(4) YA Feinberg focuses on how the many plans of self-government proposed during the First and Second Continental Congresses came together into the Articles of Confederation. This sometimes confusing text outlines the drafting, passage, and details of the document. Sparsely illustrated with black-and-white reproductions, the book also includes a reprint of the Articles and a timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 Gateway Biography series. These biographies of major players in the last, contested presidential election present their subjects' lives as a series of activities and accomplishments, highlighting the positives and downplaying any controversies. The result is bland and uninspiring, but the books in this series may be useful for report writers. All have color and black-and-white photos and time lines; Bush contains a bibliography. Ind. [Review covers these Gateway Biography titles: Dick Cheney, Joseph Lieberman, Laura Welch Bush.]

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) K-3 Gateway Biography series. Feinberg celebrates the life and accomplishments of Navy veteran and former presidential hopeful John McCain. Though the text often reads like a fan magazine, emphasizing the noble and glossing over the less-respectable, readers will nevertheless learn the important facts about this "American Hero." Black-and-white and color photos illustrate the book. Ind.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt

(4) 4-6 Feinberg examines Lincoln's motivation and purpose in giving this well-known and historic speech. Archival reproductions and drawings focus on places and people that played a part in the events surrounding Lincoln's address, including Robert E. Lee, Mary Todd Lincoln, and Edward Everett. Despite some repetition and excessive detail, this text provides an accessible context to Lincoln's words. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kristen Oravec

(4) 4-6 Book Report Biography 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.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(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.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(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.

Reviewer: Mary Burkey