(4) K-3 Encounter series. Illustrated by Ebony Glenn. In nineteenth-century Ohio, a lantern in the window of abolitionist John Rankin's home provided a sign to enslaved blacks that the Underground Railroad--and freedom--were nearby. Digital illustrations in dark hues are sometimes slick and vary in quality as backdrops for the detailed historical narrative, which integrates (sourced) direct quotes. An afterword touches on the Civil War and Rankin's legacy. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(4) K-3 Story Behind the Name series. Illustrated by Stephanie Dominguez. Glatzer charts George Ferris's journey from a boy longing to do "something big" to meeting the challenge of creating a "novel, original, daring, and unique" centerpiece for the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Slick, cartoony digital illustrations accompany an engaging biographical narrative with an uplifting message about the payoff of tenacity. Afterword and critical-thinking questions appended. Reading list. Glos.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum