caldecott: Renowned British Illustrator ISBN 978-1-60453-760-4. LC 2009009997.
SHERMAN, Jill Melvil Dewey: Library Genius ISBN 978-1-60453-761-1. LC 2009009995.
VANDER HOOK, Sue Johannes Gutenberg: Printing Press Innovator ISBN 978-1-60453-762-8. LC 2009009991. ea vol: 112p. (Publishing Pioneers Series). photos. reprods. bibliog. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. ABDO/Essential Library 2009. PLB $22.95.
Gr 6-8–This series covers a wide range of familiar, but not extensively covered, figures who played critical roles in the world of publishing. The writing can occasionally feel sensationalized (“Fate was again about to send Joseph Pulitzer in a different direction”), but the research is solid and there are extensive source notes. The books provide detailed coverage of the subjects' achievements as well as a discussion of their quirks (Melvil Dewey's campaign for spelling reform being of particular interest). With marbled borders and an array of photographs, maps, diagrams, and document reproductions, these books have an engaging and pleasing design. An unusual feature is the “Places to Visit” section, which suggests locations around the world that have relevant collections or displays. Primarily for report writers, these books offer a closer look at some unique individuals.
GOW, Mary. The Greatest Doctor of Ancient Times: Hippocrates and His Oath 128p. illus. map. ISBN 978-0-7660-3118-0. LC 2008029630.GOW, Mary. Measuring the Earth: Eratosthenes and His Celestial Geometry 128p. diags. map. ISBN 978-0-7660-3120-3. LC 2008038523.
HIGHTOWER, Paul. The Greatest Mathematician: Archimedes and His Eureka! Moment 128p. diags. illus. ISBN 978-0-7660-3408-2. LC 2008051818.
MACFARLANE, Katherine. The Father of the Atom: Democritus and the Nature of Matter 112p. illus. map. ISBN 978-0-7660-3410-5. LC 2008046265.
YOUNT, Lisa. The Father of Anatomy: Galen and His Dissections 128p. chart. diag. illus. ISBN 978-0-7660-3380-1. LC 2008029633. ea vol: (Great Minds of Ancient Science and Math Series). photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. Web sites. CIP. Enslow2009. PLB $31.93.
Gr 4-8–Many modern ideas about science and mathematics were influenced by, or born from, the theories of ancient thinkers. These biographies describe the individuals behind the original ideas, the times in which they lived, and their theories. Since little straight biographical information is available about many of the men–a fact emphasized in the texts–the books also use information about their backgrounds, including their education, gleaned from the writings of successors. The focus here is on scientific ideas, illuminating how these men came to their conclusions and how today's practices stem from them. For those libraries looking to add materials on ancient Greece that go beyond mythology, these biographies are solid choices, as they provide a good overview of the cultural and political landscape of the times, as well as pictures of their subjects.
GRAHAM, Amy. Astonishing Ancient World Scientists: Eight Great Brains Dec. ISBN 978-1-59845-079-8. LC 2008053925.REED, Jennifer. Daring American Heroes of Flight: Nine Brave Fliers ISBN 978-1-59845-081-1. LC 2007031817.
YOUNG, Jeff C. Brilliant African-American Scientists: Nine Exceptional Lives Dec. ISBN 978-1-59845-083-5. LC 2008053924.
YOUNG, Jeff C. Inspiring African-American Inventors: Nine Exceptional Lives ISBN 978-1-59845-080-4. LC 2007022937. ea vol: 128p. (Great Scientists and Famous Inventors Series). photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. notes. CIP. Enslow/MyReportLinks.com. 2009. PLB $33.27.
Gr 4-8–These eclectic collective biographies cover eight or nine scientists each. The 10-to-15-page entries include basic personal information but concentrate on career achievements, such as Al-Khwarizmi's documentation of practical uses of algebra (Ancient World Scientists) and George Washington Carver's work on crop rotation (African-American Inventors). An important aspect of each entry is the list of relevant Web sites that can be accessed through the publisher's site and that will be maintained until at least 2014. Overall, this series provides some solid information about well-known and lesser-known individuals important in their fields.
HALL, Derek, ed. Chemistry, Earth, and Space Sciences chart. map. ISBN 978-1-933834-47-4. LC 2009013342.HALL, Derek. Life Sciences maps. ISBN 978-1-933834-45-0. LC 2009013343.
HALL, Derek. Philosophy, Invention, and Engineering diag. ISBN 978-1-933834-48-1. LC 2009013344.
HALL, Derek. Physical Sciences chart. diags. ISBN 978-1-933834-46-7. LC 2009013345. ea vol: 64p. (Facts at Your Fingertips: Great Scientists Series). illus. photos. reprods. chron. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Brown Bear Bks. 2009. PLB $35.65.
Gr 8-10–These science-driven collections contain quite a bit more than biographical data. They provide explanations about important discoveries, related work, and social and political influences that impacted the subjects' work. Each book is a compendium of some of the most significant contributors to a particular sphere of science. The approximately six-to-eight page entries include important dates, photographs, diagrams, and sidebars on relevant scientists. The writing is often highly technical and some knowledge of the basics is assumed. Of particular interest are the time lines of both scientific focus and social/political background. The glossaries and resources for further information are exceptional.
The best biographies pull readers into the drama of an individual's life and provide background and context that demonstrate how that person impacted the world. A few series here adequately do both, and many do one or the other. Chelsea House's “Great Explorers” and Crabtree's “Voices for Freedom” are the two that stand out, as they both provide a balance between readable, powerful text and detailed, thorough scholarship. At the other end of the spectrum, Capstone's “Star Biographies” and their “Stars of Pro Wrestling” are light, breezy books that are more entertaining than edifying. The other series fall in between, offering up some combination of accessibility and substance.
