(4) 4-6 Gateway Biography series. These standard biographies offer sanitized facts about each subject's life, beginning with childhood and ending with present day (which in Sotomayor focuses on her Supreme Court achievements, and in Jackson his legacy after death). The simple, uncluttered design includes appealing captioned photos. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Gateway Biography titles: Michael Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor.

Reviewer: Marika Jeffrey

(4) 4-6 Gateway Biography series. The forty-fourth U.S. president, the longtime Massachusetts senator, and the supermodel-turned-entrepreneur are all given cursory biographical treatments. These books effectively describe the subjects' political or business successes and philanthropic work. However, anything negative is often oversimplified or omitted, especially in Kennedy. Banks includes a glossary and bibliography; Kennedy lists "Fun Facts" and other notable Kennedys. Obama has been updated through 2008. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these Gateway Biography titles: Barack Obama, Tyra Banks, and Ted Kennedy.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) 4-6 Gateway Biography series. This upbeat, laudatory biography gives young readers a brief look at Pelosi as a politician and first female speaker of the House of Representatives in addition to being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Though the text's details can be superficial ("Pelosi loves chocolate"), readers will come away with some general information about women in American politics. Many photographs illustrate the text. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 Gateway Biography series. This biography of the first woman Supreme Court Justice follows a straightforward chronology and recitation of accomplishments, avoiding talk of political affiliations or controversial decisions; at times the book reads like a chatty gossip column ("She plays a mean game of bridge!"). Black-and-white and color photos illustrate this pleasant-enough, quickly digested volume. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) K-3 Grandmothers at Work series. Photographs by Joel Benjamin. A chatty, first-person text in the voice of the subject's granddaughter introduces young readers to children's book author Vicki Cobb. Known for her science experiment books, Cobb makes a lively and interesting subject. While the photos and book design are unexceptional, the colored pages will help attract young readers. The final page gives advice on becoming a children's book author.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 Grandmothers at Work series. Photographs by Joel Benjamin. When six-year-old Eileen visits her grandmother, Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, readers get an informative glimpse into the daily life of a senator. The chatty first-person text discusses the workings of the federal government and how one woman balances her personal and professional life. Some of the photos are poorly reproduced, and the book design is a bit of a distraction at times, but overall this is an appealing selection.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Grandmothers at Work series. Photographs by Joel Benjamin & Mark Gardner. Marine biologist Sylvia Earle is viewed through the eyes of her grandson (and the author) in this book designed to highlight the achievements of a pioneering grandmother, though the main focus is on daily routines in and out of work. While the concept is admirable, the tone is somewhat forced--the staged color photographs and the constant references to "G-mom" become grating.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Grandmothers at Work series. Photographs by Joel Benjamin. When nine-year-old Courtney visits her grandmother, readers get a glimpse into a day in the life of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. The full-color photos and chatty first-person text should appeal to young readers, but those hoping for more insight into the Court or the job will be disappointed. The focus here is on Courtney's visit, which includes trips to memorials and museums, lunch at the Supreme Court cafeteria, and shopping.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow