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24 pp.
| Carolrhoda
| November, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 1-57505-248-2$$19.93
(4)
K-3
Tell Me About series.
In these short, heavily illustrated biographies, there is plenty of information about each subject's early life and formative work. In Mozart and Dahl, the subjects' complex and difficult personality traits have been watered down considerably. Frivolous design elements detract from the overall impact, particularly in Potter, Dahl, and Mozart. Glos., ind.
112 pp.
| Enslow
| January, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-7660-1026-0
(4)
YA
Collective Biographies series.
Ten or eleven Americans who have played significant military or social activist roles are introduced in each volume of this competently written series. Profiles focus on external events, rather than character or personality descriptions; each features a grainy black-and-white portrait and one or two often marginally related photographs. The Civil War volumes contain glossaries; the others include bibliographies. Ind.
192 pp.
| Lerner/Millbrook
| September, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-7613-0355-3$$22.40
(3)
YA
Penn's fame in history is largely related to being the founder of the Quaker colony that became the state of Pennsylvania, but this accurate and well-written account delves into many aspects of his family life and the rich historical tapestry of the seventeenth century--in both England and America. Black-and-white reproductions of portraits and paintings accompany the informative text. Bib., ind.
112 pp.
| Lerner
| October, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-8225-4958-1$$23.93
(3)
YA
A well-written biography provides a chronological overview of a remarkable poet's surprisingly ordinary life. Complementing the emphasis on events that influenced Dickinson's development as a writer, the inclusion of many poems and letters gives readers a sense of her unusual style. Black-and-white photographs of Dickinson and her home, family, and friends enhance the text. Bib., ind.
128 pp.
| Enslow
| January, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-89490-946-0
(4)
4-6
African-American Biographies series.
These biographies introduce three individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of history, the arts, or journalism, in addition to advancing the cause of civil rights in general. Illustrated with adequate black-and-white photos, the books dutifully (and somewhat dully) report on their subjects' lives, accomplishments, and struggles, placing them within their historical time period. Bib., ind.
112 pp.
| Oxford
| May, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-19-511451-5$$20.00
(3)
YA
Oxford Portraits in Science series.
Published spring 1998. Edelson presents warts-and-all retelling of the quest to determine the molecular structure of DNA. While essential to the story, the level of discourse on the intricacies of molecular biology may bog down some readers. Fittingly, the text ends with a brief discussion of the successful cloning of sheep in Scotland and touches on the major questions raised by this new technology. Bib., ind.
144 pp.
| Watts
| September, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-531-11379-5$$22.50
(4)
YA
Democracy in Action series.
As it documents the ill-defined but influential role first ladies have played throughout history, the book reveals their changing status from hostess to diplomat to social reformer, and reflectively, the changing status of women in American life. The book is written in a dry, reportorial style, but the generous use of anecdotes and direct quotes adds interest. Black-and-white photographs are included. Bib., glos., ind.
(3)
4-6
Encyclopedia of First Ladies series.
Illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs, these biographies emphasize each subject's strengths and contributions to this country. Brief period anecdotes and historic highlights peppered throughout the books place each life within the broader context of her times. Readers will gain a sense how each of these women helped shape her husband's presidency. Time lines are included. Bib., ind.
112 pp.
| Carolrhoda
| November, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 1-57505-009-9$$23.93
(4)
4-6
Referring to the biography's subject informally as "Tom," Ferris traces Jefferson's childhood as well as his varied and colorful political career, during which he was elected the new nation's third president. Somewhat stiffly written, the book mentions Jefferson's ownership of slaves but glosses over his alleged relationship with Sally Hemmings. Illustrated with black-and-white photos and historical reproductions. Bib., ind.
128 pp.
| Enslow
| August, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-89490-983-5$$19.95
(4)
4-6
People to Know series.
With the exception of Hemingway, the subjects of these books have rarely been showcased in juvenile biographies, despite being individuals young people may know and find interesting. Although sometimes superficial, the adequately written volumes emphasize the talent, ambition, and work ethic that made the subjects win laurels and legions of fans. Illustrated with adequate black-and-white photographs, each book includes a chronology. Bib., ind.
112 pp.
| Lerner
| November, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-8225-4936-0$$25.26
(4)
YA
A & E Biography series.
These books provide plenty of information and detail about the personal and professional lives of these individuals. The occasionally dry texts succeed in providing historical context, events, and insights on each person's life, although Albright doesn't measure up to the other two titles. The volumes are illustrated with photographs. Mandela contains a pronunciation guide. Bib., ind.
(3)
4-6
Encyclopedia of First Ladies series.
Illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs, these biographies emphasize each subject's strengths and contributions to this country. Brief period anecdotes and historic highlights peppered throughout the books place each life within the broader context of her times. Readers will gain a sense how each of these women helped shape her husband's presidency. Time lines are included. Bib., ind.
128 pp.
| Enslow
| January, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-7660-1012-0
(3)
YA
Historical American Biographies series.
Adequately written biographies trace the lives and accomplishments of three notable American figures. Strengths as well as weaknesses are related, with personal flaws and foibles presented in proper journalistic fashion, with little editorializing. The books are illustrated with black-and-white photographs and reproductions, and the final chapter of each discusses the historical legacy of the subject. Bib., glos., ind.
(3)
YA
This biography clearly demonstrates the pivotal role Samuel Adams played in publicizing the British colonial domination of the thirteen colonies and in coalescing popular opinion against British rule. Archival reproductions effectively complement a descriptive and accurate narrative that imaginatively integrates details of Adams's life with the social and political milieu of the time. Bib., ind.
(1)
YA
From beginning to end, Freedman underscores this daring dancer and choreographer's life with salient details, often in her own words. Nowhere does the drama of Graham's long and legendary life dim: even when the stage lights are not directly shining on her as performer, Freedman catches the passion of her dedication. Photographs of startling imagery further illuminate the finely honed text. Bib., ind.
111 pp.
| Watts
| January, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-531-11454-6
(4)
YA
Book Report Biography series.
These are serviceable biographies with short chapters, adequate background information, and black-and-white prints or photographs. Although the text tends to be uninspired, both books feature lots of details about the subject's life, emphasizing public contributions. 'Albright' discusses the barriers she has faced as a woman in a man's world, as well as her discovery of her family's hidden Jewish heritage. Time lines included. Bib., ind.
128 pp.
| Enslow
| January, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-7660-1025-2
(4)
YA
Collective Biographies series.
Ten or eleven Americans who have played significant military or social activist roles are introduced in each volume of this competently written series. Profiles focus on external events, rather than character or personality descriptions; each features a grainy black-and-white portrait and one or two often marginally related photographs. The Civil War volumes contain glossaries; the others include bibliographies. Ind.
112 pp.
| Enslow
| December, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-7660-1044-9$$19.95
(4)
YA
Hispanic Biographies series.
Goodnough's biography competently covers Bol_var's life and the politics and events in South America as he worked to liberate the continent from Spain. The author includes both Bol_var's successes and failures along with enough historical background to put his subject's life into context. The black-and-white photographs are poorly reproduced, but the writing is serviceable and the maps are clear. Bib., glos., ind.
128 pp.
| Enslow
| June, 1998
|
LibraryISBN 0-7660-1042-2$$18.95
(4)
YA
Hispanic Biographies series.
Published spring 1998. These are clearly written, if occasionally repetitive, biographies of Cuban-American singer Estefan, Puerto Rican actor Juliß, and Chilean poet Neruda. The books trace their subjects' professional and personal lives, while emphasizing their Hispanic backgrounds. The accompanying black-and-white photographs are occasionally poorly reproduced. Neruda includes a glossary. Bib., ind.