(2) YA Giblin describes how, from an early age, McCarthy displayed admirable qualities--hard work, dedication, and ambition. But as he tasted political power, he used his gifts to undermine the public good rather than serve it. This biography, liberally illustrated with photographs, meticulously covers the details of McCarthy's life. Additionally, Giblin does an excellent job of limning the 1950s political and cultural landscape. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2009

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Erik Brooks. Jason has to write a report about some guy he's never heard of--Alexander Fleming. While doing Internet research, Jason comes across an exciting story about Fleming, then must backtrack to determine if it's true. While much of this process is realistic, Jason's growing excitement about homework is less so. Clear black-and-white drawings illustrate some pages. Bib.

Reviewer: Becky Levine

(2) 4-6 Giblin is careful to distinguish between fact and conjecture in his efficient yet fluid text. However, the numerous archival photographs of paintings, engravings, maps, and artifacts are the book's real appeal. Some illustrations are of Revere's own handiwork; others spotlight Revere and his contemporaries, historic events, and important landmarks. Assembled together they convey an immediate and strong sense of time and place. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2007

(2) 4-6 It's convenient to think of Edwin Booth as "good," and his brother, President Lincoln's assassin, as "bad," but this dual biography shows that such labels are simplistic. Giblin raises his biographical curtain on both brothers in the theater, letting the mid-1800s' arts and the brothers' careers share center stage. Period photos put faces to the history. Source notes. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2005

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Giblin discusses the construction of and accruing knowledge about the Sphinx, including the cultural and architectural forces at work from the prehistoric periods through the Fourth Dynasty, the newly formulated hypotheses concerning workers at Giza, and the legend surrounding Prince Thutmose's first restoration of the Sphinx. The illustrations concentrate on the structure and depend on perspective to impart drama. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2004

(2) YA Giblin offers a straightforward if somewhat distant account of Hitler's life from his youth to his last, desperate days in the bunker. This book focuses on his wartime role as Führer seeking domination of the European continent and features detailed accounts of specific military victories and defeats. Illustrated with black-and-white photos, the volume is well documented with chapter-by-chapter source notes. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2002

(1) 4-6 Illustrated by Michael Dooling. In an inviting, flowing narrative, Giblin records the facts, but Franklin's difficulties as well as his accomplishments are stressed. Appended materials include a list of "Important Dates" from Franklin's life; a selective listing of his inventions; and a descriptive listing of historic sites. Dooling's realizations are noteworthy--and handsome--examples of the illustrator as historian. This book in text, art, and format is a worthy tribute to Franklin's genius. Ind.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2000

(2) 4-6 Nearly two hundred years ago, before there was any knowledge of dinosaurs, a portrait painter from Philadelphia, Charles Willson Peale, unearthed two fossilized skeletons of an unknown mammoth animal. Illustrated with museum photographs as well as paintings and drawings by Peale and his artist son, the book is a fine blend of science and biography. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Margaret A. Bush | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 1999