(3) YA Great Hispanic Heritage series. Sosa is a complicated subject. Despite undeniable achievements as a homerun hitter, he's been embroiled in unresolved controversies involving using a corked bat, possibly using steroids, and mishandling funds in his charitable foundation. This book doesn't shy away from Sosa's difficulties but convincingly advocates for his popularity as a poor boy who's risen high. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) YA Major World Leaders series. Because these biographies concern current political figures, their authors face a difficult evaluation task. The details about Brazil and Iraq are accurate, but the text becomes more rambling in the Morrison volume. He shows, though, that the economic gap in Brazil continues to be challenging, and Shields even-handedly presents events leading to Hussein's capture. Captioned photos and maps illustrate the books. Reading list, timeline, websites (Hussein). Ind. Review covers these Major World Leaders titles: Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Saddam Hussein.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) YA Great Hispanic Heritage series. These absorbing biographies elucidate what made the celebrated Mexican artists indispensable to one another throughout their long, tempestuous relationship. The authors also offer unobtrusive interpretations of both the political climates in which the artists toiled and the work itself. These books are illustrated with archival photos and fine reproductions of the subjects' work. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Great Hispanic Heritage titles: Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.]

Reviewer: Nell Beram