Biography for Beginners

Gr 2—5—The 60 women profiled here are diverse in their backgrounds, the time in which they lived, and their nationalities. They have made outstanding contributions to politics (Hatshepsut, Margaret Thatcher); social reform and human rights (Sojourner Truth, Aung San Suu Kyi); science, medicine, and innovation (Marie Curie, Mae Jemison); literature, art, and music (Harriet Beecher Stowe, Maya Lin), or athletics (Babe Zaharias Didrikson, Jackie Joyner Kersee). The clearly written, alphabetically arranged entries, which feature boldfaced headings and a large type for ease of reading, include information on the woman's childhood, education, early interests, marriage and family, career, and legacy. Each entry includes reproductions of portraits and photos and some also feature first-person quotations. The pieces are followed by recommendations for online further-reading; the Web sites are well-chosen and credible. Helpful for school reports.—Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA