Historical figures, accomplished women, and today’s newsmakers are featured in this season’s biographies. Readers will learn about musicians, athletes, heroes, and high achievers. While many will be used for reports, others will be appreciated for their interesting narratives and attractive photographs.

Elementary

Bleckwehl, Mary. Joey Logano. ISBN 9798892005180.
––––. Kyle Busch. ISBN 9798892005197.
Lewis, Leigh. Breanna Stewart. ISBN 9798892005159.
––––. Carlos Alcaraz. ISBN 9798892005166.
––––. Coco Gauff. ISBN 9798892005173.
––––. Lindsey Horan. ISBN 9798892005203.
––––. Lionel Messi. ISBN 9798892005210.
––––. Simone Biles. ISBN 9798892005227.
ea vol: 24p. (Inspire). Amicus. Jul. 2025. Tr $35.70.
Gr 3-5–Breanna Stewart is the only college basketball player to win Most Outstanding Player all four years, Joey Logano was the youngest Legends Cars racer at the age of nine, and Kyle Busch was the 2004 NASCAR Rookie of the Year. These and other career-related facts are presented in this accessible series with brief volumes. While some personal facts are related—Stewart and her wife have two children, Messi is married with three sons—the focus is on professional highlights. While factual and informative, the brevity of the narratives may disappoint many fans. There are many biographies available on these subjects; the real value in these particular ones is their currency. VERDICT There are better options available, selectors should consider where there is great demand for sports biographies and a robust budget.

Chandler, Matt. Featuring Lionel Messi: Facts, Quizzes, Activities, and More! ISBN 9798875233012.
Chester, Gena. Featuring Taylor Swift: Facts, Quizzes, Activities, and More! ISBN 9798875233258.
Falligant, Erin. Featuring Shawn Mendes: Facts, Quizzes, Activities, and More! ISBN 9798875233098.
––––. Featuring Simone Biles: Facts, Quizzes, Activities, and More! ISBN 9798875233173.
ea vol: 48p. (Your Favorite Stars). Capstone. Aug. 2025. Tr $26.99.
Gr 3-5–Facts about the lives and careers of these popular celebrities are presented in colorful volumes that feature photographs of the subjects in action. Fans will appreciate the non-traditional format, rather than the strictly chronological narratives of most biographies. Serious information, such as Biles’s trouble with the “twisties” at the Tokyo Olympics and Mendes’s time off for mental health, are covered as well as fun facts, like the number of times Swift mentions the color red in her songs, Biles’s favorite food, and Messi’s $145,000 watch. Quizzes are interspersed so readers can determine how much they know about their idols, making these fun reads. VERDICT Aimed more at fans than report writers, these volumes will be attractive to browsers and selectors should consider these as complements to the conventional biographies already on the shelves.

Ganeri, Anita. Explorers. ISBN 9781499454857.
––––. Innovators. ISBN 9781499454888.
––––. Rebels. ISBN 9781499454918.
––––. Rulers. ISBN 9781499454949.
––––. Trailblazers. ISBN 9781499454970.
––––. Warriors. ISBN 9781499455007.
ea vol: 32p. (Heroes of History). Rosen/PowerKids. Aug. 2025. Tr $27.93.
Gr 3-5–Each of these volumes introduces readers to an eclectic mix of four prominent historical figures, offering brief facts about famous people such as Sir Walter Raleigh, Aristotle, Martin Luther, Napoleon, Emmeline Pankhurst, and Geronimo. Those facts are followed by diary entries for noteworthy events in which the subject explains what happens in the first-person. For instance, Gandhi notes the date India became independent, and medieval knight Sir William Marshall describes his witnessing of the Magna Carta signing. Generic illustrations of the subjects accompany each chapter. While the information is factual, the diary accounts are often confusing as they tend to use modern language. Amelia Earhart appears in “Explorers” rather than “Trailblazers,” though she is not usually considered an explorer. Aside from slight introductions before the diary entries that denote significant events, little is discussed about the subjects’ lives. VERDICT Scant information, a questionable format, and other choices available mean that selectors can pass on these.

Harrison, Lorraine. Rachel Carson. ISBN 9781502674685.
Jeffries, Joyce. Ada Lovelace. ISBN 9781502674562.
Kawa, Katie. Katherine Johnson. ISBN 9781502674623.
Morgan, Elizabeth. Sally Ride. ISBN 9781502674715.
Rogers, Amy B. Jane Goodall. ISBN 9781502674593.
Stanley, Joseph. Marie Curie. ISBN 9781502674654.
ea vol: 32p. (The Inside Guide: STEM Superwomen). Cavendish Square. Aug. 2025. Tr $30.21.
Gr 4-8–Female pioneers of various STEM fields are introduced in these factual volumes. Ada Lovelace developed algorithms for an analytical machine, in effect becoming the first computer programmer. Ethologist Jane Goodall made revolutionary discoveries about the habits of chimpanzees, mathematician and human computer Katherine Johnson provided the computations for John Glenn’s first space flight, and Marie Curie discovered the elements radium and polonium. Rachel Carson wrote Silent Spring, which gave impact to the environmental movement, and physicist Sally Ride became the first American woman in space. Though informative about the subjects’ respective careers, little personal information is provided, and those wanting more about their lives outside work will be disappointed. There is little engaging or new in these narratives that can’t be found in numerous biographies already available on these remarkable women. VERDICT Though factual and suitable for the intended audience, there is nothing outstanding about these titles. Selectors should consider where current collections need updating.

Loh-Hagan, Virginia. Angel Reese. ISBN 9781668962978.
––––. Caitlin Clark. ISBN 9781668962985.
––––. Cristiano Ronaldo. ISBN 9781668962992.
––––. Ilona Maher. ISBN 9781668963005.
––––. LeBron James. ISBN 9781668963012.
––––. Lionel Messi. ISBN 9781668963029.
––––. Shohei Ohtani. ISBN 9781668963036.
––––. Travis Kelse. ISBN 9781668963043.
ea vol: illus. by Leo Trinidad. 24p. (My Itty-Bitty Bio). Cherry Lake. Aug. 2025. Tr $32.07.
PreS-Gr 1–Cristiano Ronaldo played professional soccer as a teen, Ilona Maher’s father inspired her to play rugby, Lionel Messi won an Olympic gold medal in soccer, Shohei Ohtani is a two-way baseball player, and football player Travis Kelce is the biggest “Swiftie.” These and other basic facts about the subjects are related in simple, first-person prose. Readers learn of their early lives and professional careers. The narratives contain photos of the subjects in their respective athletic settings. Despite the brevity of facts, these volumes provide excellent introductions to famous athletes and young fans will enjoy reading about the subjects on their own. VERDICT These age-appropriate introductions to athletes currently in the news will be suitable additions to school and public libraries.

Mattern, Joanne. Clara Schumann. ISBN 9781643714363.
––––. Florence Price. ISBN 9781643714486.
––––. Frederic Chopin. ISBN 9781643714301.
––––. George Frideric Handel. ISBN 9781643714547.
––––. Johann Sebastian Bach. ISBN 9781643714127.
––––. Ludwig van Beethoven. ISBN 9781643714240.
––––. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. ISBN 9781643714424.
––––. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. ISBN 9781643714189.
ea vol: ills. by Marilena Perilli. 32p. (Classical Composers). Red Chair. Aug. 2025. Tr $30.65.
Gr 2-5–Facts and other facets of the careers of some of the world’s most famous classical music composers are well-presented in these simple, straightforward narratives that include illustrations and photographs. Readers will learn why these musical artists are renowned for their famous compositions and genius-level talent. Those wishing to learn more about their personal lives will be disappointed as families are only mentioned in context to each composer’s career. While there are other biographies on the market about these figures, with the possible exception of Price, these volumes are informative and factual. VERDICT These volumes are suitable complements to music classes, and selectors should consider where they need updates to their collections.

Rose, Rachel. Beyoncé. ISBN 9798895770368.
––––. Caitlin Clark. ISBN 9798895770375.
––––. Jane Goodall. ISBN 9798895770405.
––––. Jenna Ortega. ISBN 9798895770382.
––––. Michael B. Jordan. ISBN 9798895770399.
––––. Travis Kelse. ISBN 9798895770412.
ea vol: 24p. (Bearport Biographies Set Three). Bearport. Aug. 2025. Tr $30.95.

Gr 2-5–Colorful photographs accompany the text in new additions to this series covering the careers of popular celebrities. The images especially shine in the volumes about Beyoncé, Ortega, and Jordan. Professional careers are emphasized, and their respective charitable endeavors are mentioned. There is little about their personal lives, no mention of Jay-Z in the biography on Beyoncé and Taylor Swift does not appear in the volume on Kelce. Still, the titles provide positive introductions to celebrities of note. They are suitable for school and public collections, and the draw in these volumes is their currency. VERDICT Recommended purchase based on demand.

Upper Elementary toMiddle School

Berry, Michael Judson. Nicki Minaj. ISBN 9798889892823.
Fidalgo, Maxx. Migos. ISBN 9798889892816

Jones, Casey DW. Drake. ISBN 9798889892779.
––––. Kendrick Lamar. ISBN 9798889892809.
––––. Travis Scott. ISBN 9798889892830.
Rubenstein, Cate. Jay-Z. ISBN 9798889892793.
Siegel, Aidan. Eminem. ISBN 9798889892786.
ea vol: 48p. (Voices in Hip-Hop). Creative Company Jul. 2025. Tr $44.25.
Gr 6-9–Chronological narratives that focus primarily on the evolution of these hip-hop stars’ respective careers, including albums produced and awards received, take center stage in this series. The authors do not shy from less savory details: Jay-Z once was a drug dealer, Migos band members were arrested for drug use and firearm possession, and Scott was sued for wrongful death when 10 fans were trampled at his music festival. Personal lives are touched on briefly; Eminem’s father abandoned him when he was young, and Lamar has had struggles with mental health. Overall, these titles are comprehensive and include photographs that will be appreciated by their most ardent fans. VERDICT Fans of these artists will enjoy this series for the information and pictures; selectors should consider where there is a demand.

Engelking, Jessica. Peggy Flanagan. ISBN 9798765671801.
Ferris, Kade. Charles Albert Bender. ISBN 9798765671795.
Wilson, Diane. Carrie Cavender Schommer. ISBN 9798765671818.
––––. Ella Cara Deloria. ISBN 9798765671788.
ea vol: 56p. (Native American Lives). Lerner. Aug. 2025. pap. $12.99.
Gr 4-8–Ella Cara Deloria taught the Dakota language at Columbia and spent most of her life preserving the Dakota culture through teaching and writing. Peggy Flanagan’s gift for campaigning and advocacy for Native Peoples led her to be elected as the first Native American lieutenant governor of Minnesota. These facts and others are included in narratives about the journeys of these Native American advocates. While the content is factual and informative, the prose is less than engaging; the books read like textbooks. An error in the book on Bender regarding the 1905 World Series may cause confusion to those who notice details. While these titles ably tell of the success of Ojibwe and Dakota individuals who advocated for their culture, the unengaging prose means they will be used primarily for reports. VERDICT These titles will complement Native American studies, selectors should base decisions on curriculum demands.

Grack, Rachel. Famous Entrepreneurs. ISBN 9798893045543.
Olson, Elsie. Famous Activists. ISBN 9798893045529.
––––. Famous Musicians. ISBN 9798893045567.
––––. Famous Scientists. ISBN 9798893045574.
Ross, Melissa. Famous Athletes. ISBN 9798893045536.
––––. Famous Inventors. ISBN 9798893045550.
ea vol: 48p. (Legends and Game Changers). Bellwether/Eureka! Aug. 2025. Tr $31.95.
Gr 5-9–These six volumes feature prominent people in their respective fields, from activists Rachel Carson and Stacy Abrams to athletes Tom Brady and Michelle Kwan. Each two-page spread provides basic information on the subject’s life, focusing mainly on their game-changing contributions. Autumn Peltier became an advocate for First Nations people, Diana Taurasi became the top scorer in the WBNA, Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul, Chuck Hull invented 3D printing, which has led to better prosthetics. Despite the lack of in-depth information provided for each subject, these volumes serve to introduce young readers to people of note. The emphasis is on the achievement for which each is known; little information on their personal lives is provided. This means the Famous Activists profiles are inclined to hagiography, though all the volumes emphasize the positives in the subjects’ lives. These titles also serve to introduce some lesser known but significant influencers in a variety of fields. VERDICT These introductions to people of note will be of use in school and public library collections.

Hayes, Vicki. 12 Unsung Heroes of Science. ISBN 9781644668108.
––––. 12 Unsung Heroes of Social Justice. ISBN 9781644668115.
––––. 12 Unsung Heroes of Technology. ISBN 9781644668122.
––––. 12 Unsung Heroes of US History. ISBN 9781644668139.
ea vol: 48p. (Unsung Heroes). Black Rabbit/Top Rank. Jul. 2025. Tr $44.25.
Gr 4-7–Readers are made aware of lesser-known but distinguished figures of science, social justice, technology, and United States history in these four introductory volumes. Each volume includes a brief synopsis of the subject’s contributions, with details of their personal lives omitted. Not every one can be considered “unsung” as figures like Mary Anning, Grace Hopper, and Shirley Chisolm are featured in other children’s biographies. However, all the subjects have made valuable contributions to their respective fields and deserve recognition, or at least awareness. To that end, these titles serve to make readers aware of influential figures and will encourage them to seek out more information. VERDICT Given the significant achievements of people who were often sidelined by more prominent individuals, these volumes will be of use in school and public and libraries and selectors should consider.

Upper Middle School to High School

Currie, Stephen. Middle Eastern American Women of Achievement. ISBN 9781678210625.
Diggs, Barbara. African American Women of Achievement. ISBN 9781678210564.
Kallen, Stuart A. Native American Women of Achievement. ISBN 9781678210649.
Mount, Sara Rowe. Asian American Women of Achievement. ISBN 9781678210540.
Robson, David. Hispanic American Women of Achievement. ISBN 9781678210588.
Rockler, Naomi. Jewish American Women of Achievement. ISBN 9781678210601.
ea vol: 64p. (Women of Achievement). ReferencePoint. Sept. 2025. Tr $33.95.
Gr 8 Up–Key facts in the lives of accomplished women are presented in these six titles. Activists, astronauts, jurists, politicians, scientists, and entertainers are all featured. Among the more famous women in entertainment and politics, lesser-known but equally prominent figures are featured, such as developer of AIDS drugs Flossie Wong-Staal, Maria Hinojosa who was the first Latina correspondent, designer of the modern bra Ida Cohen Rosenthal, Miss USA Rima Fakih, and Native American activist Suzan Shown Harjo. The narratives provide professional highlights and significant contributions of each subject along with some personal information in chronological order. All in all, these are sufficient overviews of the contributions of important women. VERDICT These suitable introductions to women of note will be useful in school and public library collections. Selectors should consider where more books are needed on these subjects.

Young readers will find “My Itty Bitty Bio” (Cherry Lake) offers a fine, basic introductions to athletes and entertainers of whom they may have heard. Older readers will find “Legends and Game Changers” (Bellwether/Eureka!) informative about important people of note. “Unsung Heroes” (Black Rabbit/Top Rank) and “Women of Achievement” (ReferencePoint) will make students aware of people of note who are ignored in other collective biographies. Fans of music stars and athletes will appreciate the photographs and information provided in “Voices in Hip-Hop” (Creative Company) and “Your Favorite Stars” (Capstone.)

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